Some of the best cleaning hacks are the cheapest and the most unusual. From using white vinegar to banish limescale to using baking soda (known as bicarbonate of soda) to clean ovens, some of the most-effective cleaning solutions can be found in your cupboards.
While it may seem counterintuitive to use food items to clean your home, items like citrus fruit rinds, lemon juice, ketchup, mayonnaise and even white wine can be used to clean.
One highly unusual hack a cleaning expert has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk is how to clean leather and patent shoes using a banana peel.
Brenda Kosciuk, the CEO of Paper Heart Familiy has shared the “unusual” yet “highly effective” cleaning method which she claims “loosens dirt and grime” from shoes by using the banana’s “natural oils and sugars”.
Brenda, who is an expert in cleaning, decluttering and home organisation, said this is her “favourite all-time cleaning hack”.
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The cleaning expert has shared her method for cleaning leather and patent shoes using a banana peel. She explained: “My favourite all-time cleaning hack involves a banana!
“Cleaning your shoes with a banana may seem like a strange hack, but it’s actually quite effective.
“To use this hack, start by peeling a ripe banana and eating it.
“Next, take the inside of the banana peel and rub it all over your shoes.
“The natural oils and sugars in the banana peel will help to loosen dirt and grime from your shoes while also leaving them shiny and smelling great.
“Once you’ve rubbed the banana peel all over your shoes, use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.
“If your shoes are particularly dirty, you can also use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn stains.
“It’s important to note that this hack works best on leather or patent leather shoes, as the oils in the banana peel may stain or discolour other materials.
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“Additionally, be sure to test the hack on a small, inconspicuous area of your shoes before using it on the entire surface.
“So next time you need to give your shoes a quick clean, consider reaching for a banana instead of your usual cleaning products.”
Brenda described the household hack as “unusual” but “highly effective”.
However, she warned cleaning enthusiasts to always test out household cleaning hacks on a small area first to avoid damage.
Brenda added: “While these cleaning hacks may seem unusual, they can be highly effective in cleaning various household items.
“However, not all household items can be cleaned using these methods.
“It is always good to test a small area first to ensure that the cleaning hack does not damage the item.
“Remember to follow proper safety precautions when using any cleaning product, including these household items.”
