Hipages tradie, Tracy Lee, of Allfloor Cleaning Solutions, shares her top tips.
Cleaning hacks have taken over Instagram and TikTok, making everyone feel like an expert. But not all viral tips are as good as they seem. Some, like stuffing your toilet with toilet paper rolls or scrubbing your carpet with dishwasher pods, can cause more harm than good. Based on my years of professional cleaning experience, here are five hacks that actually live up to the hype.
Vinegar for red wine carpet spills
Spilling red wine on the carpet is a homeowner’s worst fear, but acting quickly can help avoid permanent stains. Start by layering white paper towels over the spill and gently blot—don’t rub, as that can push the stain deeper. Continue blotting until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Next, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 500ml of cold water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot from the outside in to prevent spreading. This hack works best when tackled immediately. For older or stubborn stains, it’s best to call a professional carpet cleaner to restore your carpet safely.
Many people find ovens one of the trickiest appliances to clean, especially with years of grease buildup. A helpful hack is using dishwashing tablets — dissolve one in warm water, then scrub with a scouring pad.
However, be cautious as many ovens have enamel coatings, and scrubbing too hard can cause scratches or rust. For heavy buildup, resist scraping, as it can cause lasting damage.
For the toughest grime, I recommend calling a professional oven cleaner who has the right tools to get your oven spotless without the risk.
TikTok is full of pet urine cleaning hacks, some that work and some that don’t – so here’s a proven method that works for both fresh and old stains, based on your carpet type.
For fresh stains: Mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 100ml cold water. Blot, rinse and then neutralise with a vinegar solution (100ml vinegar, 200ml water). For wool or treated nylon carpets, skip the ammonia—use a mix of 1 teaspoon dish soap, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 500ml cold water instead.
For old stains: Start with the detergent solution, then vinegar, and finish with ammonia (if your carpet allows). Blot and rinse between each step.
For tough odours or larger areas, calling in a professional carpet cleaner can help you get your carpet looking brand new—without the risk of further damage.
Vinegar and baking soda for drains
For light drain cleaning and odour removal, the classic combination of baking soda and vinegar is highly effective. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. The fizzy reaction creates pressure, helping to loosen debris. Let it sit for 10-to-15 minutes, then flush with boiling water to wash away any loosened particles.
However, this method isn’t a fix for serious clogs. Continuously adding more chemicals or pushing debris further down can make the problem worse, potentially creating a bigger blockage. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, the best option is to call a plumber. They’ll clear the drain properly, avoiding any risk of damage to your pipes.
Gaps between tiles and bathroom grout are prime spots for bacteria and mould to thrive. While an old toothbrush can help, using a dedicated grout cleaning brush makes a huge difference in quickly and efficiently tackling those stubborn areas.
Avoid using sharp tools like screwdrivers or butter knives to scrape at the grout. These can not only damage the grout but also compromise the waterproofing beneath, leading to potential long-term problems.
For tough, built-up stains, a professional cleaner has the right tools, like a pressure washer and polisher, to get your grout looking spotless without causing any damage.
Final pointers
While cleaning your entire home can feel like a huge job, breaking it down into smaller tasks can make it feel much more achievable. Focus on one area at a time, and tackle those problem spots with the right tools and techniques.
