17 Timeless Tricks From Grandma That Still Work Today

Sometimes, some of the simplest tricks work the best when it comes to things such as health, beauty, and chores around the house. Even with expensive and fancy products out there, all you really need is what’s already in your home. Here are 17 of Grandma’s secret tricks.

Baking Soda for Cleaning

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There would be no doubt that your grandma had plenty of baking soda in her kitchen because of its many qualities. For example, Fermentools writes, “This humble ingredient isn’t just for baking; it’s a versatile cleaner, deodorizer, and laundry whitener.” It’s a cost-effective product that’s also eco-friendly.

Olive Oil for Shiny Hair

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Olive oil isn’t just for cooking; this nutritious product also doubles up as a conditioner for your hair. It’ll make it much shinier and healthier, especially if you leave it in for a while. Try to focus on applying the oil to the ends so they don’t become dry.

Salt Water Gargle for Sore Throat

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This is a simple and effective remedy for soothing sore throats. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, as all you need to do is add some salt to warm water and stir. The salt water will provide instant relief for any sore throat, leaving you feeling much more comfortable.

Lemon and Salt for Cleaning Copper

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Lemon and salt together are a natural and non-abrasive cleaning method. This is supported by Martha Stewart, who writes, “Cleaning copper with lemon and salt is a natural and effective method ideal for copper cookware.” However, try to avoid using it on delicate items or antiques. This cleaning method is also eco-friendly with inexpensive and readily available ingredients.

Tea Bags for Puffy Eyes

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Using caffeinated tea bags under puffy eyes should help reduce puffiness and dark circles. It’s an inexpensive and natural beauty treatment that will work wonders, especially if you don’t get enough sleep at night. It’s also easy to use and will provide quick results.

Vinegar as Fabric Softener

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This is a natural alternative to using store-bought fabric softener, which is known for having numerous ingredients. Vinegar will leave clothes soft and fresh without any harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it is also cost-effective.

Lavender for Pest Control

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Lavender is a natural repellent for fleas and moths. It’s also a much safer and more pleasant alternative compared to other repellents that are full of harsh chemicals. This lavender repellent can be used in various forms, such as oil or even dried blossoms.

Preserving Oilcloth

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Homemade Dessert Recipes writes that if an oilcloth is rubbed with beeswax and turpentine, then it will last longer. These natural ingredients can help to protect and enhance the material’s durability. This is a simple and traditional method for maintaining oilcloth items.

Hydration for Beauty

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The best thing you can do when you wake up is to drink some water. It nourishes your organs and cleanses toxins, making it a great habit to get into. There are so many health benefits associated with doing this, not only for your health but also for your beauty.

Bright Colors for Happiness

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One way to instantly boost your mood is to put on a colorful top. It can help make you feel happier and also boost your confidence, as it encourages a positive outlook. It also helps you create an element of self-expression through fashion. It shows that external choices can help enhance your well-being.

Castor Oil for Hair Health

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Castor oil is rich in vitamins and proteins, including vitamin D, which is essential for hair health. Using castor oil will create thicker and smoother hair with continued use. It’s an old remedy that your grandma was sure to have used, but it’s also something backed by modern knowledge.

Multi-Use Beauty Tricks

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One trick your grandma would have certainly done was using one makeup product for different areas of the face. For example, Reader’s Digest writes, “You can use your lipstick to not only give a little color to the lip, but also a little glow to the cheek or a hint of shine on the eyelid.”

Gloves for Hand Care

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Taking part in a nightly ritual of applying hand cream and then cotton gloves is a great beauty treatment for the hands. It will prevent wrinkles and keep your hands extra soft. It shows the importance of caring for parts of the body that are often overlooked.

Adding Color to Cheeks

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Your grandma would tell you to always add color to your cheeks. A quick touch-up can completely revitalize your appearance. It shows just how much a small change can completely revamp you and create a huge impact. There’s so much power in what a small amount of makeup can do.

Eco-friendly Gardening with Kitchen Scraps

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If you’re a fan of gardening, then using scraps from the kitchen can work as fertilizer. This includes anything, such as eggshells, banana peels, and coffee grounds. It allows your plants to grow in a healthy environment thanks to the enriched soil, and it is also a sustainable way of gardening.

Rustic Picture Frames from Natural Materials

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Rustic Decorating writes, “Creating rustic picture frames is a project accessible to many because it typically requires minimal tools and materials.” It’s the perfect DIY project where you can use cattail rods or even autumn leaves. Creating these frames also encourages the reuse of natural materials for artistic purposes.

Ant Trap with a Natural Sponge

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If you have issues with ants, then your grandma may suggest simply using a natural sponge to get rid of them. It’s a non-toxic method and shows just how effective simple and natural solutions can be. It’s also a more humane approach to controlling ants.

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