Everyday items turn into popular DIY home cleaning hacks

Bay leaves are being promoted online as a natural deodoriser for homes. Users crush dried leaves, place them in fabric sachets and position the packets under carpets, inside wardrobes or behind furniture, where the essential oils help mask mild odors.

Coffee grounds mixed with baking soda are also gaining traction for light household cleaning. The abrasive texture of the grounds combined with the odor‑neutralising properties of bicarbonate makes the paste useful for scrubbing sinks, countertops and for absorbing smells in refrigerators or trash‑can areas. The mixture is sometimes applied to garden soil in small amounts to add nutrients, though experts warn against excess.

Adding a spoonful of table salt to laundry is recommended to preserve colour and reduce dye bleed, especially in dark or bright fabrics. The salt interacts with fibres and pigments, helping maintain vibrancy during the first washes.

Finally, lining the bottom of kitchen cabinets with old newspaper creates a cheap, replaceable barrier that catches spills, grease and dust, protecting wood or MDF surfaces and simplifying cleaning. The paper should be changed regularly to avoid moisture buildup or odors.