I’ve tried just about every cleaning hack out there, but the ones that really stick? The old-school tricks that have been around forever. They’re simple, they work, and they don’t require a cabinet full of expensive cleaners.
As a mom, I spend plenty of time scrubbing, wiping, and trying to keep up with the never-ending mess. Some of my favorite cleaning tricks are the ones I learned from family—little things that make chores easier without all the extra fuss. Turns out, Grandma knew what she was doing, and a lot of her tricks still beat the fancy stuff today.
1. White Vinegar Works as an Easy All-Purpose Cleaner
I swear by white vinegar for cleaning. It’s cheap, effective, and doesn’t come with a bunch of unnecessary chemicals.
I keep a spray bottle filled with equal parts vinegar and water, and I use it on everything—counters, windows, even bathroom surfaces. It cuts through grime, freshens up spaces, and gets rid of lingering odors.
Plus, it’s safe to use around kids, which is a big win for me. If my house needs a quick refresh, this is the first thing I reach for.
2. Olive Oil Makes Wooden Surfaces Shine
If my wooden furniture looks dull, a little olive oil does the trick. It adds shine and keeps the wood from drying out.
I mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice, then rub it in with a lint-free cloth. It brings the wood back to life and smells great, too.
No harsh chemicals, no expensive polishes—just a simple trick that works.
3. A Damp Cloth Keeps Dust from Flying Everywhere
Dusting with a dry cloth just sends particles floating around the house, and I don’t have time for that. A slightly damp microfiber cloth grabs the dust instead of spreading it.
I use this trick on everything—furniture, baseboards, even electronics. Just make sure the cloth isn’t soaking wet, or you’ll end up with streaks.
Less dust in the air means less sneezing and a cleaner house overall.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Keep Drains Fresh
When my drains start smelling funky, I reach for baking soda and vinegar. It’s a simple fix that works every time.
I pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then add a cup of vinegar. It fizzes up and helps loosen whatever gunk is hanging out in the pipes. After 10 minutes, I flush it with hot water, and the drain smells fresh again.
No need for chemical drain cleaners—this is easier and just as effective.
5. Baking Soda Lifts Carpet Stains
Carpet stains are the worst, but baking soda makes them easier to handle.
I mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste, spread it over the stain, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then I scrub it gently and vacuum up the residue.
It works on a lot of stains, and it’s way cheaper than buying specialty cleaners.
6. Stale Bread Erases Marks on Wallpaper
This one sounds weird, but it actually works. If I spot smudges on my wallpaper, I grab a slice of stale bread and gently rub the spot.
The bread picks up dirt without damaging the paper, which is a lifesaver if you have kids who like to touch every surface in the house.
Just make sure the bread isn’t too crumbly, or you’ll end up with a bigger mess.
7. Vinegar and Water Keep Stainless Steel Spotless
Keeping stainless steel appliances streak-free can be a pain, but vinegar makes it easy.
I mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray it on, and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. If I follow the grain, it dries without streaks.
It’s way cheaper than store-bought stainless steel cleaners and doesn’t leave behind that weird greasy residue.
8. Baking Soda Scrubs Away Limescale
Limescale buildup drives me crazy, especially around sinks and faucets. A baking soda paste makes it easy to scrub away.
I mix a couple of teaspoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste, spread it over the limescale, and let it sit. After a few minutes, I scrub it off with a cloth or an old toothbrush.
It works without the strong smell of vinegar, which is nice when you don’t want your whole house smelling like pickles.
9. Lemon Juice Keeps Cutting Boards Fresh
Wooden cutting boards can hold onto odors, but lemon juice takes care of that.
I sprinkle coarse salt over the board, then use a cut lemon to scrub it in. The salt scrubs while the lemon disinfects and gets rid of lingering smells.
After 5–10 minutes, I wipe it clean, and the board looks and smells fresh again.
10. Baking Soda Absorbs Fridge Odors
If my fridge starts smelling weird, I know it’s time to swap out the baking soda.
I keep an open box in the back to absorb odors, and it really does make a difference. Every few months, I replace it to keep it working.
It’s such a simple trick, but it keeps the fridge smelling fresh without needing air fresheners or chemical sprays.
11. Old Towels Make the Best Cleaning Rags
I don’t throw out old towels—I turn them into cleaning cloths instead.
I cut them into smaller pieces and use them for dusting, wiping up spills, and even washing windows. They’re softer than paper towels, reusable, and free.
I keep a basket for dirty ones, and on laundry day, I just toss them in with my regular wash. It saves money and cuts down on waste, which is a win-win.
*This article was written with the help of AI.