20 Tricks Grandma Used That Can Help You Every Day

Growing up, my grandparents were masters of quick fixes around the house. They had a trick for everything, from hiding stains on linens with tea to using shoe polish to make old furniture look new again.

These simple solutions made everyday chores a breeze and taught me the value of using what’s on hand.

Now, I want to pass these handy tips on to you, hoping they’ll simplify your life just like they did for mine. These are 20 old-school tricks that still work wonders today.

Clean Up Egg Spills with Salt

Spilled an egg on the floor? Don’t panic. Instead of reaching for a ton of paper towels, sprinkle some salt on the mess. Give it about five minutes; the salt will absorb the goo, making it a breeze to sweep up with just a dustpan and brush. This trick cuts down on the mess and saves you from the slippery, sticky hassle.

Get a Flakier Pie Crust with Vodka

Craving that perfectly flaky pie crust? Here’s a secret ingredient you might not have tried yet: vodka. Yes, really. When mixing your dough, replace half of the water with vodka and always use cold ingredients. The vodka helps the dough stay drier than water alone would, which means a flakier crust after baking.

Also, work quickly to keep the butter from warming up and blending too much into the dough.

For an extra tip, if you’re dealing with a moist filling, brush the bottom crust with an egg wash and pre-cook it a bit before filling. This seals the dough, preventing sogginess and ensuring a crisp, flaky result.

More Butter = More Better

Butter is your secret weapon in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate flavor enhancer that makes everything from your morning toast to your gourmet sauces taste better. Adding a pat of butter can transform a bland meal into something rich and satisfying.

It’s that creamy texture and rich, comforting flavor that often brings a dish together, so don’t hesitate to use it generously when you’re aiming for that delicious, full-bodied taste.

Dry Wool Sweaters with Pantyhose

Drying your favorite wool sweater can be a gamble—stretch it too much, and it’s a goner. Next time, grab a pair of pantyhose. Slide the legs through the sleeves of your sweater and hang it up. This little hack helps your sweater keep its shape and speeds up the drying process, without the sagging nightmare.

Even Out Batter with a Quick Bang

Baking a cake and want that perfectly even layer? Here’s a straightforward tip: after pouring your batter into the cake pan, take a moment to hold the edges of the pan and give it a careful but firm bang on your counter.

This simple action helps the batter settle evenly, eliminating those pesky air bubbles that can cause your cake to bake unevenly. It works just as well for cupcakes, muffins, and even cornbread.

Revive Linens with Tea Staining

Got stubborn stains on your linens that just won’t come out? Before you think of throwing them away, try tea staining. It’s a clever old trick that masks those unsightly spots. Simply steep four or five black tea bags in a bucket of hot water for about 10 minutes.

Once the tea is rich and dark, remove the bags and submerge your stained linens in the liquid. Swirl them around to ensure an even coat and leave them in the tea until they match the stain in shade. Once done, let them air dry and then wash in cold water to set the color.

Shine and Protect Wood with Shoe Polish

Shoe polish isn’t just for your shoes. It’s actually a fantastic way to keep your wooden furniture looking rich and well-cared-for. Just apply a small amount of shoe polish to any wooden surface that needs a little revival.

It works wonders on scuffs and nicks, blending them into the wood and restoring the overall beauty of the furniture. Plus, the polish adds a protective wax coating that enhances the wood’s color and grain.

Stretch Your Sponge Supply

Stretching every dollar? Here’s a trick straight from the budget-savvy days of old. Take your regular dish sponge and cut it in half.

Not only does this simple action double your supply, giving you two sponges for the price of one, but it also offers a practical benefit—smaller sponges are easier to wring out and maneuver into those tight corners of pots and dishes.

Dust More Effectively with a Damp Cloth

Before you tackle the dust settling on your furniture, grab an old T-shirt or cheesecloth and slightly dampen it. You want it just moist enough to attract and hold onto dust, not dripping wet. This trick prevents dust from flying back into the air and settling right back down.

Gently wipe surfaces with your damp cloth to not only clean but also to bring out the natural shine of the furniture, making your space feel fresh and well cared for.

