Secrets Of Spotless Homes: 35+ Cleaning Hacks Homeowners Swear By
The world of cleaning hacks is where savvy homeowners have discovered ingenious shortcuts, tips and tricks that revolutionize how household chores are tackled. From the time-honored wisdom of generations, these methods are embraced by those who desire pristine living spaces and efficient and time-saving solutions.
Delve into the treasure trove of wisdom shared by wise homeowners who have mastered the art of cleaning. From clever uses for everyday items to leveraging the power of smart home devices, these techniques will make you wonder why you didn’t think of them sooner. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or someone looking to streamline your domestic duties, prepare to be inspired by the following collection of cleaning hacks. Make life easier by using these techniques.
1. Hand sanitizer
Whether you prefer a gel or spray type, these recipes offer a convenient and effective solution for clean hands. Instead of rubbing alcohol, both formulations utilize high-proof vodka, making them a gentle option for those with eczema or sensitivity to strong scents.
Including aloe vera gel and glycerin ensure that your hands stay moisturized and nourished. To create the hand sanitizer spray, you need high-proof vodka, vegetable glycerin, and optional essential oils for a pleasant scent. Mix these ingredients, transfer them into a spray bottle using a small funnel if desired, and voilà.
2. Vinegar for windows and mirror
Vinegar is one of the most popular cleaning solutions and you can harness its power to achieve stunningly clear and gleaming windows and mirrors. Its natural acidity and solvent properties effortlessly cut through grime, dirt, and streaks, leaving your glass surfaces sparkling.
Into a spray bottle, pour equal portions of water and white vinegar. The beauty of this method lies in its exceptional cleaning capabilities and eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. Bid farewell to expensive, chemical-laden cleaners and embrace the wonders of vinegar.
3. Cotton ball vacuum trick
Indulge in the cotton ball vacuuming trick to infuse your home with a delightful and inviting aroma. This ingenious hack takes ordinary cotton balls and elevates them into powerful scent diffusers. Add drops of your most liked essential oil onto a few cotton balls, then drop them into your vacuum cleaner bag.
As you vacuum your floors, the airflow will disperse the pleasant fragrance throughout your home, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you choose the calming scent of lavender, the refreshing aroma of citrus, or the cozy fragrance of vanilla, scent customization can be done to suit your taste and mood.
4. Clean the oven with orange peels
Discover the incredible cleaning power of orange peels to restore your oven to its sparkling glory. This hack harnesses the natural properties of citrus to break down grime and grease, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Collect orange peels after enjoying the juicy fruit, removing any excess pulp.
Soak the peels with white vinegar in a glass container. Let the mixture sit for some time, allowing the vinegar to absorb the citrus oils and natural enzymes from the peels. Strain the liquid and transfer to a plastic spray bottle. Now you have your very own homemade orange-infused cleaning solution.
5. Use tin foil to clean grease from glass
Tackle stubborn grease on your glass dishes with a surprising ally: tin foil. This unconventional yet highly effective cleaning technique can make a difference in your kitchen. Squish a piece of aluminum foil into a round shape, ensuring a smooth surface.
When you encounter stubborn grease or baked-on residue on glass cookware or dishes, wet the glass surface and then use the crumpled foil to scrub the grime. The foil’s abrasive texture helps to remove the grease without scratching the glass, revealing a spotless and gleaming surface beneath.
6. Air freshener
Embark on a delightful DIY journey with a 2-ingredient air freshener that will invigorate your living spaces. This simple and customizable project requires just a few easy-to-find items: a spray bottle, a measuring cup, your choice of two or three essential oils, and some water.
You can opt for the soothing scents of lavender and tea tree oils, but the beauty of this project lies in its versatility. Feel free to explore and experiment with essential oil combinations to create a unique aroma that suits your preferences perfectly.
7. Clean your silver with toothpaste
Unleash the hidden potential of toothpaste as a remarkable silver-cleaning secret to restore your cherished items to their former glory. Put some non-gel toothpaste onto a soft cloth or a toothbrush to make your silver sparkle and shine.
Gently rub the toothpaste over the tarnished silver, focusing on the areas with the most discoloration. The mild abrasives will work their magic, polishing away the tarnish and revealing the lustrous brilliance beneath. After gently scrubbing, rinse the silver item with water and pat dry.
