Cleaning Hacks from Grandma That Still Work Today
- Melani
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
At Texas Cleaning Services, we’re big fans of modern equipment and eco-friendly products—but sometimes, the best cleaning tricks come from way back when. If your grandma ever handed you a vinegar spray bottle or told you to sprinkle baking soda in your shoes, trust us—she knew what she was doing.
Here are our favorite tried-and-true cleaning hacks from grandma that still work wonders in homes today. They’re simple, effective, and best of all—budget-friendly!
1. Vinegar for Almost Everything
White vinegar is the MVP of old-school cleaning. It’s natural, non-toxic, and cuts through grime like a charm.
Use it for:
Shiny windows and mirrors
Deodorizing drains
Breaking down mineral buildup on faucets
Mopping floors (mixed with warm water)
💡 Texas Tip: Add lemon peels to your vinegar jar for a fresh scent without the chemicals.
2. Baking Soda as a Gentle Scrubber
Need to lift tough stains or deodorize surfaces? Grandma’s go-to was always baking soda.
Try it on:
Oven spills and stovetops
Inside the fridge or trash can
Sinks and tubs
Carpet deodorizing before vacuuming
Just sprinkle, let sit for a few minutes, and scrub or vacuum away.
3. Lemon to Shine and Freshen
Before lemon-scented sprays, there were actual lemons! The natural acids in lemon help disinfect and cut through grease, all while leaving a clean, citrus scent.
Great for:
Shining chrome faucets
Cleaning cutting boards
Deodorizing garbage disposals (just drop in lemon rinds)
Degreasing stovetops
4. Newspaper for Streak-Free Windows
Forget expensive microfiber—Grandma knew newspaper left windows spotless and streak-free. Simply spray your glass with vinegar and wipe using a crumpled piece of newspaper. It won’t leave lint or streaks behind.
5. Boiling Water for Drain Maintenance
Skip the chemical drain cleaners. Pouring boiling water down your sink once a week helps melt grease buildup and keeps drains flowing freely. It’s an old method that still works today—just be cautious with PVC pipes.
6. Salt for Stains and Rust
Salt is more than a seasoning—Grandma used it as a mild abrasive and stain-fighter.
Try this:
Mix with lemon juice to remove rust
Use on fresh wine or juice stains before washing
Combine with vinegar to scrub stained coffee mugs
7. Essential Oils for Natural Scent and Antibacterial Power
Even before essential oils were trendy, Grandma added drops of lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus to hot water or vinegar mixes. Not only do they smell amazing, but many have natural antibacterial properties.
8. Use What You Have
The ultimate grandma hack? Make do with what you’ve got. Old t-shirts become cleaning rags, a toothbrush becomes a grout scrubber, and elbow grease never goes out of style.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s cleaning tricks are proof that simple can still be powerful. These time-tested methods are safe, effective, and perfect for anyone looking to clean their home without harsh chemicals or complicated tools.
At Texas Cleaning Services, we love blending old-school wisdom with modern techniques. Whether it’s using vinegar to wipe down a kitchen or tackling a home deep-clean with our expert team, we know the value of clean that lasts.
📞 Need a little help getting that Grandma-level sparkle? Contact Texas Cleaning Services today—we’ll bring the know-how (and maybe a little vinegar and baking soda, too)!
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@texascleaningservices is a local San Antonio small business specializing in a variety of services including general, deep, move in and move out, office, & custom cleaning
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