45 Cleaning Tips for Millennials and Gen Z

Use these essential cleaning tips to master adulting and impress your parents with how spotless your place is the next time they drop by.

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By: Maria Conti and Megan Sadler

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Get Ready to Clean Up Your Act

Millennials and Gen Z may be a step ahead of Gen X and Boomers in terms of technological understanding, but their cleaning routines don't even begin to compare to the older gens. With years comes wisdom and unmatched cleaning hacks cultivated from messy lives well lived. The good news? Cleaning tricks can be mastered at any age. We're sharing 45 crème-de-la-crème cleaning tips for laundry, furniture, appliances, outdoor accents and more to catch Millennials and Gen Z up to speed. Keep clicking to get the scoop on how to clean your house so well it leaves your mother-in-law speechless.

From: Grace Blu Interior Design

Keep the Coffee Coming

Even though it may feel like you can't get to the coffee soon enough in the morning, beware: The water tank of single-serve coffee makers could become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Try running vinegar through your machine periodically to remove any buildup that could be lurking inside.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Keurig-Style Coffee Maker

From: Tiffany Brooks

Clean Your Screens

Rumor has it that our cell phones play host to so many germs that they’re officially dirtier than a toilet seat. Scary, we know, but not to fret! We’re in this together. Keep E. coli and staph infections at bay with our go-to phone cleaning products linked below, or try our failproof cleaning mixture of 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water applied with a microfiber cloth.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Cellphone

Spot-Treat Your Wallpaper

Vibrant colors and punchy patterns can hide a multitude of sins, but you should still give your wallpaper some TLC throughout the year. Remove evidence of sticky fingers and smudges from your beloved wallpaper by going over the area with a handheld broom wrapped in a microfiber cloth or a lambswool duster. From there, use an artist’s gum eraser or dry sponge in long strokes to spot clean remaining marks. Clean your durable, washable wallpapers with a natural sponge (wrung out as much as possible) and soapy water.

Get the How-To: Everything You Need to Know About Cleaning Walls and Wallpaper

Dust Your Blinds

It’s time to make dusting your blinds a part of your regular household cleaning routine, friend. Keep the allergen build-up at bay by vacuuming your blinds horizontally with a brush attachment once or twice a month. Another option worth considering is the lambswool duster. Use the lightweight tool, working from top to bottom, to clean horizontally across your blind slats. And, if you’re feeling crafty, try our favorite dusting hack of all time: wrapping two washcloths around kitchen tongs to clean both sides of your blinds in one fell swoop.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Blinds

Sweep + Scrub Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

Bid adieu to long, cold nights by the fire and gear up for the sunny days ahead with a deep, end-of-season fireplace cleaning. In addition to the annual fireplace cleaning and inspection by a certified chimney sweep (as recommended by The Chimney Safety Institute of America), we have a few cleaning tricks up our sleeves to maintain your fixture in-between. Find our step-by-step guide and must-have materials list to clean your fireplace box, doors, tools and chimney in the link below.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Fireplace

Lather Up Your Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is sought after in the design world because it’s durable and becomes increasingly more beautiful with each passing year. Ensure your leather furniture ages gracefully with regular surface cleaning. Our go-to method? Mix a 50/50 vinegar and water solution in a bowl and use a microfiber cloth to apply it to your furniture. Rub the leather in a circular motion to lift the dirt out of the natural fibers. Return your cloth to the bowl often, wringing it out and rewetting it. As dirt lifts from the leather, it will transfer to the bowl, so be sure to replace your cleaning solution if it becomes too dirty.

Get the How-To: How to Clean, Condition and Protect Leather

Then, Follow With a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Once your leather furniture is squeaky-clean, it’s time to apply a protective conditioning treatment. Don’t skip this step, friend! Take cues from your dermatologist for this one; moisturizing your leather furniture will soften its surface and aid in longevity. Create our tried-and-true homemade leather conditioner by combining a tablespoon of natural baby soap, a splash of vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the conditioning mixture into the leather, making sure not to soak the area. Moisten the leather and leave the conditioner on the furniture. Learn more, below.

