Let’s be honest—cleaning isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. If you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show or scroll through TikTok than scrub your baseboards (wait, people actually do that?), you’re in good company. For those of us who dream of a clean house without the Cinderella-style elbow grease, there’s hope with these 50 Cleaning Hacks.
Introducing: lazy girl cleaning, which is about working smarter, not harder. Think clever cleaning hacks, quick fixes, and ways to fake a spotless home when you’ve got zero motivation. Yes, you can have sparkling counters, a fresh-smelling home, and perfectly fluffed pillows… all while expending the least amount of energy humanly possible.
Whether you’re the type to leave dishes in the sink “to soak” for days (we see you) or you simply want to look like you have it all together when surprise guests pop by, these 50 borderline genius cleaning hacks are for you. Ready to make your hoouse shine without the effort? Come on!
Quick Wins
Set a timer for 10 minutes and clean as much as you can. When it rings, drop it like it’s hot! You’ll be amazed what you can accomplish in 10 minutes.
Recycle old t-shirts for cleaning those grime-loaded spots where cloths normally accumulate a lot of dirt. No need to re-wash – simply throw away when done cleaning!
Make vacuuming a daily task. It keeps the job small and your space looking spic-and-span!
Wipe all countertops before vacuuming. That way you can sweep crumbs directly onto the floor, and then vacuum them up.
Polish mirrors with a dry towel instead of a wet cloth. It brings so much shine, far superior to the window wiper!
Spray and wipe down the shower with cleaner after each use. It stops grime building up and prevents the need to deep clean!
Keep a small handheld vacuum nearby for quick cleanups.
Use a steel wool scrubber to clean your bathroom. It is SO effective at removing stubborn dirt – no elbow grease needed!
Before you throw your kitchen tea-towel in the wash, wipe down all counters with it. May as well make full use of it before washing!
Declutter one drawer or surface whenever you’re on the phone, or putting stuff away. This is called habit stacking!
Multitasking Hacks
Dust furniture using old socks as dust mitts. The sock is magic and works like a lint remover! Simply rotate as you go.
Clean the microwave by microwaving a bowl of water with lemon juice. This lets you wipe off grime easily.
After showering, wipe down the bathroom with your towel. It makes use of the moisture to remove daily build-up of dirt in the bathroom (and makes the task of cleaning the bathroom way easier!)
While you brush your teeth, re-organize your bathroom drawer and put it back into order.
Vinegar is a great chemical-free disinfectant, and super cheap. Use this for a safe, effective and child friendly all-purpose cleaner.
Once a month, toss your toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and storage containers into a large sink filled with hot water. This keeps them clean and sanitized.
Clean baseboards with dryer sheets once per week to repel dust.
Wipe your fridge clean every time you put food back. Done this often, it stops dirt building up and becoming stubborn to remove.
Keep trash bags at the bottom of your bins for easy replacement.
Use a lint roller for quick dusting of lampshades and surfaces.
Preventative Cleaning Hacks
Place a doormat inside AND outside each door to really stop dirt entering the house.
Eat in one area only to reduce crumbs. Bedrooms are food-free zones in our house!
Keep a shoe basket by the door for guests to store shoes when they visit.
Scrub your stove top with a steel wool scrubber to prevent dirt build up.
Keep a bottle of multi-purpose spray in every bathroom. When it’s handy, you’ll use it more! We want there to be as few impediments to cleaning as possible.
Store cleaning cloths and brushes in each room for convenience.
Lay down a puppy pad under pet bowls to catch spills.
Use a furniture pen to hide scratches quickly.
Use a fabric protector spray on furniture and rugs.
Put an umbrella stand near the door for wet umbrellas or coats.
Use (new) shower curtains as mattress protectors for your children’s beds.
Lazy Girl Deep Cleaning
Line your oven with oven liner sheets for easy cleaning.
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to remove odours and disinfect your floors.
Use a broom wrapped in a towel to dust hard-to-reach areas. Cobwebs in the corners – gone!
Use a pot lid wrapped in a towel to clean carpet spots. This method really penetrates the dirt without the major elbow grease!
Clean blinds by wrapping a damp cloth around tongs and swiping.
Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it over showerheads overnight to remove buildup.
Sprinkle baking soda in toilets and sinks before scrubbing for extra sparkle.
Scour your mirror with a raw potato – the starch really makes that mirror shine!
Toss pillows and comforters into the dryer with a tennis ball to fluff and refresh.
Smart Systems
Keep a donation bin in the closet to toss unwanted items immediately. This’ll keep your closet tidy until you actually get round to donating!
Use baskets to corral clutter in each room. They instantly make a space look neater!
Make your bed as soon as you wake up—it immediately makes the room look tidy.
Sort mail over the recycling bin to avoid paper clutter.
Clean as you go (my favourite micro-habit). Try to wipe counters and wash dishes while cooking, so you eat meals in a clean zone.
Keep a small trash bag in the car to prevent clutter.
Use command hooks on the inside of cabinet doors for hidden storage.
Create a “junk drawer” for random items—but clean it out monthly.
Declutter regularly—less stuff means less cleaning. Set an alarm for once a month to do a stock take and keep your inventory up to date!
Establish a weekly cleaning schedule—spend a little time each day to avoid big messes.
And there you have it—the ultimate lazy girl cleaning hacks! With these genius tips, you can officially say goodbye to hours of scrubbing and hello to a home that looks effortlessly spotless (emphasis on effortless). Who needs a deep clean when you’ve mastered the art of the quick fix?
Remember, this is all about making life easier while keeping your space livable and (mostly) clean. So, put on your comfiest pajamas, grab your favorite coffee (or wine, we don’t judge), and tackle those messes one tiny cleaning hack at a time.
Because if there’s one thing we lazy girls know, it’s that life is way too short to spend it scrubbing grout. Now, kick back and enjoy your sparkling home—you’ve earned it! ✨
