1. Using Newspaper to Clean Windows
Boomers had a way of making the most of what they had, and one of their most genius hacks was using newspaper to clean windows. Instead of wasting money on paper towels that left streaks and lint, they grabbed yesterday’s news and went to work. The ink acted as a mild abrasive, helping to scrub away grime while leaving the glass crystal clear. Plus, it was an easy way to reuse something that would otherwise go straight into the trash. They usually paired it with a simple vinegar and water solution, which was another trick that worked better than most store-bought cleaners. Unlike commercial glass sprays, vinegar didn’t leave behind residue, and it cut through grease like magic. If you ever walked into a Boomer’s house and saw them scrubbing their windows with a crumpled-up section of the classifieds, you knew their glass would be spotless. It was a no-waste, no-fuss method that worked like a charm says MSN.
And let’s be honest—paper towels have only gotten more expensive, so this hack still holds up today. If you’ve never tried it, grab an old newspaper, spritz some vinegar water, and see the difference for yourself. The best part? No microfiber cloths to wash or disposable wipes to throw away. Boomers were all about practicality, and they didn’t see the need to buy fancy products when a simple DIY method did the job just as well. This trick also worked wonders for mirrors, glass tabletops, and even car windows. It’s the kind of old-school wisdom that makes you wonder why we ever stopped using it. Maybe it’s because newspapers are less common now, but if you can get your hands on one, this is a cleaning method worth reviving.
2. Wrapping Lettuce in a Damp Paper Towel
If you’ve ever bought a head of lettuce, stuck it in the fridge, and pulled it out a few days later looking limp and sad, you know the struggle. Boomers had a simple but effective trick—wrapping lettuce in a damp paper towel before storing it in the crisper drawer. This helped retain moisture without making the leaves too wet, which prevented that awful slimy texture. The damp towel acted as a humidity regulator, keeping the lettuce fresh and crisp for much longer. And they didn’t stop at just lettuce—this trick worked for fresh herbs, celery, and even carrots. If you ever peeked into a Boomer’s fridge, you probably saw a neatly wrapped bundle of greens, looking just as fresh as the day they were bought explains Better Homes and Gardens.
Nowadays, produce storage containers and fancy gadgets promise to keep greens fresh, but this old-school hack still holds up. It’s a no-fuss way to make groceries last longer without spending extra money. With food prices higher than ever, stretching every ingredient a little further is a skill worth reviving. Plus, there’s nothing worse than planning a salad only to find your lettuce has turned into a wilted mess. Boomers knew how to make things last, and this is just one of many kitchen tricks they swore by. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how much longer your greens stay crisp.
3. Storing Bacon Grease for Cooking
Boomers never let anything go to waste, especially when it came to food. After frying up a batch of bacon, they didn’t just dump the grease down the drain—they poured it into a jar and saved it for cooking. It might sound strange if you’ve never tried it, but bacon grease adds an incredible depth of flavor to everything from fried eggs to roasted vegetables. Instead of using butter or oil, a spoonful of bacon fat could turn an ordinary dish into something mouthwateringly delicious says AllRecipes. It was a simple way to get the most out of an ingredient they had already paid for. Plus, it kept them from clogging their drains with hardened grease, which was a practical plumbing hack in itself.
If you’ve ever wondered why your grandma’s green beans or cornbread tasted better than anything you’ve ever made, bacon grease was probably the secret ingredient. It’s a forgotten trick that deserves a comeback, especially with the rise of food waste awareness. Instead of tossing out something so flavorful, why not store it in a jar and put it to good use? It lasts for weeks in the fridge and can be used in all kinds of savory dishes. Boomers knew that the best cooking hacks weren’t about fancy gadgets—they were about making the most of what you already had.
4. Using Baking Soda for Everything
If there was one thing every Boomer household had in abundance, it was baking soda. They didn’t just use it for baking; they used it for cleaning, deodorizing, and even personal care. A box of baking soda in the fridge kept bad smells at bay, and a sprinkle in the laundry freshened up clothes. It worked wonders for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and even stained coffee mugs. If a drain was clogged, they’d pour some baking soda down it, followed by vinegar, and let the fizzy reaction do the work. Forget expensive drain cleaners—this natural method was just as effective and way cheaper.
Boomers also used baking soda as a gentle exfoliant for their skin or mixed it with water to create a natural toothpaste. They understood that some of the best solutions weren’t in the cleaning aisle but right in their pantry. Today, people are rediscovering baking soda’s versatility, but Boomers have known its magic for decades. Why spend money on multiple products when one humble box of baking soda can do it all? It’s a lesson in simplicity that still makes sense today.
5. Using Coffee Cans for Storage
Before we had an endless selection of plastic storage bins, Boomers used what they had—coffee cans. These sturdy metal or plastic containers were perfect for organizing everything from nails and screws to buttons and sewing supplies. Instead of buying a fancy tool organizer, they’d label a coffee can and fill it with odds and ends. They were especially great for the garage, where a dozen repurposed cans could neatly store various hardware. Even after plastic coffee containers became more common, the tradition continued.
If you ever visited a Boomer’s house, you probably saw a coffee can filled with rubber bands, spare change, or even homemade cookies. They saw no reason to throw away something that could still be useful. With sustainability making a comeback, this old-school habit is worth reviving. Why waste money on storage containers when you can repurpose something you already have? It’s a simple, practical solution that Boomers mastered long ago.
6. Keeping a Dish of Vinegar to Remove Odors
Boomers had a knack for solving household problems with the simplest ingredients, and vinegar was one of their favorites. Instead of using artificial air fresheners loaded with chemicals, they’d set out a small dish of vinegar to absorb bad smells. Whether it was lingering cigarette smoke, musty basement air, or last night’s fish dinner, vinegar worked like a charm. The acidity in the vinegar neutralized odors instead of just masking them. If you ever walked into a Boomer’s home and caught a faint whiff of vinegar, chances were they had a dish sitting out, silently doing its job.