Get the How-To: How to Clean, Condition and Protect Leather

Shampoo Your Shower Curtain

Friends don’t let friends bathe behind a stained, mildew-ridden shower curtain. Revive your grimy shower curtain with our homemade cleaning solution: 1 cup of Borax, 1 cup white vinegar and 4 cups of distilled water. Mix ingredients well in a plastic bucket, then pour the mixture directly on the curtain. Once applied, throw on rubber gloves and use a sponge to scrub off the stains. When your curtain is sparkling clean, use your shower head to rinse off the solution and repeat quarterly or as needed.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Shower Curtain (and Keep it Clean)

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

And, Lather Up Your Hair Tools

Hairstylists recommend clarifying shampoos to remove product buildup from your tresses. We recommend using the same shampoo to break down the product buildup on your hairbrushes. Combine a few drops of your go-to shampoo (or gentle dish soap) with warm water to give your hair tools a nice, deep clean every few months.

Get More Ideas: Hair Dryer Hacks

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

De-Scuff Your Hardwood Floors

Don’t let scuffs dull your otherwise sparkling hardwood floors. Remove streaks and marks on your wood flooring using a clean tennis ball attached to a broom handle. Rub the tennis ball across the scuff and watch as the mark disappears before your eyes.

Groom Your Stuffed Animals

Whether they belong to your sticky-fingered toddler or your precocious drooling pup, stuffed animals are a breeding ground for dirt and germs galore. Maintain the plush zoo in your life with regular trips to the groomer (read: your washing machine). Tuck the stuffed animals in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a delicate or hand-wash cycle, using mild detergent and cold water. Let them air dry, and voila! Good as new. Pro tip: Use a vacuum or lint roller to remove dust from stuffed animals between washes.

Shop Our Favorites: 10 Best Stuffed Animal Storage Solutions

From: Stephanie DeBrincat

Deodorize Your Pet Beds

Few feelings compare to that of sliding into freshly laundered sheets at the end of a day. Treat your pup to the same unmatched comfort by deodorizing their bed every few weeks. DIY one of our washable pet bed covers and throw it in the machine a few times a month. Another solution: Sprinkle baking soda on your pet’s bed and leave it for about 20 minutes to work its magic before vacuuming.

From: Marian Parsons

Prep + Protect Outdoor Furniture

Just because your outdoor furniture can withstand the elements doesn’t make it maintenance-free. Prepare your patio gear for spring and summer with our in-depth cleaning guide for every type of outdoor furniture and all-weather textiles, linked below.

Get the How-To: How to Maintain and Repair Your Outdoor Furniture

From: Living Gardens Landscape Design

Disinfect Plastic Toys in the Dishwasher

Why limit your dishwasher to plates and mugs when it can work overtime to disinfect toys? Give your kiddos’ plastic playthings a heavy-duty cleaning every few months. Pro tip: The only safe way to clean small toys in your dishwasher (without breaking the machine) is by securing the toy pieces in a mesh drawstring bag. Place the bag on the top rack of the dishwasher and triple-check it's securely closed before starting the load.

Clean Mirrors + Windows With Coffee Filters

Put down that paper towel roll, step away from the window and put your hands where we can see them! The only tool you need to achieve sparkling glass and mirrors in your home is a stack of coffee filters. Use the filters to buff glass cleaner onto surfaces in a circular motion to enjoy unmatched, streak-free shine every time.

Get the How-To: How to Wash Windows

Shave Your Upholstered Furniture

Treat your fabric furniture the same way you treat your all-time favorite sweater. Use a de-pilling fabric tool to shave rouge threads and excess fuzz from the surface of your upholstered furniture to yield a clean, polished look.

Shop Our Favorites: A Fabric Shaver Will Make Your Pilled Sweaters and Furniture Look Good as New

Deep Clean Your Oven

We’re all guilty of leaving the baked-on splatters on our oven walls longer than we’d like to admit at some point in life, right? Right. If you’re ready to clean up your act (read: oven rack) and start fresh, click the link below. We share a comprehensive materials list and an in-depth guide that outlines how to clean your oven from top to bottom, naturally.

