20 Forgotten Household Chores from Grandma’s Era That We Rarely Do Anymore
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Have you ever wondered why Grandma’s house felt like a sparkling beacon of cleanliness and order? It’s not just nostalgia. Our grandmothers maintained their homes in a manner beyond surface tidying.
Those were the kinds of routines and chores that we’ve slowly left behind in our busy, modern-day lives. Here are 20 forgotten household chores from grandma’s era that we rarely do anymore.
Deep Cleaning the Oven and Stovetop
Ovens and stovetops used to be the heart of the home once, first because of what was cooked on them and second because of how they were maintained. You had to deep clean it by scrubbing oven racks and stovetops. Think about how nice it would be to have a nice gleaming oven door that doesn’t have that caked grime on it that obscures that roast chicken from view.
Why is this important? Cleaning regularly helps the appliance work properly, prolongs its life and stops smoke and bad odours from wafting through your home. And then you have the allure of that shiny kitchen.
Choose a day each month or quarter to revive this long-forgotten chore. To clean, simply use a baking soda and water mixture. Simply apply it, let it sit overnight, and wipe it off the next day for a glorious result!
Refrigerator Drip Trays – Defrosting and Cleaning
Do you remember when you had to defrost the fridge? The time when you had to open the icebox, empty it, and clean the drip trays so that the smell of funky stuff didn’t come up your food storage.
It may all sound like a hassle, but if you defrost and clean, you will prevent mold growth and increase energy efficiency. Modern fridges don’t need to be defrosted as often, but all of those drip trays still need to be kept clean. Just remove them, wash with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Extractor Hood Filter Maintenance
Grandma’s extractor hood always looked shiny and sparkly. The secret? Filters need to be regularly cleaned. It is a task that makes sure your kitchen stays clean from grease build up as well as all the unwanted odors and maintains fresh, clean air.
Remove filters, soak them in hot water with a biological detergent. Rinse, dry them and reattach them. And your kitchen will thank you for making it a bi-annual chore.
Washing Machine Maintenance
While today’s washing machines are more advanced than those from Grandma’s time, they still need some love to keep them in tip-top shape. Back then, though this pretty much went without saying, it is now something that we all tend to forget today when cleaning a washing machine.
It ensures your clothes get out smelling fresh and prevent mold growth. Every couple of months, set a reminder to clean it. Wipe down seals and drawers with a cloth that’s been dampened with vinegar and ensure it leaves no residue.
The Forgotten Front Trap Filter
Unsung is the front trap filter in washing machine maintenance. Grandma understood the significance of checking and cleaning it to avoid clogs and water disposal.
So to deal with this it, lay down the towels to catch the water, remove the filter and clean it. Besides this, it would protect you from potential issues and extend the life of your machine.
Tumble Dryer Lint Trap
Grandma had a priority to prevent fires due to the fire hazards, and that was keeping the tumble dryer lint trap clean. It keeps it running safely and efficiently.
After every use, clean the lint trap as a habit. It only takes seconds, and it reduces fire risk significantly. Vacuum the trap and the surrounding area more deeply every few months.
Skirting Board Cleaning
We often overlook skirting board, or baseboards, in our cleaning routine. Grandma made them spotless, and it added a touch of polish to her home.
All you have to do is to wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth. Yet, we also find that a bit of diluted vinegar works wonders for tough spots. Try to do this once a month, and you’ll see a fresher-looking home.
Dust-Free Under Beds
Do you remember the dust bunnies that would accumulate under Grandma’s bed? Actually, you probably don’t, because she made sure there weren’t any! It was a normal task of moving beds so they could clean under, lest sneaky dust could begin to settle there.
Make sure to vacuum under the bed. Not only will your bedroom stay clean, this also helps with improving air quality, removing allergens.
Ventilation and Air Circulation
A ritual in Grandma’s cleaning routine was to open windows to air out the house. It was believed that fresh air would rid the home of germs and bad luck.
Even if it’s cold outside, you can open windows for just a few minutes a day to refresh a home and help improve air quality. It also gives you a reason to take a brief break and take in a breath of crisp, clean air.
Wall Washing
Our grandmothers swore by a deep-cleaning task: washing walls. Wall washing seems daunting, but suddenly, it does very much to brighten up any room.
Work your way from top to bottom using a sponge and a mild detergent. This should be done annually, and you will keep your walls looking fresh and new.
Wooden Furniture Polishing
Wooden furniture polishing makes your beloved pieces more aesthetically pleasing and extends their life.
Use a soft cloth to apply wood polish of good quality to the furniture. Set aside time to maintain your furniture bi-monthly.
Curtain and Blind Cleaning
Curtains and blinds were meticulously cleaned and cared for. They don’t sound so critical, but the more dust and allergens that collect in your home, the more those dust and allergens can impact your home’s air quality.
Take down curtains for a good wash, or vacuum blinds every few months. That will help make your space a healthier living space.
Gaming Consoles and Computer Care
Grandma didn’t have the modern day gaming consoles or computers to worry about, but her attention to detail can be applied here. These devices are cleaned with compressed air; it’s used to remove any dust build-up and cool the equipment.
But aim to clean these gadgets every few months. Doing so will also mean that they’ll run smoothly and last longer, keeping you from wasting money and frustration over time.
Microwave Cleaning
How many times did Grandma say to clean the microwave? A spotless microwave is essential for hygiene and functionality.
Just heat up a bowl of hot water mixed with a bit of lemon for about a few minutes and wipe away grime with a clean cloth. Every month, simply perform this simple trick and your microwave always stays fresh and odor free.
Toaster Crumb Tray Emptying
Regular tray emptying kept crumbs out of Grandma’s toasters. It stops your appliance from becoming a fire hazard and keeps it working efficiently. Empty and clean the tray as it makes a weekly habit. It takes seconds but makes a world of difference.
Water Supply and Safety Checks
Granny’s seasonal must was to check water supply taps and safety devices like stop cocks and RCDs. These checks prevent possible leaks and make your home safe.
Have these inspections done twice a year. It gives you peace of mind, and can also save you money down the road in costly repairs.
Radiator Maintenance
Grandma never skipped bleeding radiators before winter. That ensures that they work as they should to get your home nice and cozy.
Release trapped air and increase heating efficiency with a simple radiator key. And do this annually before the cold really sets in.
Safety Device Testing
Grandma was in the habit of testing smoke detectors and other safety devices. She always said safety first. You should test these devices once per month, and when batteries need to be changed, replace them. It’s a small task that has potentially life-saving impact.
Shoe and Boot Polishing
Grandma polished shoes and boots way beyond vanity. It was about care and longevity. This task adds some class and makes footwear look new.
Polish your formal shoes every few weeks. A good polish protects and revives them and adds years to their life.
Repurposing and Repairing
Grandma knew how to upcycle and fix at hand rather than throw out the things. It’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly, too.
There is no harm in trying to repair or repurpose something before you throw it away. Little is wasted, and you might discover a new way to use an old item!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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