5 Underrated Cleaning Hacks You Should Use More, According to Pro Cleaners

Whether you're new to cleaning or you've been keeping your home spotless for years, it's always a great time to learn some helpful cleaning hacks for your next big cleaning day.

We spoke with three cleaning experts who shared some underrated tips they wish more people knew about and used in their homes. The best part? These hacks are cheap and can be easily adopted right away.

Using Vinegar in the Dishwasher and Beyond

Vinegar isn't just for cooking—it can be a handy cleaning tool in many ways. One of Jenna Arkin's, the chief innovation officer at ECOS, favorite hacks is using vinegar in the dishwasher.

All you need to do is fill a bowl with a cup of white vinegar and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher during a hot cycle.

"It cuts through grease, dissolves buildup, and keeps everything smelling fresh without harsh chemicals," says Arkin.

But that's not all. Arkin explains that vinegar also helps your glassware come out spotless and tackles hard water spots during the cleaning cycle.

Carylanne Brown, senior Grove guide at Grove Collaborative, adds that both cleaning vinegar and white vinegar are great to have around the house. Brown mentions that vinegar works on various surfaces like floors and windows and can break down soap scum. Plus, unlike ammonia and bleach, vinegar is non-toxic.

"You can keep your home sparkling clean with vinegar without worrying about exposing yourself, your family, or your pets to harsh chemicals," Brown says.

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Microwave Your Sponge

Instead of throwing away your sponges every week or two, you can extend their life by microwaving them for just one minute, Arkin suggests.

"It kills most germs and extends the life of your sponge," she says. Just make sure your sponge is metal-free before microwaving. It's also a sustainable way to reduce waste, Brown adds.

Turn Cleaning Into an Entertaining Task

Do you dread home cleaning tasks? Make them more enjoyable by playing some background entertainment, suggests Maria Mooney, non-toxic cleaning expert and executive brand director at Truly Free Home.

"Turn on your favorite podcast or show while tidying up to make the process more enjoyable," she says. "It’s a great way to multitask, stay engaged, and make cleaning feel less like a chore."

Declutter on the Go

Cleaning days won't feel as overwhelming if you consistently declutter throughout the week.

"Whenever you enter a room, take one item that doesn’t belong and put it back in its place," Mooney says. "This small effort adds up over time, keeping your home consistently tidy."

Keeping up with this habit means you won't have to scramble when last-minute guests arrive or when a worker comes by for an inspection.

Skip Single-Use Products

Opting for reusable products can be a more eco-friendly step that fits right into your cleaning routine, explains Brown.

She recommends using durable dispensers that can be easily refilled, as well as concentrated solutions or water-free formulas, including cleaning powders and laundry sheets.

"By choosing these alternative solutions and reusable systems, you minimize your reliance on single-use plastics and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting water-heavy products," Brown says.