Yay or nay? Experts weigh in on TOP 5 viral cleaning hacks and whether or not they are effective
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One of the best things about the internet is how we can easily look up ways to make a daunting task manageable. Take TikTok for example, there’s a dedicated ‘cleaning hole’ you can fall into if the app’s algorithm determines you’re a big fan of cleaning videos.
In the blink of an eye, you’re presented with thousands of solutions to just about any cleaning dilemma. The drawback? Well… you either waste your time on an ineffective hack or you get your mind blown – there’s no in between.
Thankfully, UK cleaning expert Heather Barrigan evaluated the most viral cleaning hacks so you know which ones are approved, and which ones are a massive flop.
1. DIY spray that targets fridge odours by @mama_mila_
Featured on the SDC multiple times now for her easy and natural cleaning hacks, Aussie mum Chantel Mila stole the spotlight yet again after sharing a DIY spray that targets fridge odours as part of a tutorial video on how to deep clean a fridge.
Chantel’s trending, homemade concoction consisted of 1.5 cups of lukewarm water, half a cup of white vinegar, and five drops of essential oil or vanilla essence. She liberally sprays the mixture on the shelves and wipes them before popping in a bowl with a quarter cup of bicarb soda to minimize future odours.
The cleaning experts gave the hack a thumbs up but didn’t think it was the best. “There are a lot of necessary ingredients listed, however, we'd advise swapping the warm water with hot water (not boiling, though!) to help remove any tougher stains.” they suggested.
They also advised users to be careful about using essential oils in the fridge. “Although food produces odour, it also absorbs odours too — so use any scented oils sparingly as too much could be bad for your health.”
2. Using fabric softener to clean the kitchen by @momthatlovestoclean
Another well-known cleaning queen, Danielle, shared a trick she uses to make her kitchen smell ‘amazing’ and her sink gleam.
She fills up her sink with hot water combined with a splash of liquid fabric softener and disinfectant. Then, she uses a sponge to clean her kitchen sink, benches, cupboards, and even her dishwasher. Danielle added that she leaves the mixture to sit in the sink for a few hours.
The experts highly approved of Danielle’s hack! “This one we totally agree with, adding fabric softener to hot water makes your home smell fresh and it's something you will tend to always have in your home." they said.
"Fabric softener does not contain any harsh chemicals and it will gently lift and remove dirt without damaging surfaces, although you may need a wipe with a microfibre cloth afterwards."
Credit: @momthatlovestoclean
3. Paper towel hack to banish plastic container stains by @urtypicalcleaner
We don’t know about you but we’d rather clean a hundred plates than face greasy, stained, Tupperware. Although super convenient for storing leftovers, they’re one of the most difficult things to clean!
Seems like TikToker @urtypicalcleaner shared our pain and claimed these stains could be effortlessly removed with just a few items: water, dish soap, and a paper towel. Pop the miracle three in a greasy Tupperware and shake it until the container is clear. Oh… we meant for you to shake the Tupperware… not your bum – never mind.
Unfortunately, the experts said that this hack isn’t effective on tough stains and suggested an alternative trick to try instead.
“As an alternative option, you can cover the bottom of the plastic container with baking soda and add warm water until it makes a thick paste. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the stains. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.” they recommended.
4. Newspapers to get rid of fridge odours by @thediymommy
All-around TikToker, Christina, shares videos on crafts, renovation tips, and cleaning advice.
She needed a way to get rid of odours from a reeking second-hand fridge that she bought for her holiday rental. After a thorough deep clean, her friend advised her to place newspapers on each shelf including the crisper to absorb any remaining odours.
The newspapers were left to sit in the fridge for two weeks to leave it smelling like brand new.
Credit: @thediymommy
Though the experts confirmed that the hack will work, they said it was awfully time-consuming.
“If you're looking for a quick fix, use a natural deodorizer to get rid of lingering odours in your refrigerator. Baking soda or white vinegar are both excellent choices.” they suggested.
5. Coffee grounds to neutralize fridge odours by @skylar_toth
Last but definitely not least, Tiktoker Skylar found herself stuck in a stinky situation. A bad smell lingered in her fridge despite her already throwing out the source.
Skylar popped a small container filled with coffee grounds in her fridge in hopes to absorb the odour and give off a delicious, coffee scent.
The experts are a fan of this hack and offered an alternative if you prefer not to have your fridge smelling like coffee.
“Coffee contains nitrogen, which helps neutralise odours quickly and safely in the air. Coffee grounds are a good, natural substitute for baking soda," they said.
"As another option, place a thin layer of baking soda on a large cooking sheet and refrigerate it overnight. If you don't have baking soda on hand, oats are natural odour absorbers that will work just as well."
