In It's Place
Quick Sweep
Another bathroom quick-cleaning tip: Stash a handheld vacuum in one of the drawers. Having it there will hopefully encourage you to do a daily sweep of hair and debris that tend to collect near the baseboards, says Roberts. It may seem like a chore at first, but each quick round of vacuuming will make those weekly floor cleanings far less time-consuming, not to mention less disgusting to deal with.
Toilet Trick
Are you ready for the best-kept secret that works wonders on your toilets while significantly shrinking any hands-on cleaning? Denture cleaning tablets. Place two tablets in the toilet and let them sit for a few hours, says Roberts. "The bubbling action will clean hard water stains from the toilet bowl, reducing scrubbing time," she says.
Speedy Routine
While we rarely think to clean our curling or flat irons, that coat of caked-on hairspray isn't saving you time on your daily routine, as it likely requires extra time to heat. That said, here's how to get your hair tools clean in no time at all: Simply apply nail polish remover to a few cotton balls and gently brush over the (cool and unplugged) curling or straight iron. If the residue is especially difficult to remove, Roberts recommends applying a small amount of oven cleaner to a clean cloth and buffing the buildup away.
Crystal Clear
Roberts' go-to, smear-free concoction for cleaning glass mirrors and windows in a hurry is a mixture of 1 gallon of water, ½ cup of vinegar, ½ cup of rubbing alcohol and about 2 squirts of dish soap. Just pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz the glass as needed. To double-check your handiwork right away so you won't have to revisit the chore, turn off all the lights for a good look.
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Messy Microwaves
When the microwave is in need of a cleaning, don't pull out the scrubbing sponge just yet. Instead, fill a glass cup with water and set the microwave on high for one minute, suggests Roberts. The steam it creates will help dislodge any crusty stains, allowing you to wipe away the mess with just a few swoops of your sponge.
Greasy Fingers
As much as you look forward to family movie nights (and the popcorn), you probably don't enjoy cleaning leftover greasy handprints on the upholstery quite as much. A quick solution for couch cleaning: Place a brown paper lunch bag on the oily spot to absorb the grease, says Roberts. Next, run a warm iron over it and the spot will lift away. If you have leather furniture, Roberts suggests sprinkling cornstarch on the spot. Allow it to sit for two to four hours and then wipe it off.
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