8. Remove stubborn stains
Combat stubborn stains with the power of a versatile 6-ingredient mix. This effective stain-fighting concoction combines the natural prowess of everyday items to tackle even the toughest blemishes. You’ll need hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, white vinegar, warm water, and a spray bottle.
Shake well to blend the ingredients thoroughly. Apply this potent solution directly to the stubborn stains on your clothing, upholstery, or carpets, and let it work its magic for a few minutes. Afterward, scrub gently and watch as the stains vanish.
9. Steam cleaning method for microwave
Scrubbing and scouring with the steam cleaning method for your microwave is game-changing when tackling caked-on food stains and odors. This simple yet highly effective technique requires a microwave-safe bowl filled with water, white vinegar, and some slices of lemon.
Place the bowl inside the microwave and heat it on high for several minutes until the water comes to a boil and produces steam. Adding lemon or vinegar infuses the microwave with a refreshing scent, eliminating lingering odors.
10. Clean your mattress with baking soda
Revitalize your mattress with a rejuvenating deep clean using the simple yet powerful aid of baking soda. Over time, mattresses can accumulate dust, sweat, and odors, affecting our sleep quality and overall comfort. Fortunately, this hassle-free cleaning method can refresh and revive your bed.
Evenly sprinkle some baking soda across the surface. Allow it to sit for several hours, ideally overnight, to give the baking soda ample time to absorb unwanted odors and moisture. Its natural properties are gentle abrasives, lifting dirt and grime from the fabric.
11. Corn flour to clean glass
Discover the budget-friendly magic of corn flour as a highly effective glass cleaner, providing remarkable results without breaking the bank. This simple and economical solution can transform ordinary corn flour into a powerful ally for spotless, streak-free glass surfaces.
Create this homemade glass cleaner by combining a tablespoon of corn flour with a cup of water in a spray bottle, and shake well. The corn flour’s natural properties work as a gentle abrasive, effortlessly removing grime, dirt, and fingerprints from glass surfaces.
12. Make wipes from a tee
Don’t throw your old t-shirts; instead repurpose them into reusable, gentle cleaning wipes. You’ll save money and help the environment at the same time. Cut the tee into small squares or rectangles, depending on your desired wipe size. In a jar, mix equal portions of vinegar and water.
Add some drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon for a pleasant fragrance and an extra antibacterial boost. Submerge the cut fabric pieces into the solution, ensuring they soak it up thoroughly. Now, your homemade non-toxic wipes are ready for dusting, wiping counters, or cleaning any surface in your home.
13. Degrease your kitchen top
Take control of grease buildup and grime from top to bottom in your kitchen with the powerful trio of vinegar, soap, and baking soda. Create a paste by mixing some water with baking soda, forming a gentle yet effective scrubbing agent.
Apply this paste to greasy surfaces and leave for a few minutes. Mix appropriate portions of white vinegar and water, adding some drops of dish soap for extra grease-cutting power. Spray this solution onto the baking soda paste and watch as it foams and bubbles, lifting away the grease.
14. A new broom to scrub
While a broom is traditionally known for sweeping floors, its long handle and flexible bristles make it an ideal ally for reaching high or tight spaces. Whether cleaning cobwebs from ceiling corners, dusting off ceiling fans, or removing dirt behind heavy furniture, a new broom can be your secret weapon.
Wrap a soft cloth or an old sock around the bristles and secure it with a rubber band or string. Make the most of your new broom, transforming it into a versatile and practical cleaning tool that saves you time and effort while leaving no spot untouched.
15. Tile cleaner
Revitalize your tiled surfaces with the magic of a simple and effective 3-ingredient tile cleaner. This budget-friendly DIY solution combines the power of ordinary household items to banish grime and leave your tiles gleaming. You’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.
Put the vinegar and water mixture onto the baking soda-covered tiles, and watch as it fizzes and lifts away dirt and stains. Ensure a thorough cleaning by gently scrubbing the tiles with a cloth or soft brush. Rinse with water, and your tiles will have a renewed brilliance.
16. Clean the grout
Discolored, cracking, and dirty grout lines mean it’s time to give them some love with deep cleaning. Grout sealant can revitalize tired and discolored grout lines. It forms a protective barrier that shields grout from stains, mold, and mildew while enhancing its color and shine.
