5 timeless household tips from Grandma that still work

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Sometimes the most practical household fixes aren’t tucked away in online advice, but in the way things were done at Grandma’s. Many of those habits slot neatly into modern life—saving time and money and keeping things tidy without extra shopping. Here are five tips that still earn their keep.

Old nylon tights instead of pricey cloths

Tights once doubled as onion storage, but they have another clever use. Fold the upper part into several layers and you get a soft cloth that polishes mirrors beautifully. Nylon doesn’t leave streaks, lifts fingerprints, and needs no additional products. It easily stands in for store-bought microfiber cloths that cost several times more.

Baking soda is still a workhorse

Despite the avalanche of household cleaners, baking soda remains a solid choice in the kitchen. It scrubs away buildup on dishes, neutralizes odors, and helps with greasy surfaces. The most unexpected trick is a paste of soda and sunflower oil: it lifts grease from cabinets and stovetops with surprising ease. After wiping, there’s a light sheen—and no streaks.

How to lift a stain with boiling water

This method feels almost like a magic act, but it really works. If berries leave a mark on clothing, stretch the fabric over a basin and slowly pour boiling water over the stain. The pigment dissolves before your eyes—no detergents, stain removers, or long soaking needed. It’s especially handy in summer, when children are happily tucking into strawberries or currants.

A string bag for shopping is back in play

Plastic bags keep creeping up in price, and over a month they turn into a noticeable expense. A sturdy cloth bag or mesh tote solves the problem. It carries weight without tearing, washes easily, and, most importantly, is far more economical. Many families are returning to this habit, remembering grandmothers who never went to the store without one.

Why put jars in the closet

Three-liter jars are useful beyond pickling. They help hats, caps, and other headwear keep their shape. Set a jar on the shelf and it works like a form, so a hat won’t deform after a season in storage. The same approach suits items that are drying after a wash.

Why old tricks still work

Most of these time-tested ideas come down to simple things: natural materials, accessible supplies, and common-sense solutions. In a world crowded with gadgets and harsh chemistry, such methods quietly streamline daily life without sacrificing results—and that kind of understated efficiency still feels right at home.