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11 Floor Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know

Updated
Why work harder when you can work smarter?

Cleaning can be a tricky and tiring task. If you ever find yourself thinking, “there must be an easier way”, you’re not alone.

Life is full of hacks waiting to be discovered, and lucky for you, there are a ton of floor cleaning hacks. But which ones are truly worth it?

We’ve been sorting through some of the best hacks. Here are the top 11 you need to hear about.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a stocking over the vacuum nozzle to catch lost small items like earrings while cleaning.
  • Create a DIY crevice tool by attaching a flattened piece of cardboard to your vacuum nozzle.
  • Remove tangled hair from vacuum brushes easily with a seam ripper instead of scissors.
  • Eliminate carpet odors by sprinkling baking soda and vacuuming it up after an hour.

Floor Cleaning Hacks

Let these 11 tips change your cleaning routine.

1. DIY Vacuum Filter

Losing an earring or any other tiny object can be devastating, especially if it gets lost in the vacuum. Digging through the disposable bag or container can be a messy job. Frankly, most of us wouldn’t attempt it, and when we do, we often give up too soon.

Luckily, you won’t have to say goodbye to tiny lost objects with this super smart hack. When vacuuming the area where you lost the missing item, place a stocking over the vacuum’s nozzle. Secure the tights or stockings with an elastic band so they won’t fall off.

As you vacuum the area, the hoover will suck dust through the tights, but your lost earring will be caught. Simply collect the item and keep cleaning.

2. DIY Crevice Tool

A crevice tool is one of the most useful attachments we get with a vacuum. However, some areas are still out of reach.

Tiny crevices that often accumulate dust and dirt can be tricky to clean thoroughly. For this hack, though, all you need is your vacuum and a piece of cardboard.

If you have an old toilet paper roll, slip it over the vacuum’s nozzle and secure it with tape. If you don’t have a roll, tape a piece of cardboard around the nozzle instead.

When cleaning an ultra-tight space, flatten the end of the cardboard to make a perfect fit.

3. Removing Tangled Hair from Vacuum

If you have long-haired pets in your home, you might be frustrated by all of the hair getting caught in your vacuum brush. This can make your vac less effective. Not to mention, it’s often impossible to untangle.

But, we’ve discovered that it’s much easier to remove tangled hair using a seam ripper. Most people use scissors for this. However, it can sometimes be awkward, depending on the size.

On the other hand, a seam ripper is tiny, and you can easily slip it underneath tangled hair. It works quickly at ripping hair apart so that you can easily pick it out.

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4. Refresh the Vac

A vacuum cleaner can sometimes develop an unpleasant odor due to dirt inside the bag. Unfortunately, that musky smell can spread as you vacuum.

An easy way to refresh your canister is by adding a handful of laundry crystals to the bag. Simply vacuum the crystals up, and they will refresh your vac from inside.

You can also use ground cinnamon or even fresh vanilla if you prefer. As you vacuum your house, the fresh scent will spread throughout your home.

5. Carpet Odor Eliminator

A carpet can often develop a musky odor that won’t go away no matter how often you clean it. Your vacuum might even be the reason.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to eliminate carpet odors. All you need is baking soda and a vacuum.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over your carpet. If you know an area that’s often a victim of spills or accidents, add a little extra there.

Then allow the baking soda to sit on the carpet for up to an hour to absorb any odors effectively. Once the time is up, use your vacuum to remove all the powder (1).

We used this hack the other night in my son’s nursery. It was pretty smelly in there (lots of diaper changes), and after one night of baking soda, all the odors are gone! Magic.

6. The Ultimate Stain-Remover

The best way to remove a stain from a carpet is by knowing what caused it. But how do you find the cause of a mystery stain? By interrogating everyone in the house, including the cat?

Alternatively, you could use the ultimate stain remover. This recipe is a must-have among parents and pet families. All you need is a bottle of hydrogen peroxide filled one-third of the way and lemon essential oil.

Add five drops of essential oil to the bottle and give it a good shake. Then apply the solution to the stain and allow it to sit for a minute. Scrub the area and start to blot the stain away.

The lemon will loosen grease, and the hydrogen peroxide will remove stains. It’s a gentle solution that works on carpets and upholstery (2).

