✨Did you know ketchup can shine your copper pans?
It sounds like one of those old wives’ tales, but it actually works — and it’s just one of many strange cleaning hacks hiding in your pantry. Sometimes the most unlikely items make the best cleaners, saving you money and replacing harsh chemicals.

Here are 6 weird but wonderful cleaning tricks that might just change how you tackle messes at home.

1. Ketchup on Copper Pans 🍅

Forget expensive polishing creams. The acid in ketchup cuts through tarnish and restores copper’s shine. Just spread a thin layer on your copper pot, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Shiny again — and no harsh smells.

2. Coffee Grounds as Deodorizer ☕

Don’t toss your used coffee grounds. Place a small bowl in the fridge, freezer, or even inside smelly shoes. Coffee naturally absorbs odors, leaving the space fresh without perfumes. Bonus: it’s eco-friendly and uses something you’d normally throw away.

3. Toothpaste for Scratches 🪥

That little scratch on your phone screen, DVD, or watch face? Dab a small amount of non-gel toothpaste on a soft cloth and buff in circles. The mild abrasives polish out surface scratches surprisingly well.

4. Salt and Lemon for Cutting Boards 🧂🍋

Wooden cutting boards can trap odors and stains. Sprinkle coarse salt over the surface, then scrub with half a lemon. The combo disinfects, deodorizes, and leaves your board looking like new. It smells amazing too.

5. Banana Peel for Plant Leaves🍌

Want glossy, healthy-looking plants? Rub the inside of a banana peel on dusty leaves. It cleans off dirt and adds a natural shine — plus the peel’s nutrients are good for the plant.

6. Rice for Wet Electronics 🍚

If you’ve ever dropped your phone in water, you’ve probably heard this one. Placing a device in uncooked rice helps absorb moisture. While it’s not 100% guaranteed, it often works better than panicking (or blasting it with a hair dryer, which can do more damage).

✅ Proof It Works

According to the American Cleaning Institute, 72% of households use DIY cleaning methods weekly. These hacks aren’t just fun party tricks — they’re part of a growing movement to clean smarter, cheaper, and greener.

Who knew the key to a cleaner home might already be in your fridge, pantry, or fruit bowl? While they may sound silly, these quirky cleaning hacks can actually save you time, money, and a trip to the cleaning aisle.

Try one of these tricks this week, and you might be surprised at how well it works.

🧽Weird Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work & Save You Money