Home hacks with Co-op Insurance

Keeping a clean and tidy home is no small feat. With different types of surfaces attracting different types of messes, it’s often difficult to know where to begin. However, cleaning doesn’t have to be a losing battle.

From stubborn stains to clever storage ideas, our marketing team have revealed their ultimate DIY cleaning hacks for keeping their homes spick and span.

Helen, CRM Advisor

“Stick self-adhesive hooks on the inside of your cupboard doors and hang your pan lids.”

Pans are notoriously hard to organise, taking up valuable cupboard space. However, self-adhesive hooks could be the key to keeping your kitchen cupboards in check.

Simply stick the hooks on the inside of your cupboard doors and hang the pan lids on the hooks. This keeps your pan lids organised and out of sight for very little cost.

Self-adhesive hooks are also a great option for renters who want to add some personality to their living space without damaging the walls.

Holly, Content Advisor

“Has your jewellery lost its sparkle? Washing up liquid and a toothbrush will do the trick.”

Why fork out to get your jewellery professionally cleaned when you can do it from the comfort of your own home, with just one ingredient!

Simply fill a bowl with some warm water and add a few drops of washing up liquid (yes, you heard right!). Stir to get the water nice and bubbly. Add your jewellery to the mixture and leave to soak for around half an hour.

Then, grab an old toothbrush and lightly scrub your jewellery clean, making sure to get in all the nooks and crannies. Rinse with some clean, cold water and there you have it. Your old, tired jewellery will be looking as good as new.

Samantha, CRM Advisor

“A dishwasher cleans more than just dishes”

Are you only using your dishwasher for dirty dishes? If so, you’re missing a trick. Dishwashers can be a quick and easy way to clean tons of household items. From shower heads to plastic toys to light fixtures, your dishwasher is a great timesaving tool for cleaning the items that are often forgotten.

Our favourite trick is using the dishwasher to clean the fridge. Simply remove the shelves and fixtures from the fridge and pop them in the dishwasher on a quick cycle. You'll have a gleaming fridge in a fraction of the time.

Phil, Campaign Consultant

“Label your plugs, especially if you have lots of tech!”

There are few things as frustrating as trying to unplug your phone charger, only for the room to descend into darkness. Whether you’ve accidentally unplugged a lamp, the TV or the Wi-Fi, there’s a quick fix so you’re never left in the dark.

Place self-adhesive labels on each of your plugs, especially in areas where you have multiple plugs and extension leads. This will mean you can unplug the right item every time.

Lou, Campaign Manager

“Hoovering isn’t enough – go over carpet with a dust pan and brush afterwards.”

While most of us are content with a quick hoover, it turns out that isn’t enough. Once you’ve hoovered, brush over the carpet with a dustpan and brush and you’ll be shocked at the extra dust in your carpet. This works especially well in corners that are often overlooked!

Emma, Content Advisor

“An old (clean) toothbrush is perfect for cleaning your keyboard.”

With working from home now here to stay for most, IT equipment probably doesn’t receive the same level of TLC as it usually would in the office.

An old toothbrush is the perfect tool to clean your keyboard and you’ll be surprised how much dirt lurks underneath! Make sure you’ve disinfected the toothbrush before you use it as you don’t want to be spreading more germs.

Cath, Campaign Manager

“When changing your duvet cover, turn it inside out and shake it down”

Changing duvet covers is arguably the most arduous but rewarding household task. While there’s nothing worse than having to fight with the sheets, there’s nothing better than climbing into a freshly-made bed.

To make the process as painless as possible, you should try the ‘inside-out’ method. Turn your duvet cover inside out and shake it over the duvet. Your bed will be made in no time.

Helen, Marketing Manager

“If in doubt, bicarbonate of soda, especially when cleaning the bathroom!”

Chances are you’ll have some bicarbonate of soda lurking in the back of your cupboard. However, there’s more to bicarb than just baking. It happens to be one of the best products for cleaning.

If you want your bathroom to be gleaming, mix bicarb of soda with washing up liquid and a splash on vinegar. Use a sponge to dollop the product on everything from your shower head to your toilet bowl.

You can also use bicarbonate of soda in the kitchen, on your clothes, your jewellery and even on your teeth. Who needs expensive cleaning products when you can achieve the same results with this baking staple.

Molly, Campaign Support

“House covered in pet hair? Use rubber gloves”

A pet can bring so much joy to the home, but they also bring lots of hair. You’ve dusted, you’ve brushed and you’ve hoovered, yet there is still pet hair everywhere.

The trick is to use a rubber glove. After you’ve done your usual cleaning routine, press down on the hair while wearing the gloves and it should stick.

If you want to be one step ahead of the game, brush your pet while they’re outside so they shed less inside the house.

Phil, Campaign Manager

“Use cola to degrease pots and pans”

Everyone loves cola, right? But did you know you can also use the soft drink to remove grease from your pots and pans. Simply add a can of your cola of choice to the pan in question, place on a low heat for 30 minutes then scrub away the grime.

This works especially well for removing food that’s stuck during cooking. You can also use cola to clean your toilet and strip rust from metals.

Victoria, Content Advisor

“A slice of bread is my saviour when it comes to broken glass”

Broken glass can be a nightmare, especially when you have young children and pets running about. While the larger pieces can be picked up and discarded, the smaller shards are often hard to spot and can cause accidents later down the line.

All you need to do is gentle press a slice of bread onto the affected area and the tiny fragments should stick to the soft dough.

Carl, Head of Marketing

“Clean your microwave in a jiffy with lemon oil.”

Take a look in your microwave and you are likely to see at least one splat or spillage. However, cleaning the microwave doesn’t have to be a chore.

Mix lemon oil and water together in a spray bottle and spritz your entire microwave. Take a wet sponge and place it in the centre of your microwave before popping it on full heat for 2 minutes.

Wait for the sponge to cool, then give your microwave a wipe. And there you have it, a lovely clean microwave without any fuss.

Katie, Campaign Manager

“Forgot about the washing in your machine? Use vinegar.”

Ever left wet washing in the machine and forgot all about it? We’ve all been there, right? And no matter how many times you try to wash the items afterwards, that mildew smell just won’t budge.

Vinegar is the key to banishing that musty smell for good. Simply rewash the load and add a couple of tablespoons on vinegar, which helps to combat the smell. And no, your clothes won’t come out smelling like the local chip shop!