MoneyMagpie content editor Vicky Parry tests the cleaning tricks everyone talks about – from those old-school methods to viral TikTok hacks
Spring cleaning has a reputation for costing a fortune – sprays for every surface, endless wipes, and gadgets that promise miracles.
But after years of running MoneyMagpie’s Clear Your Clutter campaign, I’ve learned something surprising: the cheapest methods are often the most effective.
And, if I’m honest, I probably should have known that sooner. My mum always swore by her ancient Good Housekeeping book – the kind that felt completely out of step with modern life when I was growing up.
No flashy products, no trending hacks, just straightforward advice using things like vinegar, lemon and bicarb. At the time, it felt old-fashioned.
Now, I realise it quietly taught me most of what actually works. So I stripped everything back and tested the cleaning tricks everyone talks about – from those old-school methods to viral TikTok hacks.
Some were brilliant. Some were a waste of time. And one, in particular, has completely changed how I look at “worn out” kitchen items.
The pan-cleaning hack I now swear by
One hack I kept seeing everywhere – particularly from cleaning creator Aurekaterina – was for restoring the bottom of pans.
It promises to make even heavily burnt bases look like new using nothing more than bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and cling film.
So I tried it – and left it a bit longer than planned, if I’m honest.
The method:
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the bottom of the pan
- Pour over white vinegar until it fizzes
- Cover tightly with cling film
- Leave for at least an hour
- Remove and scrub
What happened when I tried it:
I didn’t expect much. The bottoms of my pans were well past their best.
But this genuinely worked.
After leaving it to sit, the burnt residue had visibly lifted, and with a bit of scrubbing, the pan looked dramatically better. Not showroom perfect – but more than good enough to keep using without a second thought.
Verdict:
This is one I now swear by.
And that’s really the point of a proper spring clean – it’s not about perfection, it’s about saving money by making what you already own last longer.
Why the old-school methods still win
There’s a reason these tricks have been passed down for generations.
Cleaning expert Nancy Birtwhistle has long championed simple, traditional methods, focusing on natural ingredients that do the job without the need for expensive chemical cleaners.
And it’s not just her.
Professional cleaner Aggie MacKenzie has also argued that good cleaning is about technique, not products – something that became very clear when I tested these methods myself.
Put simply: the old ways aren’t outdated – they’re just effective.
The £1 cupboard staples that beat branded cleaners
You don’t need a shelf full of products. In fact, most jobs can be done with three things.
White vinegar
A favourite of cleaning pros including Mrs Hinch.
I tried it on:
- Limescale on taps
- Kettle build-up
- Shower glass
Result: It cut through limescale quickly and left taps shining.
Downside: The smell is strong at first – but it fades quickly once it dries.
Verdict: One of the best-value cleaners you can buy.
Bicarbonate of soda
Recommended by experts like Lynsey Crombie.
I tried it on:
- Burnt pans
- Sink stains
- Fridge odours
Result: Excellent for scrubbing without scratching surfaces. It took a bit of effort on tougher jobs, but the results were solid.
Verdict: A must-have for under £1.
Lemon
Simple, natural, and effective for lighter jobs.
I tried it on:
- Microwave grime
- Chopping boards
- Bin smells
Result: Fresh and effective, though better for maintenance than deep cleaning.
Verdict: Ideal as a finishing touch.
The viral cleaning hacks – what’s worth it?
Not everything trending online is worth your time.
Dishwasher tablets for ovens
A viral favourite.
Result: Cut through grease far faster than expected.
Verdict: One of the few viral tricks that really delivers.
The pink stuff paste
Popularised by Stacey Solomon.
Result: Works well – but still requires proper scrubbing.
Verdict: Good value, but not essential.
Fabric softener cleaning
A popular TikTok trend.
Result: Smelled great, but left a noticeable residue.
Verdict: Not worth it.
How to make your home smell amazing – without artificial sprays
One thing I noticed quickly: these cheaper methods don’t leave that overpowering “just cleaned” scent.
But there are better – and more natural – ways to get that fresh feeling.
Simmer a natural scent pot
- Lemon slices
- Orange peel
- Cinnamon sticks
Simmer gently and it fills the whole house with a clean, subtle scent.
Essential oils in the right places
A few drops on:
- A cloth near a radiator
- Inside bins
- On your vacuum filter
Gives a light, natural fragrance without being overwhelming.
Bicarbonate as a deodoriser
Leave a small dish in problem areas to absorb smells rather than mask them.
Open the windows
It sounds obvious, but even 10 minutes of fresh air makes a noticeable difference.
Why a proper spring clean can save you money
Cleaning isn’t just about appearances – it’s about protecting what you own.
You extend the life of appliances and furniture
Limescale, grease and dirt all cause long-term damage. Cleaning them away means fewer replacements.
You cut energy costs
- Descaled kettles boil faster
- Clean fridges run more efficiently
- Dust-free radiators heat rooms better
You avoid unnecessary spending
It’s easy to replace something that just needed a proper clean.
Jasmine Birtles: “Cleaning properly is amoney-saving
Jasmine Birtles says: “People often think saving money is about cutting back, but one of the smartest things you can do is look after what you already have.
“A proper spring clean can stop you having to replace items early – and that’s where the real savings come in.”
The bottom line
After testing everything from viral tricks to old-school methods, one thing is clear: You don’t need expensive products to have a clean home.
In fact, with a few cupboard staples and a bit of effort, you can:
- Save money
- Make things last longer
- And avoid replacing items unnecessarily
And if there’s one thing I’ll keep doing? It’s that pan-cleaning hack.
