At Urban Clean, we know professional cleaners have a knack for making tough jobs look easy. They know the shortcuts, the clever tricks, and the little details that transform a messy space into a sparkling one. The good news? You don’t need a commercial contract to benefit from their wisdom. With a few simple hacks, you can bring pro‑level cleaning into your own home.
Here are eleven fabulous cleaning hacks that professionals swear by — explained in detail, with Urban Clean tips so you can use them today.
1. The Magic of Microfibre
Forget paper towels or old rags. Microfibre cloths are the secret weapon of professional cleaners. Their ultra‑fine fibres trap dust, dirt, and bacteria far more effectively than cotton.
How to use: Keep a set of microfibre cloths for different tasks — one for glass, one for counters, one for dusting. Use them dry for dusting or slightly damp for wiping surfaces.
Why it works: Microfibre doesn’t just push dirt around; it grabs and holds it. That means fewer streaks and less effort.
Pro tip: Wash them separately from regular laundry (no fabric softener) to keep their fibres effective.
Urban Clean Tip: Our franchisees rely on microfibre every day in offices because it’s efficient and eco‑friendly. At home, treat them like your “toolkit” — one cloth per job keeps things simple and professional.
2. Rubber Gloves for Pet Hair
Pet hair clings to couches, chairs, and rugs like it’s glued on. Professionals often skip fancy gadgets and use rubber gloves instead.
How to use: Put on a pair of damp rubber gloves and run your hands over the fabric. The static charge pulls hair into clumps you can easily pick up.
Why it works: Rubber creates friction that lifts hair better than most vacuums.
Pro tip: Keep a dedicated pair of gloves just for this task — it’s quick, cheap, and surprisingly satisfying.
Urban Clean Tip: We use this hack in workplaces with fabric chairs. At home, it’s a lifesaver for pet owners — fast, effective, and no special tools required.
3. Steam Away Microwave Mess
Microwaves are notorious for splatters and smells. Instead of scrubbing, pros use steam cleaning with lemon water.
How to use: Fill a microwave‑safe bowl with water and lemon slices. Heat for 3–5 minutes until it steams. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe down the inside.
Why it works: Steam loosens dried food, while lemon neutralises odours and leaves a fresh scent.
Pro tip: Add a spoonful of vinegar for extra deodorising power.
Urban Clean Tip: In commercial kitchens, steam is our secret weapon. At home, this trick saves you from harsh chemicals and makes your microwave smell fresh.
4. Baking Soda for Carpets
Professional cleaners often freshen carpets between deep cleans with baking soda.
How to use: Sprinkle baking soda lightly over carpets, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum.
Why it works: Baking soda absorbs odours and helps lift dirt from fibres.
Pro tip: Mix a few drops of essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling for a subtle fragrance boost.
Urban Clean Tip: We use baking soda in offices to neutralise odours quickly. At home, it’s perfect for freshening up before guests arrive.
5. Vinegar for Glass & Mirrors
Forget expensive sprays. A simple vinegar solution gives streak‑free shine.
How to use: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray onto glass or mirrors, then wipe with newspaper or a microfiber cloth.
Why it works: Vinegar cuts through grease and residue, leaving surfaces crystal clear.
Pro tip: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces — it can etch them. Stick to glass, tiles, and mirrors.
Urban Clean Tip: We use this solution for boardroom glass walls. At home, it’s unbeatable for bathroom mirrors and windows.
6. Sock Dusting Hack
Dusting blinds and baseboards can be fiddly. Professionals often repurpose old socks as dusting mitts.
How to use: Slip a clean sock over your hand, dampen it slightly, and run it along blinds, skirting boards, or shelves.
Why it works: The fabric grabs dust better than a feather duster, and you can get into tight corners easily.
Pro tip: Use mismatched socks that would otherwise go to waste — it’s eco‑friendly and effective.
Urban Clean Tip: Our teams use microfibre mitts in offices, but socks work just as well at home. It’s a clever way to recycle and clean at the same time.
