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    35 Nearly Forgotten House Cleaning Tips From the Past

    healthylife7By No Comments13 Mins Read
    35 Nearly Forgotten House Cleaning Tips From the Past
    Fresh green mint leaves, growing upward, surrounded by a blurred background of similar foliage in a well-lit environment.
    <img src="https://healthylife7.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/https-2F-2Fmedia.zenfs_.com-2Fen-2Ffamily_handyman_691-2Fb204b6fa52b9cb1424cc969a676401df.jpg" alt="A dishwasher emits steam while plates and utensils are visible inside. The appliance is integrated into a kitchen environment with a sleek design.”>
    A dishwasher emits steam while plates and utensils are visible inside. The appliance is integrated into a kitchen environment with a sleek design.

    Wash Away Dust

    Air vent covers are a hidden dirty spot in your home. Marge Grandy of Flippin, Arkansas, says, “I run all my metal heat and air conditioning vent covers through the dishwasher every spring and fall. It saves lots of time and does a better job than doing it by hand.” Follow these cleaning tips to reduce household dust. 

    Fresh green mint leaves, growing upward, surrounded by a blurred background of similar foliage in a well-lit environment.
    Fresh green mint leaves, growing upward, surrounded by a blurred background of similar foliage in a well-lit environment.

    Minty Fresh

    Summer’s heat can sometimes cause garbage cans to give off an unpleasant odor. Reader Michael Sienkowski of Norwich, Connecticut, says, “If you grow mint, cut a fresh sprig and place it in the garbage can every day. It keeps the can smelling fresh all season long.” See what you’re missing and learn how to really give your home a deep clean!

    A bowl of ground cinnamon rests beside several cinnamon sticks, displaying a rich brown color against a plain white background.
    A bowl of ground cinnamon rests beside several cinnamon sticks, displaying a rich brown color against a plain white background.

    No More Moths

    Keep moths away from your clothes with a natural solution. Reader Mrs. T. Peterson of Knife River, Minnesota says, “Make your own mothballs by mixing oil of cloves and oil of cinnamon, then soaking cotton balls in this mixture. Place the cotton balls in muslin bags and hang them in your closets.”

    A black wood stove emits a warm glow, surrounded by a checkerboard floor and firewood, next to a window revealing a snowy landscape outside.
    A black wood stove emits a warm glow, surrounded by a checkerboard floor and firewood, next to a window revealing a snowy landscape outside.

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    Homemade Humidifier

    If you use a wood-burning stove, you can make your own humidifier. Therese DeVlieger of Davis Junction, Illinois, says, “Fill an old coffee can two-thirds full of water. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel and place it on the stove. When the water gets hot, it gives off a pleasant scent and gives the home extra moisture.”

    A hand points at a recipe in an open cookbook, surrounded by kitchen tools, bowls of oil, an egg, and fresh herbs on a wooden surface.
    A hand points at a recipe in an open cookbook, surrounded by kitchen tools, bowls of oil, an egg, and fresh herbs on a wooden surface.

    Keep Cookbooks Clean

    Tired of splattering and spilling ingredients all over your cookbooks? Rosa Graber of Odon, Indiana, says, “Once you’ve turned to the page you want, slip the book inside a large plastic food storage bag to protect the pages.”

    A blue spray bottle stands upright, featuring a white nozzle. It's filled with liquid, ready for cleaning surfaces. The background is plain and unobtrusive.
    A blue spray bottle stands upright, featuring a white nozzle. It’s filled with liquid, ready for cleaning surfaces. The background is plain and unobtrusive.

    DIY Glass Cleaner

    Mildred Zuercher of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, says this homemade solution cleans windows, glass and mirrors. “Mix 2 ounces rubbing alcohol, 2 ounces of ammonia and 12 ounces of water. Add a drop of blue food coloring and mark it clearly to distinguish it from other cleaners. Pour into a spray bottle and use as you would a store-bought cleaner.”

    A blue aerosol can with a silver top and red spray nozzle dispenses lubricant, designed for maintenance tasks, labeled "WD-40, multi-use product."
    A blue aerosol can with a silver top and red spray nozzle dispenses lubricant, designed for maintenance tasks, labeled “WD-40, multi-use product.”

    Stop Sticking

    Tired of scraping stickers off of your new stuff? Herman Ensey of Scottsbluff, Nebraska says, “Remove sticky price tags from glass by spraying with WD-40. It works well.” You’ll be amazed at these 22 unbelievable uses for WD-40 as well!

