Let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time when cleaning hacks were handed down from generation to generation, and home remedies were the norm. These were the days when our grandmothers knew best, and their wisdom still holds true today. From the unexpected use of toothpaste to the forgotten powers of Borax, these cleaning hacks from yesteryears still work wonders. And the best part? They’re all natural, cost-effective, and easy to use. So, let’s rediscover these timeless cleaning hacks and give your cleaning routine an old-fashioned twist that your grandma would be proud of.
1. The Magic of White Vinegar: A Multi-Purpose Cleaner
White vinegar is one of the most versatile cleaners around. It’s a natural disinfectant, deodorizer and can remove stubborn stains on various surfaces. To make an all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, tiles, and mirrors. For tougher stains, soak the stained area in undiluted white vinegar for a few hours before scrubbing it clean. Just remember not to use it on marble or other porous stones as it can etch the surface.
More than just a cooking ingredient, white vinegar can also be used as a fabric softener. Add half a cup to your washing machine during the final rinse cycle for softer, static-free clothes. It’s an easy and eco-friendly alternative to commercial fabric softeners.
2. Baking Soda: The Secret Weapon Against Stubborn Stains
For those stubborn stains that refuse to go away, baking soda is your secret weapon. This pantry staple is a mild abrasive that can remove tough stains without scratching the surface. Mixed with a little water, baking soda turns into a paste that can clean everything from kitchen counters to bathroom tiles. To remove grease and grime from pans, sprinkle some baking soda and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
You can also use baking soda to freshen up your carpets. Sprinkle it generously over your carpet, let it sit for at least an hour, then vacuum thoroughly. You’ll be surprised at how effective this simple hack can be. Real Simple even shares a few more timeless cleaning tips that our grandmas swore by.
3. Lemon Juice: The Natural Solution for a Sparkling Bathroom
Who knew that something as simple as lemon juice could make your bathroom sparkle? This natural cleaner cuts through soap scum, hard water stains, and even rust. Squeeze lemon juice onto a sponge and scrub the stained area. For tough stains, let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Not just for bathrooms, lemon juice also works wonders in the kitchen. Use it to clean and deodorize your cutting boards. Simply rub half a lemon over the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. The lemon juice will not only remove stains but also neutralize any lingering odors.
4. Salt: An Unexpected Helper for Iron Cleaning
Does your iron leave marks on your clothes? Then try this old-fashioned cleaning hack. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto a clean, dry cotton cloth. Heat your iron to the highest setting (without steam) and run it over the salted cloth. The salt will act as a mild abrasive to remove any buildup on the iron plate.
But that’s not all. Salt can also be used to clean greasy pans. Sprinkle some salt onto the pan before scrubbing. The salt will absorb the grease, making cleaning a breeze. This hack is particularly useful when cleaning cast iron pans, as soap can strip away the pan’s seasoning.
5. Newspaper: The Old-school Trick for Streak-free Windows
Forget about fancy window cleaning solutions. All you need for streak-free windows is some newspaper and a bit of vinegar. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water, spray it onto the window, then scrub with crumpled newspaper. The ink in the newspaper works with the vinegar to break down the dirt and grime, leaving your windows sparkling clean.
This old-school trick also works on mirrors and other glass surfaces. And unlike paper towels, newspapers won’t leave lint behind. Just remember to wear gloves to avoid getting newsprint on your hands.
6. Olive Oil: Grandma’s Secret to Polished Furniture
Forget about expensive furniture polishes. A little olive oil can bring back the shine to your wood furniture. Mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar. Apply the mixture to a soft cloth and rub onto the furniture in a circular motion. Buff with a dry cloth until the furniture shines. The olive oil nourishes the wood, while the lemon juice or vinegar cleans it.
This Southern Living article also mentions how our grandmas used olive oil for more than just cooking. They knew it was a great tool for keeping their homes in tip-top shape.
7. Toothpaste: Not Just for Oral Hygiene
Toothpaste is not just for oral hygiene. It’s also a handy cleaner for various household items. For instance, you can use toothpaste to clean your silverware. Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft cloth, rub it onto the silver, then rinse with warm water. Buff with a dry cloth to bring back the shine.
Stains on your clothes? No problem. Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto the stain, rub it in, then rinse with warm water. Repeat if necessary. Just remember to do a spot test first to make sure the toothpaste won’t discolor your fabric.
8. Cornstarch: The Unconventional Method for Carpet Cleaning
Did you know that cornstarch can clean your carpets? This pantry staple is a natural absorber, making it ideal for removing stains and odors from your carpets. Just sprinkle some cornstarch onto the stained area, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum. For tougher stains, mix cornstarch with a little white vinegar to make a paste. Apply the paste onto the stain, let it dry, then vacuum.
But cornstarch isn’t just for carpets. You can also use it to clean your windows. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 quart of warm water. Spray the mixture onto the window, then wipe with a clean cloth. The cornstarch will help remove dirt and grime without leaving streaks.
9. Club Soda: The Traditional Stain Remover
Next time you spill wine or coffee, reach for the club soda. This fizzy drink is a natural stain remover. Simply blot the stain with a clean cloth, then pour some club soda onto the stain. The carbonation will help lift the stain from the fabric. Rinse with warm water, then launder as usual.
Club soda can also be used to clean and shine your stainless steel appliances. Simply spray some club soda onto the appliance, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. The club soda will remove fingerprints and smudges, leaving your appliances sparkling clean.
10. Borax: The Forgotten Laundry Booster
Borax is a forgotten laundry booster that our grandmas swore by. This natural mineral can brighten your clothes and remove stains. Just add half a cup of borax to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. For tougher stains, dissolve 1 tablespoon of borax in 2 cups of warm water. Apply the solution to the stain, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then launder as usual.
But borax isn’t just for laundry. You can also use it to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal. Just pour half a cup of borax into the disposal, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The borax will clean and deodorize the disposal, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
11. Coffee Grounds: The Unique Odor Neutralizer
Coffee grounds are a unique odor neutralizer that our grandmas loved. They can absorb and eliminate odors in your fridge, freezer, and even your shoes. Just place some used coffee grounds in a bowl and put it in the fridge or freezer. Replace the grounds every two weeks or sooner if the odors are strong.
For smelly shoes, fill a pair of old socks with coffee grounds, tie the ends, and place them in the shoes. Let them sit overnight. The coffee grounds will absorb the odors, leaving your shoes smelling fresh. You can also use this hack to freshen up your car. Just place a bowl of coffee grounds under the seat and let it work its magic.
12. Cream of Tartar: The Retro Hack for Stainless Steel Polish
Cream of tartar is a retro hack for polishing stainless steel that still works today. This baking ingredient can remove stains and restore the shine to your stainless steel appliances. Just mix cream of tartar with a little water to make a paste. Apply the paste onto the appliance with a soft cloth, then rinse with warm water. Dry with a clean cloth to bring back the shine.
But cream of tartar isn’t just for stainless steel. It can also clean copper and brass. Apply the same paste onto the metal, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Buff with a dry cloth to bring back the shine. This book further explores the many uses of cream of tartar in cleaning.