14 Cleaning Habits You Should Steal from Grandma’s Playbook
There’s something magical about the way grandma’s house always feels clean, cozy, and inviting. Her secret? Tried-and-true cleaning habits that have stood the test of time. While modern cleaning gadgets and trendy hacks have their place, there’s a reason grandma’s methods work so well—they’re simple, effective, and built to last. Here are 14 cleaning habits from grandma’s playbook that you can adopt to bring a little old-school charm and efficiency to your home.
Clean As You Go
Grandma never left a mess to pile up. Whether cooking, crafting, or just enjoying her day, she always tidied up as she went. This habit keeps clutter from building and makes deep cleaning less overwhelming. Try washing dishes while dinner simmers or folding laundry as soon as it’s dry—it’s a small shift that saves tons of time.
Use Multipurpose Cleaners
Forget the endless parade of specialty cleaners—grandma relied on simple, versatile staples like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These natural products are gentle on surfaces, budget-friendly, and just as effective as their chemical-heavy counterparts. Plus, they smell fresh and won’t leave a trail of harsh residues behind.
Stick to a Routine
Grandma’s house stayed spotless because she had a schedule for everything—Mondays for laundry, Fridays for dusting, and so on. Establishing a cleaning routine makes it easier to stay on top of chores and prevents last-minute panic when guests arrive. Consistency is key!
Sweep Daily
Before robotic vacuums, there was grandma with her trusty broom. Sweeping regularly—especially in high-traffic areas—keeps dirt and debris from spreading throughout the house. It’s quick, satisfying, and gives your floors a polished look without much effort.
Let Fresh Air In
Grandma always cracked open a window, even in the dead of winter. Fresh air helps circulate the home, remove odors, and make everything feel fresher. Bonus: it’s an easy way to avoid that “stale house” smell.
Dust with Damp Cloths
Instead of stirring up dust with dry cloths or feather dusters, grandma often used a slightly damp rag. This method traps dust instead of scattering it, leaving surfaces cleaner and requiring less effort. A microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water works wonders.
Tackle Stains Immediately
A spill on the carpet or a smudge on the couch didn’t stand a chance under grandma’s watchful eye. She knew that stains are much easier to remove when treated immediately. Keep a stain-removal spray or a baking soda paste handy to follow her lead.
Polish Your Furniture
Grandma didn’t just dust—she polished. Regularly using a bit of furniture polish or even a homemade olive oil solution kept her wooden furniture gleaming and well-maintained. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how your space looks and feels.
Hang Laundry Outside
There’s nothing quite like the crisp, fresh scent of air-dried laundry. Grandma swore by her clothesline, which saved energy and added an unbeatable freshness to fabrics. If you don’t have outdoor space, try using a drying rack near an open window for a similar effect.
Declutter Regularly
Grandma was a fan of keeping only what she truly needed. By routinely going through drawers, closets, and cabinets, she kept clutter to a minimum and her home functional. Start small with one drawer at a time and work your way through the house.
Don’t Underestimate Elbow Grease
Grandma didn’t rely on shortcuts—she wasn’t afraid to put in a little extra effort to get things truly clean. While modern tools are great, sometimes good old-fashioned scrubbing gets the job done better. It’s worth the sweat when you see those sparkling results.
Repurpose Old Items for Cleaning
Grandma was the queen of repurposing. Worn-out towels became cleaning rags, old toothbrushes were perfect for scrubbing grout, and empty jars stored homemade cleaners. Before tossing something, think about how it could serve a new purpose in your cleaning routine.
Shine Your Windows
No streaks or smudges survived grandma’s attention to detail. Her trick? A simple vinegar-water solution and a crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine. It’s a timeless tip that makes your home look brighter instantly.
End the Day with a Tidy Home
Grandma always said there’s no better feeling than waking up to a clean house. Taking 15 minutes before bed to put things in their place, wipe down counters, and do a quick sweep sets the tone for a calmer, more organized day ahead.
How To Create a Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms
Are you a busy mom looking to create a simple cleaning schedule for working moms to help organize and clean your home? Me too. So, I found a way for us busy moms to keep a clean house with an easy schedule that works for working full-time moms, stay-at-home moms, and busy moms. ( so, basically all moms )
How To Create a Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms
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