1. Baking Soda
Baking soda was a staple in Grandma’s cleaning arsenal. She swore by its ability to lift stains, deodorize, and scrub away grime. Whether she was freshening up the carpets or cleaning the bathroom sink, it was her go-to product for a quick, all-natural fix. And let’s not forget how it could tackle tough odors in the fridge or even in the shoes. She’d sprinkle it on the upholstery and let it sit, knowing it would absorb all the unwanted smells. What’s even better? It’s completely non-toxic, making it safe for kids and pets. Grandma would always say, “If you can’t find a cleaner, just reach for the baking soda!” It’s that simple and effective says Allrecipes.
Of course, she had a method to her madness. To clean pots and pans, she’d form a paste by mixing the baking soda with water, creating a powerful scrub for stubborn stains. For cleaning kitchen counters, it was dusted on generously, then wiped down for a sparkling finish. Whether used as a deodorizer, scrubber, or mild abrasive, this humble kitchen staple was a multi-tasking hero in Grandma’s cleaning routine.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar was another one of Grandma’s go-to’s for almost every cleaning job around the house. She relied on its acidic properties to break down grease, grime, and mineral deposits. A little white vinegar mixed with water worked wonders as a streak-free glass cleaner. Grandma would often mix up a bottle of this homemade solution to spray on windows and mirrors, leaving them sparkling without the harsh chemicals. She’d also use it to clean her coffee maker, removing hard water deposits with just a simple rinse explains Southern Living.
For tough bathroom build-up, vinegar was her secret weapon. It would be sprayed directly on shower tiles and faucets, softening soap scum and mineral stains. Then, she’d let it sit for a while, making sure it worked its magic before scrubbing away. Not only was it an affordable option, but vinegar also had a fresh, neutralizing scent that wasn’t overpowering like some commercial cleaners.
3. Ammonia
Ammonia might have had a strong smell, but it was Grandma’s favorite for serious cleaning jobs. Whether she was tackling tough grease in the kitchen or stubborn stains on carpets, ammonia worked like a charm. She’d often mix it with water and a little dish soap for an all-purpose cleaner that could handle just about anything. Its powerful, effective nature made it a top contender when Grandma needed to get deep into the nooks and crannies.
Grandma also used ammonia to clean her windows, claiming that it helped them stay streak-free and clear. The trick was using it in a well-ventilated area, since its pungent odor could be overwhelming. But when she needed results, ammonia didn’t disappoint. It was the heavy-hitter in her cleaning toolkit, ready to tackle even the toughest messes adds Apartment Therapy.
4. Old-Fashioned Bar Soap
Before fancy liquid soaps, Grandma always had a bar of soap around. This unsung hero could clean everything from dirty hands to stubborn laundry stains. She’d use it to scrub dishes and pots, using the bar soap directly on a dishcloth or sponge. For laundry, a simple rub of bar soap on stained clothing would get the fabric looking fresh again, without needing a ton of detergent. Grandma loved the simplicity of it – just rub, rinse, and repeat.
Even when cleaning her floors, a gentle scrub with bar soap in warm water would leave the room smelling fresh and clean. She didn’t need any fancy cleaners for those everyday messes; the bar soap did the job without any fuss. She’d always say that you didn’t need much to make things shine if you had a good bar of soap in hand.
5. Murphy’s Oil Soap
Murphy’s Oil Soap was Grandma’s top choice for polishing wood furniture. She loved how it would bring out the natural shine of her wooden tables, chairs, and cabinets. The rich, woodsy scent was an added bonus, filling the room with the unmistakable aroma of a well-maintained home. This gentle cleaner was perfect for wood surfaces, keeping them looking like new with just a few quick wipes.
It wasn’t just about looks; Grandma knew Murphy’s Oil Soap helped protect her furniture from the wear and tear of everyday use. She’d often apply it to her wooden floors too, using a soft cloth to buff out any scuff marks and restore their shine. No fancy furniture polish could replace this old-school favorite, and Grandma knew it.
6. Borax
Borax might sound old-fashioned, but Grandma loved it for its versatility. She used it to deodorize and clean just about everything, from laundry to tile grout. Mixed with a bit of water, it became a powerful paste to scrub stains from sinks and tubs. Grandma always kept a box on hand, knowing that it worked wonders to remove odors and freshen up rooms.