    A knife, fork, and spoon are arranged neatly on a weathered wooden surface, suggesting readiness for dining or a meal setting.
    A knife, fork, and spoon are arranged neatly on a weathered wooden surface, suggesting readiness for dining or a meal setting.

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    Polish Your Silver

    Banish the tarnish with this simple solution from reader Lois Kreider of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. “Place silver in an aluminum pan or in your kitchen sink lined with aluminum foil. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 10 to 12 minutes

    A showerhead releases a stream of water droplets, creating a refreshing cascade against a dark, sleek bathroom surface.
    A showerhead releases a stream of water droplets, creating a refreshing cascade against a dark, sleek bathroom surface.

    Soak Your Shower Head

    To remove hard water buildup on your shower head, reader Jennie Krell, El Cajon, California says, “Pour some white distilled vinegar in a plastic bag and place it around the shower head so the head is completely submerged. Tie the bag around the pipe and leave it overnight. You’ll find the showerhead will spray like new again in the morning.”

    A hand holds a can opener against a metal can's lid, turning the lever to pierce the surface, preparing to open it in a kitchen setting.
    A hand holds a can opener against a metal can’s lid, turning the lever to pierce the surface, preparing to open it in a kitchen setting.

    Open Secret

    When her handheld can opener gets balky, Ruth Brennan of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, says she uses a toothbrush, hot water and dishwashing detergent to clean it. “After cleaning, lubricate the opener with vegetable oil and set it aside for a while. Wipe off the excess oil and it will work like new.” 

    A hand rubs a piece of food across a scratched wooden table surface, attempting to clean or repair the damage in a home kitchen environment.
    A hand rubs a piece of food across a scratched wooden table surface, attempting to clean or repair the damage in a home kitchen environment.

    A Nutty Solution

    To color in nicks or scratches in furniture, cabinets, wood trim, etc., reader C. Clingingsmith of St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, says, “Rub them with a pecan nut. The oil of the nut will ‘re–stain’ the wood.”

    A glass vinegar bottle stands upright on a wooden surface, filled with clear liquid, against a soft, neutral background.
    A glass vinegar bottle stands upright on a wooden surface, filled with clear liquid, against a soft, neutral background.

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    Get Rid of Glue

    Reader Mary Yoder, Montezuma, Georgia, has a solution for sticky situations. “When you must remove a spot of glue, use vinegar. It’s a good glue thinner or remover.” But use caution—there are some things you should never clean with vinegar. 

    Clear bubbles float and rise in a transparent liquid, creating a lively, effervescent effect against a light background.
    Clear bubbles float and rise in a transparent liquid, creating a lively, effervescent effect against a light background.

    Fizzy Flatware

    Stainless steel lost its luster? Pat Peters of Matteson, Illinois, says, “Place your flatware in a pan with bubbly carbonated water, soda water, club soda or seltzer. Let set until the fizz has fizzled. Your stainless will shine like new!”

    wicker porch swing
    wicker porch swing

    Brush Away Dirt

    Do you have a tough time cleaning wickeritems? Reader Sherry Hearn of Trego Montana, says, “Just spray your favorite furniture polish onto an inexpensive paint brush. It makes getting to the hard-to-reach spots easier and takes a lot less time.”

    Colorful lines and scribbles cover a white surface, illustrating erratic movements, creating an abstract display of vibrant hues in a playful context.
    Colorful lines and scribbles cover a white surface, illustrating erratic movements, creating an abstract display of vibrant hues in a playful context.

    Invisible Ink

    Don’t freak out when the kids’ artwork goes beyond the coloring book. Reader Claire Utt of Winfield, Kansas says, “Rubbing alcohol easily removes ink from clothing and crayon marks from woodwork and wallpaper.” 

    A spoon holds a swirl of creamy peanut butter, resting against a plain white background, highlighting its rich, smooth texture.
    A spoon holds a swirl of creamy peanut butter, resting against a plain white background, highlighting its rich, smooth texture.

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    Gum Be Gone

    To remove gum from fingers or hair, reader Mrs. V. Walston of Bedford, Iowa, says “Rub creamy peanut butter or vegetable oil into the gum. Wait a few minutes. The gum will come right off. Then wash your hands or hair as normal.”

    Two dirty hands are opened, palms up, exposing smudges of dirt and grime, against a plain white background.
    Two dirty hands are opened, palms up, exposing smudges of dirt and grime, against a plain white background.

    Handy Soap

    When your hands are dirty from yard work, reader Marjorie Little, Sarasota, Florida, has a great tip. “Tuck a bar of soap in the toe of a nylon stocking and tie it to your outdoor water faucet for fast garden cleanup.”

