I’m a big believer in finding easier ways to get things done around the house.

Not every cleaning job needs to turn into a Saturday-long project. Sometimes you just need the right trick—and you probably already have what you need sitting somewhere in your home.

Here are 10 easy cleaning hacks worth knowing:

1. Grab an old toothbrush.
Use it to clean the threads and small grooves around jar lids.

2. Use canned air on exhaust fans.
It’s an easy way to reach dust hiding in tight spaces.

3. Put that leftover lemon to work.
Cut one in half and use it to clean chrome taps and fixtures.

4. Let steam tackle the microwave.
Heat a microwave-safe cup of water with lemon juice and baking soda for a few minutes, then wipe away the loosened grime.

5. Give dull scissors a quick tune-up.
Cutting through aluminum foil can help sharpen the cutting edge.

6. Try ice and coarse salt for narrow containers.
Swirl them together inside the container to help remove stubborn residue.

7. Your lint roller can clean more than clothes.
Try it on fabric lampshades, curtains and throw pillows to pick up dust and pet hair.

8. Keep an old paintbrush around.
A stiff paintbrush is perfect for getting into narrow window tracks.

9. Make those hard-to-reach areas easier.
Wrap a dryer sheet around a flat sweeper head and use it on baseboards, door frames and window tops.

10. Keep a coffee filter handy.
It can be useful for removing surface dust from electronics and TV screens. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your particular device.

Work Smarter Around Your Home

I like tips like these because they’re simple, practical and actually useful.

Homeownership comes with a never-ending list of things to clean, fix, maintain and improve. You don’t have to make every job more complicated than it needs to be—and you certainly don’t have to do everything yourself.

If you need a good cleaner, contractor, handyman, landscaper or another Calgary-area service professional, ask me.

I’ve built a great network over the years, and I’m always happy to connect people with someone I trust.

Jason Streich