5 Life Hacks for Your Home: Cleaning, Pest Control & More

Home.by.hand
by Home.by.hand

Keeping your home clean and well-maintained doesn't always require expensive products or professional services. In fact, you can tackle common household issues with a few simple and clever hacks using items you likely already have at home.


In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll explore five easy home hacks that will make your life easier. From easy cleanup tips to creative solutions for pesky problems, these hacks are both budget-friendly and effective. Let's dive into the world of practical home solutions!

Tools and materials

  • Cooking spray
  • Cheese grater
  • High grit sandpaper
  • Packing tape
Using cooking spray with a grater

1. Cheese Grater Cleanup Hack

Start by grabbing your cheese grater and a can of cooking spray. Hold the cheese grater over a sink or a plate to catch any excess spray. Give the grater a light coating of cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered.


Grate your cheese as usual, and marvel at how easily it glides through. After use, simply rinse the grater under warm water, and watch the cheese residue slide off effortlessly.

Cleaning sneakers

2. Sneaker Revival Trick

Identify the dirty areas on your sneakers, especially if they are made of suede. Take a piece of high grit sandpaper and gently buff the dirt off the suede in a circular motion. Be careful not to press too hard, as suede is delicate.


Continue buffing until the dirt is lifted and your sneakers look refreshed. Brush away any remaining dust, and enjoy your like-new sneakers.

Squeaky Hinge Silencer

3. Squeaky Hinge Silencer

Locate the squeaky hinge on your door or cabinet. Spray a small amount of cooking spray directly onto the hinge. Open and close the door or cabinet several times to ensure the lubrication spreads.


Wipe away any excess spray, leaving the hinge smooth and silent. Enjoy the newfound peace without the irritating squeak.

Dusting the lampshade
Lampshade Dusting Hack

4. Lampshade Dusting Hack

Wrap a length of packing tape around your hand, sticky side out. Gently press the tape onto the dusty areas of your lampshade. Roll your hand over the shade, allowing the tape to lift away the dust. Replace the tape as needed to maintain its effectiveness. Admire your crystal-clear lampshade without the hassle of dust.

Slug-Free Potted Plants

5. Slug-Free Potted Plants

Cut pieces of sandpaper to fit the base of your flower pots. Place the sandpaper under each pot, ensuring full coverage. Slugs dislike the rough texture of the sandpaper and will avoid crawling onto it.


Check and replace the sandpaper periodically to maintain its deterrent effect. Enjoy your slug-free potted plants and a thriving garden.


Life hacks for your home

From quick cleanup solutions to innovative ways to address common annoyances, these hacks showcase the power of everyday items.


Give them a try, and discover how a little creativity can go a long way in making your living space more enjoyable. Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Happy hacking!


Follow @home.by.hand on Instagram for more DIY ideas.

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Kbr136732969 Kbr136732969 on Jul 31, 2025

    Does the sandpaper also work on ridding snails?

  • Nancy Molignoni Nancy Molignoni on Jul 31, 2025

    I tried the WD40 on 2 doors that are held closed together by magnets, one door is always closed the other won't close. The 2nd time I used the WD40 it made a mess. The door does not hit anything but will not close, I use several pieces of cardboard to put between 2 doors to hold them shut. Any suggestions? Thanks!

  • Mar164097445 Mar164097445 on Aug 04, 2025

    What is best hack to strip wallpaper?

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 21 comments
  • Cha106136551 Cha106136551 on Jul 31, 2025

    No question, but my invention Kleen Sheets, a huge super stickie sticker works like a dream to clean lamp shades, or any textile surface. Clean a couch in 5 mins! Have a pet hair problem? Love to wear black? Kleen Sheets is you friend!

  • Sum135422650 Sum135422650 on Aug 01, 2025

    Seems like a lint roller might work on lamp shades too.

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