    A glass bowl holds clear liquid, while halved lemons sit nearby, suggesting preparation for lemon juice on a light surface.
    A glass bowl holds clear liquid, while halved lemons sit nearby, suggesting preparation for lemon juice on a light surface.

    Clean Up Concrete

    Perk up your patio with this suggestion from reader Ann Norstram of Clinton, Iowa. “Rust stains from outdoor furniture can be removed from concrete by using lemon juice and rubbing with a soft linen cloth.”

    Green grass blades glisten with morning dew, capturing sunlight, creating a vibrant, fresh appearance in a serene, natural setting.
    Green grass blades glisten with morning dew, capturing sunlight, creating a vibrant, fresh appearance in a serene, natural setting.

    Grease-Free Grill

    Keep your grill looking great. Nancy Merica of Ripley, West Virginia, says, “Lay a barbecue grill rack on the lawn overnight. The dew will combine with enzymes on the grass to loosen any burned on grease. Try it with messy oven racks, too!”

    Four pairs of colorful socks are arranged in a dynamic layout against a bright yellow background, showcasing various patterns and textures.
    Four pairs of colorful socks are arranged in a dynamic layout against a bright yellow background, showcasing various patterns and textures.

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    Sock Duster

    For dusting under furniture and hard-to-reach places, Deanna Thomas of Hollister, Missouri says, “I slip an old sock onto a fly swatter and sew it securely into place. It’s very handy.” What a genius dusting hack! 

    A glass filled with milk is being poured from a glass bottle onto a wooden surface, showcasing the creamy texture and smooth flow.
    A glass filled with milk is being poured from a glass bottle onto a wooden surface, showcasing the creamy texture and smooth flow.

    Polish With Milk

    Reach into the fridge for this handy hint. Mrs. L.E. Ford of Portland, Oregon, says, “Patent leather handbags and shoes can be quickly brightened with a polish of milk. Apply with a soft cloth and rub into a shiny new finish.” 

    A paint roller with a white, fuzzy cover is positioned horizontally, attached to a black plastic handle, resting on a plain white background.
    A paint roller with a white, fuzzy cover is positioned horizontally, attached to a black plastic handle, resting on a plain white background.

    Wash Those Walls

    Reader Milton Olson of Klaten, North Dakota, says, “Fill a paint roller with your favorite wall washing solution and use a clean paint roller to wash your walls. Rinse with clear water. It goes much more quickly than sponging.” 

    A collection of various spray bottles and cans, arranged closely together, displaying different colors and nozzle designs against a light background.
    A collection of various spray bottles and cans, arranged closely together, displaying different colors and nozzle designs against a light background.

    Wipe Away Hairspray

    Don’t fret when you accidentally get hair spray on a mirror. Ann Peardot of Tomah, Wisconsin, says you make the glass spotless again by rubbing the mirror with a sponge or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol

    A glass shower door is partially visible, secured with a metal hinge, reflecting light; white tiled walls and a window can be seen in the background.
    A glass shower door is partially visible, secured with a metal hinge, reflecting light; white tiled walls and a window can be seen in the background.

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    So Long, Soap Scum

    To keep shower doors shiny and clear, Mildred Sherrer of Bay City, Texas says use a soft cloth moistened with baby oil. “It prevents scum buildup from dirt and soap, and hard water spots won’t appear for several months

    A roll of silver aluminum foil is partially unrolled, resting on a wooden surface. The shiny side is visible, indicating its reflective quality.
    A roll of silver aluminum foil is partially unrolled, resting on a wooden surface. The shiny side is visible, indicating its reflective quality.

    Heavy Duty Helper

    Maureen Beaver of Sparta, Wisconsin says wadded up aluminum foil makes a great kitchen scrubber. Use it to tackle tough stains and baked on food.   

    Three small, dark brown bowls sit on a textured surface, each filled with a glossy liquid, reflecting light and creating a warm ambience.
    Three small, dark brown bowls sit on a textured surface, each filled with a glossy liquid, reflecting light and creating a warm ambience.

    A Saucy Solution

    To preserve the bright shine of brass, reader Lucile Trent of Waverly, Missouri says, “Clean it with Worcestershire sauce. It does an unbelievably good job!” Plus, here’s how to clean brass with vinegar. Discover another condiment that’s great at cleaning

    A blue checkered shirt lies folded, showcasing its collar and cuffs, which feature button closures, with a light texture against a neutral background.
    A blue checkered shirt lies folded, showcasing its collar and cuffs, which feature button closures, with a light texture against a neutral background.

