Seven cheap and easy cleaning tricks from the past that still work today

When it comes to cleaning it can be a tough job knowing exactly what to use to do each job. Any trip to the supermarket or discount store offers a massive array of different products for everything from shining glass to removing stains from the carpet.

But at times it's hard not to reminisce about the days when a good old-fashioned scrubbing brush and elbow grease were all it took to conquer mess. Well, you might be right - and there are plenty of timeless cleaning hacks that still work today as well as ever before.

Melissa Caverly, founder of Imagine Maids, has come up with seven old-school cleaning hacks you should still use today if you want a spotless home. Here's what she advises:

Lemon juice for natural freshness

Harnessing the attractive scent of citrus, lemon juice offers a natural and refreshing way to clean and deodorize surfaces. Simply dilute fresh lemon juice with water and apply it to surfaces using a cloth or spray bottle.

Melissa says: "Lemon juice has been a trusted cleaning agent for centuries, prized for its antibacterial properties."

Newspaper for streak-free window cleaning

Utilising newspaper for streak-free window cleaning is a time-honoured hack that offers impressive results. To achieve pristine windows, use your preferred window cleaner, then use the newspaper to wipe down the glass in circular motions.

Since newspapers don’t contain lint and have an absorbent texture, they will leave behind a streak-free shine, making them a favourite technique among professional cleaners and homeowners for decades.

Soda water for removing carpet stains

Using the power of soda water to remove stains from carpets is a tried-and-true hack that yields impressive results. To apply it, simply pour a moderate amount directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the stain, to penetrate the fibres. The soda water will help lift dirt and stains to the surface.

Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to lift the stain away. This hack has been passed down through generations, prized for its effectiveness in tackling spills and stains on carpets without the need for harsh chemicals.

Salt for scrubbing

Using salt to clean surfaces is a time-tested cleaning hack that delivers remarkable results. To implement this tactic, simply sprinkle salt onto the area and scrub vigorously with a damp cloth or sponge.

Melissa says: "Salt has long been revered for its cleansing properties. Its abrasive texture makes it an effective ally in tackling even the toughest messes.

"This makes it particularly effective for cleaning surfaces like stovetops or sinks." This method has been used for centuries, with salt's cleansing properties recognised across cultures and generations as an effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution.

Toothpaste for scrubbing grout

Utilising toothpaste for scrubbing grout is a clever and cost-effective cleaning hack that produces impressive results. To put this hack into practice, simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth or toothbrush and scrub the grout lines thoroughly.

The mild grittiness of toothpaste, coupled with its cleaning agents, effectively lifts dirt and grime from grout, leaving surfaces sparkling clean and refreshed. Homeowners have cherished this hack for decades.

Olive oil for wood furniture shine

Melissa reveals: "Olive oil is not just good for cooking; it’s also a masterful tool for preserving and rejuvenating wood furniture. To achieve this, apply a small amount of olive oil onto a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the wooden furniture in circular motions."

The oil penetrates the wood, moisturising it and restoring its natural shine while providing a protective layer against future damage. This hack has been cherished for centuries, originating from ancient practices of using oils to preserve and beautify wooden surfaces. To make the oil smell less like olives, you can mix it with a few drops of essential oil.

Use coffee grounds to absorb odours

Utilising coffee grounds for odour absorption is a simple yet effective cleaning hack that dates back centuries. To employ this method, place dried coffee grounds in an open container and leave them in areas prone to odour, such as the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets.

The porous nature of coffee grounds allows them to absorb and neutralise unpleasant odours, leaving behind a fresh and inviting scent. This hack has its roots in ancient practices where coffee was used not only as a beverage but also for its aromatic properties, making it a versatile solution for banishing unwanted smells.

These traditional cleaning hacks offer more than just practical solutions; they reflect a resourcefulness passed down through generations. Melissa says: "In the pursuit of cleanliness, simplicity is not just a virtue, but a powerful ally."