Get the How-To: How to Clean an Oven Naturally

From: Kate Marker Interiors

Freshen Up Your Microwave

Skip the harsh chemicals and follow our tips to keep your microwave lemony-fresh between meals. Start by slicing a lemon in half and squeezing its juice into a microwaveable bowl. Fill the same bowl with 1/2 cup water, then drop the lemon halves in with the mixture. Microwave for three minutes or until the liquid comes to a boil. Remove the mixture from the microwave, then wipe the interior steam with a cloth or paper towel to remove surface stains and lingering odors.

Get the How-To: 5 Ways Clean a Microwave Naturally

From: JLV Creative

Put Your Pillow Inserts in the Wash

You clean your pillow covers regularly, but don’t forget about the pillow inserts. Keep your pillow inserts fluffy and odor-free with seasonal washing. To wash down pillow inserts, use warm water and a tablespoon of liquid or powder detergent on a delicate or gentle cycle. Use the same process for polyester or synthetic down pillows. Dry standard pillow inserts on a delicate, low or moderate heat setting; dry down-filled inserts exclusively with an air-dry (no heat) setting.

Get the How-To: How to Wash Pillows

From: Ashley Ayer

Keep Your Showerhead Squeaky Clean

Millennials, listen up: Your showerhead is incapable of cleaning itself. And, if you don’t clean it, it can’t very well clean you, can it? Keep your showerhead unclogged and up to snuff with our life-altering baking soda and white vinegar technique. Click the article linked below to find a materials list and read our simple, step-by-step guide on how to clean your showerhead at home.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Showerhead

Remove Pet Hair With Lint Rollers

If you’re a proud parent of a shedding dog or cat, chances are you know your way around a lint roller. Put that know-how to use in your home cleaning routine. Minimize pet hair on upholstered furniture and window coverings with oversized lint rollers. Double in thickness than standard lint rollers, these heavy-duty rollers are more efficient, last longer and will remove more pet hair with each swipe.

Get More Ideas: 4 Clever Ways to Clean Up Pet Hair Around Your House

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Sanitize Your Cutting Board

Bring your stained serving board or grungy cutting board back to life with our secret weapon: hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide sanitizes and removes stains from wood and plastic cutting boards alike. To sanitize, pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto your cutting board. Scrub with a clean sponge, and let it sit until it fizzes. Rinse thoroughly.

Get the How-To: How to Clean and Disinfect a Wood Cutting Board

And, Follow These Tips for a Deep Clean

If your cutting board is deeply scored or stained from frequent use, periodically sand, then reseal the surface for a pro-grade deep clean. Follow our tutorial, below, to care for your cutting board or butcher block the same way chefs do, including whipping up a food-safe board conditioner that'll seal and protect the wood from future damage.

get the how-to: How to Restore and Maintain a Wood Cutting Board or Butcher Block

From: H. Camille Smith

Shine Your Silverware

Turn back the hands of time and return your tarnished silverware to its former glory using aluminum foil and baking soda. To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil on your stove. As you wait, place a glass or plastic container in your sink and line the bottom with aluminum foil and top with the silver to be cleaned. Remove boiling water from heat and add 1/2 cup of baking soda. Pour the baking soda mixture over the tarnished silver. Note: It’s crucial that the liquid mixture covers the tarnished silver and that the metal remains in contact with the aluminum foil for the chemical reaction to deliver the best results. From there, soak the tarnished silver for 5 to 10 minutes before removing items with tongs. Try this hack on your keepsake silver pieces at home with our step-by-step guide (complete with helpful photos) in the link below.

Get the How-To: Learn How to Clean Silver With This Easy (and Cheap!) Trick

Wash Outdoor Cushions + Pillows

Prep your patio furniture for warm weather by deep cleaning your outdoor cushions and pillows. All you need to get started is a hose, adjustable hose sprayer, a hard-bristle brush, a bucket, dish detergent and Borax. Click the link, below, to read our go-to techniques for washing away the elements and removing moisture from your all-weather cushions.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Outdoor Cushions

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Scrub Your Outdoor Umbrella

Rid your outdoor umbrella of dirt and mildew using our magic mixture of 2 cups warm water, 2 cups white vinegar and a tablespoon of dish soap. Prep the umbrella by removing it from the frame and laying it flat on a tarp. Sweep away any debris, then spray down with a water hose. Once the fabric is fully saturated, pour the mixture onto the umbrella and use a handheld scrub brush in circular motions to lift stains. To finish, rinse out the mixture and allow the umbrella to dry completely before reattaching to its frame.