    Buttoned Up

    Avoid a tangled mess in the laundry. Katherine Kalmbach of Selby, South Dakota says, “If you button shirt cuffs to the front of a shirt before putting it in the washer, the sleeves won’t knot and tangle in the wash.” 

    A loaf of sliced bread rests on a cutting board, with a knife nearby, and a plate of bread spread with jam in the background.
    A loaf of sliced bread rests on a cutting board, with a knife nearby, and a plate of bread spread with jam in the background.

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    Breaking Bread

    If you break a plate while making a sandwich, grab some extra bread. Reader Carolyn Robinson of Lawrence, Mississippi says, “Clean up slivers of broken glass without hurting yourself by pressing a slice of fresh bread lightly over the area, then immediately disposing of it.” 

    A sleek, modern trash bin stands open, showing a clear plastic liner inside, placed on a light wooden floor in a well-lit space.
    A sleek, modern trash bin stands open, showing a clear plastic liner inside, placed on a light wooden floor in a well-lit space.

    Wash the Wastebasket

    Clean two messes at once. Reader dMarge Harold of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, says, “If you have a small plastic wastebasket in your bathroom, empty it and use it as a bucket when you clean your bathroom, so it gets cleaned, too.” Here’s how you’re probably cleaning your bathroom wrong. 

    <img src="https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/0a0bedf9b607285334fac4eb0cb57bac0e0ff581bab287327a7806b92602dc82/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w680_h680;quality_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Ffamily_handyman_691%2F963ee5ea17aa2ed9273065c90a1a90eb" alt="A white microwave sits on a light countertop, with a black glass door and dial controls, positioned against a tiled wall and electrical outlets.”>
    A white microwave sits on a light countertop, with a black glass door and dial controls, positioned against a tiled wall and electrical outlets.

    Steam Away Stains

    To easily clean your microwave without chemicals, Mary Alice Warren of Waco, Texas says, “Place 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or baking soda in a bowl. Heat on high until the mixture boils. Let steam accumulate on the walls and door of the microwave. Remove the bowl and wipe down the interior.” Good thing it’s so simple—a microwave is the one appliance that you should be cleaning every day

    Also, check out these 39 really cool home tech products and the one really geeky one

    A hand holds a spoon above an open palm, pouring liquid, beside a stainless steel container and a bottle of Palmolive OXY on a countertop.
    A hand holds a spoon above an open palm, pouring liquid, beside a stainless steel container and a bottle of Palmolive OXY on a countertop.

    Sugar Scrub

    When your hands get badly stained or extra dirty, reader Mildred Shlenz of Vancouver, Washington says, “Add a teaspoon of sugar to the lather when you wash them. They’ll clean up easily.” 

    A hand holds a vacuum nozzle, cleaning a car seat in a vehicle's interior, which is composed of dark materials with light fabric accents.
    A hand holds a vacuum nozzle, cleaning a car seat in a vehicle’s interior, which is composed of dark materials with light fabric accents.

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    Cars and Carpets

    Eliminate stinky scents at home and on the road. Reader Sally Tilson of Davison, Michigan, says “Sprinkle baking soda on your car’s upholstery and carpeting before vacuuming to remove odors.” Here are more great car cleaning tips and tricks. 

    A floral arrangement of pink and red roses, alongside lilies and greenery, is placed in a white decorative pot on a wooden surface.
    A floral arrangement of pink and red roses, alongside lilies and greenery, is placed in a white decorative pot on a wooden surface.

    Flower Power

    This decorative directive comes from reader Menno Erb of Sugar Creek, Ohio. “When silk flower arrangements look old and dusty, dip them gently and quickly in warm water with dish detergent in it. Then place them on a towel to dry. They come out looking new!” 

    A white steam iron stands upright, showcasing its pointed soleplate and cord, ready for use in a laundry context.
    A white steam iron stands upright, showcasing its pointed soleplate and cord, ready for use in a laundry context.

    Freshly Pressed

    Give yourself an added incentive to finish the ironing. Reader Mrs. Harlin Jacoles of Foley Minnesota says, “Add a little witch hazel to the water in your steam iron. Your clothes will smell sweet and fresh.” Check out the secrets of people who always have a clean house

    A smooth, white substance spreads across a surface, creating gentle waves and contours in its texture, reflecting light softly in a neutral environment.
    A smooth, white substance spreads across a surface, creating gentle waves and contours in its texture, reflecting light softly in a neutral environment.

    Clean Shaven

    Shaving cream has more than one use in the bathroom. Mrs. Roy Lairmore of Beatrice, Nebraska says, “Your bathroom mirror won’t fog up if you clean it with canned shaving cream. It works on eyeglasses, too.”

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