This is a straightforward process – clean the grout entirely and allow it to dry before using a small brush or roller to apply the adhesive evenly over the grout lines. Once dried, the grout sealant works its magic, leaving your grout fresh and flawless.
17. Rain-repellent cleaner on chrome fixtures
Experience the wonders of a rain-repellent cleaner on your chrome fixtures and be amazed by the brilliant results. This innovative cleaning product, initially designed for automotive use, has found its way into household cleaning, and for good reason.
Rain-repellent cleaners are formulated to create a hydrophobic barrier on surfaces, causing water to bead and roll off easily. When applied to chrome fixtures, such as faucets or towel racks, the rain-repellent cleaner removes grime and water spots and leaves a water-repellent coating, and prevents future stains and buildup.
18. Lemon for burnt pots
Rescue your burnt pot or pan from kitchen disaster using the natural power of lemons. When cooking mishaps leave stubborn burnt-on residues, lemons come to the rescue. Fill the burnt pot or pan with water, and add a few fruit slices.
Bring the water to a boil. Citric acid is a gentle but potent agent to break down burnt food particles, making them easier to remove. Remove the water from the heat once the water has simmered, and allow it to cool.
19. Vinegar for steel
Unlock the brilliance of your stainless steel appliances and surfaces with the natural power of vinegar. This simple and effective cleaning hack can transform smudged stainless steel into a radiant and spotless masterpiece. Spray white vinegar directly onto the stainless steel surface.
Dampen a microfiber cloth with vinegar. With gentle circular motions, wipe away fingerprints, water spots, and grease, revealing the glistening beauty beneath. The acetic acid in vinegar behaves as a non-abrasive yet powerful cleaner, breaking down grime and restoring the stainless steel’s luster.
20. Use vinegar to clean tank
Vinegar is a versatile and effective solution, whether it’s a mineral deposit in your toilet tank or a limescale accumulation. Empty the tank and turn off the water supply. Pour plenty of white vinegar into the tank, covering the affected areas.
Dissolve the mineral deposits by allowing the vinegar to sit for a few hours or overnight. Afterward, scrub the tank, and flush out the vinegar. For fish tanks, remove your fish to a temporary holding container and drain the water partially.
21. Remove pet stains
Banish pet stains from your carpets and upholstery with the dynamic duo of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. This mixture tackles even the toughest stains left behind by our furry friends. Use a clean cloth to absorb leftover liquid.
In a spray bottle, pour two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part dish soap. Lightly spray the stain with the mixture and let soak for a few minutes to break down. With a clean cloth or sponge, gently blot and scrub the area until the stain is gone.
22. Use tongs and chopsticks to clean blinds
Wrap a microfiber cloth around each tong end and fix it with rubber bands or tape, creating a soft and efficient cleaning surface. Close the blinds and run the cloth-covered tongs along each slat, trapping dust and dirt in their grasp. For blinds with thicker slats, opt for chopsticks instead of tongs.
The soft microfiber cloth captures even the tiniest particles, leaving your blinds dust-free and spotless. Embrace this nifty and cost-effective hack to maintain immaculate blinds and save time and effort. Say goodbye to dusty blinds and hello to a beautifully clean home.
23. Clean oven glass
A thorough cleaning can restore the true brilliance of your oven’s glass door. The glass on oven doors can become coated with grime and grease, obstructing the view of your delicious creations. To achieve a deep clean, remove the oven door according to the user manual.
Lay a towel on a flat surface to protect the glass. Make a solution of equal portions of white vinegar and water and generously spray it onto the glass. Leave the solution for a few minutes, helping to loosen the buildup. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub away the grime.
24. Laundry sauce
Combine the power of various cleaning agents to create a super helpful mixture that elevates your laundry game to new heights. This innovative concoction combines everyday items. Mix equal parts of liquid dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide in a container.
Stir the ingredients thoroughly until well blended, and you’re ready for action. This magical potion works wonders on stubborn stains, grime, and odors, making it a game-changer for even the toughest laundry challenges. Apply it directly to stains or use it as a pre-treatment before washing your clothes.
