5 Forgotten Natural Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work
Jun 11, 2025
Table of contents
Embrace Grandma’s Natural Cleaning Secrets
What if the most effective cleaning hacks didn’t come from chemical sprays—but from time-honored traditions passed down through generations?
Imagine a rustic kitchen where someone scrubs the floors with herbal brews and pantry staples, leaving everything fresh and spotless—no harsh detergents in sight.
These time-tested methods, often used by Eastern European grandmothers and traditional homemakers, are quietly powerful, eco-friendly, and nearly forgotten in today’s digital world.
In this guide, we’re bringing them back. From vinegar-steamed birch leaves to eggshell scouring powder, you’ll learn how to apply these clever techniques in your modern home. Each tip is paired with practical advice and our favorite Best Brushes tools to help you clean smarter—not harder.
Ready to revive the wisdom of the past and bring a little old-world magic into your everyday routine? Let’s get started—your home (and your grandmother) will thank you.
1. Birch-Infused Vinegar: The Forest-Fresh Floor Wash
In old Russian and Baltic homes, birch leaves were a secret cleaning weapon. Rich in natural oils and mild saponins, they were steeped in hot water and vinegar to create a herbal wash that cut through grime and left behind a forest-fresh scent.
How to Make It:
Fill a bucket with hot water, add a handful of birch leaves (or rosemary/pine if unavailable), and a cup of white vinegar. Let it steep until warm.
How to Use It:
Dip a mop like the Best Brushes Wedge Mop into the mixture. For tough spots, use the Natural Bristle Floor Scrubber . No rinsing needed—just let it air dry. The vinegar scent fades quickly, leaving behind a subtle woodsy aroma.
Why It Works:
Birch leaves contain saponins—natural soap-like compounds—and essential oils that gently lift dirt while leaving a subtle woodland scent behind. Combined with vinegar, which disinfects and deodorizes, the mix creates a natural floor wash that’s both refreshing and effective. It’s an old-world cleaning solution that still holds up in a modern home.
Product Spotlight:
Finish by buffing your floors with the Copper-Microfibre Cloth from Best Brushes—a must-have for any serious cleaner. One side is woven with real copper threads to gently polish and lift grime, while the other side is ultra-soft microfibre that grabs dust and leaves floors streak-free. It’s a smart upgrade from disposable wipes and old rags—durable, reusable, and beautifully effective. Keep one in your floor care kit for that final professional touch every time you mop.
2. Eggshell Scrubs: Nature’s Gentle Abrasive
Don’t toss those eggshells—crushed into powder, they become a natural scouring scrub for cookware, sinks, bottles, and even drains.
How to Make It:
Rinse and dry your eggshells, then crush into coarse powder. Mix with baking soda in a 1:1 ratio.
How to Use It:
Cookware: Sprinkle in pans, add water, scrub with the Extra-Large Tampico Dish Brush .
Glass Bottles & Vases: Add shells, warm water, and vinegar. Shake vigorously, then follow up with the Bottle Brush .
Sink Drains: Drop some shells into the drain occasionally. They help scrub pipes as they wash through.
Why It Works:
Eggshells are naturally abrasive but gentle enough not to scratch most surfaces. When combined with baking soda, they create a scrub that lifts grime, neutralizes odors, and even helps dislodge residue in narrow or hard-to-reach places. It’s biodegradable, effective, and waste-free.
Product Spotlight:
Pair this technique with the Horsehair Dish Brush from Best Brushes—crafted with natural bristles and an ergonomic wooden handle. Unlike plastic scrubbers, horsehair is soft yet resilient, making it ideal for delicate glassware, ceramic, and antique dishes. It cleans thoroughly without scratching, and the timeless design looks right at home by any farmhouse sink. It’s the kind of tool your grandmother might’ve owned—and one you’ll still be using years from now.
3. Mustard Powder Degreaser: Soviet-Era Kitchen Genius
When dish soap was scarce, Soviet homemakers used mustard powder. It binds to grease, neutralizes odors, and leaves cookware sparkling.
How to Use It:
Greasy Pans: Sprinkle mustard powder, add hot water to make a paste. Let sit, then scrub with a Copper Sponge .
Stovetops & Ovens: Apply the paste, wait, scrape with a Coconut Pan Scraper , and wipe clean.
Laundry: Dab mustard paste on grease stains (test fabric first), then wash as usual.
Why It Works:
Mustard powder contains enzymes that break down grease and a gentle grit that scrubs without scratching. It binds to oil and food residue, lifting it away from surfaces with surprising ease. Used for generations, this pantry staple proves you don’t need synthetic chemicals to fight tough kitchen messes.
Product Spotlight:
Tackle grime with the unbeatable duo of the Tampico Fibre Brush and the Horsehair Brush from Best Brushes. The Tampico brush, made from natural agave fibers, delivers firm scrubbing power for heavy-duty messes. Follow up with the soft Horsehair Brush for polishing or finishing delicate surfaces. Together, they cover every cleaning need—while their handcrafted wood handles and durable construction make them a lasting investment. Beautiful enough to leave on your counter, tough enough to earn their keep.