Keep In Mind

Hydrogen peroxide might be a gentle bleach. However, you should still do a spot test to ensure it won’t damage your carpet.

7. Fill a Bucket the Easy Way

Having to fit a bucket underneath a tap can be tricky. It can also be nearly impossible to get a full bucket back to the ground without a few spills.

With this hack, though, you won’t have to lift a finger — or bucket for that matter. Set the bucket next to the sink, place a pool noodle over the spout and direct it into the container.

When you turn the water on, it will be directed straight into the bucket. Some people have also used a spare pipe or hose if a noodle isn’t accessible.

8. DIY Vinyl Floor Shiner

Vinyl floors can quickly look dull and boring, and restoring the shine often calls for expensive products.

All you need for this DIY vinyl shiner is baby oil, apple cider vinegar, and water. Fill a bucket with a gallon of water and add one cup of vinegar. Squeeze a small amount of baby oil into the mixture and give it a quick stir.

Saturate your mop and wring out the excess until it’s damp. Then mop your floors as usual. You can also add the solution to a spray bottle — spritz as you go and mop with a microfiber pad.

9. Scuff Mark Eraser

Vinyl floors are the victim of scuff marks way too often. These are frustrating to deal with since they’re not the easiest to remove.

However, one great hack we’ve tried is using WD-40 lubricant to buff out the marks. Add the lubricant to a cloth or towel and rub it into the mark — watch it as it disappears.

If you can’t find WD-40, you can use an oil such as jojoba. When you’re done, use a water and vinegar solution to remove the oil from the floor.

This hack also works on laminate flooring.

10. The Perfect Gum-Eliminator

If you’re living with a gum-lover, you might be dealing with gum on the floor far too often. New gum is relatively easy to remove, but old, dry gum is where the trouble is.

A super-easy way to remove this is by using an ice cube. Apply the ice directly to the gum and freeze it. Once it’s stiff and frozen, use a scraper to remove it quickly.

You can also use this smart hack on dried glue. If you accidentally got gum stuck in your hair, you can also use ice to remove it without cutting your locks.

11. Easiest Grout Cleaner

Cleaning the grout between your tiles is often ignored. You might think it gets cleaned when you mop, but that’s not always the case.

Grout cleaning products can be pricey, but luckily, we found a solution. For this, you’ll need shaving cream and lemon juice.

Apply the lemon juice to the grout first and spray the shaving cream on top. Give it a minute, and then scrub with a small brush. Rinse with water and wipe with a cloth.

This hack is especially useful if you have colored grout. Most commercial products contain bleach, which can damage colored grout.

cleaning tile grout with toothbrush

FAQs

What Can I Use Instead of a Mop?

There are several things you can use instead of a mop. You can use a soft-bristled broom and soapy water to mop your floor or an old towel tied to a broom handle to act as a mop head. You can also buy mop slippers, like these Tamicy Shoes.

How Do You Mop Like a Pro?

Knowing how to mop like a pro is crucial for spotless floors. First, choose a mop that suits the floor surface. Second, select a cleaning agent that is right for your floor. Start in the furthest corner of the room and work in lines from front to back.

Finally, remove the excess water and cleaning solution by dry-buffing the floor with a clean towel or cloth.

How Can I Mop My Floor Fast?

The fastest way to mop a floor is to use a steam mop. It heats water to produce steam without worrying about chemicals. You also get a wide cleaning path and washable cleaning pads, creating less clean-up.

How Do You Mop Without Leaving Residue?

The best way to mop without leaving residue is to sweep the floor first to remove excess dust. Also, use the correct cleaning solution for your floor type, and dilute it in the right quantities. Finally, dry-buff the floor to remove water residue.


Making Life Easier

A wise person once said, “Don’t work harder, work smarter.” This is the definition of hacks — making things easier. There’s a hack to discover whether you’re tired of gum on the floor or struggling with a mystery stain.

We tested these hacks to make sure they’re worth trying. Remember to always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying any solution. This will ensure it’s safe for the surface, and you can avoid substantial damage.

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About the Author

Amy Anthony

Amy Anthony is a cleaning expert, author, and contributing writer for Oh So Spotless, a leading online resource for all things related to cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a spotless home. With over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Amy has gained extensive knowledge and expertise that have made her a trusted authority on best practices, efficient techniques, and innovative cleaning solutions.