25. Keep your sink fresh
Harness the natural cleaning power of vinegar and baking soda to keep your sink fresh daily. This dynamic duo works wonders in cutting through grease, food residue, and stubborn stains, leaving your sink spotless. Daily, sprinkle some baking soda into your sink and add a splash of white vinegar.
The fizzy reaction that follows helps to lift away dirt and grime while neutralizing any unpleasant odors. With a soft sponge or cloth, give the sink a quick but thorough scrub, paying particular attention to the faucet and drain areas. Rinse with water, and your sink will gleam with cleanliness.
26. Remove soap scum
Sprinkle baking soda onto the affected surfaces, such as shower walls or glass doors. Mix equal parts of borax and white vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste over the baking soda, allowing it to sit for a few minutes, letting the ingredients work their magic.
With a scrubbing brush or sponge, gently scrub away the soap scum, and watch it dissolve. Rinse thoroughly with water, and you’ll have clean and scum-free surfaces. Embrace this eco-friendly and budget-conscious solution to achieve a sparkling bathroom.
27. Dishwashing detergent from lemons
This homemade detergent is effective and gentle on the environment. To create this refreshing solution, start by collecting lemon peels and placing them in a jar. Soak the peels with white vinegar and let sit for a few days.
Once the infusion is ready, strain the liquid and mix it with equal parts of water to dilute the solution. Add some drops of dish soap to enhance its grease-cutting power. Embrace this eco-conscious and budget-friendly alternative, and say goodbye to store-bought detergents laden with chemicals.
28. Clean return air vents
The HVAC system can become inefficient over time and circulate allergens throughout your living spaces due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris. To solve this, remove the vent grates. Using the brush attached to your vacuum cleaner, carefully vacuum the interior of the vents.
Remove any remaining residue by wiping the vent grates with a damp cloth. This straightforward maintenance task enhances the performance of your HVAC system. It promotes cleaner and healthier air circulation throughout your home, providing a breath of fresh air for you and your loved ones.
29. Clean the shower switch mop
Streamline your shower cleaning routine using a mop to tackle every nook and cranny. With this solution, you can effortlessly reach high and low areas without hurting your back. Choose a mop with a detachable, washable head for easy maintenance.
Dip the mop head into a cleaning solution of your choice. Glide the mop across the walls, tiles, and glass doors from the top, removing soap scum, grime, and water stains in one sweep. The mop’s absorbent fibers effortlessly pick up excess water, leaving shower surfaces dry and spotless.
30. Unclog your drain
Unclogging your drain is a breeze with this easy and effective trick that requires only two everyday household items. Say goodbye to costly drain cleaners and embrace the power of baking soda and vinegar. Pour boiling water down the clogged drain to loosen any debris.
Spread baking soda into the drain and pour a cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction between the two materials will create a foaming action that supports breaking down stubborn clogs. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes.
31. Clear the cast iron with baking soda
There is an effortless way to clean cast iron skillets. Scrub off the rust and restore these inherited treasures with baking soda and a copper scouring pad. Add water and rinse to remove the grime. Once clean, pat the skillet dry with a cloth.
Now it’s time to season the skillet to prevent rusting. Choose your preferred oil, make a thin layer on the skillet, and cover the entire surface, including the handles. Place the skillet in a preheated oven and bake at a low temperature for an hour. This process creates a natural non-stick surface.
32. Cleaning with Steam Mop Pads
You can use inexpensive microfiber cleaning towels from any store. Remove the tags from the towels and center the mop on the towel. Fold the ends up to both edges of the mop and tuck each corner into the provided slots, ensuring the towel is tight on the base.
Before mopping, wet the towel and wring it out well. Once your steam mop is filled with distilled water and warmed up, spray a generous amount of your homemade solution on the floor and start mopping. Change the towel when it becomes dirty, and wash it in the washing machine for future use.
33. The lemon fix to make your faucets clean
Anyone can turn a dirty faucet into a shiny one with just three ingredients. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on the tap and sink to remove hard water stains. Apply baking soda and borax for a deeper clean.
After letting it sit for a while, the faucet and sink are wiped clean, revealing a sparkling finish. You can apply a paste of peroxide to further remove stubborn stains. This non-toxic DIY cleaner is a great solution to keep your faucets and sinks clean.
