Genius Cleaning Hacks Using Items You Already Have In Your Pantry

Cleaning your home does not have to be expensive or involve harsh chemicals that irritate your lungs. Many of the most effective solutions are already sitting on your kitchen shelves waiting to be used. You can save money and have your home sparkling by repurposing these common ingredients.

Here are simple ways to tackle tough messes with items you already have on hand.

Remove oil stains with cornstarch

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It's common for clothing or bedding to be ruined by stubborn oil stains, but this hack works wonders on a variety of fabrics. Sprinkle cornstarch over the oil stain until it's completely covered and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

Once you brush the cornstarch away, put the garment in the laundry like you normally wood. Once it's finished, it will look as good as new.

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Clean stainless steel with olive oil

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Stainless steel appliances often show fingerprints and streaks that are difficult to remove with soap alone. You can apply a tiny drop of olive oil to a soft cloth and buff the metal in circular motions.

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Be sure to wipe the oil away in the direction of the grain to avoid streakiness. This hack will make your stainless steel shine.

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Use kosher salt to clean cast iron

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Cleaning a cast iron skillet requires care to avoid stripping the seasoned surface with soap. You can pour a generous amount of coarse table salt into a warm pan and scrub with a paper towel.

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The salt crystals act as a scouring agent to lift burnt food bits. This method keeps your cookware clean and ready for your next meal.

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Use walnuts to remove wood scratches

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If you have light scratches or scuffs on your wooden furniture, a raw walnut can act as a natural filler. You should rub the walnut directly into the scratch in a circular motion.

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The natural oils and fine particles from the walnut will darken the wood and fill the indentation. This makes the damage virtually invisible.

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Remove coffee stains with baking soda

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When your favorite coffee mug starts to develop a stubborn stain, baking soda is all you need to get it back to sparkling. Sprinkle baking soda into your mug, add a little bit of water, and gently scrub with a toothbrush or cloth.

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Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it will remove the stain without damaging the ceramic.

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Use bread to pick up broken glass

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Tiny shards of broken glass are nearly impossible to see on the floor and can cause injury if you're not careful. For safe removal, press a single slice of soft white bread firmly over the area where the glass shattered.

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The porous and slightly sticky texture of the bread picks up even the microscopic splinters that a broom or vacuum might leave behind.

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Using these simple ingredients can take the stress out of maintaining a tidy home. You don't need a cabinet full of fancy products to achieve a clean living space.

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Embracing these pantry hacks protects your budget and your health at the same time. These small changes make your daily cleaning routine much more manageable and affordable.