This Pro Hack Keeps Powdered Cleaners From Clumping—and Makes Sprinkling Easy

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Powdered cleaners are such a steal when deep cleaning. The mildly abrasive yet non-scratchy cleaners are handy in many areas in the home, from bathroom tubs to kitchen sinks and stove burners, although you should think twice before using powdered cleansers like Comet on some surfaces. But what do you do to avoid the annoying problem of clumping so you can always use your cleaning product with ease? The trick is to transfer the cleanser from its original can into a spice or seasoning jar with a lid.

To set this up, start by cutting out the top lid of your powdered cleanser can using a can opener — or try the spoon hack if you don't have an opener at hand, but be warned, you'll probably need a lot of elbow grease to do this. Next, pour the powder into the spice jars, filling one at a time. You can stand the spice jar in a large bowl or cup to catch any stray powder to prevent wastage. Or better yet, get a funnel for a faster and less messy process. Any regular funnel that fits into the shaker container will do. Once all the powdered cleaner is in the jars, seal with their lids, put a label on each jar to avoid accidental mixups, and store in a dry place. The next time you want to clean, just pop open the spice jar lid and sprinkle the cleaner on the dirty surfaces as usual.

There's really no magic in this hack; it's simply a clever way to store the powder in a container that can be resealed while also allowing you to sprinkle the product when it's time to clean. For the uninitiated, the reason your powder cleanser clumps is that it absorbs moisture when exposed to environmental humidity. This happens more often with cleansers that come without a lid since they remain open after removing the sticker. It's also a reason not to toss your empty spice jars and repurpose them instead.

If spice jars are too small for your liking, a great alternative is a Parmesan cheese shaker like the one from Kraft shredded cheese. It works in the same way because it has tiny holes in the inside cap for sprinkling and a top lid to cover up during storage. If you have none of these shaker containers for repurposing, then purchase a few at the grocery store or online. You can go for a pack with several small pieces, which are easier to handle and use, such as the ComSaf six-piece glass spice jars for less than $10. They even come with a little funnel and ready labels if you don't want to DIY your own labels. But if you don't want to deal with too many tiny containers, grab one large one that can fit your entire can of powdered cleanser. For example, this Pride of India large plastic spice jar goes for less than $8.