She’d sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming, letting it absorb any smells and freshen up the space. For laundry, Borax was her secret ingredient to boost detergent power and help with hard water. Grandma was a big fan of its ability to handle multiple cleaning tasks in one simple box.
7. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice wasn’t just for baking; Grandma used it as a natural cleaner and deodorizer. The citric acid helped cut through grease, making it perfect for the kitchen. She’d squeeze some on a rag to clean countertops, and it would leave everything smelling fresh and bright. In the bathroom, a few drops of lemon juice in the toilet bowl worked wonders to keep it sparkling clean.
For stubborn stains on her clothes, Grandma would dab a little lemon juice on them before tossing them in the wash. She swore by the natural bleaching power of lemon, especially for white fabrics. It was another gentle, non-toxic product she’d use to keep her home spotless and smelling like summer.
8. Castile Soap
Grandma loved Castile soap for its purity and versatility. A few drops of the liquid soap could clean everything from dishes to hands to floors. She would dilute it with water and use it as a gentle all-purpose cleaner around the house. The best part? It was completely biodegradable and safe for the environment, making it a responsible choice for Grandma’s home.
She’d also use it as a shampoo for her hair, swearing that it left her scalp feeling fresh and clean. Castile soap was another product that could do it all – from scrubbing dishes to wiping down surfaces – without any harsh chemicals. Grandma knew a good, simple product when she saw one, and Castile soap was a staple in her home for years.
9. Clorox Bleach
Bleach was Grandma’s heavy-duty cleaner for tough, stubborn stains. She’d add a little to her laundry to keep whites bright and free of yellowing. In the kitchen, it helped disinfect countertops and sink areas, especially after preparing raw meat. Grandma would often dilute it with water, ensuring it wasn’t too strong for her delicate surfaces, but still tough enough to sanitize.
The smell of bleach was part of the cleaning process for Grandma – it meant the job was getting done right. Whether she was disinfecting her bathroom or freshening up white towels, Clorox Bleach was one of her cleaning essentials. She knew how to handle it safely, ensuring her home was spotless while maintaining a balance between cleanliness and health.
10. Salt
Salt was Grandma’s secret weapon for handling tough stains and spills. Whether it was wine on the carpet or a greasy pan, salt could help absorb the mess before it set in. She’d often sprinkle it on fresh spills, knowing it would pull out the liquid, preventing stains from becoming permanent. In the kitchen, salt would scrub away grime, especially in cast iron skillets, without damaging the metal.
For cleaning windows, Grandma would mix salt with vinegar for a streak-free shine. Salt also played a big role in her laundry routine, helping to prevent fading and set colors in clothes. She’d sprinkle it in with the laundry detergent to keep her colors looking bright, proving that salt had much more use than just for seasoning.
11. Pledge Furniture Polish
Pledge was Grandma’s favorite for giving her wooden furniture a glossy finish. She loved how it made her tables and chairs shine without leaving any greasy residue behind. A quick spray and wipe with Pledge would have the furniture looking brand new, and the familiar smell of the polish made her home feel warm and inviting. It wasn’t just about aesthetics – Pledge also provided a protective layer for her furniture, helping to prevent dust buildup.
She’d use it every week to keep her living room looking pristine, making sure her wood surfaces always looked their best. Pledge was a staple in Grandma’s cleaning supplies, giving her peace of mind knowing her furniture was well cared for. Even when guests came over, her home always looked effortlessly polished, thanks to this trusty product.
12. Cleanser Powder
Grandma always kept a tin of cleanser powder around for tougher cleaning tasks. Whether it was a stubborn stain on the kitchen sink or a tough spot on the bathroom tile, cleanser powder was her answer. She’d sprinkle it on the surface, add a little water, and scrub away, revealing a sparkling, clean surface underneath. It was a gentle abrasive, perfect for getting rid of grime without causing any scratches.
For Grandma, cleanser powder was a simple solution that never let her down. It was reliable and always ready to tackle whatever mess she faced. From scrubbing bathtubs to removing scuff marks from floors, it was a product she could trust to keep her home looking spotless.