Grayson West
Before modern gadgets and cleaners, people found clever ways to keep homes fresh. Many of those tips are still handy today! These 20 cleaning tricks from the past might surprise you with their simplicity and effectiveness and make household chores easier—and maybe even more fun!
Banish Stains With Baking Soda
This old-school trick does the job and leaves you with clearer, fresher-looking windows—no pricey cleaners needed! For spotless windows, use a one-to-one mix of vinegar and water for best results. Wipe down glass surfaces to make them gleam.
Shine Windows With Vinegar
Is your garbage disposal smelling funky? Toss a few lemon peels down there, followed by hot water. It keeps unwanted odors at bay while adding a refreshing citrus scent to the kitchen—no more smelly sink issues!
Lemons for Fresh-Smelling Garbage Disposals
It’s an easy, natural way to bring out the luster and leaves the wood looking polished without any pricey sprays or treatments. If wood furniture has lost its shine, dab some olive oil on a cloth, then polish the surface to bring out its shine.
Olive Oil to Polish Wood
It’s an easy, natural way to bring out the luster and leaves the wood looking polished without any pricey sprays or treatments. If wood furniture has lost its shine, dab some olive oil on a cloth, then polish the surface to bring out its shine.
Newspaper for Streak-Free Mirrors
Put down the paper towels and try old newspapers for streak-free mirrors. It’s a vintage trick that leaves mirrors shiny and clear without lint. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse those old newspapers lying around!
Remove Rust With Potato Magic
You can cut a potato in half and dip it in salt for a natural rust-buster. Then, rub it on rusty metal, like pans or tools, and watch the rust vanish. It’s a surprising and fun way to tackle pesky rust spots.
Freshen Carpets With Baking Soda
Sprinkle a thin layer on the carpet, let the baking soda sit for a bit, then vacuum it up for a fresher smell. This easy solution absorbs odors and leaves the room smelling great, all without the need for heavy-duty cleaners.
Salt to Tackle Grease Stains
Spilled oil or grease in the kitchen? We have got a simple trick for you! Toss a handful of salt over it and let it sit before wiping. Salt absorbs the oil, making it easy to clean without spreading it around.
Vinegar for Mildew Removal
Is there mildew around the bathroom? Straight vinegar can help. Spray it on the affected area, let it sit, and then wipe it off. Keep your bathroom fresh and mildew-free with this powerful yet gentle solution.
Coffee Grounds for Freshening Drains
Make great use of something you’d normally throw away with this old-school tip! After brewing coffee, don’t toss the grounds! They can help freshen up smelly drains. Just pour the grounds in, add hot water, and enjoy a fresher sink area.
White Bread for Dusting Art
Soft white bread can actually help you clean delicate surfaces, like artwork or old photos. Gently pat the surface with a piece of bread to pick up dirt and dust and keep it safe while leaving it spotless.
Ammonia for Sparkling Oven Doors
An ammonia soak can break down stubborn oven grime. Place a bowl of ammonia in a cold oven overnight, and grime will be much easier to wipe away the next morning. It is a fuss-free method for a tough job!
Clean Grout With Toothpaste
This is an effective, quick fix to refresh your bathroom or kitchen. If you have dirty grout, just squeeze some toothpaste on an old toothbrush and scrub away! The technique brings back grout’s original color without the need for special cleaners.
Cornstarch for Shining Windows
Another fix for clear, streak-free windows? Cornstarch! Mix a bit into your usual vinegar and water cleaner. Notably, cornstarch acts as a gentle abrasive and gives windows that extra sparkle without leaving streaks or residue.
Lemons for a Fresh Fridge
To keep your fridge smelling clean, place a few lemon slices inside. They absorb odors and add a light, citrusy scent that keeps everything fresher. An easy, natural solution to combat unwanted fridge smells.
Vinegar and Newspaper for Pet Odors
If pet smells are an issue, vinegar and newspaper can help. Wipe down surfaces with a vinegar solution, then use newspaper to dry them off. The double act fights lingering odors and leaves your space fresh and pet-friendly.
Onion for Grill Cleaning
A clever outdoor trick for fresh, flavorful grilling without a mess! After grilling, try scrubbing the grate with half an onion (with a fork for safety). The onion’s enzymes help break down grease and make cleanup easier.
Salt to Brighten Metal
For tarnished metal pots and pans, a salt scrub can make them shine again. Put a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for an extra boost, and scrub gently to see them sparkle. This simple solution works wonders!
Ketchup to Polish Copper
Copper pots looking dull? A dab of ketchup can polish them up nicely! Rub it on, let it sit, and rinse. The acidity in ketchup brings back copper’s shine, giving it a warm, polished glow with minimal effort.
Baking Soda for a Clean Sink
A sprinkle of baking soda in the sink and a quick scrub will have it gleaming in no time. This gentle but effective method removes grime and leaves your sink fresh and clean the natural way without using chemicals.