9 Old Fashioned CLeaning Hacks You Need to Try

As a mama who seems to be constantly wiping, scrubbing, and tidying, I’ve discovered that sometimes the best solutions are the ones that have been around for ages. It’s amazing how many old-fashioned cleaning hacks still work wonders today, and are often better than pricey modern products.

Whether it’s giving new life to tarnished silver, effortlessly removing sticker residue, or getting crayon marks off the walls, these tricks can make your cleaning routine a lot easier.

Here are 9 classic cleaning hacks that are definitely worth revisiting.

Restore Wood with Pecans

Have you noticed small nicks or scratches on your wood furniture or trim? Here’s a clever, natural fix: use a pecan! Simply rub the scratch with the inside of a pecan nut. The natural oils in the nut help fill in and darken the blemishes, blending them into the surrounding wood.

It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to touch up your wooden surfaces without harsh chemicals or stains.

Sparkle Your Stainless Steel

Is your stainless steel flatware looking a bit dull? Bring back the shine with something as simple as carbonated water. Just place your flatware in a pan and cover it with any carbonated water—club soda, seltzer, or soda water.

Let it sit until the fizz subsides. The bubbles help remove grime and restore the natural shine of your stainless steel, making it look brand new!

Simplify Wicker Cleaning

Cleaning wicker furniture can be a real hassle due to its intricate patterns and hard-to-reach nooks. A simple trick that works wonders is using an inexpensive paintbrush. Just spray some of your favorite furniture polish on the brush and sweep it across the wicker.

This method allows you to easily get into those tight spaces and thoroughly clean the surface, saving you both time and effort.

Remove Marks with Rubbing Alcohol

When children’s creativity spills over onto clothes and walls, don’t stress. Rubbing alcohol can be your go-to solution for removing ink from fabrics and crayon from woodwork and wallpaper.

All you have to do is apply a bit of alcohol on a cloth and gently rub the stains. It lifts the marks without damaging the underlying surfaces, making cleanup a breeze after artistic adventures.

Effortless Sticker Removal

Removing stickers and price tags from new purchases can be frustratingly sticky. Instead of scratching and scraping, give WD-40 a try. A quick spray on glass surfaces can loosen the adhesive, allowing you to peel off any sticky labels without a trace. It’s a handy trick that saves both time and your nails!

Quick Silver Cleaning

If your silverware or jewelry has lost its luster, here’s a quick method to bring back its shine. Use your kitchen sink or an aluminum pan as a cleaning ‘bath.’ Line it with aluminum foil and lay your silver items flat. Sprinkle about three tablespoons of baking soda over the items, then pour boiling water to cover them.

Let the silver soak for about 10 to 12 minutes. The reaction between the aluminum foil, baking soda, and boiling water works wonders in removing tarnish effortlessly.

Natural Moth Repellent Sachets

Battling moths in your closet doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Make a natural repellent that smells amazing and is effective.

Mix clove oil with cinnamon oil, and soak a few cotton balls in this blend. Then, tuck the scented cotton balls into small muslin bags and place them in your closets.

These sachets smell super good while keeping your clothes moth-free without the toxicity of traditional mothballs.

Clean Your Vents in the Dishwasher

Keeping your home’s air fresh starts with clean vent covers. You might not think about them often, but dust and grime accumulate there over time. A straightforward way to handle this is by tossing your metal heat and air conditioning vent covers into the dishwasher.

Do it with the change of seasons—once in spring and once in fall. This method gets into all the nooks and crannies, saving you the hassle of scrubbing by hand.

Use Mint to Fight Trash Can Odors

When summer temperatures rise, so can the stench from your garbage cans. An easy, natural way to keep them smelling fresh is by using mint. If you have mint growing in your garden, simply snip a small sprig and tuck it into the can each day.

This little touch not only masks odors but also brings a nice scent to an otherwise smelly situation.