Thank goodness for these experts. Now, we know exactly what to do for our next cleaning session!
Want to learn more cleaning hacks from the pros? Watch this video below.
Credit: But First, Coffee
In the blink of an eye, you’re presented with thousands of solutions to just about any cleaning dilemma. The drawback? Well… you either waste your time on an ineffective hack or you get your mind blown – there’s no in between.
Thankfully, UK cleaning expert Heather Barrigan evaluated the most viral cleaning hacks so you know which ones are approved, and which ones are a massive flop.
1. DIY spray that targets fridge odours by @mama_mila_
Featured on the SDC multiple times now for her easy and natural cleaning hacks, Aussie mum Chantel Mila stole the spotlight yet again after sharing a DIY spray that targets fridge odours as part of a tutorial video on how to deep clean a fridge.
Chantel’s trending, homemade concoction consisted of 1.5 cups of lukewarm water, half a cup of white vinegar, and five drops of essential oil or vanilla essence. She liberally sprays the mixture on the shelves and wipes them before popping in a bowl with a quarter cup of bicarb soda to minimize future odours.
The cleaning experts gave the hack a thumbs up but didn’t think it was the best. “There are a lot of necessary ingredients listed, however, we'd advise swapping the warm water with hot water (not boiling, though!) to help remove any tougher stains.” they suggested.
They also advised users to be careful about using essential oils in the fridge. “Although food produces odour, it also absorbs odours too — so use any scented oils sparingly as too much could be bad for your health.”
2. Using fabric softener to clean the kitchen by @momthatlovestoclean
Another well-known cleaning queen, Danielle, shared a trick she uses to make her kitchen smell ‘amazing’ and her sink gleam.
She fills up her sink with hot water combined with a splash of liquid fabric softener and disinfectant. Then, she uses a sponge to clean her kitchen sink, benches, cupboards, and even her dishwasher. Danielle added that she leaves the mixture to sit in the sink for a few hours.
The experts highly approved of Danielle’s hack! “This one we totally agree with, adding fabric softener to hot water makes your home smell fresh and it's something you will tend to always have in your home." they said.
"Fabric softener does not contain any harsh chemicals and it will gently lift and remove dirt without damaging surfaces, although you may need a wipe with a microfibre cloth afterwards."
Credit: @momthatlovestoclean
3. Paper towel hack to banish plastic container stains by @urtypicalcleaner
We don’t know about you but we’d rather clean a hundred plates than face greasy, stained, Tupperware. Although super convenient for storing leftovers, they’re one of the most difficult things to clean!
Seems like TikToker @urtypicalcleaner shared our pain and claimed these stains could be effortlessly removed with just a few items: water, dish soap, and a paper towel. Pop the miracle three in a greasy Tupperware and shake it until the container is clear. Oh… we meant for you to shake the Tupperware… not your bum – never mind.
Unfortunately, the experts said that this hack isn’t effective on tough stains and suggested an alternative trick to try instead.
“As an alternative option, you can cover the bottom of the plastic container with baking soda and add warm water until it makes a thick paste. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the stains. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.” they recommended.
4. Newspapers to get rid of fridge odours by @thediymommy
All-around TikToker, Christina, shares videos on crafts, renovation tips, and cleaning advice.
She needed a way to get rid of odours from a reeking second-hand fridge that she bought for her holiday rental. After a thorough deep clean, her friend advised her to place newspapers on each shelf including the crisper to absorb any remaining odours.
The newspapers were left to sit in the fridge for two weeks to leave it smelling like brand new.
Credit: @thediymommy
Though the experts confirmed that the hack will work, they said it was awfully time-consuming.
“If you're looking for a quick fix, use a natural deodorizer to get rid of lingering odours in your refrigerator. Baking soda or white vinegar are both excellent choices.” they suggested.
5. Coffee grounds to neutralize fridge odours by @skylar_toth
Last but definitely not least, Tiktoker Skylar found herself stuck in a stinky situation. A bad smell lingered in her fridge despite her already throwing out the source.
Skylar popped a small container filled with coffee grounds in her fridge in hopes to absorb the odour and give off a delicious, coffee scent.
The experts are a fan of this hack and offered an alternative if you prefer not to have your fridge smelling like coffee.
“Coffee contains nitrogen, which helps neutralise odours quickly and safely in the air. Coffee grounds are a good, natural substitute for baking soda," they said.
"As another option, place a thin layer of baking soda on a large cooking sheet and refrigerate it overnight. If you don't have baking soda on hand, oats are natural odour absorbers that will work just as well."
Thank goodness for these experts. Now, we know exactly what to do for our next cleaning session!
Want to learn more cleaning hacks from the pros? Watch this video below.
Credit: But First, Coffee
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