Get the How-To: How to Clean an Outdoor Umbrella

From: Jil Sonia McDonald and Jil Sonia McDonald

Put Pests in Their Place

Nothing kills your appetite quite like seeing a bug crawl across the kitchen floor. Ensure pets and kids are out of the room, then protect your kitchen and pantry from creeping pests by spraying a bug barrier product around kitchen entry points. Our suggestions include the cabinets, baseboards, corners, window areas and any doors that lead outdoors. Slide ant traps under your fridge and near plumbing fixtures for good measure. Keep an eye out for any new creepy-crawlies and reapply every few months.

Get the How-To: How to Get Rid of Bugs in the Kitchen

Dispose of Stinky Sink Smells

That stinky sink could be the result of a dirty garbage disposal. But don't worry, cleaning it out isn't as difficult as you may think. You can purchase cleaning pods and liquids to pour down the drain, or you can make your own using products you probably already have in the pantry, like white vinegar. Add a little lemon or orange zest, and turn the disposal on for an extra clean smell.

Get the How-To: DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaners

Leave the Lint Behind

You may never look behind your dryer, but there could be major trouble lurking in the shadows. Lint catchers don't remove everything so some lint may remain in the vent. Forgetting to clean it could lead to a fire hazard so it's important to get behind your dryer every few months to remove all the the lint — especially inside the vent. Also, don't forget to clean the lint screen between every load.

Get the How-To: How and Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Today

Freshen Up the Mattress

You probably remember to regularly wash your sheets, but don't forget to also clean the mattress. Use a vacuum and baking soda to get rid of any lingering odors, and remember to flip or turn your mattress at least once a year. Follow our guide, below, to ensure your mattress is sweet-dream-central.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Mattress

Clean Under Large Appliances

The spaces in and around your refrigerator and oven are magnets for tiny food particles. Carefully move the appliances periodically to give the sides and floor a good scrubbing.

See More Photos: 21 Dirtiest Places in Your Home

Air Out the Windows

Moisture, mold and dirt can accumulate between windows and screens. On dry, warm days, take time to air them out and scrub them down. If you spot any black mold on the inner sill, it may be time to contact a professional to be sure it hasn't spread inside the walls. If you're resolving the issue on your own, follow this guide to make sure you're getting rid of the stuff for good without endangering your health.

Get the How-To: How to Wash Windows

Wash the Washer

Old food particles and grease can build up inside your dishwasher, creating a breeding ground for germs that can also lead to costly clogs down the road. So it's important to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for consistently sparkling-clean dishes. Ensure a spotless and sanitary clean with our tips, below.

Get the How-To: Tips for Cleaning Major Appliances

Give the Fan a Rest

If your ceiling fan stays on most of the time, you may not be aware of all the dust that's accumulating on the blades. Give your fan a break, and use a microfiber cloth or damp towel to get rid of built-up dust.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Major Home Dust Collectors

Dust That Dusty TV

Electronics create static, which attracts dust like a magnet. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from the TV screen. Don't forget to clean the TV's sides and back, too. If your TV is housed in an entertainment center, use a vacuum cleaner wand to tidy up hard-to-reach areas to avoid the need to move heavy furniture.

Get the How-To: Keep Dust Down

Clean the Trash Can

Chances are your kitchen trash can gets filled with old food and other gross stuff — some of which may linger long after you've taken out the trash. Before adding a new trash bag, give the trash can a good wash to eliminate lingering odors and bacteria. Also, give the walls near the trash area a good wipe-down to get rid of germs and any splatters or stains.

learn more: Cleaning Secrets for the Entire Home

Routinely Keep Walls Clean

Avoid an annoying task when you move out of your apartment by regularly cleaning the walls when a potential stain happens. Allowing stains to set in will make it harder to eliminate marks and stains later, so keep those walls clean now and get all of that deposit returned to your wallet later.

