How to Make It:
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray on the stained area.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
This method lifts stains while neutralizing odors without harsh chemicals.
5. Homemade Wood Furniture Polish
Instead of using store-bought furniture polish, Amish homes often use a simple mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to bring out the natural shine in wood furniture.
How to Make It:
- Mix ½ cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of lemon juice in a bowl.
- Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and buff it into the wood.
This polish leaves your furniture looking clean and adds a beautiful shine without the use of toxic chemicals.
6. Lemon for Glass Cleaning
For streak-free, shiny windows and mirrors, Amish households often turn to lemon juice, a natural ingredient that cuts through grease and grime.
How to Use It:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on your glass surfaces.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Lemon leaves a fresh, natural scent and cleans glass without the need for harsh chemicals.
7. Amish Shoe Polishing Paste
An easy-to-make shoe polish is a staple in Amish households, helping to keep shoes looking well-maintained and polished.
How to Make It:
- Combine ¼ cup of beeswax with ¼ cup of olive oil.
- Melt the beeswax and mix it with the olive oil to form a paste.
- Rub the paste onto your shoes with a cloth and buff them to a shine.
This natural polish keeps shoes looking new without synthetic chemicals.
8. Use Cornstarch to Absorb Grease and Oil
Instead of using harsh degreasers, Amish families often turn to cornstarch to absorb grease and oil from kitchen surfaces, including stoves and countertops.
How to Use It:
- Sprinkle cornstarch on greasy spots.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
This simple method is effective at lifting grease without leaving behind residue.
9. Tackling Mold with Borax
In Amish homes, borax is often used to fight mold and mildew in the bathroom, laundry room, and other damp areas of the home.
How to Use It:
- Mix 1 cup of borax with 2 cups of warm water.
- Scrub the solution into areas affected by mold.
- Rinse with clean water and dry the area thoroughly.
Borax is a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that effectively kills mold and mildew.
10. Homemade Air Freshener with Essential Oils
Instead of relying on artificial air fresheners, Amish households prefer essential oils for a natural, aromatic scent.
How to Make It:
- Combine 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray the room as needed.
This method freshens the air without harmful chemicals.
11. Using Potato Starch for Carpet Stains
Potato starch is another common ingredient used in Amish households to tackle stubborn carpet stains.
How to Use It:
- Sprinkle potato starch over the stained area.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
- This method is great for lifting oil or grease stains from your carpet.
12. Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda Paste
Instead of using toxic oven cleaners, Amish families often use a baking soda paste to clean oven grease and grime naturally.
How to Make It:
- Mix ½ cup of baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Spread the paste on the oven’s interior surfaces.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
This method eliminates grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
🧼 Serving Tips for Your Home Cleaning Routine
- Set a Cleaning Schedule: Consistency is key! Try incorporating these Amish cleaning hacks into a weekly cleaning routine to keep your home fresh and tidy.
- Natural Storage: Keep your homemade cleaning supplies in labeled spray bottles and glass jars. It’s both eco-friendly and practical.
- Involve the Whole Family: Teach your children or other family members these simple, effective Amish cleaning hacks. It’s a great way to involve everyone in maintaining a clean home.
🔄 Optional Variations for Amish Cleaning Hacks
- Add Eucalyptus Oil: For added antibacterial properties, include a few drops of eucalyptus oil in your cleaning solutions.
- Swap Castile Soap for Dr. Bronner’s: If you prefer a more specific scent, Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap comes in various fragrances that are great for different cleaning tasks.
🏡 Why Amish Cleaning Hacks Are a Must-Try
The beauty of Amish cleaning hacks lies in their simplicity and effectiveness. Using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils not only makes cleaning easier, but also ensures that your home is free from harmful chemicals. These time-tested methods are practical, cost-effective, and better for your health and the environment.
So, next time you’re cleaning, try incorporating a few of these Amish-inspired tips, and enjoy a fresher, cleaner home!