7 Old-Fashioned Cleaning Tips Experts Still Swear By
Old-fashioned, not outdated.
Newfangled tech and fancy cleaning agents can make housekeeping efficient and fun, but some old-school, “grandma swore by this” cleaning tips end up outpacing even the shiniest new toy. It’s why we keep going back to vinegar and baking soda, and why brooms haven’t really changed in shape or function in decades.
We asked cleaning pros about the old-fashioned cleaning tips they still swear by to this day, including some that’ve been lost in life’s shuffle and are ripe for a reminder.
01 – A Sink Full of Suds
Few things tackle grease better than hot water and dish soap. “I fill a sink or bucket with very warm water and a small squirt of dish soap. Then you just dip in a cloth, wring it well, and wipe down greasy surfaces like stovetops, cabinet fronts, appliance handles, and backsplash areas,” says Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade.
It works because dish soap is specifically formulated to cut through oil, and warm water softens stuck-on grime so it lifts off instead of spreading around. Just go easy on the soap, Murphy says. Too much leaves a film behind that can attract dust. For heavy buildup, simply hold a warm, soapy cloth on the spot for 30 seconds and then wipe.
02 – A Duster to Clean Under the Couch
Cleaning under the couch is a real hassle; nobody wants to move this beast from its place every single week. Instead, you can use a simple microfiber duster to capture most of the lingering dust, dirt, and crumbs. “I use a duster with an extendable handle to reach under couches,” shares cleaning specialist Iryna Balaban.
“The key is to gently slide the duster along the floor, letting it trap dust, pet hair, and crumbs as it goes,” Balaban explains. “For best results, I sometimes wrap the duster with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to pick up finer particles that a dry duster might miss.”
03 – Vinegar for Streak-Free Surfaces
From the windows to glass furniture tops to mirrors, vinegar is an old school hero that will wear its cape for years to come. Cleaning professional Claudia Meneses says that using white vinegar with a bit of water works real miracles on most shiny surfaces, including windows, chrome fixtures, and mirrors.
“We use vinegar as an eco-friendly product because it removes grease and residue without leaving streaks,” Meneses says. “You can spend lots of money on cleaning brands, but nothing beats this simple solution to keep glass clear and clean.”
04 – Opening Windows When Cleaning
Opening up the windows while you clean lets in fresh air, circulates cleaning chemicals and smells out, and helps with faster drying. Murphy swears by this old-school cleaning tip, even when it’s cold outside. “I always crack a couple windows while cleaning, especially when wiping surfaces or mopping,” Murphy says. “Fresh air helps stale smells dissipate, gives airborne dust a way out, and helps damp surfaces dry faster, which means fewer streaks and less lingering moisture.”
Open windows on opposite sides of the home for a quick cross-breeze, and a quick 10 minutes is all you need if the weather’s too hot or cold.
05 – Baking Soda for an Odor Refresh
Baking soda is another eco-friendly cleaning product that miraculously absorbs stinky odors. It can also remove grime since it’s mildly abrasive but won’t leave scratches behind. “The great thing about baking soda is that it neutralizes odors instead of hiding them,” Meneses says. “You can spread it lightly on your carpet, let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes, and then vacuum or rinse the carpet. For sinks or tubs, you can create a light paste with water and gently scrub using a soft sponge. It does wonders for these surfaces.”
You can also put some in a bowl and place it in the fridge or freezer, sprinkle a little on top of the cat litter, and combine it with vinegar in the garbage disposal.
06 – The Top-to-Bottom Rule
Working smarter, not harder, is very much applicable to household cleaning. And one of the most efficient methods is to start by cleaning at the top, then making your way toward the bottom.
“Start with anything overhead—like ceiling corners, light fixtures, and top shelves—and then move to eye-level surfaces. Then, work on furniture and finish with floors,” Murphy advises. “Dust and debris fall as you work, so this order prevents you from redoing what you have already cleaned.”
07 – Lemon for Everything
You might have noticed that lemon is a favorite fragrance in cleaning products, even if there’s no actual lemon present. This echoes the fact that lemon was a preferred cleaning agent in the past. And everything it did back then, it can still do today.
Like vinegar, lemon juice is an acidic ingredient that easily cuts through grease and grime, Balaban explains. “It’s great for kitchen surfaces and sinks. I like to rub it with a bit of baking soda on stubborn stains, then rinse with warm water. It cleans well and leaves a fresh, natural scent.”
You can also chop up lemon and run it through the garbage disposal, rub it over hard water stains around faucets and shower heads, use it to clean and deodorize cutting boards, and steam lemon water in the microwave before wiping down gunk.
Source: Martha Stewart
This article was originally published by Martha Stewart on March 7, 2026.
7 Old-Fashioned Cleaning Tips Experts Still Swear By
