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Tanya Mukendi happily describes herself as a “cleaning fanatic” who has transformed her home through a multitude of clever hacks that she shares with her 4 million followers on social media, where she is known as “The Queen of Lifehacks.”
She has now also put many of her ideas into a book, Hack Your Home, which outlines ways to organise your home without spending a fortune, along with tips for increasing storage, simple cleaning tricks and even ways to save on energy bills.
“I used to believe that I couldn’t afford to fix up my home, until I discovered some amazing, inexpensive tips and tricks,” says Mukendi. “With just a few simple tweaks and clever hacks, you can transform the look and feel of your home without spending a fortune – keeping your home clean, organized and inviting doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
“Whether it’s repurposing everyday items or getting creative with DIY solutions, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to improve your living space.”
Here are some of Mukendi's economic tricks…
Cleaning tips
1. Homemade multipurpose cleaner
“One of my favorite ways to create your own all-purpose cleaner is not only cost effective, but it’s also better for the environment,” says Mukendi.
Simply mix 125 ml of water, 125 ml of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent and voila! You have an inexpensive cleaner that works wonders on multiple surfaces.
2. Shaving foam to eliminate urine smellIt may sound strange, but Mukendi says you can say goodbye to unpleasant bathroom smells with the help of a regular shaving foam, which you simply apply to the base of the toilet and the surrounding floor. “Let it work its magic for a few hours and then simply wipe it off for a fresh, clean smelling bathroom.”
This trick works by extracting the urine and neutralizing the ammonia, he explains.
3. Lemon and salt for cutting boards
To naturally clean and disinfect cutting boards, Mukendi suggests cutting a lemon in half, sprinkling coarse salt over the surface, then using the cut side of the lemon to scrub the surface: “The combination of the citric acid in the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt effectively removes stains and odors.”
4. Steam cleaning for microwavesIf your microwave has stubborn food splatters, an easy way to clean it is by using steam, advises Mukendi, who explains to fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar, before placing it in the microwave and heating until the mixture boils and creates steam.
“Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grime, then carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth,” she explains. “The steam makes it much easier to remove stuck-on food.”
5. Clear your space“A simple tidying trick that always works for me is the ‘one in, one out’ rule,” says Mukendi. “Every time I bring a new item home, whether it’s a piece of clothing, a kitchen utensil, or a book, I make it a point to get rid of something similar that I no longer need. This helps prevent clutter from building up and ensures that my space stays organized.”
“It’s a great way to make sure I only keep items I really need or love, and it’s been incredibly effective at keeping my home tidy.”
6. Take advantage of vertical space with hanging plantersMukendi suggests repurposing hanging planters to organize and store items like kitchen utensils, craft supplies, or bathroom essentials. “Hanging them on a wall or the back of a door creates additional storage space without taking up valuable counter or shelf space,” she notes.
7. Forget about paperGoing paperless can be a great way to manage the constant influx of paperwork in your home, stresses Mukendi, who says you should start by asking your banks and bill providers to switch to electronic statements. “For other documents, take a photo or scan them and save them digitally, allowing you to easily access them in the future and get rid of paper originals,” she suggests.
She also says it’s a good idea to set up a system to organize digital files, emails, and photos using folders, labels, and cloud storage. “Periodically declutter your digital space to increase productivity and reduce stress by adjusting systems that aren’t working for you.”
8. Trick to hang clothes upside down
Do you have a hard time parting with clothes you never wear? Mukendi suggests you try the inverted hanger trick. “It’s a game-changer,” she promises.
Simply flip all the hangers in your closet so they hang upside down on the rod. When you put on an item of clothing, flip the hanger back to the correct position. “Anything still hanging upside down at the end of the year reveals the clothes you haven’t worn, so you can donate or sell them,” she says. “This simple trick makes tidying up fun, helping you free up valuable space in your closet.”
Home improvement tips
9. New coat of paintOne of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your home is with a fresh coat of paint. Mukendi suggests looking for discounted paint or considering mixing your own custom shades from leftover cans of paint. “Whether it’s an accent wall or a piece of furniture, a new color can breathe new life into any space.”
10. Self-adhesive dashboardTransform your kitchen or bathroom with the convenience and style of self-adhesive backsplash tiles. “These affordable, easy-to-use tiles are available in a wide range of designs, making it easy to enhance the aesthetics of your space without the permanence of traditional tiles,” she says, noting that they’re also perfect for renters looking to upgrade their living space without making permanent changes.
11. Add indoor plantsIncorporating indoor plants into living spaces not only adds a touch of nature, but also offers numerous health benefits, explains Mukendi. “Plants can improve air quality, reduce stress and enhance the overall aesthetics of the home. From succulents to low-maintenance ferns, there are plenty of options to suit any lifestyle and décor,” she adds.
“When it comes to home renovations, many people believe that making big changes means spending a lot of money. But that’s not always true.”
Hack Your Home by Tanya Mukendi will be published by Thorsons on 29 August, priced at £14.99.
