The clever tidying hacks that even Monica Geller would be impressed by!

<p>Whether you've made tidying up a priority for the New Year or you've got friends coming round on the weekend, these genius cleaning tips will leave your home sparkling. Everyone has their favourite tidying tricks from <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/stain-removal-tips" target="_blank">how to get rid of tough stains</a> to the <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/window-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">best way to get streak-free windows</a>, and these clever tips are no exception. These are the brilliant cleaning tips you'll wish you had known all along!</p><p>Want a spotless toaster or a two-minute hack for cleaning the inside of your microwave? You can have both &ndash; <em>and</em> without using any fancy cleaning products! In fact, some of the best cleaning tools are the ones you already have lying around the house. We've even found brilliant tips for keeping keeping the shower head sparkling, plus the canny trick that estate agents use to make homes smell wonderful. Get ready to send dirt and germs packing with these clever cleaning tips that will make your life so much easier (and cleaner).</p><h2>Keep blinds squeaky clean</h2><p>Clean those dusty blinds with an old sock, some <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/search/vinegar?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=home-ideas-declutter-and-clean-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">vinegar</a> and a bit of water. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl, slip an old sock on over your hand and dip it into the mixture. Then gently wipe the blinds with the sock and you're done!</p><h2>The sweet smell of home</h2><p>To cover up any unpleasant smells in the house (or just make your home extra inviting), try putting a tablespoon of <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/search/Vanilla%20extract?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=home-ideas-declutter-and-clean-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">vanilla extract</a> in a coffee cup and baking for an hour in the oven at 150 degrees. Estate agents use this trick all the time to make homes smell amazing.</p><h2>Spotless shower heads</h2><p>To clean limescale from shower heads, fill a small plastic bag with vinegar and tie the bag around the shower head with a rubber band. Let the shower head sit in the vinegar for an hour and then remove the bag and wipe off any dirt or deposits. Easy! Just make sure to let the water run for a few minutes before hopping in the shower.</p><h2>Nuke bacteria in the kitchen</h2><p><img alt="clean-sponges-next-to-a-lemon__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/clean-sponges-next-to-a-lemon__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>Kitchen sponges are breeding grounds for nasty bacteria and dirt. Disinfect yours by microwaving it on high for about a minute. Remember to only use this cleaning tip on non-metal sponges and make sure you allow it to cool before removing.</p><h2>Clever storage</h2><p>Store brooms with the handle down to protect bristles and keep dust off the floor. So simple!</p><h2>Dust-free lampshades</h2><p>Dusty lampshade? Use a clothes <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/search/lint%20roller?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=home-ideas-declutter-and-clean-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">lint roller</a> to clean it. Now there's a bright idea!</p><h2>Streak-free windows</h2><p>Don't toss away yesterday's newspaper! Newspapers are great for cleaning windows without leaving any streak marks. Simply wash windows as normal, then dry them off with crumpled up newspaper for a super clean finish. Get more <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/window-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">instructions for streak-free windows</a>.</p><p><img alt class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/clean-and-stylish-living-room__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Barbecue build-up prevention</h2><p>We may have some time before barbecueing season but it's never too early to get prepared, right? Keep your grill nice and clean by rubbing half an onion (cut side down) on the heated grate before cooking. Stick the onion on a fork or another long utensil while rubbing so that you don't burn your hand.</p><h2>Mattress maintenance</h2><p>When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? Chances are that it's been a while. But with this easy tip, you can deep clean your mattress at the same time that the sheets are being washed. To clean, sprinkle some <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/baking-ingredients/asda-bicarbonate-of-soda/910001417268" target="_blank">bicarbonate of soda</a> onto your mattress, leave for 15-30 minutes and then vacuum to eliminate moisture and kill dust mites.  </p><h2>Tidy toaster</h2><p>Toaster seen better days? Shine stainless steel by mixing a tablespoon of <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/baking-ingredients/dr-oetker-cream-of-tartar/910000854385?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=home-ideas-declutter-and-clean-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">cream of tartar</a> with a few drops of water, gently rub onto the surface and then wipe off with a sponge. Spotless!</p><p><img alt class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/clean-toaster-with-toast-coming-out__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>How to clean the inside of the microwave</h2><p>To wipe away microwave messes, fill a bowl of water with vinegar and microwave on high to let the steam do the hard work. Carefully remove the bowl of water (it will be hot!) and then wipe the insides clean. Get the full instructions on <a href="http://www.practicallyfunctional.com/how-to-clean-your-microwave-in-2/" target="_blank">how to clean your microwave</a>.</p><h2>Sanitise toys</h2><p>Get rid of germs and grime on your little one's plastic toys by cleaning them in the dishwasher, using vinegar instead of dish soap. Your children's toys will look as good as new!</p><h2>Ceiling corners</h2><p>For all those hard-to-reach spots on the ceiling, try wrapping an old towel around a broom and securing with an elastic band. Now you can clean away!</p><h2>Keep chopping boards fresh</h2><p><img alt="lemons-and-limes-on-a-wooden-chopping-board__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/lemons-and-limes-on-a-wooden-chopping-board__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>Use lemon and salt to deep clean wooden cutting boards. Simply sprinkle salt over your cutting board, then use half a lemon (cut side down) to rub the board, making sure to squeeze out some of the juices as you go. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then scrape away the dirty liquid. Give your board a final rinse with a clean sponge and you're done!</p><h2>Stainless tea cups</h2><p>For stained tea cups, use a mixture of water and <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/product/baking-ingredients/asda-bicarbonate-of-soda/910001417268" target="_blank">bicarbonate of soda</a> to rub on stubborn marks. Now they should easily wipe off with a sponge.</p><p><em>Looking for more cleaning tips? Check out our articles <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/declutter-your-life-with-our-helpful-tips" target="_blank">5 ways to clear the clutter you&rsquo;ve been hoarding</a> and <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/spring-cleaning" target="_blank">how to spring clean your house (almost) effortlessly</a>. Head to Asda online to pick up all your <a href="http://groceries.asda.com/aisle/laundry-household/household-cleaners/1215279739663?utm_source=goodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=home-ideas-declutter-and-clean-cleaning-tips" target="_blank">cleaning essentials</a>.</em></p>

15 Cleaning Tips Every Perfectionist Needs To Know

By Asda Good Living,2nd January 2017

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