5 Expert-Approved Cleaning Hacks That Are Completely Counterintuitive

Use Ketchup and Bananas to Clean Silver

Cleaning jewelry can be a stressful task, especially if you own precious pieces that you don’t want to get ruined. However, cleaning often comes with added costs, so rather than breaking the bank to shine up your silver, here are a few tips from Ana Andres, Co-founder of TidyChoice.

“Ketchup is one of those surprising items that will bring back the shine to your silver,” she says. "Simply pour ketchup into a plate and place the silver until it is fully submerged. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then you can remove and rinse the silver with warm water.”

Another counterintuitive cleaning hack (for jewelry and silverware) is using banana peels. You simply create a paste from blended peels and scrub!

Try Toothpaste on Mirrors

Scratches on Glass and Mirrors

Brad Roberson, President of Glass Doctor, offers a useful trick: "Use a small dab of toothpaste and a soft cloth to gently scrub away small scratches on windows and glass," he says. However, you have to be careful about what toothpaste you use.

"Be sure to use traditional toothpaste with gentle abrasive properties," he says. "Not a gel paste."

Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Cracks

You can also use a toothbrush as a cleaner for those hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. David Flax, Vice President of Window Genie, says that a dry, old toothbrush can clean areas like sliding door jams. "If necessary, sprinkle with a light dusting of baking soda, spritz with a mixture of vinegar and water, and leave for five minutes," he says. "[Then you can] wipe up the solution and grime with a clean rag or paper towel."

Skip the Pricey Disinfectants

When it comes to cleaning, we’re all familiar with sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and commercial cleaning products. However, Ilya Ornatov, founder of NW Maids Cleaning Service in Seattle, shares, “Common household cleaners can be just as effective, without damaging the surfaces in your home or leaving toxic residue on your hands.”

You can also disinfect your home without any wipes or EPA-approved cleaners, she says. Her hack is using 70% Isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Or, she says, diluting bleach with a ratio of 1/3 cup of bleach to every gallon of water will do the trick, too.

Stop Reusing Your Gloves

Did you know that gloves may actually be doing more harm than good? Yes, especially if you’re trying to use them more than once.

“Don’t reuse gloves,” Ornatov says, “They carry germs on them wherever you go! Instead, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.”  

Perhaps a no-brainer for some of us, it’s important to realize that while it may *seem* sanitary to cover your hands and use gloves to keep a barrier between your skin and your cleaning surface, it might not actually be as helpful as you think.

Try Coffee to Deodorize Your Fridge

“If your fridge doesn't smell good, [or if]… you forgot to clean it up, coffee can come to your rescue," said Casey Allen, the founder of Barista Warrior. "Just take some coffee and keep it in a small bowl inside the fridge. It works as a great fridge-deodorant.”