There’s something oddly satisfying about turning a dusty corner into a space you’re actually proud of.
Fortunately, cleaning those tight spaces doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right tricks up your sleeve, you’ll tackle those awkward corners and hidden spots in under 30 minutes.
Whether it’s grout, drains, or those dusty shelves, you’re about to discover just how simple things can be. Let’s dive into these smart, time-saving ideas and make every corner shine!
1. Toothbrushes for Grout and Corners
Grimy grout and grubby corners are usually the last places you feel like scrubbing, but an old toothbrush makes for a surprisingly effective tool. The small size and firm bristles help it reach spots your standard cloth can’t touch.
Now, if you’re into green hacks, you can mix up a natural cleaner. Just stir a spoonful of bicarb soda with a splash of water until it forms a paste. It’s gentle on your surfaces but tough on grime, and it won’t leave behind harsh chemical smells.
Once you have your blend, dip your toothbrush into it and start scrubbing. Focus on the lines and corners where muck tends to build up.
When you’re done, wipe over the area with a damp cloth. Voilà—you’ve now got fresh, clean grout and corners that actually look new again.
2. Long-Handled Tools for High Surfaces
With the right tools and some creativity, those dusty chandeliers, ceiling fans, and high shelves won’t stand a chance.
To hit these areas, take a broom or mop and tie a microfibre cloth to the end with a rubber band. Congratulations, you’ve just made a pro-level cleaning tool in under 30 seconds.
Start at the highest points first, then work your way down. Give all the light fittings, blinds, fans, and those decorative shelves you rarely touch a quick once-over.
You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your space will look when those top layers stop raining down dust.
3. Vinegar and Bicarb for Drains
Your drains may not look dirty, but trust us, they’re hiding things you don’t want to think about. Luckily, you don’t need fancy chemicals or elbow-deep scrubbing to keep them clear—just some bicarb soda and vinegar will work wonders.
Grab half a cup of baking soda and tip it straight into your bathroom drains. If it doesn’t go all the way in, you can give it a nudge. This is the first step in loosening up all the gunk hiding down there.
Then, follow it with a full cup of vinegar. The fizz will start straight away. It’s like a tiny science show happening in your sink—how fun! The reaction will break down the build-up and clear out smells at the same time.
For the best results, let it do its thing for 15 minutes while you put your feet up, make a cuppa, or watch some funny cat videos.
Once this is done, rinse it all through with a kettle of hot water. This will flush the loosened grime and get the pipes running smoothly again.
4. Lint Rollers for Small Surfaces
Lint rollers aren’t just for clothes. They’re brilliant at grabbing all the bits and fluff that build up in tight places, like car seats, office chairs, and the gaps between couch cushions.
Plus, the refills are easy to find and as cheap as a bag of chips. Trust us, once you try them, you’ll never go back to your old techniques.
Got an office space that’s seen better days? A lint roller is perfect for dusting around cables, cleaning keyboard crevices, and picking up random bits of paper that have somehow multiplied overnight.
You can even use it inside drawers, along window sills, or in your car, where those crumbs from your ‘quick snacks’ inevitably end up.
To streamline your routine, keep a roller in more than one spot. Have one handy in your car, another near your sofa, and maybe even one in the kitchen. That way, you’ll sort out messes before they get out of hand.
5. Cotton Swabs for Electronics
Let’s talk about the sneakiest dust collectors of them all: your electronics. They might look clean at first glance, but get a little closer or maybe tilt your keyboard under the light, and you’ll be able to spot all the dust, fingerprints, and smudges.
But don’t start panicking about pulling everything apart. You just need cotton swabs. Those little buds you probably only ever think about when cleaning your ears are absolute lifesavers for delicate electronics.
Dip the cotton tip into rubbing alcohol, then gently run it along the edges of buttons, between keyboard keys, or around your phone ports. The alcohol will lift the dirt and dry in seconds, so there’s no risk of moisture getting where it shouldn’t.
You can also use this trick on earbud cases or game controllers. Just remember to toss the swab once it’s dirty, because there’s no coming back from that grey fuzz.
6. Old Socks for Dusting
Got some old socks you don’t need? Instead of tossing them, turn them into the ultimate dusting tool. Just pull one over your hand like a glove, and you’ll have a soft, flexible mitt that’s perfect for tricky spots and awkward angles.
Whether you want to clean your skirting boards, blinds, shelves, or the top of those picture frames, your sock-mitt can handle it all.
If things are a bit grimier than expected, just dampen the sock slightly before you start. It’ll grab onto dust better and pick up even more debris. When you’re done, chuck it in the wash and it’ll be good to go again.
Keep a couple in your cleaning stash to be ready when dust decides to strike, which usually happens five minutes after you’ve finished cleaning everything else.
It’s a simple, clever way to cut down waste and save a bit of cash, because who needs more single-use wipes when they’ve got a drawer full of socks?
That said, if you’d rather leave dusting to the pros, a weekly cleaning service can handle the heavy lifting. This way, you can spend your weekends doing something that doesn’t involve crouching behind furniture.
Conclusion
Who said that cleaning tight areas has to be a struggle? With our tips, you’ll blitz through those tricky corners in no time and maybe even have a bit of fun doing it.
So, roll up your sleeves, pick a hack, and jump in. Your home will look better, feel fresher, and stay that way without you wasting your entire weekend on cleaning.