The Amish have long been known for their superb housekeeping practices.
Not only are they effective, but they’re also frugal and sustainable.
They’ve managed to nail down the art of living within their means, and now they’re passing some of that knowledge onto us “modern” folk.
Housekeeping hacks for the frugal friend
To repel insects:
The Amish have crafted several home remedies requiring basic household ingredients.
If you’re looking to get rid of those pesky creatures once and for all, these 3 concoctions may be exactly what you’re looking for:
To repel mosquitos:
This repellent is made entirely out of dry herbs.
All you need is a three-tablespoon mix of citronella, lavender, peppermint, cloves, catnip, spearmint, and lemongrass.
Simply mix the three tablespoons of herbs with one boiled cup of water. Then, cover and let cool.
When the mixture has settled to room temperature, remove the herbs with a strainer.
The resulting liquid is your new bug spray.
Shield plants from pests
This simple mix is a tried and true method.
Bring one gallon of water to a boil then add in a half cup of brown sugar. Let the sugar completely dissolve, then you’re good to go.
For cockroaches and ants:
This borax mixture is sure to do the trick.
With equal proportions of borax and white sugar, sprinkle the mixture in infested areas, such as under the sink and fridge.
Note, however, that borax can be hazardous for animals, so exercise caution if you have pets.
It’s probably safe to say that most of us are no strangers to grease stains.
No matter how much we scrub and scrub, sometimes the stains refuse to vanish, leaving us with clothes looking less than ideal.
With a vast quantity of chemicals on the market, claiming to remove even the toughest of stains we can’t help but wonder if there is a simpler and potentially safer approach.
The Amish answer for grease stains:
Simply combine one teaspoon of salt with two cups of water. Let the mixture come to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.
Using a sponge, gently scrub the stained areas with the salt mixture.
As with most tough stains, you may need to repeat this method several times to achieve your desired results.
Finessing the bed sheets:
Since bedsheets usually begin to tear in the middle, simply cut the bedsheet right down the middle.
Then, flip the halves over so the frayed middle pieces become the new edges. Sew the new middle together and voila.
3 Ways to clean counters
The tried and true method of vinegar and baking soda proves to be both a strong cleaner and disinfectant.
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of white vinegar.
If the smell is a bit too potent, simply add in an essential oil such as lemon or lemongrass.
Keep your vinegar handy
This Amish floor cleaner is another that’s known to work miracles.
Add four parts of hot water with one part of hot vinegar, and you’re all done. Your floors will thank you for not using any harsh chemicals on them.
To create an easy disinfectant spray, simply combine one cup of vinegar with one cup of water then bring to a boil.
Add in orange peels, then turn the heat off. Let the peels seep overnight, then strain the final product. Transfer the remaining liquids into a spray bottle.
Learn more helpful hints from the Amish in the video below!
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