When your usual cleaning sprays and detergents aren’t cutting it, take a look in your shower. Shampoo, yes, the same shampoo you use on your hair, can be a versatile, effective cleaner around the house. With its unique formula designed to dissolve body oils and dislodge dirt and grit, whilst also being skin-safe and gentle, shampoo can be a secret weapon against stubborn grime in places you’d never expect.
Why Shampoo? Shampoo’s blend of gentle surfactants makes it a powerful yet mild cleaner, capable of breaking down grease and dirt without harsh chemicals. Chemist Alexis Rochester recommends baby shampoo for household tasks due to its gentle formulation and fragrance-free properties, so it won’t leave residue or strong scents behind. With just a small amount of shampoo, you’ll be ready to tackle a range of household tasks.
Here are eight smart ways to use shampoo for a cleaner home:
- Eliminate Kitchen Grease Stubborn grease spots on countertops and stovetops don’t stand a chance. Just add a drop of shampoo to a damp cloth and wipe down any greasy surfaces, from backsplashes to the microwave door. Shampoo is especially effective at dissolving cooking oils that cling to surfaces.
- Restore Your Sink’s Shine Shampoo’s grease-fighting power isn’t just for the kitchen. Use it to clean bathroom sinks, where makeup residue, toothpaste, and soap build-up can accumulate. A quick scrub with shampoo will leave the sink looking sparkling clean.
- Polish Chrome Fixtures Chrome faucets and fixtures can quickly become streaked with fingerprints and water spots. After using shampoo on the sink, take the suds to chrome surfaces and polish them to a streak-free shine.
- De-Fog Bathroom Mirrors Preventing mirror fog is a bonus that shampoo offers. Rub a small amount onto the mirror before you shower, and then wipe it clean with a towel. This trick helps prevent fogging, leaving your mirror clear for longer.
- Clean Makeup and Hair Brushes Like hair, brushes need regular cleaning to remove built-up oils and residues. Baby shampoo, with its mild formulation, works wonders on hair and makeup brushes. Rinse and wash brushes gently to prevent skin irritation from product buildup.
- Mop Ceramic or Tile Floors In a pinch, shampoo makes a handy substitute for floor cleaner on tile or linoleum. Mix a small amount of shampoo with warm water and mop away. Shampoo’s formula helps break down grease and dirt, leaving a fresh finish.
- Remove Stains on Fabric Got an oily stain on your couch or carpet? Regular shampoo can help lift it out before it sets. Mix shampoo with water, dab it onto the stain, and gently brush. It’s a simple solution to keep fabric surfaces looking their best.
- Buff Leather to a Shine A dab of shampoo can revive dull leather items. Use it sparingly on leather shoes, jackets, or furniture, buffing with a soft cloth for a glossy, refreshed look.
Next time you need a quick cleaning solution, reach for shampoo. Its grease-fighting abilities and versatility make it an unexpected ally in keeping your home spotless.
