March 30, 2025
10 Clever Handy Hints Under $5
Microwave Cleaning with Vinegar and Water
Say goodbye to scrubbing your microwave. Simply fill a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water and add a tablespoon of vinegar. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the solution steams up the interior. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe down the walls with a damp cloth. The steam will loosen grime, making cleanup quick and easy.
Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves
Pet hair can be stubborn, but rubber gloves are here to help. Wet a pair of rubber gloves, then rub them over your furniture or upholstery. The static will attract the hair, making it easy to gather and toss. This trick works well on fabric surfaces, including car seats and couches.
Clean Blinds with Tongs and a Sock
Blinds can collect dust quickly, but cleaning them doesn’t have to be a hassle. Take a pair of tongs, wrap a sock around each end, and secure them with rubber bands. Dip the sock ends in a mixture of water and vinegar and wipe down the blinds. This method ensures you clean both sides of the slats at once.
DIY Drain Cleaner
Clogged drains are a common household nuisance, but you don’t need to spend much to fix them. Pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down your drain, then cover the drain with a cloth or plug. After 10-15 minutes, flush with boiling water. This natural remedy clears minor clogs and eliminates odors.
Quick Shoe Deodorizer with Baking Soda
If your shoes have developed an unpleasant odor, baking soda can help. Sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes and leave it overnight. The baking soda will absorb moisture and odors, leaving your shoes fresh. Simply shake out the powder in the morning before wearing them.
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Revitalize Wooden Furniture with Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just for cooking. It can also bring back the shine to dull wooden furniture. Mix 1 part olive oil with 1 part vinegar, apply the solution to a soft cloth, and rub it into the surface of your furniture. This will nourish the wood, remove dust, and restore its luster.
Prevent Rust on Garden Tools with Oil
Garden tools tend to rust over time, but a quick and cheap fix is applying a small amount of vegetable oil to the blades. Use a cloth to wipe down the tools after use. The oil will create a protective layer, preventing moisture from causing rust.
Fix Scratched Furniture with a Walnut
For minor scratches on wooden furniture, a walnut can be a game-changer. Simply rub the meat of the walnut over the scratch, using the natural oils to fill in the mark. Wipe away any excess, and you’ll see the scratch fade almost completely.
Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap
In a pinch, dish soap can help unclog a stubborn toilet. Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl, wait for about 15 minutes, and then flush. The soap will lubricate the pipes, allowing any blockages to clear more easily.
Use Dryer Sheets to Freshen Up Drawers
To keep your drawers smelling fresh, place a dryer sheet in each drawer or cupboard. The scent will linger for weeks, keeping your clothes and linens smelling like they just came out of the laundry. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to maintain a pleasant fragrance in your home.
With these clever and cost-effective hacks, you can maintain a cleaner, fresher, and more organized home—all for under $5!