17 Life Hacks from the Past That Still Work
These old-fashioned tricks may be decades old, but they still make everyday life easier today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some life hacks never go out of style, even in the age of smartphones and modern gadgets. Many of the tips people relied on decades ago remain surprisingly effective, proving that practical wisdom lasts. They are simple, timeless, and often just as helpful as they were back then.
1. Using Bread to Pick Up Broken Glass
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Instead of struggling with tiny shards, people once pressed a slice of bread over the area to collect them safely. The soft surface picks up the smallest slivers better than a broom. It is still a handy trick today.
2. Vinegar for Cleaning Windows
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Long before store-bought sprays, vinegar mixed with water was the go-to window cleaner. It leaves glass streak-free without harsh chemicals. The trick works just as well now as it did then.
3. Salt to Clean Cast Iron
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Instead of soap, people used coarse salt to scrub cast-iron pans clean. It removes residue without damaging the seasoning. This old trick is still recommended by chefs today.
4. Chalk to Stop Silver Tarnish
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A piece of chalk placed in a silver drawer or jewelry box absorbs moisture and slows down tarnishing. It is a simple fix that saves polishing time. Even today, it still works like magic.
5. Toothpaste for Polishing Shoes
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A dab of non-gel toothpaste can restore shine to scuffed shoes. People once used it as a quick fix before heading out the door. The same trick still comes in handy during busy mornings.
6. Newspaper for Drying Wet Shoes
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Stuffing wet shoes with newspaper helps soak up moisture faster. Generations relied on this hack before dryers and dehumidifiers became common. It remains one of the easiest ways to dry footwear overnight.
7. Lemon Juice to Lighten Stains
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Before fancy stain removers, lemon juice was used to lift stains from fabric and brighten whites. Its natural acidity still makes it a powerful cleaner. Many eco-friendly households still use this trick today.
8. Baking Soda for Fridge Odors
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Placing an open box of baking soda inside the fridge keeps bad smells away. This was a common kitchen hack decades ago. It is so effective that people still do it today.
9. Soap Slivers in a Mesh Bag
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Instead of throwing away tiny soap pieces, people placed them inside a mesh bag for easy lathering. It reduced waste and stretched every bar. The idea is still useful if you hate wasting leftovers.
10. Ice Cubes to Remove Gum
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When chewing gum stuck to clothes or carpets, people pressed an ice cube over it until the gum hardened. This made it easy to scrape away. It still works perfectly today.
11. Potato to Remove Rust
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Rubbing a cut potato with baking soda or dish soap over rusted tools was a classic fix. The oxalic acid in potatoes helps break down rust. It is an old trick that still saves rusty tools today.
12. Flour Paste for Wallpaper Paste
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Before ready-made glue, people mixed flour and water to hang wallpaper. It was cheap, sticky, and surprisingly effective. The method still works for small DIY projects.
13. Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer
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Used coffee grounds were often sprinkled into soil to enrich plants. This hack was a free and natural way to keep gardens healthy. Many gardeners still swear by it today.
14. Onion to Shine Metal
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A cut onion rubbed over metal surfaces helped polish and remove grime. People once used it on knives, pans, and even doorknobs. The natural compounds still do the job today.
15. Using Rice to Dry Wet Phones
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Long before phone shops offered repair kits, rice was used to dry soaked gadgets. The grains absorb moisture and sometimes save the device. It is still a go-to hack for unexpected spills.
16. Olive Oil for Squeaky Hinges
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A drop of olive oil worked just as well as store-bought lubricants for fixing squeaky doors. This kitchen fix was quick, cheap, and effective. It is still handy if you run out of WD-40.
17. String to Cut Cheese or Cake
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Before modern slicers, people used plain string or dental floss to cut soft cheese or cake evenly. It left clean slices without sticking. This old-school hack still works like a charm today.