Five traditional cleaning methods from Grandma, proven effective in maintaining a spotless home.
A Modern Twist on Timeless Grandmother Wisdom: Simple Cleaning Secrets to Uphold
Who doesn't cherish the wisdom and advice handed down by our grandmothers? From mastering the art of table setting to whipping up mouth-watering feasts, Grandma could make magic happen, all while keeping her home immaculate. Fast forward to today, when we try to recreate her classic recipes or host a gathering, our homes end up in a whirlwind, but never Granny's.
In a nod to our beloved grandmothers, we at Southern Living have unearthed a few hidden gems of cleaning wisdom to share with you. Here's a modern take on some age-old cleaning tips that can help turn your home into a sparkling haven.
Embrace the Sink-Emptying Ritual
Waking up to a sink full of dishes from the previous night is one of life's most discouraging sights. Even if the rest of your kitchen is clean, a sink full of dishes just feels... gross. Following her grandmother's advice, Office Manager Nellah McGough swears by emptying the sink each night so she can wake up to a pristine kitchen.
For handwashing dishes and those items too large for the dishwasher, Senior Digital Editor Jenna Sims swears by the Scrub Daddy sponge. Its adjustable firmness ensures a thorough clean, while its quick-drying feature helps keep odors at bay.
Start Your Day on the Right Foot: Make Your Bed!
If you have only a few minutes to tidy up, start with making your bed. While it may seem like a childhood command, this small task can make a significant impact in creating a serene and organized space. McGough makes her bed every morning, no exceptions.
Former Editorial Fellow Mary Alice Russell's great-grandmother, affectionately known as GG, would always flip the top sheet before smoothing it over the comforter. This simple trick ensures a flawless and well-presented bed—always a welcome sight at the end of the day.
Fight Dust With a Top-Down Strategy
From dusting to cleaning windows, it pays to work from the top down, following the natural flow of gravity. Senior Writer Meghan Overdeep's grandmother swears by this method, as it makes sure that all those pesky particles end up where they belong—in the dustpan.
Make Use of Daylight Saving Time
Editor Director Katie Rousso embraces her grandmother's advice to take advantage of daylight saving time as a built-in reminder for tasks that only need to be done a few times a year, such as rotating mattresses and rugs. Consider tackling these chores around the time of the solstices—the longest and shortest days of the year.
Simplify Magazine Storage
Yes, we are a magazine, but Russell's great-grandmother, or GG, would never approve of such clutter. GG believed in eliminating old magazines once new ones arrived. So, if you're looking to declutter your home, follow GG's example and say goodbye to outdated issues.
Incorporating these cleanliness tips into your daily life will help keep your home sparkling while honoring the legacy of your wise, caring Grandma.
- Recall the wisdom of our grandmothers, who effortlessly maintained immaculate homes while preparing delectable dishes, as we share a selection of age-old cleaning secrets from Southern Living.
- Nellah McGough, Office Manager at Southern Living, recommends emptying the sink each night as per advice from her grandmother, ensuring a pristine kitchen every morning.
- Senior Digital Editor Jenna Sims utilizes the Scrub Daddy sponge for handwashing dishes, crediting its adjustable firmness and quick-drying feature for aiding in maintaining a clean kitchen.
- If short on time, start your day with making your bed, a small task recommended by Nellah McGough that significantly improves the overall appearance of your bedroom.
- Following the natural flow of gravity, senior writer Meghan Overdeep's grandmother suggests cleaning from top to bottom to ensure all dust particles are effectively captured and discarded.
