Learn Cleaning Hacks from Japanese Housewives – Say Goodbye to Household Chores in No Time!

Cleaning the house is a daily task, but no matter how often we clean, we must admit that not everyone knows all the quick, efficient, and thorough cleaning tricks. Many of us struggle with stubborn stains like grease on range hoods, calcium deposits on faucets, or hidden grime in the bathroom.

 

 

Don't worry! In this article, we will share some expert cleaning tips borrowed from Japanese housewives for three key areas in the home: the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

Let’s dive in!

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1. Kitchen Cleaning Hacks

One of the biggest challenges in kitchen cleaning is removing grease buildup from the range hood. Over time, both the interior and exterior parts of the hood get coated with thick layers of grease—something you only realize when you disassemble it!

However, for Japanese housewives who have mastered household chores, cleaning greasy appliances is no big deal.

How to Clean the Range Hood & Stovetop

First, prepare a large trash bag and a bucket. Line the bucket with the trash bag.

1. Remove any detachable parts from the range hood and stovetop, then place them inside the bucket.
2. Add oxygen bleach to hot water (40-60°C), seal the bag, and let it sit for an hour.
3. The grime will gradually dissolve into the water. After soaking, simply rinse the parts with clean water!

If the stovetop is not detachable, spray it with sodium sesquicarbonate solution (an alkaline cleaner), let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe it off with a cloth. If the grease is stubborn, soak a cloth in the solution and place it over the grease before wiping.

Sink & Drain Cleaning

• For a shiny sink: Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle some salt on it, and scrub the sink’s surface to restore its shine.
• For a fresh-smelling drain: Pour baking soda and hot water around the drain to eliminate odors.

Refrigerator Cleaning & Organization

After tackling grease, don’t forget to clean and disinfect the fridge.

1. Remove all items and check expiration dates. Discard anything expired or spoiled.
2. Clean and disinfect the interior using a cleaning solution.
3. Once the fridge is clean, organize the food neatly before putting it back.

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2. Bathroom Cleaning Hacks

Bathrooms accumulate stubborn calcium deposits that regular cleaners can’t always remove.

How to Remove Calcium Deposits

You’ll need:

• Paper towels
• Plastic wrap
• Citric acid solution (2 tablespoons of citric acid mixed with 100ml water)

1. Soak paper towels in the citric acid solution and wrap them around the faucet.
2. Cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture and leave overnight.
3. The next day, remove the wrap and wipe the faucet clean—it will shine again!
4. If any stains remain, use a toothbrush for extra scrubbing.

The same method can be applied to the sink. Simply sprinkle citric acid solution over the surface, cover with paper towels and plastic wrap, wait an hour, and then scrub with a sponge.

Toilet & Ventilation Cleaning

• For the toilet: Add oxygen bleach and let it sit for 30 minutes to clean and deodorize. Alternatively, mix citric acid with 200ml of hot water (around 50°C) for an effective toilet cleaner.
• For the exhaust fan: Dust buildup slows down ventilation and traps odors. After turning off the power, remove the cover and vacuum dust from the vents.

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3. Living Room Cleaning Hacks

Fine dust is the biggest challenge in the living room. Since this space often welcomes guests and has open windows for ventilation, it tends to collect a lot of dust.

Curtain & Window Cleaning

• If you have curtains, clean them first when tidying up the living room. For high curtain rods, use a long fabric strip to wipe off dust.
• Use a feather duster for both sides of the curtain.
• Wrap a disposable chopstick with a cloth to clean narrow gaps in air conditioners, window frames, and other tight spaces.
• For wall stains, try using an eraser—it’s quick and effective!
• To clean window frames, spray a baking soda solution, then scrub left to right with a brush. This will restore their original shine.

Plan Your Cleaning Efficiently

Though there’s still a month left before the end of the year, it’s best to spread out cleaning tasks over time instead of doing everything in a few exhausting days.

Year-end cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s also about organizing and storing items properly. Cleaning is a physical task, but organizing requires strategic thinking. Before rearranging, establish a clear plan for your home’s layout to avoid cluttering it again after cleaning.

By following these Japanese-inspired cleaning hacks, you’ll have a spotless home with minimal effort!