7. Squeegee for Shower Walls
Bathrooms are one of the hardest areas to keep spotless. Pros rely on a squeegee to prevent soap scum and water spots.
How to use: Keep a squeegee in the shower. After each use, run it quickly over the glass and tiles.
Why it works: Removing water before it dries prevents mineral deposits and streaks.
Pro tip: Make it a family habit — two minutes of squeegeeing saves hours of scrubbing later.
Urban Clean Tip: We use squeegees daily in commercial bathrooms. At home, it’s the simplest way to keep showers sparkling with minimal effort.
8. Toothbrush for Detail Work
Professional cleaners know that the difference between “clean” and “spotless” is in the details. That’s where an old toothbrush comes in.
How to use: Use a toothbrush to scrub grout lines, taps, sink edges, and other tight spaces.
Why it works: The small bristles reach areas larger brushes miss.
Pro tip: Label old toothbrushes for cleaning so they never get mixed up with bathroom use.
Urban Clean Tip: Our teams use detail brushes for precision cleaning in offices. At home, a toothbrush is the perfect substitute — small but mighty.
10. Vinegar & Microfibre for Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances look sleek, but they show fingerprints, smudges, and streaks quickly. Professionals rely on a simple, natural method to restore that polished, streak‑free shine.
How to use: Lightly spray white vinegar onto the surface, then wipe with a clean microfibre cloth, following the grain of the steel. For extra shine, finish with a tiny amount of olive oil or a stainless‑steel polish, buffing gently.
Why it works: Vinegar cuts through grease and residue without damaging the finish, while microfibre lifts dirt without scratching. The final buff restores the natural sheen.
Pro tip: Always wipe with the grain, not against it, to avoid streaks and maintain a flawless finish.
Urban Clean Tip: In commercial kitchens and office break rooms, this method keeps stainless steel appliances looking professional and fingerprint‑free. At home, it’s an easy, chemical‑free way to maintain that showroom shine.
11. Vinegar & Bicarb for a Spotless Shower Screen
Shower screens collect soap scum, hard‑water marks, and streaks that regular cleaners struggle to remove. Professionals use a simple, natural combo to cut through buildup and restore crystal‑clear glass.
How to use: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray generously over the screen, then sprinkle bicarb soda onto a damp sponge and scrub in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and squeegee dry.
Why it works: Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and soap residue, while bicarb acts as a gentle abrasive that lifts grime without scratching the glass.
Pro tip: Keep a squeegee in the shower and do a quick wipe‑down after each use to prevent future buildup.
Urban Clean Tip: In commercial bathrooms, this method keeps glass partitions looking spotless between deep cleans. At home, it’s an easy, low‑cost way to maintain a streak‑free, hotel‑style shine.
Last Thoughts
Professional cleaning isn’t about expensive products — it’s about smart techniques. With these nine hacks, you can bring pro‑level results into your home using simple tools you already have. From microfiber cloths to lemon and salt, these tricks save time, money, and effort while keeping your space fresh and healthy.
Urban Clean Tip: Whether it’s your workplace or your home, the principle is the same — clean smarter, not harder. Our franchisees care because they’re building their own businesses, and they bring that same pride and attention to detail into every clean.
So next time you tackle the mess, remember: the pros don’t just clean harder — they clean smarter. And with these hacks, you can too.
If You’re Tired of Chasing Cleaners — We’re Here
If you’re a business owner who’s had enough of the stress, the follow-ups, and the uncertainty, we’re here to help. Urban Clean delivers reliable, consistent, high-quality cleaning — without the frustration. Let us take it off your plate so you can get back to running your business. Let us handle the cleaning and take it off your to-do list — just click here!
And if you’re someone who’s ready to take ownership of your future, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re looking for a flexible income or ready to build a business that scales, our cleaning franchise model gives you the tools, training, and support to succeed. Click here to connect with us.
