45 Simple Cleaning Tricks That Make a Big Difference in Every Room

It's best to call in a professional when it's time to clean your gutters, but you can avoid having to make that call too often by having gutter covers installed that allow water to flow into the gutters while keeping leaves and other large debris out.

It may be hard (or downright impossible if you have kids), but implementing a no-eating-in-the-car rule is the best way to keep car seats free of stains. To remove stains from fabric seats, use a liquid carpet cleaner or a portable carpet-cleaning machine. Leather seats should only be cleaned with leather cleaner. Don't forget a leather protector afterward!

RELATED: How to Clean Your Car Seats

The best way to keep your window blinds clean and looking like new is to remove dust from them weekly. Using the dusting brush attachment on your vacuum, remove dust from your blinds, starting at the top slat and moving left to right. Close the blinds in reverse and repeat on the opposite side.

To clean your windows, wait for a cool, cloudy day and spray glass cleaner onto the glass, then wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid streaking. Avoid a common window-cleaning mistake by brushing or vacuuming dust from the window frame before wetting the surface.

Over time, excess food and grime will build up in your dishwasher's interior. Get in the habit of cleaning any remaining bits of food — beans, pasta and so on — after each dishwashing cycle. Pull out the bottom rack to check for leftover food, then wipe it down with a paper towel to prevent future odors. Remove food bits from inside the filter, too.

RELATED: How to Clean a Dishwasher

Did you know you have to clean your toilet before disinfecting it? Apply toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit for up to 5 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristle toilet brush. Wipe down the toilet seat and handle with disinfectant wipes, or use your favorite bathroom cleaner spray. Wipe away any grime, then apply a second layer of disinfectant cleaner and allow it to air-dry.

To banish moldy spots, throw your plastic or vinyl curtain in the washing machine with a little detergent and bleach (if the curtain is white or clear) and add two or three old white towels for extra cleaning agitation. Then either hang the curtain to dry or put it in the dryer on low heat for three to four minutes or on air fluff only. To keep it fresher longer, stretch the curtain out after each shower to help moisture dissipate.

Remove built-up film from hard-water minerals by soaking stemware in white vinegar for five minutes. Then rinse by hand and dry with a microfiber cloth.

RELATED: How to Clean Cloudy Glasses and Prevent Future Build-up

Fill your coffee maker's reservoir with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Let the solution brew until the reservoir is empty. Allow the coffee maker to sit for 30 minutes, then refill the reservoir with just water and brew a pot of clean water to rinse.

Chances are, your cell phone is harboring more germs than your bathroom surfaces. Zap cell phone germs with an alcohol, Lysol or Clorox wipe, and give your TV remote and computer mouse the same treatment while you're at it. Make sure your gadget stays wet for about 5 minutes (to allow the disinfectant to work), then wipe away any excess moisture with a microfiber cloth. Repeat at least twice a week.

Save a pretty container by rinsing it with steaming hot water, then using a paper towel to scoop out the wax residue.

Over-scrubbing cast iron with metal scouring pads can remove the seasoning from your trusty skillet. To restore the finish, use a scrub sponge to remove any rust, clean with a bit of mild dish soap, then rinse and dry well. Coat the inside and outside with vegetable oil, then bake upside down at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let cool and remove excess grease with a paper towel.

RELATED: How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet

Tackle an overflowing storage spot by adding an over-the-door rack for extra towels. Shelf dividers prevent folded washcloths from toppling, and baskets corral surplus toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Unclog your showerhead by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, then pouring the mixture into a plastic bag. Tie the bag around the showerhead to immerse the holes in the solution, and secure it with a twist tie. Let the showerhead soak for up to an hour, then remove the bag and wipe away the loosened deposits. Flush by turning on the hot water to clear the openings.

Caution: To avoid damaging decorative showerhead finishes, dip a brush into a vinegar-and-water mix and scrub the showerhead nozzles instead.

The best way to keep pillows in their original shape is to follow the manufacturer's washing instructions. Most feather pillows can be washed and dried in the machine. Load two pillows at a time for balance, and use only a small amount of detergent. Wash them on a delicate cycle with an extra rinse, then tumble dry on low with several wool dryer balls to poof them back up.

RELATED: How to Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine and by Hand

Protect your hardwood by removing small marks with a sock or a clean tennis ball. To erase bigger scuffs, add a little baking soda to a damp cloth and gently rub. Then rinse with a damp paper towel and dry.

Here's a homemade cleaner recipe that will make nearly every surface in your kitchen — like counters, appliances and inside the refrigerator — gleam. Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle. Apply it to the surface, then wipe away the mess with a sponge. Use a damp cloth to rinse if needed.

After spin class, sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes (and your gym bag while you're at it) to deodorize them. Just tap it out before you wear them again.