Get the How-To: Everything You Need to Know About Cleaning Walls and Wallpaper

From: Emily Fazio

Give Your Baseboards Attention

Don't wait till baseboards are filthy to clean them; instead, clean them regularly to avoid buildup. First, blast dust with a vacuum brush attachment or a stiff broom. Next, wipe them clean with a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar. Allow to dry, then swipe with a dryer sheet, which will prevent static, thereby reducing dust buildup.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Baseboards

Tackle Grimy Grout

Keep your shower sparkling clean by mixing up this easy-to-create paste. Combine two parts washing soda with one part hydrogen peroxide for a safe and effective way to disinfect and whiten grout. Apply it with an old toothbrush, wait a few minutes, then rinse it away. Need more help cleaning your shower or tub? Check out our handy guide, below.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Grout

From: Tiffany Brooks

Change Your Water Filter

It's not enough to have a water filter in your fridge or on your faucet to keep your water clean, you have to remember to change it, too. Swap out the filter, following the manufacturer's recommended replacement dates, using your phone or a wall calendar to remind you when it's time to make the switch.

Shop Our Favorites: The Best Water Filter Pitchers and Dispensers, Tested by HGTV Editors

Take Care of the Toilet Base

Save yourself an extra "Ew!" on your next bathroom deep clean. Routinely wipe down the base of the toilet with a disinfecting cloth.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Stained Toilet

Don't Forget to Clean Your Vacuum

While you probably empty your vacuum's canister on a regular basis, cleaning other areas, like the roller bar, will ensure your vacuum works harder for you. Also, be sure to properly wash or replace any removable filters as recommended and give the vacuum's tools and exterior a once-over with disinfectant wipes to eliminate dust and germs.

Get the How-To: How to Clean Your Vacuum Filters

Wash Your Washing Machine

You want your clothes to be as clean as they can be, so give your washing machine a good clean with a hot cycle and some washing machine cleaner. Make sure to also clean the area where you add fabric softener to remove buildup.

Get the How-To: How to Clean a Washing Machine

Get Germ-Free Gadgets

Clean commonly used items like remotes, keyboards, video game controllers, and yes, your cell phone, with a disinfecting wipe to get rid of the myriad of germs from every hand that has touched them.

See More Photos: What to Clean if You Only Have 10 Minutes

From: Emily Fazio

Don't Forget Door Handles

Stop the spread of germs by remembering to clean one of the most-touched areas in your home: door handles. Both indoors and out, disinfect them regularly to keep germs at bay.

Make Your Own: DIY Natural Citrus Cleaner

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45 Cleaning Tips for Millennials and Gen Z

Related To:

Get Ready to Clean Up Your Act

Keep the Coffee Coming

Clean Your Screens

Spot-Treat Your Wallpaper

Dust Your Blinds

Sweep + Scrub Your Wood-Burning Fireplace

Lather Up Your Leather Furniture

Then, Follow With a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Shampoo Your Shower Curtain

And, Lather Up Your Hair Tools

De-Scuff Your Hardwood Floors

Groom Your Stuffed Animals

Deodorize Your Pet Beds

Prep + Protect Outdoor Furniture

Disinfect Plastic Toys in the Dishwasher

Clean Mirrors + Windows With Coffee Filters

Shave Your Upholstered Furniture

Deep Clean Your Oven

Freshen Up Your Microwave

Put Your Pillow Inserts in the Wash

Keep Your Showerhead Squeaky Clean

Remove Pet Hair With Lint Rollers

Sanitize Your Cutting Board

And, Follow These Tips for a Deep Clean

Shine Your Silverware

Wash Outdoor Cushions + Pillows

Scrub Your Outdoor Umbrella

Put Pests in Their Place

Dispose of Stinky Sink Smells

Leave the Lint Behind

Freshen Up the Mattress

Clean Under Large Appliances

Air Out the Windows

Wash the Washer

Give the Fan a Rest

Dust That Dusty TV

Clean the Trash Can

Routinely Keep Walls Clean

Give Your Baseboards Attention

Tackle Grimy Grout

Change Your Water Filter

Take Care of the Toilet Base

Don't Forget to Clean Your Vacuum

Wash Your Washing Machine

Get Germ-Free Gadgets

Don't Forget Door Handles

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