Clean Burnt Surfaces with Salt

Next time you’re dealing with a messy, burnt pot or pan, grab the salt. Instead of scrubbing endlessly, pour a generous amount of salt over the burnt area and let it sit until the surface cools down. Once it’s cool, wipe it down with a wet cloth. The salt absorbs the mess, making cleaning a breeze without any harsh chemicals or elbow grease.

Chill Your Bowl for Perfect Whipped Cream

Next time you’re in the mood for some homemade whipped cream, start by chilling your mixing bowl in the fridge. This little prep step makes a big difference.

Cold bowls help keep the cream cool as you whip it, which is key for getting that perfect, fluffy texture. So before you even think about pouring that cream in, make sure your bowl has had some chill time.

Quick Carrot Peeling with a Scourer

Peeling carrots can be time-consuming, especially if you’re prepping a big meal. Here’s a nifty shortcut: use a new scourer instead of a peeler. Just rub the carrot with the scourer under running water, and the skin will come off easily.

It’s faster, and you won’t waste as much of the carrot as you might with a traditional peeler. Just make sure it’s a fresh scourer to keep things sanitary!

Sharpen Your Knives with a Mug

You’ve probably faced the frustration of a dull knife while preparing dinner. Here’s a trick straight from grandma’s kitchen: use the bottom of a ceramic mug.

Just flip the mug over and gently slide the blade across the rough, unglazed ring at the bottom. It’s a simple, quick way to get that edge back when you’re in a pinch and a sharpener isn’t handy.

Tuck Cotton Balls in Your Gloves

Hey, if you’ve just treated yourself to a fresh manicure, the last thing you want is a cleaning session to ruin it. Slip a cotton ball into each finger of your rubber gloves before you start scrubbing. This trick not only keeps your gloves from tearing but also shields your nails from chips and dents.

Keep Garlic Fresh with Salt

Who doesn’t love the zing garlic adds to almost any dish? But when it goes dry and loses its punch, it’s such a letdown. Here’s a nifty tip: store your garlic in a container with a sprinkle of salt. The salt helps maintain the moisture and flavor, making sure your garlic is always primed for perfect culinary magic.

Make Breadcrumbs in a Snap

Need breadcrumbs for that recipe and only have a fresh loaf? No worries. Grandma’s method has you covered. Freeze the bread first; it hardens without losing quality.

Once it’s solid, grab a grater and shred the bread on the finest holes. This trick not only gives you fine breadcrumbs but also saves you from the mess of crumbling bread by hand.

Ease Constipation with Castor Oil

Castor oil has been a go-to remedy for constipation for generations. Its powerful laxative properties help your body break down and eliminate waste more effectively. Just remember, while it’s great for a quick fix, it’s strong stuff.

So, if you’re thinking about using it, especially for the little ones, checking in with a doctor first is a wise move. It’s all about using those old-school remedies safely.

Brighten Whites with Lemon Juice

Looking to get those whites back to sparkling without harsh chemicals? Try Grandma’s method with a twist of lemon. Mix the juice of one lemon with a gallon of hot water and let your faded whites soak for an hour or two.

After soaking, run them through a rinse cycle in the laundry machine, then hang them out to dry in the sunshine. The lemon lifts the grime, and the sun does the rest, naturally bleaching your clothes to a brilliant white.

Untangle Shoelaces with Talcum Powder

Tangled shoelaces can slow you down, especially when you’re in a hurry. Next time, sprinkle a bit of talcum powder over the knotted mess. It acts as a lubricant, making the laces easier to slide and untie.

No more pulling and tugging in frustration. Just a quick sprinkle, a gentle tug, and you’re ready to go, saving time and keeping calm.

Use Bay Leaves to Repel Insects

Battling bugs in your kitchen or around your plants can be a constant struggle. Here’s a simple, natural way to keep them at bay—pun intended! Place a bay leaf in your sugar bowl, bread bin, or even in your plant pots. The strong scent of the bay leaf is a natural deterrent against ants, midges, and other pesky insects.