Nowadays, people spend a fortune on plug-in air fresheners, candles, and sprays, but Boomers knew that a cheap bottle of vinegar could do the same thing. They’d even use it to deodorize carpets by sprinkling baking soda first, then spraying vinegar, letting it bubble before vacuuming. It was an easy way to refresh a room without harsh chemicals or fake floral scents. If your house ever smells a little off, give this trick a try. It’s a budget-friendly, no-fuss solution that Boomers have sworn by for generations.
7. Hanging Laundry Outside for That Fresh Smell
Before fabric softeners and dryer sheets became the norm, Boomers relied on nature to freshen their clothes. Hanging laundry outside wasn’t just about saving money on electricity—it also gave clothes that crisp, sun-dried scent that no artificial fragrance could match. The sun naturally helped whiten whites, making it a great trick for keeping sheets and towels looking fresh. Plus, a gentle breeze acted like a natural fabric softener, keeping clothes from feeling stiff. There was something peaceful about watching laundry sway on the line, a sight that’s become rarer over the years.
This hack also made clothes last longer, since heat from dryers can weaken fabrics over time. While air drying takes a little longer, it’s still one of the best ways to keep laundry smelling fresh and feeling soft. Boomers knew that sunlight was a natural disinfectant, helping to kill bacteria and odors without extra effort. In today’s world of energy-conscious living, maybe it’s time to bring back the clothesline. It’s free, effective, and better for your wardrobe in the long run.
8. Putting Rice in the Salt Shaker
Boomers had a way of fixing small annoyances with simple solutions, and one of their best was adding rice to the salt shaker. If you’ve ever lived in a humid climate, you know the frustration of salt clumping together and refusing to come out. Instead of banging the shaker against the table, they simply tossed a few grains of rice inside. The rice absorbed excess moisture, keeping the salt dry and free-flowing. It was such a small trick, yet it worked like a charm.
You don’t need fancy moisture-absorbing packs or high-tech salt dispensers when a handful of rice does the job just fine. This hack works just as well today as it did decades ago, and it’s proof that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Boomers weren’t about unnecessary gadgets—they just wanted things to work. If your salt is constantly getting stuck, go ahead and add some rice. It’s one of those tiny fixes that makes life just a little bit easier.
9. Using a Spoon to Loosen a Stubborn Jar Lid
There are few things more frustrating than a jar lid that refuses to budge. While younger generations might grab a fancy rubber grip or run the lid under hot water, Boomers had a simpler trick—using the back of a spoon. A quick tap around the edge of the lid helped break the seal, making it much easier to twist open. If that didn’t work, they’d wedge the spoon under the lid and gently pry it up to release the pressure. No special tools, no frustration, just a quick fix that always worked.
This method was especially handy for stubborn pickle jars or jam lids that seemed welded shut. It was yet another example of Boomers using what they had instead of buying something new. Sure, jar openers exist, but why spend money when a simple spoon does the trick? If you’ve ever struggled with a stuck lid, give this old-school method a shot. It’s a no-fail hack that’s been saving wrists and knuckles for generations.
10. Keeping a Rubber Band Around a Paint Can
Boomers weren’t about making a mess when it could be avoided, and that included painting projects. Instead of dipping their brush straight into the can and making a drippy mess, they’d stretch a rubber band across the opening. This gave them a clean edge to wipe excess paint off the brush without gumming up the sides of the can. It also kept the rim from filling with dried paint, making it easier to reseal. It was a brilliantly simple way to stay neat while tackling a DIY job.
If you’ve ever struggled with a crusty paint can lid or dripped paint everywhere, this hack is worth trying. Not only does it keep things clean, but it also helps distribute paint more evenly on the brush. Boomers knew that small details made a big difference when it came to home improvement. With a single rubber band, they saved themselves time, effort, and cleanup. Sometimes, the best tricks are the ones hiding in plain sight.
11. Turning an Old Toothbrush into a Cleaning Tool
Boomers never threw things away if they could still be useful, and that included old toothbrushes. Instead of tossing them out, they repurposed them as tiny scrub brushes for hard-to-reach places. Whether it was grout lines, sink edges, or the tiny crevices in a remote control, a toothbrush was the perfect size for detailed cleaning. The bristles were just stiff enough to scrub away grime without damaging surfaces. They even used them to clean jewelry or scrub mud out of shoe treads.
This hack is still just as handy today, especially for deep cleaning jobs. Instead of buying special scrubbing brushes, save an old toothbrush and keep it under the sink. It’s the perfect tool for getting into tight spaces where sponges and rags can’t reach. Boomers knew that with a little creativity, even the simplest household items could serve multiple purposes. If you haven’t already, start saving your old toothbrushes—you’ll be surprised how often they come in handy.
12. Using Bread to Pick Up Broken Glass
Boomers had a safe and clever trick for cleaning up shattered glass that didn’t involve slicing their fingers open. Instead of trying to sweep up tiny shards with their hands or struggling with a broom, they used a slice of bread. The soft, spongy texture picked up even the smallest slivers, pressing them into the bread instead of scattering them. It was an easy, effective way to ensure no hidden shards were left behind. Afterward, they’d carefully toss the glass-filled bread in the trash, avoiding any dangerous mess.
This is one of those hacks that makes you wonder why it’s not more widely known. Glass can be tricky to clean up, and even the best broom can miss tiny, nearly invisible pieces. Boomers knew that a slice of bread was an unexpected but brilliant solution. If you ever find yourself dealing with broken glass, grab a piece of sandwich bread and press it onto the area. It’s an old-school trick that still works better than anything else.