Old-fashioned home hacks can be absolute treasures, and while they’re often underestimated, these classic tricks really work wonders when it comes to solving everyday problems. They remind us that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best, and you don’t always need those fancy gadgets.
White Vinegar for Cleaning
White vinegar is the cleaning hero we all need, and this affordable staple is brilliant for banishing limescale, tackling grease, and neutralising pesky odours. A quick mix of vinegar and water makes a top-notch window cleaner and limescale remover for kettles and showerheads. Just make sure you keep it far away from granite and untreated stone, as it can cause damage.
Baking Soda on Tough Stains
Who knew a baking ingredient could be such a cleaning wonder? Baking soda is perfect for tackling stubborn stains on hobs, freshening carpets, and even scrubbing grout when mixed into a paste with water. You can even sprinkle it onto smelly surfaces to soak up odours; it’s a pantry staple that does more than create perfect cakes.
Lemon Juice Creates Freshness
Lemons aren’t just for adding to drinks; their acidic juice has some mighty cleaning power and dissolves grime in an instant, leaving a zingy fresh scent in its wake. You can brighten up taps, banish hard water stains, and deodorise your fridge all with this citrus gem. Did you know it even works on cutting boards? Just a few drops and a good scrub will tackle those lingering food smells.
Line Drying Your Laundry
There’s a reason line-dried laundry smells so divine; it’s all that fresh sunlight naturally drying your clothes and bleaching your whites. Even when it’s chilly outside, the fresh air helps cut down indoor dampness and is gentler on fabrics. Line drying your clothes also saves you on tumble dryer costs—it’s a win-win situation.
Reusing Coffee Grounds
If you love your coffee, then don’t ditch those used grounds just yet. They’re a natural fertiliser for plants like roses and tomatoes that thrive on a bit of acidity. That isn’t their only use; they can also absorb fridge odours or even double as a gentle abrasive for cleaning pots and pans.
Salt for Stain Removal
You might not think it, but salt is a real lifesaver for fresh stains. If you’ve spilt red wine, then all you have to do is sprinkle on salt to absorb it quickly. It also works with oil stains on clothing; just add salt to soak up the liquid!
If that isn’t enough, it’s also brilliant for scrubbing cast iron pans without scratching the surface. There’s no need for pricey cleaners when salt is in your cupboards.
Beeswax on Squeaky Hinges
Got a door hinge that’s squeaking like mad? Just add a touch of beeswax to silence the squeak without leaving behind a greasy residue. It’s also handy for stubborn drawers or sticky sliding windows, making it something you should always have in the house.
Bread for Picking Up Glass
Nothing creates more chaos than broken glass, but there’s a simple hack to make it safe. Just grab a slice of soft bread and press it gently over the area. It traps all those tiny shards that your dustpan might miss and prevents you from having to get the vacuum out. It’s a clever trick to make sure no one steps on any painful pieces of glass.
Lavender for Moth Control
Say goodbye to wardrobe moths the natural way with lavender sachets tucked into your drawers or wardrobe. Along with protecting your clothes, they leave behind a lovely, calming scent that’ll make your clothes smell fresh when you put them on. It’s an old-school solution that people swear by.
Potatoes to Remove Rust
Who would have thought that a good old British potato could remove rust? Simply cut one in half, sprinkle it with baking soda, and then rub it on the rusty spot. It’s perfect for rejuvenating old tools, baking trays, and even rusty bike parts.
Damp Tea Bags on Sore Eyes
Next time you brew a cuppa, don’t throw the bag away; damp tea bags, especially green or black, are amazing for soothing tired, puffy eyes. Always chill them in the fridge beforehand to ensure they’re cool enough and then apply them onto sore eyes to reduce any inflammation.
White Vinegar Softens Fabrics
Not all of us like to use fabric softener, so if it isn’t your thing, then try using white vinegar as an alternative. You’ll need to add half a cup to your washing machine’s rinse cycle, which will then leave clothes feeling soft and residue-free. It’s a game-changer for anyone with sensitive skin, proving that simple methods really are the best.
Candle Wax for Sticky Zippers
It’s hard to think of anything more frustrating than a stuck zipper, but rubbing a bit of candle wax along the teeth can work wonders, helping it slide smoothly again. No matter what the item is, whether it’s a jacket, bag, or jean zipper, this handy trick will ensure it always glides smoothly.
Onion to Clean BBQ Grills
Cleaning your barbecue grill doesn’t have to be a chore. One thing you may not know is that if you slice an onion in half, and while the grill is still hot, rub it over the grates then it makes it easier to clean. The onion’s natural juices break down grease and grime, so that there’s less scrubbing needed from you.
Rice for Cleaning Bottles
At some point in our lives, we’ve all struggled to clean a jar or bottle with a narrow neck. Well, you no longer have to worry; all you need to do is pop in some rice, water, and a squirt of washing-up liquid, then give it a shake. The rice works as an abrasive, scrubbing away stubborn residue, leaving you with sparkling glass.
Chalk for Greasy Marks
It’s worth noting that white chalk isn’t just for blackboards—it’s also brilliant for absorbing grease stains. Rub the chalk over the mark, let it sit for a while, then brush it off. This works a treat on clothes, walls, and other surfaces, which is especially handy if you have young children!
Baking Soda for Smelly Shoes
It’s time to say goodbye to stinky trainers with just a sprinkle of baking soda! Keep in mind this isn’t an instant fix, and you’ll have to leave your shoes overnight, but as soon as you shake it all out in the morning, you’ll be left with fresh-smelling shoes. This hack is a lifesaver for when you want to dodge artificial sprays and heavy scents.
Cornflour Cleans Fabric
Cornflour isn’t just for thickening sauces; it’s also a secret weapon for keeping fabrics fresh. Sprinkle a little cornflour onto clothing or upholstery with greasy marks, let it sit for an hour or two, then brush it away to reveal a clean surface. It’s a gentle, affordable way to refresh fabrics without the need for harsh chemicals.