Lets go back in time with cleaning

12 Feb

What are the best old-fashioned cleaning tips from the past?

There’s just something so lovely about going back to basics, isn’t there?

We’ve got all the gadgets and sprays now, but honestly… our Nans knew exactly what they were doing with just a few simple staples. And some of those old-school tricks still work better than anything you can buy today!

Let’s bring a few of them back 👇

1. Silver & Metal the Traditional Way ✨

This one always feels a bit like magic!

Line a bowl or tray with foil (shiny side up)
Add warm water, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda
Pop your silver in and watch the tarnish lift away

✦ Aluminium Foil
✦ Bicarbonate of Soda

For brass and metal pieces:

Use a good polish and a soft cloth to bring it back to life

✦ Metal Polish (Brasso)
✦ Soft Polishing Cloths

It’s such a simple method, but the results are amazing!

2. Wood & Glass – The Nan Way 🪵✨

Furniture Care

Forget loads of sprays… this is a proper classic:

Mix 2 parts linseed oil with 1 part white vinegar
Apply with a cloth and buff

✦ Linseed Oil
✦ White Vinegar
✦ Yellow Dusters / Cloths

It cleans and nourishes the wood at the same time leaving that gorgeous natural shine.

Streak-Free Windows

For that crystal-clear finish:

Add a splash of methylated spirits to warm water
Wipe and buff dry

✦ Methylated Spirits
✦ Microfibre Glass Cloths

Or… if you want to go full old-school —scrunched-up newspaper works brilliantly too! 🗞️

TRADITIONAL SCENT TIP 🌿

Before all the plug-ins and sprays, this is what people did:

Simmer water with cinnamon sticks and cloves on the hob

Your whole house will smell incredible warm, cosy, and natural.

✦ Cinnamon Sticks
✦ Whole Cloves

And for rugs?
Take them outside and give them a good shake or use a carpet beater you’d be surprised how much dust comes out!

✦ Carpet Beater

3. Laundry Wisdom That Still Works 👕

Before all the fancy stain removers…

Soap Bar Trick

Rub a damp soap bar directly onto stains (like collars or cuffs)
Pop it in the wash

✦ Laundry Soap Bar

It’s simple, but so effective on grease and everyday marks.

Whitening Whites

If your whites are looking a bit dull:

Soak them in hot water with soda crystals

✦ Soda Crystals

It helps lift that grey tone and brings them back to life.

Floor Care Finish

For kitchen floors:

Mop as normal
Add a small amount of beeswax polish afterwards

✦ Beeswax Polish

It protects the floor and gives it a lovely, natural shine that lasts.

Lynsey’s Final Thought 💛

Sometimes the simplest methods really are the best.

You don’t need a cupboard full of products just a few good staples, a bit of know-how, and those tried-and-tested tricks that have been passed down for years.

And honestly… they still work just as well today ✨