Discover 10 old wives’ tales for cleaning & cooking that are surprisingly effective — from copper polish to soup-saving tricks!
Sometimes Grandma and in my case my Nonna really did know best! These tried-and-true “old wives’ tales” have been passed down for generations and if you wonder if they are really true… science says they actually work. I have personally used 8 of them and I can tell you first hand they did work! From keeping your windows streak-free to saving a too-salty soup, these simple little hacks stand the test of time. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew and explore some sage advice from the past.
1. Lemon Juice to Clean Copper & Brass
It always amazed me how powerful the lemon is. It has so many uses! Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and rub it over tarnished copper or brass. The acid in lemon and the abrasive salt work together to lift oxidation. You don’t need any special cleaners, this one works.
2. Bread to Pick Up Broken Glass
This one really is great after you break a glass or a plate or whatever! Right after you sweep, press a slice of soft bread over the area. The bread grabs tiny shards you can’t see, keeping feet (and paws) safe. I highly recommend this one because it truly does pick up a few particles that you don’t even see and your broom and vacuum might miss! One thing though, smoosh that piece of bread, wrap it up and dispose of it in the garbage can. You don’t want anyone or any pet or animal to get a hold of it!!!
3. Vinegar to Remove Stubborn Odors
I don’t fry a lot but when I do the smell can get a bit much! So…boil a cup of vinegar in a small pot to neutralize lingering cooking smells… especially after frying stinky food like onions lol!
4. Potato to Rescue Over-Salted Soup
Here’s one that my Mom shared with me and obviously a lot of Mom’s and Nonna’s did too! Just in case you accidentally slip and over salt that pot of Veggie Soup or Stew…drop a nice sized peeled (have to peel it) potato into your salty soup or stew and simmer for 10–15 minutes. It soaks up some excess salt, saving that pot of yumminess. I will have to be honest with you, if you accidentally slip and a ton of salt goes into the pot… not even a potato will save it. Full disclosure here!
5. Club Soda to Lift Carpet Stains
Here is one that my Mom used more often then she would have liked lol!!! Pour club soda directly onto fresh spills (especially wine or coffee), blot with a cloth, and repeat until the stain fades. It works when patience is added!!!
6. Rice to Clean Narrow Bottles
OK… here is one that I personally have not used but sure will be! It’s kind of brilliant! Add a spoonful of uncooked rice, warm water, and a drop of dish soap to a bottle. Shake well — the rice scrubs where brushes can’t reach. If you have a mini strainer… I would discard the water through that so it catches the rice instead of having it going down the drain.
7. Salt to Keep Cut Fruit from Browning
I have used lemon juice to keep apples and pears from browning but guess what? If you have a batch of slice apples or pears, simply take a bowl of really cold water and lightly salt it… dip the fruit in the water, scoop out with a slotted spoon or spider scoop and they are ready to stay pretty a bit longer! Great trick to make if you are serving a sliced fruit platter with caramel dipping sauce! Just sayin!
8. Mayonnaise to Remove Water Rings on Wood
Here is one that I have not tried but I am told that it does work and it sure makes sense that it would! If you have a water ring on your wooden table… simply rub a small amount of mayo on the ring, let it sit for an hour, then buff with a cloth. The oil helps recondition the wood.
9. Baking Soda to Revive Stale Smells in Carpets
Let’s be honest, if there is any one of these tips that we have all used (especially pet owners) is this one!!! After a spill or an “accident”… sprinkle baking soda generously over the area… let sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum — goodbye, mystery odors.
10. Toothpaste to Remove Scuffs from Sneakers
Here is another one I have not done myself, if you have let me know! A dab of white, non-gel toothpaste and a toothbrush will lift dirt and marks from rubber soles like magic.
Bonus Tips to Try!
If you loved these old wives’ tales, here are a few more clever tricks to keep in your bag of tricks!
- Use Chalk to Remove Grease Marks. Rub plain white chalk over grease stains on fabric before laundering. It absorbs the oil so your detergent can wash it away more easily.
- Aluminum Foil to Sharpen Scissors – Fold a piece of foil several times and cut through it with dull scissors to bring back their edge.
Do you have a favorite tip that’s been passed down in your family? Would LOVE to hear it! Share it in the comments below so we can all learn a few more clever tricks. And if you enjoyed this post, be sure to pin it for later and share it with a friend… could really use that little extra push! Thank you! Hugs!
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I have used some of these hack such as the lemon and vinegar to make stoves shine, and bakig soda for stubborn stains and odors.
I have also used the rice hack my mom taught me to clean bottles.
I love your blog especially the printables!
Thank you
Hi there my friend, how are you! Thank you so much for the kind words, very appreciated especially with all the changes that google has made for the searches.It’s nice to. know that someone is seeing things 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time! I am so happy that you use some of them and even happier that you enjoy the free printables! Hopefully they will keep rolling out@ Is there any that you want to see in particular? Love to have suggestions from sweet readers like you! Here’s wishing you a wonderful day filled with all things good! Hugs!