July 7, 2025

5 Cleaning Hacks Housekeepers Use That You’ve Never Heard Of

Despite what many big brands and cleaning blogs may tell you, you don’t actually need a different product to clean every area of your home. 

In fact, sometimes, you don’t need any additional products to get a professional-grade clean at all. You can simply use items that you have sitting around your New York apartment. 

The best housekeepers know what to use to get the perfect clean, and often, it’s not at all what you expect. Below, we share five of our favorite cleaning hacks that you may not have heard of. 

They are a house cleaner’s best-kept secrets, and when you use these tips, your home will never look cleaner. You don’t have to spend hours scrubbing each surface, floor to ceiling, to get a good clean with these cleaning hacks.

The Best Cleaning Hacks from Professionals

House cleaners know that less is more, especially if they have to travel across New York City between clients. They don’t want to bring more than is necessary to make their trip easier, so they’ve got their cleaning routine nailed down to only the best.

As they clean, they learn what works for them, which products to skip, and what everyday products can help them clean better than anything you can buy in the store.

Learn how to clean like a pro when you use these five cleaning hacks. 

1. Use Pillowcases to Dust Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a dust bunny’s dream. Their flat surface is high to the ceiling, allowing dust particles to rest and breed, wreaking havoc on allergies. This is especially true in the New York winter months if you’re unable to open your windows. Without circulation, the dust just accumulates in your home.

Cleaning dust bunnies off can feel daunting. It’s a challenging task. No matter how you do it, you always seem to cause your dust bunnies to scatter all over when you start to clean. You always need to wipe down surfaces and vacuum afterwards to get everything clean again, but not anymore.

Pillowcases are many cleaners’ favorite dusting tool. Snag a pillow case that you’re not using and place it over your fan blade. Then, press down on the top and move it slowly towards the end. You’ll capture any falling dust inside the pillowcase, preventing it from falling on the ground. Repeat with each blade and toss it in the laundry when you’re done! It really is that easy.

Keep in mind that depending on how dirty your fan blades are, you may have to go over them several times. You can also use the pillowcase to carefully dust down the light fixture and other casings. Use the same pillow case for multiple fans, just make sure that you’re not accidentally dumping dust as you move between blades. 

By using a pillowcase to dust your fans like the professionals, you can save yourself the step of cleaning after you’ve already cleaned.

2. Wipe Down Baseboards with Dryer Sheets 

Dryer sheets are best known for keeping your laundry smelling fresh, but they can also be helpful tools in keeping your baseboard clean and dust-free.

Simply use a dryer sheet to wipe down your baseboards. You can use your hands to wipe them down, paying special attention to any areas that have dust built up or stains. The dryer sheet’s surface will even lift light stains as you wipe it down, though you may need additional cleaning tools if you have heavier stains. 

As a bonus, dryer sheets can be dust repellent, meaning your baseboards won’t attract as much dust over time. You’ll be able to extend the time between dusting your baseboards thanks to this professional cleaning hack.

Lastly, dryer sheets can leave your room smelling like fresh laundry. You won’t have to use additional sprays or deodorizers when you’re done cleaning, reducing the amount of harmful chemicals in your home. 

Cleaning your baseboards with dryer sheets is a little-known hack, but one that will make a big difference in your routine. Because dryer sheets attract dust naturally, you should be able to cut your cleaning time in half.

3. Tackle Hard Water Stains with White Vinegar

The power of white vinegar has been passed down from generation to generation. Due to its acidic nature, it can help lift some of the most common stains and keep many surfaces looking sparkling clean with minimal scrubbing.

This includes lifting stubborn hard water stains. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously to mix, and then spray the affected area. Let the white vinegar sit for at least 15-20 minutes to neutralize the hard water stain. Then, you can scrub and rinse it off.

If the hard water stain persists, consider soaking a microfiber cloth in vinegar and placing it directly on the affected area. You can also soak the item in a bag filled with white vinegar, depending on what you are trying to clean. Let it sit for about an hour over the hard water stain, and then remove. It should wipe off with light scrubbing. Vinegar’s acidic nature breaks down the substance and makes it easier to clean.

This is also true when it comes to cleaning clothing. Distilled vinegar can remove stains, get rid of musty odors, and even soften some hard fabrics over time. A mixture of white vinegar and baking soda can brighten and remove stains from white clothing. 

4. Clean Carpets with Baking Soda 

Baking soda is many house cleaners’ secret weapon. It can clean tough, dried-on food, keep refrigerators smelling fresh, and zap stains when you add it to your laundry. That’s just the start of this wonder tool. It can also be used to clean carpets, lifting stubborn smells in just a few minutes. 

Clean your carpets and rugs like the pros with baking soda. Sprinkle it generously across your carpet, focusing more on the soiled areas you want to get extra clean. Let the baking soda sit for at least 15-20 minutes, though you’ll want to leave it on longer, including overnight, for stronger smells.

Afterwards, simply vacuum it up. The baking soda should neutralize the smells, lifting any trapped particles from the carpet fibers. As you vacuum, you’ll pick up any remaining dust, dirt, or debris, making your space look even cleaner. 

At the end, you’ll be left with fresh-smelling carpet without the hassle of renting expensive carpet cleaners or using harsh chemicals. You can save any remaining baking soda for next time or simply use it to clean or scrub other areas in your home. 

5. Use Lemon As a Natural Deodorizer 

So many cleaning products smell like artificial lemons, and you can cut out the middleman if you have any lying around the house.

Garbage disposals in many New York apartments can quickly smell bad, and you can use a lemon to cut the odor quickly. Slice it up into small pieces and toss it down the drain with some ice. If you don’t have a lemon, an orange will also work. 

The fruit’s acid breaks down some of the caked-on food particles, and the ice helps rinse them off while chopping. Cleaning your garbage disposal once a week will help keep it smelling fresh naturally. 

This also works if you have a dirty microwave. Food splatters are more challenging to remove the longer they set. Cut a lemon and squeeze it into a bowl of water. Toss the lemon rinds into the water and microwave the mixture for 3-5 minutes.

The steam will help loosen the food from the microwave’s surface and leave your unit smelling fresh. Once you’re done, you can toss the lemon mixture down the garbage disposal so you’re not wasting anything. 

When To Call in the Experts 

Even with these clever cleaning hacks, every New York home will benefit from the services of a professional cleaner like White Glove Cleaner. We create customized cleaning routines for all of our clients to meet their needs. Call us for a consultation so we can understand what clean means to you and create a routine that fits your schedule.

Whether you’re looking for green products or a robust deep clean, White Glove Cleaners offers something for everyone. Once you experience the cleaning the White Glove way, you’ll never look at your New York City apartment the same again!