34. Microfiber couch without any stains
Getting around cleaning a microfiber couch can get tricky sometimes, but there is a trick that can get it done without using hard chemicals. Traditionally rubbing alcohol was considered the best option, but now it involves using Norvwex enviro cloth, which removes stains and marks from the furniture.
So the process goes like this: dampen the Envirocloth with water and gently rub it back and forth over the desired area. This lifts dirt and grime without harsh chemicals. The impressive results leave the couch looking clean and refreshed.
35. The homemade wipes everyone needs now!
Start by gathering the supplies. Cut a small hole in the lid to access the wipes. With a bread knife, cut a roll of paper towels in half and place one in the container. Mix water, lemon juice, dish soap, lavender essential oil, and vinegar in a bowl to create the cleaning solution.
Pour the mixture over the paper towels, ensuring they are well-saturated. Remove the cardboard tube from the roll, and now your cleaning wipes are ready to use. You can easily access them by pulling a paper towel through the center of the roll.
36. Make the spiders go away with this cleaner
Did you know there is a safer, more economical solution to disinfect, deodorize, and repel spiders? Create a homemade cleaner by mixing a cup of water, half a cup of vodka, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and 12 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
Shake well before using the mixture on doorknobs, furniture, toilets, countertops, and spider-prone corners. This cleaner kills germs, eliminates odors, and encourages spiders to leave. Instead of store-bought pesticides, opt for this natural, multipurpose solution for a clean, spider-free home.
37. How to magically clean your oven
Cleaning a dirty oven may seem daunting, but you can get impressive results in a few steps. Prepare the range by placing a cup of cloudy ammonia inside and leaving it overnight, then remove the oven racks and soak them in hot soapy water with dishwasher powder.
The next day, wipe the oven surfaces with a cloth to remove softened grease and use a scraper and a non-scratch pad for stubborn stains. Finally, wipe the clean water and sprinkle baking soda and the water vinegar scrub with a soft cloth. Clean the oven racks and reassemble everything.
38. The shower head cleaning hack
This technique can help you restore shower heads’ performance. Uneven spray or reduced water flow means it’s time to try the plastic bag method. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of baking soda to create a powerful cleaning agent.
Carefully secure the bag filled with the mixture over the showerhead using rubber bands, ensuring all the nozzles are dipped. Leave it overnight to let the solution dissolve mineral deposits and unclog the nozzles. The next day, remove the bag and use a toothpick to clean any remaining residue.
39. This lemonade will clean your windows
Homeowners have used this simple and effective way to clean windows using just three ingredients: water, vinegar, and lemon juice. You can create your homemade glass cleaner by mixing water and vinegar and adding a generous squirt of lemon juice for a pleasant fragrance.
The mixture goes into a spray bottle, making it easy to apply and control the amount used. Spray the cleaner onto the window, wipe it clean, and enjoy streak-free, sparkling glass. This DIY glass cleaner is popular for homeowners looking for natural cleaning solutions.
40. Toilet bombs to clean your washroom now!
You can now try making Love Fizzy Bombs for toilets to clean them. All you need to do is collect the ingredients. These bombs make bathroom cleaning more manageable. Gather baking soda, borax (optional), citric acid, essential oils, and water to create these bombs.
Mix the dry ingredients, add water and essential oils, and stir until the mixture is slightly dry. Pour the mixture into a silicone mold and let it dry. Once ready, drop a bomb into the toilet bowl, wait for it to dissolve, and scrub.
41. Make your yellowed pillows white (no bleach)
Over time, pillows can develop yellow stains due to body temperature, and many wonder how to restore them. Start by soaking the pillow in a washing machine filled with hot water, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and laundry detergent. Allow it to soak for half an hour before the rinse cycle.
To dry the pillow, add essential oils to socks and place tennis balls inside, then toss them in the dryer. This way, the tennis balls will help fluff up the pillow while the essential oils leave a pleasant fragrance. This method will renew your pillows and give them a pleasant smell.
42. Play-Doh that removes the glitter
Cleaning glitter can be daunting, but intelligent homeowners have discovered a brilliant hack using play dough. You can effortlessly remove every speck of glitter from any surface. Roll and press the play dough over the glitter spill, and watch as it magically lifts it away.
