11 Vintage Cleaning Hacks That Don’t Use Chemicals (clean like granny used to do)
In a world obsessed with high tech gadgets and chemical laden cleaning sprays, sometimes the best solutions are the old school ones. Our grannies knew a thing or two about keeping a house spotless without all the synthetic nasties.
So, why not ditch the modern concoctions and go back to basics? Here are 11 vintage cleaning hacks that are not only eco-friendly but also surprisingly effective, just like Granny used to do!
How To Clean Your Home Without The Use Of Chemical Cleaners
Let’s look at 11 ways you can clean your home without exposing yourself and your family to a mixture of potentially dangerous chemicals.
Now, we’re not saying that modern cleaning products are all dangerous, just that sometimes if they get mixed together, the results are less than organic or environmentally sound.
1. Keep Windows Streak Free With Newspaper
Forget expensive sprays, your morning newspaper is all you need! Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz your windows, then wipe with crumpled newspaper.
The ink acts as a gentle abrasive, and you get crystal clear glass without a single streak. Plus, it’s a great way to finally use up that stack of old newspapers!
2. Clean The Oven With Baking Soda
No one enjoys scrubbing a grimy oven, but Granny had a trick up her sleeve. Make a paste with baking soda and water, slather it inside your oven, and leave it overnight.
By morning, the grime wipes away effortlessly, no need for those pungent oven cleaners that make your eyes water.
3. Freshen Up Laundry With White Vinegar
Fabric softeners? Overrated! Add half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle, and you’ll have softer clothes with no chemical residue.
It also banishes stubborn smells (yes, even that sweaty gym kit). And don’t worry, your clothes won’t smell like a chip shop!
4. Remove Hard Water Stains With Lemon
Got limescale? Cut a lemon in half and rub it on taps, shower screens, or any area plagued by hard water stains.
The citric acid works its magic, and as a bonus, your bathroom will smell wonderfully fresh. No industrial strength descalers required!
5. Clean Iron Pots & Pans With Salt
Put down the washing up liquid! To clean cast iron cookware without ruining the seasoning, sprinkle some coarse salt onto the pan and scrub with a cloth.
It removes food residue without stripping away the protective layer. Granny would be proud!
6. Cornflour For Streak Free Glass
If you thought cornflour (or cornstarch, as they call it in the US) was just for thickening gravy, think again! Mix a tablespoon with warm water and use it to clean mirrors and windows.
The gentle abrasiveness lifts dirt and leaves glass gleaming. Who knew your Sunday roast gravy ingredient could double as a cleaning hero?
7. Use Rubbing Alcohol To Remove Permanent Marker & Crayon Marks
Kids got artistic on the walls? Don’t panic! A bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth will lift permanent marker & crayon marks off non porous surfaces.
It works like a charm just don’t let them see how easy it is, or they might take it as an invitation for round two!
8. Polish Furniture With Olive Oil
Shop bought polishes are full of chemicals, but a little olive oil and vinegar will do the trick just as well. Mix equal parts and buff into wooden furniture for a stunning shine.
Plus, your home will smell like a Mediterranean holiday rather than a chemical factory.
9. Freshen Carpets With Tea Leaves
If your carpets are smelling a little stale, don’t reach for synthetic sprays use tea leaves instead! Scatter used (and dried) tea leaves over the carpet, leave for 20 minutes, then vacuum up.
It absorbs odours and gives the carpet a gentle refresh. Eco-friendly and practically free!
10. Remove Smudges From Taps With Wax Paper
Water spots on your taps driving you mad? Rub them down with wax paper after cleaning.
It leaves a protective layer that repels water and fingerprints, meaning your taps stay shinier for longer. Less cleaning = more time for a cuppa.
11. Toothpaste To Revive Tarnished Silver
Silver looking more grey than gleaming? Grab an old toothbrush and a blob of toothpaste, then get scrubbing! Make sure it’s a regular non bleaching toothpaste with mild abrasive properties.
The mild abrasives polish away tarnish in no time, leaving your silverware looking as fancy as the day it was bought. Afternoon tea, anyone?
Bonus Hacks Because Granny Always Had More Tricks Up Her Sleeve!
Our grandparents were more resourceful than we often give them credit for. Here are a few more tricks that granny used to do;
Pick Up Broken Glass With Bread
Dropped a glass? Don’t risk tiny shards hiding in your floorboards.
Grab a slice of soft bread, press it gently over the area, and it’ll pick up the smallest fragments. No more unexpected foot injuries!
Cut Through Grease With Paraffin
It might seem old fashioned, but paraffin is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling stubborn grease on tools and appliances.
Just use it sparingly in a well ventilated area, and always wash with soapy water afterwards.
Remove Carpet Stains With Borax
Pesky carpet stains? Dampen the area, sprinkle borax, and gently scrub it in.
Let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up. Stains and odours, all gone!
Clean Fireplace Glass With Potato Skins
Yes, really! The starch in potato skins helps break down soot on fireplace glass.
Just rub the inside of a skin on the glass, wipe clean with a damp cloth, and admire the view. How’s that for recycling and reusing waste?
Final Thoughts
Granny knew best, and these old school cleaning tricks prove it. Not only do they work a treat, but they’re also kinder to the environment (and your wallet).
So, next time you reach for a chemical cleaner, pause and ask yourself, what would Granny do?
If you found this useful or even slightly interesting, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Let’s get homes clean without harmful chemicals one home at a time.
SEE ALSO: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Speed Cleaning (makes your home guest ready!)
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