Get some of the best spring cleaning tips all from 1940s housewives! These tips need to make a comeback this year when you are doing your spring cleaning.
I’ve shared some spring cleaning tips from 1950s housewives and now it’s time to go even further into the past. The housewives of the 1940s wanted to save time and improve the looks of their home as much as any modern homemaker.
Often these spring cleaning hacks get lost over time and while some may no longer apply there are often ones that work just as well in modern times.
After reading articles from the 1940s I’ve found some really great spring cleaning tips that can help us now as much as they did in the 1940s.
I have left out the tips I came across that aren’t still very helpful, there were a lot of tips about waxing things for example. Most of the materials we use now in our homes don’t require waxing, thankfully!
Spring Cleaning Tips from 1940s Housewives
Keeping Your Bathtub Clean
Keep some scouring powder in an attractive container on the side of the bathtub. You can use it quickly after each use to keep the tub sparkling without detracting from the look of the room.
Getting Rid of Pet Hair
To get rid of pet hair on upholstery, rugs, and carpet, wet a rubber sponge, squeeze out excess water, and rub on the surface.
This should pull up the pet hair and roll it into balls you can easily pick up or vacuum. Just be sure the surface is dry before you vacuum.
Modern tip: You can now get silicone sponges that will also work with this tip.
Use Your Vacuum Wisely
Don’t just use your vacuum on the floor, use the crevice tool to vacuum up crumbs and such from drawers, the toaster, range crevices, and even your computer, the 1940s tip included typewriters.
Keep Your Pet from Making a Mess
Keep a tray under your pet’s food and water dishes to catch drops of liquids and food crumbs. It’s easier to clean regularly than the floor.
Make Beds Faster
Before placing clean blankets on your bed, make a small cross-stitch with colored thread in the center of each end. It will help you quickly center the blanket.
Keep Cleaning Supplies on All Floors
Keeping a complete set of cleaning equipment and cleaning products on each floor can save a lot of time and steps. It will also take longer for equipment to wear out.
Fix Chips and Scratches Fast
Keep cans of matching stain for the furniture in your house with your cleaning supplies. That way you can quickly touch up any scratches or chips.
Modern tip: You can also get furniture markers in different shades to touch up wood furniture.
Use Brushes for Small Spaces
When dusting be sure to have a few small, soft paintbrushes on hand to use on corners, crevices, and other hard to get to spaces.
Modern tip: Some vacuums come with soft dusting tools that can be used as well.
Use a Basket
Don’t make countless trips picking up and replacing small items around your house. Grab a basket instead and make a complete pass or two around your home to find things that aren’t where they belong.
You can also bring a wastebasket with you to take care of any trash along the way.
Get Your Spring Cleaning Supplies
You can find many of the supplies needed to use the tips above at my favorite store for cleaning supplies, Grove Collaborative. If it’s your first order you can even get a free set of Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products.
One thing you want to be sure to pick up is Bon Ami. It’s a cleaning powder, perfect for keeping by your tub, that has been around since the 1800s!
Leave a Reply