This method is incredibly effective, even for large glitter pieces. Just a few gentle dabs and the play dough will capture them too. Not only does this leave your surfaces sparkling clean, but you also get the bonus of sparkly play dough for your kids to enjoy.
43. Making a cleaning gel with just 3 ingredients
Combining white distilled vinegar, cornstarch, and optional lemon essential oil can create a gel cleaner that stays on surfaces, allowing soap scum and grime to dissolve effectively. Heat and whisk the vinegar and cornstarch in a saucepan until a thick paste is formed.
Let it cool, and add essential oils before storing it in an airtight container. This vinegar gel is ideal for vertical surfaces like shower walls and faucets, providing a longer-lasting cleaning solution than traditional liquid cleaners. While the gel may leave a slight residue, it is easily rinsed off in the shower or tub.
44. Renovating your bathroom grout with colors
Want to give your bathroom a quick refresh without a major renovation? Consider recoloring your grout. With time, grout can become discolored. Solve this problem with a grout colorant. Clean the grout with baking soda and water, followed by a mild soap and water solution.
Once the grout is clean and dry, apply the grout colorant using a small craft brush to cover the grout evenly. Wipe off any excess. Your grout will look fresh and white again. You’ll get long-lasting results without frequent touch-ups.
45. Salt to clean your copper-bottomed pots
You can try these cleaning methods to restore the shine to your copper-bottomed pots. One option is to sprinkle regular table salt onto the tarnished area and pour white vinegar. Scrub the mixture using a scouring pad, cleaning the pot’s bottom and sides.
Repeat until the pot is clean and shiny. An alternative is Bar Keepers Friend. Wet the bottom of the pan, sprinkle the cleaner onto it, let it sit for a minute, and then scrub with a scour pad. You can even use ketchup to clean the copper bottom.
46. Taking the germs off your phone
To thoroughly disinfect your phone, remove the phone case and place it in a bowl of water with a quarter and two tablespoons of bleach. Let it sit for 12 minutes, rinse it with water and let it dry. Avoid using bleach directly on the phone.
Use a soft cloth to wipe off dirt from the phone’s surface. Then, clean the phone with a disinfectant wipe like Lysol or Clorox, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. Gently scrub the buttons with a Q-tip by dipping them in the cleaning solution. Make sure you dry the phone completely before turning it on.
47. Bleach trick to get your grout shining
You only need a bleach pen and a sponge to tackle your grout problem. The bleach pen’s fine tip and thick bleach consistency make it perfect for targeting grout lines effectively. Apply the bleach pen directly onto the stained areas to clean the grout.
Leave the bleach for a few minutes to penetrate the grout. Then remove the stains using a sponge. Rinse the area with water to remove any residual bleach. This method may require time and elbow grease, but the results are worth it.
48. Cleaning dishwasher without effort with vinegar
When your dishwasher starts giving unpleasant odors, it’s a sign that it’s time for a cleaning session, but one that doesn’t require expensive dishwasher detergents. Gather white vinegar, a dishwasher-safe cup, and baking soda. Place the cup on the top rack.
Fill the cup almost to the top with vinegar. Next, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Start the dishwasher in the hottest setting, and it will be clean and pleasant-smelling in no time. The vinegar gets slowly released as it is flooded out of the dishwasher, making it more effective.
49. Save time cleaning your granite with this
Follow these simple steps to remove hard water stains: turn off and drain the water lines, remove the fixtures from the granite, use a wet pumice stone to scrub away mineral deposits, wipe up the dust, and reattach all the hardware for sparkling results.
Consistently drying wet areas is the best prevention method, but we understand the challenges of keeping faucets spotless every time. With the pumice stone technique, you can remove water stains without resorting to harsh chemicals. Just remember to exercise caution before proceeding.
50. How to get dust-free window sills
To tackle the tough dirt in window tracks, you need a few household items: an old toothbrush, white vinegar, an old rag, a butter knife, baking soda, and paper towels. Pour baking soda into the window track and dirty corners. Pour white vinegar over the baking soda, creating a bubbling effect.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub away the loosened dirt with a toothbrush. Use a paper towel to wipe it off, and wrap a butter knife with a rag to dig out the left dirt. Your clean windowsill will thank you.