13 House Cleaning Hacks You Can Easily Do With Stuff In Your Cupboards

In the age of Mrs Hinch, knowing how to get a clean home isn't exactly groundbreaking. But what about those easy hacks you can do using household cupboard essentials without a trip to Wilko for specific cleaning stuff? Step forward, 13 hacks you can do in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. without having to leave the house.

In the kitchen

1. How to clean with bicarbonate of soda

Soak your saucepans/trays/kitchen utensils in white vinegar and then add some bicarb (it'll go a bit like those mini volcanos you used to make in science class – FUN). Once the fizzing is over, give them a once-over with a sponge and they'll be shiny enough to apply your lipstick in in no time.

2. How to clean an oven with an oven sheet

Prevent even needing to clean your oven with an oven sheet, because even the greatest of friendships can end in a battle over whose turn it is to scrub the oven. Solve the problem by investing in an oven liner - a sheet you stick in the bottom of the oven to gather any crumbs/overenthusiastic strings of pizza cheese. They cost about a tenner (Lakeland's are our fave) but trust us, they're worth every penny.

3. How to clean a microwave with vinegar

Microwaves need a bit of TLC too. Make a solution of half water, half vinegar and lemons, and microwave it on high for around 5 mins. The steam breaks down the dirt, so even the most stubborn of baked bean sauce will wipe away in a matter of seconds.

4. Make your kitchen smell lovely with vanilla extract

As a last resort, if you've got no time at all to clean but don't want the place to stink, put a couple of capfuls of vanilla extract in a pan in the oven and heat at about 140C for around 20 minutes – hello, fresh baked cookie scent, goodbye funky bin smell.

In the bathroom

5. How to clean the toilet with Coke

Old, flat Coke can also perform all sorts of cleaning magic. Pour it down the loo and leave for a few minutes, then brush and flush - you'll be amazed how much dirt it dissolves. (Disclaimer: this may ruin Coke for you for life as you realise how much of your teeth it probably dissolves too).

6. How to get rid of limescale with vinegar

This time you can use it to clean your shower - pour it into a plastic bag, tie around the shower head, and leave it to do it's thing. No longer will you be bathing in limescale. It's also a great idea to clean the shower whilst you're in the shower. A quick spritz and squeegee and that's two jobs ticked off your list - you're squeaky clean and the shower is too!

7. How to make your mirrors gleam with newspaper

Spray your mirror and any other glass with your usual cleaner, and then scrub with balled up newspaper. It won't leaves streaks or lint like cloths will, and will leave your mirror clean and shiny (ready to get covered in toothpaste and mascara again, yay!)

In the bedroom

8. How to make drying bedsheets easier with a dry towel

Yes, you do have to wash your bedsheets more than once a month. No, it doesn't have to be the biggest ball ache in the world. Speed up the drying process by putting a dry towel in the tumble dryer along with your bedding - it'll absorb moisture and cut down the length of time they need to spin for (saving you money on electricity in the process – bonus.)

9. How to save paintwork from Blu Tack damage with... Blu Tack!

Got bits of Blu Tack stuck on your walls from posters? Get another lump and rub it over the top of the existing tac - it'll peel away without damaging the paintwork (and incurring the wrath of your landlord).

10. How to clean up a nail polish spillage with hairspray

Nail polish on the carpet? It's hairspray to the rescue! Spray directly onto the stain as quickly as possible, and then gently blot away with a cloth, changing cloths regularly so you don't spread or smear the polish even more. Repeat until the stain is loosened and eventually disappears – phew

11. How to clean your mattress with baking powder

Deodorise your mattress with a mixture of baking powder and essential oil, sprinkled on and then vacuumed off - because most of the time in rented accommodation, you don't know how many people have slept in that bed before you. This also works great on battered old sofas, too.

12. How to get rid of dust with your tights

Got a pair or tights that are more holes than fabric? Put them to good use as a duster - their texture attracts all sort of fluff and grime that regular dusters might miss. They're also super handy if you've dropped an earring on the carpet - wrap the foot round the end of the Hoover nozzle and it'll stop your gem getting sucked up.

13. How to deep clean with belongings with makeup brushes

If, like us, you've ever optimistically bought cheap makeup brushes and then realised they were crap, don't give them up as a lost cause - use them to dust smaller items with nooks and crannies that normal dusters can't reach, like in between keys on your laptop, or in the centre of fake flowers or ornaments.