These tried and tested tips from vintage topic of BHG are still some of the good method for cleaning your home .

Better Homes and Gardens

While the world has certainly evolved since the 1940s , some of the cleaning advice from that time period remains as relevant and effective today as it was back then . In fact , we ’ve find stack of cleanse tips in vintage issue of BHG that are in spades deserving incorporating into yourregular scrubbing docket . In fact , these ' forty housekeeping top offer cheap and eco - friendly solutions that actually outshine modern cleansing products . From unproblematic tricks to try - and - tested methods , these retro cleaning steer leave a windowpane into a gone geological era while deliver hardheaded solutions for innovative - day homeowners . While flip through vintage issuing of our powder store , we ’ve discovered a treasure trove of vintagecleaning tipsthat have stood the run of time . Here are five we recommend trying in your own domicile .

black and white vintage photo of woman cleaning

Credit:Better Homes and Gardens

1. Keep Linens Looking Lovely

Get a thrill out of brand new snowy cotton wool and linens ? “ To help keep them lovely , use Ultra - svelte Clorox in your regular laundering procedure , ” reads the March 1941 issue ofBetter Homes & Gardens . “ It restores their original white sinlessness and lessens rubbing , thus prolonging the life of fabrics and wee-wee wash 24-hour interval comfortable for you . ” While we by no means miss the laborious laundry methods that pre - go out the arrival of the washing machine ,

According to Clorox ’s in - house scientist and cleaning expert Mary Gagliardi , also jazz as Dr. Laundry , " the one thing perfectly still worth making a part of your laundry routine today is bleach . ” She explain that the method acting forbleaching whiteshasn’t change much since we published the 1941 issue . “ Clorox Disinfecting Bleach ’s patented formula with Cloromax remove and repels tough stains for whiter whites and is just as various as it was 70 eld ago , ” says Gagliardiy , who suggests using it on all white cottons , from your bedding to your underwear .

“ Do n’t draw a blank cloth diapers made of cotton , too ! ” , she adds . “ These were staple in the 1950s and are still an excellent choice to replace disposable diapers . ” To wash and sanitize diapers , gargle out solids before automobile wash with laundry detergent and ½ cup bleach , insure contact with the blanching agent solution for 10 second . “ Remember , always avoid bleach wool , silk , mohair , leather , spandex , and non - dissolute colors , ” she adds .

2. Rid Upholstery and Rugs of Unwanted Pet Hair

A reader from Redwood City , California , shared a cleverpet fuzz remotion tipin the May 1946 issue ofBetter Homes & Gardens . “To disembarrass upholstery and rugs of dog and true cat hairsbreadth , wet a rubber sponge , squeeze out excess water , and scratch over the airfoil . The whisker rolls up in lilliputian balls . " Her advice is still spot on today , though the method acting has evolved with modern gadgets to help out .

" Rubber brooms are amazing at picking up preferent hair , plus you’re able to wash them with a hose after you ’re done to get them clean , " says Courtney Landry , home cleaning expert and production development manager at Norwex . " India rubber squeegee also work great for baffle pet haircloth off brusque pile rugs and carpets . " Give these summit a try and enjoy a pelt - free abode .

3. Get Rid of Water Rings on Furniture

Water rings on furniturecan be a tangible head ache , but this proficiency from our vintage editions will aid you restore your furniture to its original knockout . Here ’s what you demand : liquified cleaning and polish wax , a unclouded , dry police blotter or whitened cloth , and an iron . come out by scratch a small amount of the wax straightaway onto the water ringing using a piano cloth . Work the wax into the woodwind in a circular motion and let it ride for a few minutes to diffuse the Earth’s surface . Next , place a clean , dry blotter ( or lily-white fabric ) over the wax - treated spot . Set your iron to a warm ( not hot ) setting — and make certain there ’s no water in the branding iron to avoid steam damage . softly press the branding iron over the blotter for a few seconds at a metre . The heat will help run out the moisture trapped in the wood . Lift the iron and rap sheet periodically to check your progress . Repeat this process until the ring disappear and your piece of furniture looks as good as new .

4. Tackle Your Home’s ‘Danger Zones’

According to our 1941 issue , people found many utilisation for Clorox beyond washing white or colorfast washing ; it was a staple for cleaning , sanitizing , and disinfect what we dub the household ' danger zone . ' More than 80 years by and by , it ’s still a popular cleanup production .

“ To disinfect hard nonporous aerofoil , vacancy , swing or remove seeable dirt and crumbs before practice a bleach and water answer made with 1/3 cup Clorox Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water system , " Gagliardi says . For best resultant role , ensure the whitener resolution contacts the control surface for six minutes before rinsing and allow for the surface to air dry .

5. Try This Homemade Formula for Frost-Free Windows

To prepare your windows for winter , the editors of our 1940s issue share a fantastic tip : Mix two parts alcohol with one part water and apply it to the window with a sponge or spray bottle . Then , wipe it off with a chamois , sporty cloth , or a squeegee . This budget - friendly homemade solution will keep your window frost - free and spark all year round , so you’re able to savor crystallization - clear perspective , no matter the weather .