20+ Housekeeping Tips Our Grandmothers Knew, But We Forgot About
We live in a society where convenience is key and technology is always evolving. But sometimes we forget that the simplest solutions to our household problems are right under our very nose. The following housekeeping tips are as old-fashioned as they come — we could easily see our grandparents putting them to use in their heyday!
1. Cleaning with the seasons
Certain housekeeping jobs can seem pretty daunting, especially when you’re planning to complete them one after the other. But it doesn’t have to be that way! According to One Good Thing, people in the past would map out their “cleaning projects” throughout the year, lining them up with an appropriate season. Guess we finally know where the term "spring cleaning" came from...
2. Rag bins
Instead of shelling out money on packs of paper towels at the store, there could be a cheaper alternative sitting in your closet. Yes, One Good Thing notes that unwanted clothing makes for excellent rags. They’re just as useful as a roll of paper towels! Your grandparents are sure to give a nod of approval if they spot a rag bin in the corner.
3. Unclog a drain with vinegar and baking soda
The next time your drain gets blocked, why not try out this vintage trick? Jennifer Rodriguez, who works for Pro Housekeepers as the Chief Hygiene Officer, told Best Life, “Take a tablespoon of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Follow the baking soda with a full cup of white vinegar.” Then, tip a helping of hot water in there a few minutes later. That should clear the obstruction.
4. Wax wooden furniture with shoe polish
Older generations often had to get by on their resourcefulness, and this next tip certainly lines up with that. One Good Thing claims that shoe polish doesn’t just spruce up your footwear — it can revitalize wooden tables and chairs at home, too. Yep, the product can double as a makeshift wax!
