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Making your home cozy, well-organized, and functional doesn’t need to be a difficult task. Sometimes, a few simple tricks can go a long way.

From kitchen tips to effective cleaning solutions, here are 14 practical home hacks to streamline your daily routines and improve your life.

Freshen Up Your Fridge

Open Refrigerator Or Fridge Door With Food Inside
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Is your refrigerator emitting unpleasant odors? Place an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves to absorb those unwanted smells and keep your fridge smelling fresh. It’s a simple and inexpensive trick that works wonders.

Easy Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs

Half boiled eggs laid out in white plates and served on a wooden table.
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Struggling to peel hard-boiled eggs without making a mess? Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water before placing the eggs. The baking soda will help loosen the shell, making it easier to peel them cleanly.

Banish Carpet Stains

Spilled coffee on the carpet
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Accidents happen, especially on carpets. To remove stubborn stains like coffee spills or pet accidents, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. Voila! Say goodbye to those unsightly carpet stains.

Microwave Cleaning Made Easy

single white microwave oven at retail store shelf, defocused background
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Cleaning the microwave doesn’t have to be a chore. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon. Heat it in the microwave for a few minutes until the water boils and the steam fills the interior. The steam from the boiling water will loosen any stuck-on food, making it effortless to wipe away with a cloth.

How to Clean a Microwave (4 Easy Methods)

Shoebox Cable Organizer

shoe on shoeboxes
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Tired of tangled cables in your drawers? Use empty shoe boxes to organize and separate your cords neatly. Coil each cable and place it inside a shoebox, labeling the box with the corresponding device or charger. This hack will save you time and frustration when searching for the right cord.

Deodorize a Garbage Disposal

garbage disposal with fruit skin
Image Credit: The Thrifty Apartment

Getting rid of a bad smell in the garbage disposal can be as easy as slicing up a citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons, or limes and dropping the pieces down the drain opening. The natural citrus oils found in the peelings and the fruits will act as antibacterial and anti-fungal agents to help fight odors.

Ways to Get Rid of Smells in Garbage Disposal

No More Slipping Rugs

rug
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Keep your rugs securely in place by applying a few strips of double-sided carpet tape to the underside. The tape will prevent your rugs from slipping and sliding, providing a safer and more stable surface to walk on.

DIY Air Fresheners

baking soda on spoon and in jar
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Say goodbye to store-bought air fresheners and create your own with natural ingredients. Fill a small glass jar with baking soda and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place the jar in any room to naturally freshen the air and enjoy a personalized scent.

Instant Wrinkle Remover

shower and tub in bathroom
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No time to iron? Hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam from the water will help release the wrinkles, leaving your garments looking much smoother. It’s a quick and convenient way to freshen up your clothes without the hassle of ironing.

Smudge-Free Stainless Steel

stainless steel microwave
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To keep your stainless steel appliances looking shiny and smudge-free, wipe them down with a small amount of baby oil on a soft cloth. The oil will create a protective barrier, preventing fingerprints and smudges from sticking to the surface.

DIY Cleaning Solution

Natural Cleaning with Lemons, Baking Soda and Vinegar
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Create an all-purpose cleaning solution by combining an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a water spray bottle. This homemade cleaner effectively tackles various surfaces, including countertops, glass, and bathroom fixtures. It’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought cleaning products.

Deep Clean a Showerhead

Modern blue Shower head with running water in white bathroom. Copy space
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Is your shower head clogged with mineral deposits? Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and tie it around the showerhead using a rubber band. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, untie the bag and run hot water through the showerhead to rinse away the loosened deposits. Your showerhead will be as good as new!

How to Deep Clean a Shower Head with Vinegar

Nail Polish Key Identification

keys in keyhole in door
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Tired of fumbling through a bunch of similar-looking keys? Use different colors of nail polish to paint the tops of your keys. Each color can represent a different lock, making it easier to identify the right key.

Remove Water Marks on Wood Furniture

cup on table
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Vaseline is highly effective at removing water marks from your wood furniture. Whether a wooden coffee table or a dining room table, vaseline can help to remove water stains. Simply take a generous amount of Vaseline and lather it on the stained area. Allow it to sit for about a half hour, and then wipe it away. You will be surprised to see how well this stuff works.  

14 Clever Uses for Baking Soda Around the House (And It’s Not Baking)

baking soda
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A box of baking soda is a versatile household tool. It offers practical solutions for your entire home, serving as both a gentle abrasive scrub and a deodorizer. With its multi-purpose abilities, you might find yourself rethinking the need for other expensive cleaning supplies. Here are 14 clever ways to put baking soda to work around the house. 14 Clever Uses for Baking Soda Around the House (And It’s Not Baking)

10 Aluminum Foil Hacks Your Mom Might Not Have Taught You

aluminum foil
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Aluminum foil is a useful kitchen staple known for its versatility and reliability. Surprisingly, this household staple goes beyond just covering your favorite dishes in the oven. There’s so much more that you can do with aluminum foil, as it has so many practical uses. So, if you’ve only used aluminum foil to line your baked dishes, you are in for a treat. Here are ten ways to use aluminum foil to simplify your life and household tasks.

10 Aluminum Foil Hacks Your Mom Might Not Have Taught You

18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

lime, baking soda and vinegar
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Baking soda and vinegar are natural, non-toxic products that are excellent for cleaning. When the two products are combined, they result in a powerful cleaning agent that can eliminate the toughest dirt, stains, and grime. Here are 18 ways you can clean with baking soda and vinegar around the home.

18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.

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