4. Bread: The Unlikely Cleaner for Wallpaper & Glass
Before modern tools, soft white bread was used for delicate jobs like dusting wallpaper and picking up glass shards.
How to Use It:
Wallpaper: Use a slice of crustless white bread to dab away soot, dust, and fingerprints.
Broken Glass: After sweeping, press bread onto the floor to grab hidden slivers. Follow up with the Rubber Lint Broom , which attracts particles through static charge, and use The Best Foxtail —a precision horsehair hand broom—to gently sweep dust and debris from corners, trim, and tight spaces where glass may linger.
Why It Works:
Soft bread has just enough moisture and pliability to act like a sponge—picking up dust, soot, and even glass shards without scratching or leaving residue. Its starchiness binds to particles and lifts them gently, making it a safe, disposable cleaner for delicate surfaces.
Product Spotlight:
For crumb cleanup, dusting, and delicate surfaces, reach for the Goat Hair Dust Brush from Best Brushes. Its ultra-soft bristles are perfect for sweeping wallpaper, lampshades, and tabletops without stirring up allergens or scratching finishes.
Want a versatile alternative? The Traditional Clothes Brush also works wonders for brushing dust from fabric lampshades, curtains, and upholstery. These aren’t just tools—they’re heirloom-quality pieces designed to outlast the cheap stuff and make cleaning a ritual you enjoy.
5. Tea Leaves: Grandma’s Carpet Freshener
Long before vacuums, grandmothers used damp tea leaves to collect dust and freshen rugs.
How to Use It:
Drain used tea leaves (black or green), sprinkle lightly over carpets or hard floors. Sweep with a Witch’s Broom —its natural straw grabs dust while the tea leaves refresh the air.
Bonus Tip – Deep Rug Care:
After sweeping, use the Carpet Brush to lift embedded dust and revive carpet fibers. For detailed finishing touches, the Carpet Fringe Comb restores neat, clean lines along the edges—perfect for vintage rugs or delicate fringe.
Why It Works:
Tea leaves reduce airborne dust and add a fresh scent while their moisture helps trap fine particles. Paired with natural-bristle tools, this method offers a chemical-free way to clean and refresh your floors with elegance and ease.
Product Spotlight:
Nothing sweeps like tradition. The Witch’s Broom from Best Brushes isn’t just charming—it’s functional. Handcrafted with natural straw, it’s ideal for sweeping loose dust, leaves, or tea leaves from hard floors and porches.
For deep rug care, the Carpet Beater is a powerful throwback. Made from durable bent rattan, it revives rugs the old-fashioned way—by physically knocking out dust and debris. Keep both tools handy for seasonal deep cleaning or as conversation-starting decor that works as hard as it looks.
Conclusion: Old Wisdom, New Shine
Cleaning with old-world tips isn’t about rejecting modern life—it’s about enriching it with the best wisdom of the past.
These forgotten methods prove that a sparkling home doesn’t require harsh chemicals—just clever ingredients and beautiful, durable tools.
You’ve learned to scour pans with eggshells, mop with birch, and deodorize with tea leaves. Now it’s your turn to make these rituals your own.
Best Brushes is proud to offer tools that make natural cleaning easier and more enjoyable. Our brushes, brooms, and dusters are made to last, with timeless quality your grandmother would trust—and you’ll love for years.
So go ahead—try one of these hacks this week. Bring a little magic into your cleaning routine, and rediscover the joy of doing things the old-fashioned way.
P.S. Don’t forget to download the printable recipe card and infographic below. They’re perfect for your cleaning kit—or for sharing with a like-minded friend
And while you're at it, sign up to receive the Best Brushes catalog. It’s your modern toolkit for mastering timeless methods. Whether you're a seasoned homemaker or just starting your eco-conscious journey, we’ve got the brushes, brooms, and scrubbers to make it magical.
1. What are the benefits of using natural cleaning hacks instead of store-bought cleaners?
Natural cleaning hacks are safer for your health, better for the environment, and often more affordable. They reduce exposure to harsh chemicals while still offering effective results using everyday pantry items like vinegar, tea leaves, and eggshells.
2. Are these old-fashioned cleaning methods really effective in modern homes?
Yes! Many traditional methods—like vinegar washes, mustard powder degreasers, and bread for picking up glass—have stood the test of time because they work. Paired with modern tools like those from Best Brushes, they’re just as effective (if not more) than commercial cleaners.
3. Can I use these natural cleaning hacks if I have pets or children?
Absolutely. These cleaning tips use non-toxic ingredients that are generally safe for use around pets and kids. Still, it's always wise to check for sensitivities and avoid essential oils or ingredients that may be harmful to certain animals (like tea tree oil for cats).
4. What tools do I need to make these cleaning hacks work best?
While the ingredients are simple, using the right tools—like a Copper-Microfibre Cloth, Witch’s Broom, or Horsehair Dish Brush—makes a big difference. These brushes are eco-friendly, durable, and designed to complement natural cleaning methods.
