15 Cleaning Hacks Grandma Swore By (That Still Work Wonders)
Grandma’s cleaning tricks are still super effective. They use simple ingredients to get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Grandma had a way of cleaning that was simple but powerful. She used easy, everyday items to solve all sorts of messes. These cleaning hacks are just as good today as they were back then, and they’ll save you time and money.
1. White Vinegar for Windows
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Instead of buying expensive glass cleaner, Grandma used white vinegar mixed with water. She would spray it on the windows and wipe it down with a newspaper. This method left the glass streak-free and sparkling. Plus, it’s all-natural, so there’s no need to worry about harmful chemicals.
2. Baking Soda on Carpets
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Grandma knew that baking soda was a great way to freshen up carpets. She sprinkled it all over the carpet, waited 15 minutes, and vacuumed it. It helped get rid of bad smells and made the carpet look cleaner. This simple trick is a cheap alternative to fancy carpet powders.
3. Lemon to Clean Cutting Boards
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To clean cutting boards, Grandma used lemons instead of chemical cleaners. She would sprinkle salt on the board and rub it with half a lemon. This helped remove stains and any lingering odors. After a quick rinse, the board would be fresh and ready to use again.
4. Salt for Greasy Pans
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When cleaning greasy pans, Grandma reached for coarse salt. She would sprinkle it on the warm pan and scrub it with a paper towel. The salt acted as an abrasive, helping to remove stuck-on grease without damaging the pan. It was a simple and effective way to keep her kitchen clean.
5. Toothpaste for Silver
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Grandma didn’t buy expensive silver polish—she used toothpaste. She would apply a small amount to the silver with a soft cloth and gently rub it. This method removed the tarnish and restored the shine in minutes. It’s an easy way to make your silverware look brand new again.
6. Newspaper for Smelly Shoes
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When Grandma’s shoes started to smell, she grabbed some old newspaper. She would crumple it up and stuff it inside the shoes overnight. The paper absorbed moisture and bad smells, and in the morning, her shoes smelled much better.
7. Vodka for Fabric Freshening
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Vodka wasn’t just for drinking—it was also a great fabric freshener. Grandma would spray a little on her couch or curtains to eliminate odors. The alcohol evaporated quickly, leaving everything smelling fresh. It worked without leaving any weird smells behind.
8. Cornstarch on Grease Stains
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When Grandma found a grease stain on her favorite shirt, she reached for cornstarch. She sprinkled it on the stain and let it sit for a while to absorb the grease. After a good wash, the stain was gone. This easy trick worked better than most commercial stain removers.
9. Olive Oil for Wood Shine
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To make her wood furniture shine, Grandma mixed olive oil with lemon juice. She’d rub the mixture into the wood with a soft cloth. The oil nourished the wood and gave it a nice, healthy shine. It was a natural alternative to chemical furniture polish.
10. Club Soda for Upholstery Spills
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When a spill happened on the couch, Grandma grabbed a bottle of club soda. She would pour a little on the stain and blot it with a cloth. The bubbles helped lift the stain without damaging the fabric. It was a simple way to keep her furniture looking nice.
11. Rice to Clean Bottles
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Grandma used rice to clean narrow bottles. She’d add some rice and soapy water and shake it around. The rice acted like a scrubber, cleaning the inside of the bottle. It was an easy and safe way to clean hard-to-reach spots.
12. Dryer Sheets for Baseboards
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Grandma didn’t just use dryer sheets for laundry—she used them on baseboards, too. She would run a used sheet along the baseboards to remove dust. The sheet left a fresh scent behind and helped keep dust from settling for longer. It was an easy way to keep her house dust-free.
13. Potatoes to Remove Rust
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When Grandma saw rust on her tools, she grabbed a potato. She cut it in half and rubbed it on the rusted metal with salt or baking soda. The potato’s acid helped break down the rust. It was a simple and effective way to restore her tools.
14. Hydrogen Peroxide for Tile Grout
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For dirty grout, Grandma mixed hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and scrubbed it on the grout lines with an old toothbrush. The mixture lifted the grime and made the grout look clean again, working better than any harsh chemical cleaner.
15. Boiling Water for Drain Clogs
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To clear clogged drains, Grandma didn’t reach for harsh chemicals—she boiled water. She poured the hot water down the drain slowly to loosen the grease and debris. It worked like magic, and the drain was clear again. There is no need for expensive drain cleaners when you have boiling water.