12 Smart Amish Cleaning Hacks for a Naturally Clean Home

The Amish are known for their simple and effective cleaning methods. They use natural ingredients and daily routines to keep their homes spotless. Let’s explore some of their best cleaning hacks that you can try at home.

Clean Like the Amish: Natural Cleaning Hacks You Need to Try

If you want to clean your home the Amish way, here are 12 smart cleaning hacks you can try today!

1. Clean a Little Every Day

Instead of waiting for dirt to pile up, the Amish clean a bit each day. This habit prevents messes from becoming overwhelming. By tidying up regularly, your home stays neat and welcoming.

2. Involve the Whole Family

Cleaning isn’t a one-person job in Amish families. Everyone, including kids, helps out. Assign simple tasks to children, like dusting or picking up toys. This teamwork makes cleaning faster and teaches responsibility.

3. Leave Shoes at the Door

To keep floors clean, the Amish don’t wear shoes inside. This practice reduces the amount of dirt brought into the house. Consider having a designated spot near the entrance for shoes to keep your floors cleaner.

4. Use Natural Cleaners

The Amish prefer natural cleaning solutions over harsh chemicals. Here are some simple recipes:

Citrus Peel Cleaner: Boil equal parts water and vinegar. Add citrus peels, cover, and let it sit overnight. Strain and pour into a spray bottle. Use this mixture to disinfect surfaces.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution: Mix two cups of white vinegar with a teaspoon of baking soda. Wipe this solution onto countertops and sinks using a wet cloth. For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil like lemon or lavender.

5. Make Your Own Floor Cleaner

For clean and shiny floors, the Amish use a simple mixture:

Combine one part hot vinegar with four parts hot water.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a few drops of citrus essential oil to cut the vinegar smell.

Mop your floors with this solution for a natural shine.

6. Handle Grease Stains with Salt

Grease stains can be tough, but the Amish have a simple trick:

Boil two cups of water and add a teaspoon of salt.
Let it cool.
Place the stained fabric on a flat surface.
Sponge the salt solution onto the greasy area.
Gently rub with a soft, dry cloth.

Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.

7. Repel Insects Naturally

To keep bugs at bay without chemicals, try these Amish methods:

Ant and Cockroach Killer: Mix equal parts white sugar and borax. Sprinkle this mixture under sinks and other problem areas. The sugar attracts the bugs, and the borax kills them. Remember, borax can be harmful to pets, so use it cautiously.
Plant-Safe Insect Repellent: Dissolve half a cup of brown sugar into a gallon of boiling water. Once cooled, spray it on your plants to protect them from harmful insects.

8. Mend and Reuse

The Amish are experts at making things last. For example, when bedsheets wear out in the middle, they cut them down the center, flip the sides, and sew them back together. This way, the stronger edges are now in the middle, extending the life of the sheets.

9. Deep Clean Seasonally

Twice a year, the Amish perform a thorough cleaning of their homes. This includes washing ceilings, walls, windows, and moving furniture to clean every corner. Regular deep cleaning helps maintain a healthy living environment.

10. Use Homemade Cleaning Rags

Instead of buying disposable cleaning wipes, the Amish make rags from old clothes or sheets. These reusable cloths are eco-friendly and cost-effective. After use, they are washed and ready for the next cleaning session.

11. Keep a Cleaning Schedule

Having a routine helps the Amish keep their homes spotless. For instance, they might dust and vacuum bedrooms on Thursdays and focus on the main living areas on Saturdays. Creating a weekly cleaning schedule ensures that every part of the house gets attention.

12. Embrace Simplicity

The Amish lifestyle emphasizes simplicity. By decluttering and keeping only essential items, cleaning becomes more manageable. A simpler home is easier to maintain and creates a peaceful environment.

By incorporating these Amish cleaning hacks into your routine, you can create a cleaner, more organized, and harmonious home. These methods are not only effective but also promote a sustainable and mindful way of living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural ingredients do the Amish use for cleaning?
The Amish often use vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, and borax for cleaning. These ingredients are effective, safe, and eco-friendly.
How do the Amish keep their homes so clean?
They clean a little every day, involve the whole family, and follow a strict routine. They also use natural cleaners and avoid clutter.
What is the Amish method for cleaning floors?
They use a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and lemon juice to mop their floors. This solution removes dirt and leaves floors shining.
How do the Amish keep insects away?
They use natural repellents like a sugar and borax mixture for ants or a brown sugar and water spray for plants.
Why do the Amish avoid store-bought cleaning products?
Many Amish believe in using natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safer for their families and the environment.
Do the Amish make their own laundry detergent?
Yes, they often make laundry detergent using soap flakes, borax, and washing soda to create a simple but effective cleaning solution.
What is the Amish trick for keeping windows streak-free?
They use a mixture of vinegar and water with a microfiber cloth or newspaper to clean windows without leaving streaks.
How do the Amish remove stains from clothes?
They use salt water for grease stains, lemon juice for white clothes, and a baking soda paste for tough spots.
What is the Amish method for deep cleaning?
Twice a year, they do a thorough cleaning that includes washing walls, ceilings, windows, and furniture.
How can I apply Amish cleaning hacks to my home?
Start by decluttering, using natural cleaners, keeping a simple routine, and involving your family in cleaning tasks.