Cleaning Tips

Timeless House Cleaning Tips from the Past

Before store-bought cleaners filled every shelf, people relied on simple, effective, and affordable solutions to keep their homes clean. Many of these time-tested tips still work today—saving time, money, and unnecessary chemicals. Grandma really did know best.

Natural Ways to Protect Your Home

Keep Moths Away—Naturally

Skip chemical mothballs. A simple blend of clove oil and cinnamon oil soaked into cotton balls can help deter moths. Place the cotton balls in small cloth or muslin bags and hang them inside closets or drawers to protect clothing naturally.

Freshen Garbage Cans with Mint

Warm weather can quickly turn garbage cans unpleasant. Placing a fresh sprig of mint inside the can helps neutralize odors and keeps it smelling fresh throughout the season.

Simple DIY Cleaning Solutions

Homemade Humidifier for Dry Homes

If you use a wood-burning stove, fill an old metal can two-thirds full of water and add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels. When heated, it adds moisture to the air while releasing a warm, natural scent.

DIY Glass & Mirror Cleaner

A homemade solution of rubbing alcohol, ammonia, and water can leave windows and mirrors streak-free. Always label homemade cleaners clearly and store them safely away from children.

Remove Hard Water Buildup

To restore clogged showerheads, soak them overnight in white distilled vinegar. This breaks down mineral deposits and helps the water spray like new again.

Smart Fixes for Everyday Problems

Remove Sticky Labels Easily

Sticky price tags on glass can be loosened by applying a small amount of WD-40, then wiping clean with a soft cloth.

Polish Tarnished Silver

Line a sink or pan with aluminum foil, place silver items inside, sprinkle baking soda over them, and pour in boiling water. After several minutes, tarnish lifts away naturally.

Restore Wood Scratches

Minor nicks in wood furniture can be disguised by rubbing them gently with a pecan or walnut. The natural oils help blend scratches into the surrounding finish.

Remove Glue Residue

White vinegar works as a gentle glue thinner, helping loosen sticky residue without damaging surfaces.

Clever Cleaning Hacks

Shine Stainless Steel Flatware

Soaking stainless steel in carbonated water allows the fizz to lift dullness, restoring shine with minimal effort.

Clean Wicker Furniture Faster

Spray furniture polish onto a paintbrush to reach dust and dirt trapped in woven surfaces more efficiently.

Remove Ink and Crayon Marks

Rubbing alcohol helps remove ink from clothing and crayon marks from walls or woodwork—always test first on a small area.

Get Gum Out of Hair or Skin

Vegetable oil or creamy peanut butter breaks down gum quickly. After removal, wash normally.

Outdoor & Utility Tips

Garden-Ready Soap Station

Tie a bar of soap inside a nylon stocking to your outdoor faucet for quick cleanup after yard work.

Remove Rust from Concrete

Lemon juice rubbed gently with a soft cloth can lift rust stains left behind by outdoor furniture.

Clean Greasy Grill Racks

Placing grill or oven racks on grass overnight allows dew and natural enzymes to loosen grease, making cleanup easier the next day.

Time-Saving Cleaning Tools

DIY Dusting Tool

Slip an old sock over a fly swatter to dust under furniture and in tight spaces.

Wash Walls Efficiently

Using a clean paint roller with a mild cleaning solution speeds up wall washing and reduces strain compared to hand sponging.