There’s something special about the way cleaning wisdom has been handed down through the years. Our grandparents may not have had modern gadgets or expensive cleaning products, but they certainly knew how to keep a home spotless with simple, effective methods that were both practical and sustainable. These timeless tips are not only great for maintaining a clean home but also for saving time, money, and reducing waste. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore some old-school tricks that are still just as handy today!

1. Clean as You Go

One of the best habits to adopt? Tidy up as you go! Instead of letting clutter and chores build up, take small actions throughout the day. Pop toys into a basket when passing through the lounge room, load the dishwasher while cooking, or wipe down the benchtops before bed. By staying on top of things, you’ll avoid the overwhelming feeling of a big clean-up later.

2. Damp Dusting

Dusting doesn’t need to mean sending particles floating back into the air. By lightly dampening your dusting cloth, you can trap the dust instead of just moving it around. It's a simple tweak that makes a world of difference.

3. Lemon Juice Laundry

Got faded whites? Our ancestors had a natural solution for that! Mix hot water with lemon juice and let your whites soak for an hour or two. Then, run them through the washing machine's rinse cycle and hang them out to dry in the sunshine. Your clothes will look brighter in no time!

4. The Rag Bag

Before paper towels, there was the rag bag. Instead of constantly buying disposable products, cut up old clothes and linens to use as cleaning rags. They last much longer, and you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste!

5. Tea-Staining

Rather than tossing stained towels or tablecloths, our elders would "tea-stain" them to hide the blemishes. Simply steep a few black tea bags in hot water, remove them, and add your stained item. Let it soak until it matches the shade of the stain, then dry it to set the colour. Problem solved!

6. Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Before the days of store-bought chemicals, households relied on pantry staples like vinegar, bicarb soda, lemon, and olive oil for cleaning. These natural ingredients are not only effective and inexpensive, but they also cut down on the use of harsh chemicals in your home.

7. Seasonal Deep Cleans

Our grandparents were big believers in seasonal cleaning. Tackling major tasks at specific times of the year spreads out the workload and keeps things manageable. Here’s a simple breakdown you can follow:

Spring: Deep clean carpets and declutter your home.
Summer: Focus on the exterior of your house, including windows and gutters.
Autumn: Clean inside your windows and sort through cupboards.
Winter: Vacuum and flip mattresses, and declutter clothes you don’t wear anymore.

8. Repurpose and Repair

Instead of throwing things away, our ancestors would repair and repurpose items. This approach not only saves money but also reduces waste. Whether it’s mending clothes or finding a new use for an old item, this wisdom is more relevant than ever in today’s throwaway culture.

9. Flour for Oil Spills

Accidentally spill oil on your benchtop or floor? No need to panic. Sprinkle some flour over the spill and let it sit for a few minutes. The flour absorbs the oil, making it easier to wipe up with a cloth or sponge.

10. Dry Windows in Two Directions

When cleaning windows, use vertical strokes on one side and horizontal strokes on the other. This clever trick makes it easy to spot which side the streaks are on, so you’ll know exactly where to focus your efforts.

11. Remove Candle Wax

Need to get rid of stubborn candle wax? Hold a bag of ice cubes against the wax until it hardens. Once solid, you can easily chip it away without damaging surfaces.

12. Wash Walls from the Bottom Up

When washing walls, start from the bottom and work your way up. This method prevents drips that can leave streaks, keeping your walls looking fresh and clean.

13. Half Sponges, Double the Use

Here’s a clever trick from the past: Cut your kitchen sponges in half. Not only do smaller sponges dry quicker (reducing bacteria), but they also last longer and save you money!

14. Shine Silver with Toothpaste

Got tarnished silver? Toothpaste to the rescue! Just rub a bit of non-gel toothpaste onto your silverware, rinse it off, and dry it with a soft cloth for an instant shine.

15. Flour Sack Towels

For a budget-friendly, lint-free tea towel solution, try flour sack towels. They absorb water like a dream, dry quickly, and are durable enough to last through countless washes. You can also use them for dusting, straining, or even drying lettuce!

Keep the Wisdom Alive

There’s a reason these tips have stood the test of time. Not only do they make cleaning more efficient, but they also encourage a more mindful and sustainable way of life. By incorporating a few of these age-old techniques into your routine, you’ll not only keep your home looking great but also honour the wisdom passed down through the generations. Happy cleaning!

15 Generational Cleaning Hacks from Our Ancestors