12 Smart Amish Cleaning Hacks You Need in Your Home

When it comes to maintaining a clean and organized home, many people look for natural, sustainable, and time-tested methods that don’t rely on harsh chemicals. Amish cleaning hacks have been passed down for generations, and they offer simple yet effective solutions for tackling everyday cleaning tasks. Whether you’re looking to restore shine to your floors, freshen up your linens, or eliminate stubborn stains, these Amish cleaning methods have got you covered.

In this article, we’ll share 12 smart Amish cleaning hacks that will help you achieve a spotless home while using natural ingredients. Not only are these techniques effective, but they are also eco-friendly and affordable, making them perfect for anyone looking to keep their home clean without using expensive commercial cleaners.

1. Natural Wood Polish with Vinegar and Olive Oil

If you have wooden furniture, maintaining its shine is essential. Amish families often rely on a mixture of vinegar and olive oil to create an all-natural wood polish. The vinegar helps clean the wood, while the olive oil provides a rich, smooth shine. Simply mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts olive oil in a spray bottle and apply it to your furniture. Wipe with a soft cloth for a beautiful finish.

Key Ingredients:

• Vinegar
• Olive Oil

2. Baking Soda for Carpet Stains

Baking soda is one of the most versatile ingredients in Amish cleaning. It can be used to tackle tough stains on carpets. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stained area, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda not only helps lift the stain but also neutralizes odors, leaving your carpet smelling fresh.

Key Ingredients:

• Baking Soda

3. Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

For a simple all-purpose cleaner, Amish families often use a blend of water, vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil. This cleaner works for countertops, bathroom surfaces, and even glass. The vinegar acts as a disinfectant, while essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil offer a pleasant scent. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. This homemade solution is both effective and natural.

Key Ingredients:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Essential Oil (e.g., Lavender, Tea Tree Oil)

4. Remove Soap Scum with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Soap scum can build up on bathroom tiles and shower doors, making them look dull and dirty. Amish cleaning methods often involve using baking soda and vinegar to break down the soap scum. Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and spray with vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and fizz for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse with warm water to reveal a clean, sparkling surface.

Key Ingredients:

• Baking Soda
• Vinegar

5. Clean and Deodorize Your Refrigerator with Lemon

A lemon is not only great for cooking but also a fantastic natural cleaner. To clean your refrigerator, simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on the interior surfaces. The acidity of the lemon cuts through grime, and the refreshing scent leaves your fridge smelling fresh. For tough spots, you can also mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste and scrub away stubborn stains.

Key Ingredients:

• Lemon
• Baking Soda (optional)

6. DIY Furniture Polish with Beeswax

In Amish households, beeswax is a go-to natural product for polishing wooden furniture and protecting it from wear. You can make your own beeswax polish by mixing melted beeswax with olive oil and lemon oil. This combination helps nourish the wood, preventing cracking and dullness, while giving your furniture a beautiful sheen. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and buff to a natural shine.

Key Ingredients:

• Beeswax
• Olive Oil
• Lemon Oil

7. Clean Windows with Vinegar and Water

For streak-free windows, Amish cleaning hacks rely on a simple solution of vinegar and water. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray onto the glass. Use a microfiber cloth or a squeegee to wipe the surface. This method cuts through dirt and grime while leaving your windows crystal clear.

Key Ingredients:

• Vinegar
• Water

8. Washing Dishes the Amish Way with Borax and Baking Soda

To wash dishes without harsh chemicals, Amish households often use a combination of borax and baking soda. This mixture is highly effective at breaking down grease and grime on dishes, leaving them spotless and residue-free. Simply add 1 tablespoon of borax and 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your dishwater. These ingredients are safe, eco-friendly, and tough on stains.

Key Ingredients:

• Borax
• Baking Soda

9. Remove Pet Odors with Baking Soda and Essential Oils

Pet odors can linger in your home, but baking soda and essential oils can work wonders. Amish cleaning methods recommend sprinkling baking soda over areas where pet odors are most prominent, such as carpets, furniture, or bedding. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lavender or eucalyptus) to the baking soda before sprinkling. After allowing it to sit for 15–30 minutes, vacuum the area for a fresh, odor-free home.

Key Ingredients:

• Baking Soda
• Essential Oils (e.g., Lavender, Eucalyptus)

10. Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

For stainless steel appliances, Amish households use a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to restore shine. Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and apply it to a soft cloth. Buff your stainless steel appliances with this natural cleaner to remove smudges and restore a streak-free shine.

Key Ingredients:

• Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice

11. Clean Floors with Castile Soap

For an all-natural floor cleaner, Amish families use Castile soap. This gentle, vegetable-based soap works effectively on wood, tile, and laminate floors. Mix a few drops of Castile soap with warm water in a bucket and mop your floors as usual. The soap cleans without leaving a residue and is safe for most types of flooring.

Key Ingredients:

• Castile Soap
• Water

12. Eliminate Mold with Tea Tree Oil and Water

Tea tree oil is a powerful natural disinfectant and can be used to eliminate mold and mildew in your home. Amish cleaning tips often suggest mixing 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub away the mold. Tea tree oil not only kills the mold but also helps prevent it from coming back.

Key Ingredients:

• Tea Tree Oil
• Water

Why Amish Cleaning Hacks Work

Amish cleaning methods focus on natural ingredients that are both eco-friendly and effective. By using simple products like baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, and Castile soap, you can clean your home without relying on harsh chemicals. These Amish cleaning hacks are not only cost-effective but also better for the environment. The simplicity of the ingredients makes them accessible, and many of these products can be found in your kitchen or local health store.

Conclusion

Adopting Amish cleaning hacks in your home can help you maintain a clean, fresh, and chemical-free living space. From natural wood polish to homemade all-purpose cleaners, these 12 smart Amish cleaning hacks offer effective solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economical. With these timeless techniques, you can clean your home in a way that is as gentle on the environment as it is on your wallet.

So why not try these Amish-inspired cleaning hacks today? You’ll not only enjoy a cleaner home, but you’ll also feel good about using natural products that benefit both your family and the planet.