These old-school cleaning hacks don’t just save money; they’re safer, simpler, and surprisingly powerful.
Pepaw grew up long before fancy cleaners filled store shelves, and he’ll tell you plain: most of them are just perfume, water, and a high price tag. The old ways still work, and they work well. With a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you can clean just about anything in your home for pennies.
Vinegar: Pepaw’s All-Purpose Cleaner
White vinegar is Pepaw’s cleaning champion. Mixed with equal parts water, it becomes an all-purpose spray that cuts through grease, shines mirrors, and wipes away fingerprints from glass. Unlike store-bought cleaners full of dyes and chemicals, vinegar leaves surfaces clean without residue.
Pepaw also uses vinegar to descale coffee makers, clean microwave grime, and freshen dishwashers. A cup in the rinse cycle eliminates odors and makes everything sparkle. For tough messes, he warms the vinegar slightly so it breaks down grease even faster.
It may smell sharp for a minute, but Pepaw says, “Give it a second. It fades, the clean stays.”
Explore 10 Everyday Items Pepaw Reuses Instead of Tosses to stretch household supplies even further.
Baking Soda for Scrubbing and Deodorizing
Baking soda is Pepaw’s secret weapon for any job that needs a little elbow grease. Sprinkle it in sinks, tubs, or on stovetops, then scrub with a damp cloth. The gentle grit lifts grime without scratching surfaces.
It also makes a great deodorizer. Pepaw keeps an open box in the fridge, sprinkles it on carpets before vacuuming, and uses it to freshen trash cans. For clogged drains, he pours in baking soda followed by vinegar. The fizzy reaction loosens gunk and clears odors.
A box costs a dollar or two, but the cleaning power stretches far beyond that.
To compare essential kitchen tools, see Pepaw’s Favorite Kitchen Gadgets Worth Every Penny.
Lemon: Nature’s Degreaser and Freshener
Pepaw loves using lemons because they smell clean and work hard. Rubbing half a lemon on cutting boards sanitizes them naturally. A mixture of lemon juice and water shines on faucets and stainless-steel sinks. For microwave cleaning, Pepaw steams lemon slices in a cup of water. The steam loosens food splatters, and everything wipes clean effortlessly.
The acidity cuts grease more effectively than some commercial sprays, and the natural scent outperforms artificial fragrances every day.
Pepaw says, “If it smells fresh and it is fresh, that’s a win.”
To source cheap cleaning basics, check Pepaw’s Guide to Stretching a Dollar at the Dollar Store.
Salt and Soap: The Scrub That Never Fails
When Pepaw needs a gritty scrub for cast iron, stained mugs, or cookware, he mixes coarse salt with a bit of dish soap. The salt works as a natural scouring agent, breaking up stuck-on food without scratching. It’s perfect for cast iron, where harsh cleaners can damage the seasoning.
He also uses salt to soak up spills on fabric before washing, helping lift stains before they set. Cheap, simple, and effective, just the way Pepaw likes it.
Don’t miss Pepaw’s Weather-Proof Ways to Save on Your Power Bill to keep your home efficient and clean.
Homemade Laundry Boosters That Stretch Your Budget
Instead of expensive laundry additives, Pepaw makes his own boosters from simple ingredients. Adding a cup of baking soda to a load helps remove odors and freshen clothes. Vinegar in the rinse cycle acts as a fabric softener, reduces static, and keeps towels fluffy.
For whitening linens, Pepaw soaks them in a mixture of hot water, lemon juice, and baking soda. It’s gentle on fabric and tough on stains, costing just a fraction of the price of name-brand whiteners.
These tricks keep laundry fresh without pricey products. Plus, Pepaw’s approach aligns with guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on using safer household cleaning ingredients.
