5 Easy 1940s Cleaning Tips Worth Bringing Back into Your Regular Routine

These tried and tested tips from vintage issues of BHG are still some of the best methods for cleaning your home.

While the world has certainly evolved since the 1940s, some of the cleaning advice from that time period remains as relevant and effective today as it was back then. In fact, we’ve found plenty of cleaning tips in vintage issues of BHG that are definitely worth incorporating into your regular scrubbing schedule. In fact, these ’40s housekeeping tips offer inexpensive and eco-friendly solutions that actually outshine modern cleaning products.

From simple tricks to tried-and-tested methods, these retro cleaning tips provide a window into a bygone era while delivering practical solutions for modern-day homeowners. While flipping through vintage issues of our magazine, we’ve discovered a treasure trove of vintage cleaning tips that have stood the test of time. Here are five we recommend trying in your own home.

Related: The Ultimate Chore Checklist: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Tasks for a Tidy Home

1. Keep Linens Looking Lovely

Get a thrill out of brand new white cotton and linens? “To help keep them lovely, use Ultra-refined Clorox in your regular laundering process,” reads the March 1941 issue of Better Homes & Gardens. “It restores their original snowy whiteness and lessens rubbing, thus prolonging the life of fabrics and making wash day easier for you.” While we by no means miss the laborious laundry methods that pre-date the arrival of the washing machine,

According to Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert Mary Gagliardi, also known as Dr. Laundry, “the one thing absolutely still worth making a part of your laundry routine today is bleach.” She explains that the method for bleaching whites hasn’t changed much since we published the 1941 issue. “Clorox Disinfecting Bleach’s patented formula with Cloromax removes and repels tough stains for whiter whites and is just as versatile as it was 70 years ago,” says Gagliardiy, who suggests using it on all white cottons, from your bedding to your underwear.

“Don’t forget cloth diapers made of cotton, too!”, she adds. “These were staples in the 1950s and are still an excellent choice to replace disposable diapers.” To wash and sanitize diapers, rinse away solids before machine washing with laundry detergent and ½ cup bleach, ensuring contact with the bleach solution for 10 minutes. “Remember, always avoid bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex, and non-fast colors,” she adds.

Related: Here’s How to Bleach White Towels Without Ruining Them

2. Rid Upholstery and Rugs of Unwanted Pet Hair

A reader from Redwood City, California, shared a clever pet hair removal tip in the May 1946 issue of Better Homes & Gardens. “To rid upholstery and rugs of dog and cat hair, wet a rubber sponge, squeeze out excess water, and rub over the surface. The hair rolls up in little balls.” Her advice is still spot on today, though the method has evolved with modern gadgets to help out.

“Rubber brooms are amazing at picking up pet hair, plus you can wash them with a hose after you’re done to get them clean,” says Courtney Landry, home cleaning expert and product development manager at Norwex. “Rubber squeegees also work great for getting pet hair off short pile rugs and carpets.” Give these tips a try and enjoy a fur-free home.

Related: The 7 Best Pet Hair Removers to Keep Your Home Fur-Free, According to Testing and Research

3. Get Rid of Water Rings on Furniture

Water rings on furniture can be a real headache, but this technique from our vintage editions will help you restore your furniture to its original beauty. Here’s what you need: Liquid cleaning and polishing wax, a clean, dry blotter or white cloth, and an iron.

Start by rubbing a small amount of the wax directly onto the water ring using a soft cloth. Work the wax into the wood in a circular motion and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the surface. Next, place a clean, dry blotter (or white cloth) over the wax-treated spot. Set your iron to a warm (not hot) setting—and make sure there’s no water in the iron to avoid steam damage.

Gently press the iron over the blotter for a few seconds at a time. The heat will help draw out the moisture trapped in the wood. Lift the iron and blotter periodically to check your progress. Repeat this process until the ring disappears and your furniture looks as good as new.

Related: How to Remove Heat Stains from Wood: 4 Easy Solutions

4. Tackle Your Home’s ‘Danger Zones’

According to our 1941 issue, people found many uses for Clorox beyond washing white or colorfast laundry; it was a staple for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting what we dubbed the household ‘danger zones.’ More than 80 years later, it’s still a popular cleaning product.

“To disinfect hard nonporous surfaces, vacuum, sweep or remove visible dirt and crumbs before applying a bleach and water solution made with 1/3 cup Clorox Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water,” Gagliardi says. For best results, ensure the bleach solution contacts the surface for six minutes before rinsing and allowing the surface to air dry.

Related: Here’s What You Can (and Should Never) Clean with Bleach

5. Try This Homemade Formula for Frost-Free Windows

To prepare your windows for winter, the editors of our 1940s issue shared a fantastic tip: Mix two parts alcohol with one part water and apply it to the window with a sponge or spray bottle. Then, wipe it off with a chamois, clean cloth, or a squeegee. This budget-friendly homemade solution will keep your windows frost-free and sparkling all year round, so you can enjoy crystal-clear views, no matter the weather.

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