Let’s be honest, we’ve all scrolled through Instagram or Pinterest and thought, How do those people keep things so pristine?
If you’ve ever wondered how the Amish manage to keep their homes spotless without the help of modern tech, you’re not alone. Their cleaning methods are not just efficient, they are timeless, eco-friendly, and shockingly simple.
I mean, how cool is it that they’re rocking the cleanest homes without a single robot vacuum in sight?
So, grab your mop (no, not the fancy electric one) and let’s dive into the world of Amish cleaning hacks that actually work.
1. Vinegar: The Minimalist’s Magic Potion
Everyone’s favorite condiment-turned-cleaner, but did you know the Amish have been swearing by vinegar long before it became trendy?
Why Vinegar Works Like a Charm
It’s cheap, non-toxic, and ridiculously versatile. Whether it’s grease, grime, or weird smells (looking at you, mystery fridge odor), vinegar handles it all like a pro.
How to Use It the Amish Way:
- Window Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then wipe clean with newspaper. Yes, newspaper. It doesn’t leave streaks, and let’s be real, how else are you going to use those old Sunday papers?
- Multi-Surface Sanitizer: Add a few drops of essential oil (if you’re fancy) to cut the vinegary smell. Use it on countertops, sinks, and even cutting boards.
Pro Tip: Ever wondered why your microwave always smells like burnt popcorn? Pop a bowl of water with vinegar inside, nuke it for 5 minutes, and wipe it out. Thank me later.
2. Baking Soda for… Literally Everything
Was there anything more revolutionary than baking soda? The Amish sure don’t think so. They use it everywhere, kitchens, bathrooms, you name it.
Baking Soda Hacks They Swear By
- Deodorize Carpets: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Say goodbye to pet smells you’ve been pretending don’t exist.
- Stubborn Stains in the Sink? Make a paste with baking soda and water, then scrub with a little elbow grease. No fancy cleaners required.
Amish Anecdote: They even use baking soda in laundry for boosting detergent power. One scoop gets whites whiter than your post-beach legs in January.
3. Castile Soap: The Eco-Friendly Powerhouse
If you’ve never heard of castile soap, what are you even doing? This plant-based soap is a staple in Amish homes and is probably the most multi-functional thing in your cabinet.
How They Use It:
- Floor Cleaner: Add a tablespoon to a bucket of hot water, mop away, and admire how squeaky-clean your floors look.
- Body Soap “Hack”: Here’s a twist. Castile soap isn’t just for cleaning surfaces, it’s gentle enough for washing your hands and body too! (But maybe not while you’re mopping… multitasking has limits.)
Bonus Tip: Mix castile soap with vinegar for a DIY all-purpose cleaner. Just maybe don’t sniff it unless you enjoy smelling like a salad.
Read More About – 8 Fast Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
4. Line Drying: Clothes that Smell Like Sunshine
Dryers are convenient, sure, but Amish folks never use them. Why? Line drying gives clothes a fresh, natural smell that dryer sheets can’t fake. Plus, it’s way easier on your electricity bill!
Why You Should Try It
- Eco-Friendly: No energy costs, no problem.
- Longer-Lasting Clothes: Ever notice how dryers make fabrics pill and fade quicker? Saying goodbye to heat equals longer-lasting garments.
And let’s not forget the legit joy of seeing your sheets flap in the wind. (Okay, maybe I’m romanticizing it, but it beats that dryer lint trap situation.)
5. Cornstarch for Ironing (Who Even Knew?)
I know what you’re thinking, Cornstarch? The stuff I use twice a year to thicken soup? Really? But yes, the Amish use it to keep their clothes looking crisp as heck.
Here’s How:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 cups of water and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spritz your clothes lightly before ironing, and boom, instant starched perfection.
If you’ve ever envied how their aprons and skirts look so sharp, now you know their secret.
6. Homemade Lemon Cleaner for Tough Grime
When life gives the Amish lemons, they turn them into cleaners. Seriously, have you ever tried scrubbing stubborn grime with just a lemon? It’s magical.
Lemon Hacks to Try:
- Cut Through Grease: Rub half a lemon over greasy stove grates or counters, then rinse with warm water.
- Soften Water Stains: Lemons make quick work of hard water deposits on faucets and sinks.
Random Amish Fun Fact: They even toss lemon peels into vinegar to amp up its cleaning power. Genius, right?
7. The “Never Leave Dishes Overnight” Rule
Okay, this one isn’t much of a “hack,” but hear me out, this Amish rule is life-changing. The idea is simple, Never, ever leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Why It Works:
- Prevents Odors: Nobody wants to wake up to mildew-y dishwater, right?
- Saves Time: Tackling dishes while they’re fresh is 10x faster. Dried-on spaghetti sauce? No thanks.
Bonus: Clean counters = instant kitchen Zen. Trust me, it’s a vibe.
8. Wood Polish Made from 3 Ingredients
Ever notice how Amish homes have so much beautiful wood furniture? They keep it looking good using a homemade polish that’s as simple as it gets.
DIY Amish Wood Polish Recipe
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- A few drops of lemon essential oil (optional but fancy)
Rub it on with a soft cloth, buff it dry, and voilà, your furniture is gleaming like it just left a showroom. No weird chemicals required.
Conclusion: The Amish Cleaning Philosophy
So, what’s the biggest takeaway from these hacks? It’s less about splurging on fancy gadgets and more about working smarter, not harder.
The Amish focus on simplicity and natural ingredients to keep their homes looking immaculate, and if it works for them, chances are it’ll work for you too.
Now it’s your turn! Which of these hacks are you trying first? Personally, I’m team vinegar all the way, but the lemon trick is coming in hot. 😉
TL;DR
- Use vinegar for streak-free windows and funky microwaves.
- Deodorize your home with baking soda.
- Castile soap makes everything (and I mean everything) spotless.
- Skip the dryer, line dry for fresh-smelling clothes.
- Keep clothes crisp with a DIY cornstarch spray.
- Scrub grime with lemons like the pros.
- Follow the “no dishes overnight” rule for instant cleanliness vibes.
- Shine wood furniture with an olive oil polish that’s 100% natural.
Remember, cleaning isn’t just about sparkling counters. It’s about creating a space that feels good to live in. And hey, if the Amish can do it without Wi-Fi (gasp), I think we’ll be fine. 😉