At Tidy Casa, we clean over 600 homes a month, and a lot of what we do comes from the best teacher out there—Grandma! She knew how to clean right, and her simple, no-nonsense tricks often beat the fancy products we buy today.

So, let’s bring back some old-school cleaning wisdom! Here are six tried-and-true cleaning hacks that deserve a comeback:

1. Salt for Fresh Stains

Spill something? Reach for the salt shaker! Salt absorbs liquids like wine, coffee, and grease before they set into fabric or carpet. Just sprinkle it over the spill, let it soak up the mess, then brush it away and clean as usual. It’s simple, effective, and chemical-free!

2. Wax on Air Vents to Repel Dust

Hate dusting every other day? Grandma had a fix! Rubbing a little car wax on your air vents creates a slick barrier that prevents dust from sticking. It makes future cleanups way easier. (Just don’t overdo it—too much wax and your vents could turn into a pet hair magnet!)

3. White Vinegar for Rust Removal

Rusty tools, kitchen utensils, or even cast iron looking rough? Give them a soak in white vinegar for a few hours. The acidity helps break down rust so you can wipe it right off—no scrubbing required. It’s like turning back the clock on metal!

4. Olive Oil for Polishing Stainless Steel

Skip the expensive stainless steel sprays—good-quality olive oil works just as well! A small amount buffed in with a microfiber cloth removes smudges and leaves appliances streak-free. Plus, it helps prevent fingerprints from sticking. Pro tip: Wipe off dust and debris first to avoid smearing grime around.

5. Vanilla Extract for a Fresh-Smelling Home

Want your home to smell warm and inviting? Skip artificial air fresheners and boil water with a few drops of vanilla extract. Your whole house will smell like fresh cookies—without the baking! Add cinnamon sticks or orange peels for even cozier vibes.

6. Toothpaste for Silver and Stains

Plain white toothpaste (not gel!) is a secret cleaning superhero. It shines silver, removes water rings from wooden furniture, and even erases crayon marks from walls. Just rub it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean.

Old Tricks, New Appreciation

Grandma’s cleaning tricks worked for a reason—sometimes the simplest methods are the best. Give these old-school hacks a try and see how they hold up against modern cleaning products.

Need a professional touch to keep your home sparkling? Tidy Casa is here to help! Book your cleaning today at tidycasa.com.