When washing machines were a luxury, boiling laundry was the norm to eliminate stubborn stains and germs. Imagine a big pot over a fire filled with clothes and soapy water bubbling away. Grandparents would swear by this method for its germ-killing prowess, especially during the spring clean. It’s a workout and a half compared to pressing a button on a machine!
Mending Clothes
In an era before fast fashion, mending clothes was a regular task. Whether sewing on a button, darning a sock or patching a tear, each mend was a little act of rebellion against waste. It’s fascinating how a simple needle and thread could extend a garment’s life by years. It wouldn’t hurt to bring this thrifty habit back, right?
Hand-Washing Dishes
Dishwashers? A rare sight in most homes back then. Every meal ended with a soapy session at the sink. Grandparents often found this time perfect for family gossip or just unwinding after a meal. We’re pretty sure a lot of folks would agree that washing dishes by hand is oddly therapeutic.
Sweeping Chimneys
Let’s not forget the sooty affair of chimney sweeping, which is essential to prevent fires and ensure efficient airflow. It was a dirty job but considered vital before the onset of warmer weather. Ever heard of the saying, “Clean chimney, clean mind”? Probably not, because I just made it up!
Beating Rugs
Instead of vacuum cleaners, there was the rhythmic beating of rugs hung outdoors. This chore wasn’t just about cleanliness; it was a chance to vent out frustrations—literally beating the dust out of them! Every thwack also doubled as a neighborly hello, with dust clouds as greetings.
Sharpening Kitchen Knives
Keeping knives sharp was key to preparing meals from scratch. Wielding a sharpening stone is a skill our grandparents had down pat. Dull knives were just not on the menu back then. Just think about the satisfaction of slicing through a tomato with a freshly sharpened knife—pure bliss!
Tending the Vegetable Garden
Maintaining a vegetable garden was both a necessity and a hobby, providing fresh produce right at their doorstep. It was common to spend mornings weeding and evenings harvesting, a full circle moment from farm to table. Talk about the original farm-to-table movement!
Canning and Preserving
Canning season was a major event, with jars lined up and filled with the season’s bounty. This not only preserves the food but also locks it in the flavors of spring to be enjoyed year-round. If you’ve never tried homemade preserves, you’re missing out on a delicious piece of history.
Polishing Silver
Silverware wasn’t just for special occasions but part of everyday life. But oh, the elbow grease is required to keep it shiny! Grandparents often had a weekly polish session. A little polish goes a long way, they would say, and they weren’t wrong.
Dusting Every Surface
Turning Mattresses
Flipping or turning mattresses was a monthly ritual to ensure even wear and extend their life. It’s like giving your mattress a fresh start every few months. Bet you didn’t think your mattress needed a refresh as often as your social media!
Cleaning Windows with Vinegar and Newspaper
Before the days of Windex, vinegar mixed with water was the go-to window cleaner, and newspapers didn’t just carry news—they also polished glass without streaks. It’s eco-friendly and surprisingly effective. Who knew yesterday’s news could make your windows sparkle?
Winding Clocks
Making Soap
Some grandparents took self-sufficiency to the level of soap making, using lye and natural fats. It’s a lost art, really, crafting your clean. Plus, homemade soap has a charm you just can’t find in store-bought varieties.
Ironing Everything
Forget about ‘wrinkle-free’—every fabric needed a good ironing. Yes, even curtains and bed sheets! Grandparents would spend hours at the ironing board. It’s almost a form of meditation if you don’t mind the steam.
Baking Bread
Many households baked their own bread. The smell of fresh bread was a staple in many homes, and it’s a tradition that’s delicious at every level. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of baking bread to make a house feel like a home.
Collecting Rainwater
Laying Firewood
Preparing for colder nights meant stacking firewood in May. It was physical, it was outdoors, and it was essential. Think of it as a workout that actually warms you twice—once while you chop and stack and again when it burns.
Written By: Andy Ford
This article was originally published on MSN.