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

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
Life hacks for your home
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comments
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Sum135422650 on Aug 01, 2025
Seems like a lint roller might work on lamp shades too.
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Ssi111056224 on Sep 04, 2025
That’s what I use . Lint roller is easier than tape
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Pmc180072595 on Sep 04, 2025
This is what I use and it is fast and easy!
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Sha22349794 on Sep 04, 2025
Love the cheese grater hack and will definitely be trying it the next time we grate a portion of our 5 lb. Block of provel cheese.
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Gilmer Gal on Sep 04, 2025
All good hacks, except for the cooking oil on a squeaky door. I had a squeaky door and my overnight guests thought they would help the squeak. They sprayed it with vegetable oil. It stopped the squeak; however, when it came to sell my home, I could hardly clean the hinges on the door due to it catching all kinds of dirt. It was like the grease around a stove that hasn't been removed in months! The grease becomes sticky and hard to clean. I suggest WD-40. It hardly ever fails!
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Frequently asked questions
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Any hints for removing water stains from a lamp shade?
POV: 5:45 AM and I am spraying hinges with cooking spray… PROBLEM RESOLVED! Thank you for the tip.