I don’t know any mom who approaches the task of cleaning her house with deep love. Give her some tricks to make cleaning easier, and she’ll embrace it with a smile.

Oil stains on shirts
How many times have you put a shirt on only to notice a nice, dark oil stain front and center? Have you ever made your child change shirts before leaving for school because their shirt – fresh out of the laundry – looks filthy? Baby powder is your simple solution for this dilemma. Sprinkle the stain generously with baby powder, let it set overnight, and launder as usual. It has not failed me yet.

Mr. Clean Magic Sponges
I don’t know what it is about these soft, squishy delights. They sure do the trick. These magical sponges will erase dark marks from the wall, permanent marker off a dry erase board, and crayon streaks on the floor. It’s like pulling out your secret weapon every time you use it.

Cleaning the toilet bowl
Do you have boxes of Kool-Aid packets in your pantry? There’s a better use for this flavored drink than serving it to your children. Use it to clean your toilet bowls. Choose a flavor with high acidity (like the orange flavor) and empty the powder into your toilet bowl. Leave it there over night and flush in the morning. It costs less and it’s safer than a bleach product.

Cleaning mirrors and windows
This little trick for cleaning your mirrors and windows will not only save you money, it will also leave your mirrors streak-free. Do you have stacks of coffee filters from those days when you used to have to brew an entire pot of coffee? Even if you don’t, I recommend buying some. They are cheaper than paper towels and are so efficient for cleaning mirror and glass. Spray with your preferred glass cleaner and wipe.

Vinegar and baking soda
Various combinations of baking soda and vinegar can, basically, clean your entire house. Use straight vinegar in a spray bottle to clean your windows and mirrors. Use baking soda in your stainless steel sink to wipe it down, and paper towels soaked in vinegar to line the sink overnight for an extra shine. Mix a concoction of vinegar, baking soda, liquid soap, and water to clean your bathroom counters, shower tiles, and toilet seats.

Cleaning cooking tins
You know all those old and grimy cookie sheets that you hope you don’t have to take out when company is over? A simple paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will help you getting them looking good as new. Into a quarter cup of baking soda, add enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub on the paste and wipe off.

Busy moms appreciate simple secrets to everyday cleaning problems. Erase the marks on your walls; wipe your mirrors without leaving a streak; and wake up to a shiny sink. I hope these cleaning tricks will help make your job easier!