There are few things more comforting than the wisdom passed down from our grandparents. As a child, I spent countless hours with my grandmother, watching her maintain a home that was immaculate, warm, and inviting. I quickly discovered that her secrets lay not in fancy cleaning products or trendy hacks, but in time-honored habits passed down through generations.
These habits are not just about maintaining a clean home, but about creating a nurturing and peaceful environment that reflects love, care and respect for oneself and others. Here are the 13 cleaning habits I picked up from my grandma.
1. Make Your Bed Every Morning
My grandmother always said that the way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. So, she began each day by making her bed. This simple task not only created a sense of order and accomplishment but also signaled the start of the day.
Making your bed is the quickest and easiest way to instantly tidy up your room. It’s a small task, but it can create a big shift in your mindset. It’s about creating a sense of discipline and routine, and a respect for your environment. Plus, it’s a pleasure to get into a neatly made bed at the end of a long day.
2. A Place for Everything, and Everything in Its Place
Grandma’s house was always incredibly organized. She had a place for everything, and she made sure everything was returned to its place after use. This wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about efficiency. She didn’t waste time looking for misplaced items because she knew exactly where everything was.
This habit is all about creating order and reducing clutter. Start by finding a home for each of your belongings. Invest in storage solutions that make sense for your space and your lifestyle, and then make a habit of returning items to their designated places after use. This simple system can save you countless hours of frustration and wasted time.
3. Regularly Dust and Vacuum
My grandma would dust and vacuum her house regularly, not just when it looked like it needed it. She understood that dust and dirt build up over time and can lead to poor air quality and potential health issues.
To keep your home clean and healthy, make dusting and vacuuming a part of your regular cleaning routine. Don’t wait until you can see the dust or feel the dirt under your feet. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Plus, regular maintenance will make your deep-cleaning tasks much easier.
4. Clean as you go
One of grandma’s favourite sayings was “clean as you go”. Whether she was cooking, crafting, or simply reading the newspaper, she always tidied up after herself immediately. This prevented messes from building up and becoming overwhelming.
This habit is especially useful in the kitchen. Instead of leaving a pile of dirty dishes in the sink after dinner, wash them as you finish using them. Similarly, wipe down counters and stovetops after you’ve finished cooking. Not only will this keep your kitchen looking tidy, it also makes the task of cleaning up less daunting.
5. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Grandma was a big believer in the power of natural cleaning products. She used vinegar, baking soda, and lemon to clean everything from windows to kitchen counters. Not only are these products cheap and easy to find, they’re also much better for the environment than many commercial cleaners.
Try swapping out some of your regular cleaning products for these natural alternatives. You might be surprised at how effective they are. Plus, making your own cleaning products can be a fun and rewarding project.
6. Regularly Clean your Appliances
We often forget about our appliances when we’re cleaning, but grandma never did. She understood that well-maintained appliances last longer and work better.
Make a habit of regularly cleaning your appliances. This includes everything from your toaster to your washing machine. Not only will this help them run more efficiently, it can also prevent costly repairs down the line.
7. Do a Little Bit Every Day
Grandma didn’t save all of her cleaning for one day of the week. Instead, she did a little bit every day. This made the task of keeping a clean home feel much more manageable and less overwhelming.
Try to incorporate this habit into your own routine. You might find that it’s much easier to keep up with your cleaning tasks when you spread them out over the course of the week.
8. Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy
My grandmother always kept her cleaning supplies within easy reach. This made it much easier to quickly deal with spills and messes.
Consider keeping a small caddy of cleaning supplies in each room, or on each floor of your house. This can save you the hassle of having to run to the kitchen or utility room every time you need to clean something up.
9. Fresh Air is the Best Air Freshener
Grandma was a big believer in the power of fresh air. She would often open windows and doors to let the fresh air circulate throughout the house.
Try to incorporate this habit into your own routine. Opening your windows for just a few minutes each day can help to refresh your indoor air and remove any lingering odors.
10. Regularly Wash Linens
My grandmother would wash her linens every week without fail. This included everything from bed sheets to tea towels. She believed that regularly washing linens not only kept them looking and smelling fresh, but also helped to remove any dust and allergens.
Try to incorporate this habit into your own routine. Regularly washing your linens can help to keep your home feeling clean and fresh.
11. Don’t Procrastinate on Small Tasks
My grandma never let small tasks pile up. Whether it was a dirty dish or a piece of trash, she would take care of it immediately. She understood that small tasks can quickly become big messes if they’re not dealt with promptly.
Try to adopt this mindset in your own cleaning routine. Taking care of small tasks as they arise can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
12. Use Doormats
Grandma was a big fan of doormats. She had one at every entrance of her house. She believed that doormats were the first line of defense against dirt and debris being tracked into the house.
Consider investing in some quality doormats for your own home. Not only can they help to keep your floors clean, they can also add a welcoming touch to your entrances.
13. Enjoy the Process
Perhaps the most important cleaning habit I learned from my grandma is to enjoy the process. She saw cleaning not as a chore, but as a way to care for her home and the people in it.
Try to adopt this mindset in your own cleaning routine. Find joy in creating a clean, comfortable space for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, a clean home is a happy home.