18 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cleaning That You Still Use
These cleaning tricks from your parents still work and make chores easier.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Your parents had their own way of cleaning, and many of those habits stuck with you. You still wipe top to bottom, rinse after scrubbing, and trust vinegar like it is magic. Some of these tips felt silly when you were younger, but they actually helped more than you thought. These are the cleaning habits that stayed with you through the years.
1. Always Clean From Top to Bottom
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Parents always said to clean high places first, then move down. That way, dust and dirt fall to the floor and get cleaned up last. It saves time and keeps you from redoing the same spots.
2. Use Old Rags Instead of Paper Towels
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Your parents reused old clothes as cleaning rags. They were softer, cheaper, and worked better than paper towels. Now, you do the same thing without thinking about it.
3. Use Vinegar to Clean Almost Anything
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They used vinegar to clean glass, counters, and even remove smells. You thought it was weird at first, but now, it is in your own cleaning kit. It still works like magic today.
4. Scrub Before You Rinse
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Your parents never rinsed dirt right away. They always scrubbed first to loosen the mess. That extra step still makes your cleaning more effective today.
5. Keep Baking Soda Nearby
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They put baking soda in the fridge, on carpets, and even in shoes. It got rid of smells and cleaned all kinds of things. Now you always have a box in your pantry, too.
6. Wash Dishes Right After Eating
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You were told to wash dishes as soon as dinner was done. No one liked it, but it kept the kitchen neat. Now it feels wrong to leave a dirty plate sitting around.
7. Tidy Up Before You Clean
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Before cleaning, your parents made you put things back where they belong. It made the job easier and faster. Now, you do the same thing every time.
8. Sweep Every Day
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Even if the floor looked clean, your parents still swept it. That habit stuck, and now, it feels normal to grab the broom daily. It helps keep your space feeling fresh.
9. Always Empty the Lint Trap
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You were always reminded to check the lint trap after using the dryer. It kept the machine safe and worked better. Now, you never forget to do it.
10. Make the Bed Every Morning
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Your parents believed a clean room started with a made bed. It felt silly at first, but now it helps you feel ready for the day. That small habit makes a big difference.
11. Let Cleaners Sit Before Wiping
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They told you to spray the cleaner and wait a few minutes. That short wait helped break down the dirt better. Now, you give it time to work before wiping.
12. Clean Windows on Cloudy Day
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Your parents said to never clean windows under the sun. It made streaks harder to avoid. Cloudy days gave better results and you still follow that rule.
13. Do Not Overuse Detergent
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They always used less soap than you thought was needed. Too much left behind residue and made clothes stiff. Now, you measure carefully just like they did.
14. Wipe the Fridge Before Grocery Day
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Your parents wiped the shelves clean before putting in new groceries. This kept spills and crumbs from building up. Now you make time for that quick clean, too.
15. Clean the Toilet Weekly
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Even if it looked clean, the toilet got scrubbed every week. That routine kept germs under control and smelled better, too. You followed their schedule and still do.
16. Keep a Toothbrush for Tiny Spaces
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They always had an old toothbrush for corners and tight spots. It reached places a cloth could not touch. You still grab one when cleaning around the sink or faucet.
17. Fold Towels the Same Way Every Time
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Your parents had a specific way of folding towels. It made them fit better in the closet and looked tidy. That habit stuck, and you still fold them the same way.
18. Do Not Forget the Small Spots
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They always reminded you to clean light switches, doorknobs, and handles. Those small places hold more dirt than you think. Now, you never skip them during a deep clean.