Whether it’s a suggestion your grandmother gave you about cleaning or a DIY trick from an old family friend, there are countless traditions we just can’t seem to let go of, despite the fact that there may be contemporary (and perhaps more efficient) solutions. Here are some of our favorites, recommended by designers and home décor aficionados alike, who have held these ideas close throughout the years. “Baking soda is gentle enough to use on almost any surface, even though it is technically abrasive,” says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters. “It will clean stuck-on gunk off your pots and pans, make your kitchen sink sparkle, and even help remove old skin off your face! Seriously, it is tough enough to scrub gunk, but gentle enough to make a paste with water and use it as an exfoliant in your nightly routine.” From spoons to your skin, baking soda is truly timeless. “Painting indoors or outdoors can be a hassle if not managed properly, says Joel Phillips, Founder of Home Guide Corner. “Place your paint can in a cardboard box. This will fit nicely between the legs of your fold-down ladder. Not only does it make transportation of paint cans easier, but it also minimizes the spilling of paint while you work.” Leah Ashley, DIY-lover, stylist, and mother, shares about how she uses lemon to clean her brass items: “All you need is a lemon and some salt. Start by rinsing off the brass piece with warm water. Next, add a good amount of fresh lemon juice and salt to a sponge. Start scrubbing and watch as years of tarnish disappears.” “Take 1 cup of fresh (or 1/2 cup dried) soapwort and combine with 2 cups distilled water,” Theresa Tesolin, co-founder of RusticWise, shares. “Boil for 15–20 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then strain and pour into a spray bottle. Use this as a mild fabric cleaner.” You can also opt to continue the cleaning process by shining the surface with Murphy’s Oil, or the like, she recommends. Then, if you spritz your clothes, the smell will disappear. “Get a bucket large enough to fit your garden tools, then fill it with sand mixed with a cup of motor oil. These will help keep the rust away and it makes for an easy-to-use and safe storage.” “Add four black tea bags to a bucket of hot water, then let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes,” says Jeneva Aaron, Founder of TheHouseWire. “[Then] remove the tea bags and add the cloth. Swish it around to absorb water. Let it sit until you reach the desired color. You will get an antique brown effect on linens.” With this makeshift carrier, you can roll up your cords and keep them ready for action.
