These 1940s Cleaning Tips from Vintage BHG Issues Are Worth Bringing Back

While the world has certainly moved on since the 1940s, some cleaning tips from that era remain as relevant and effective today as they were back then. In fact, we found plenty of cleaning tips from back issues of BHG that are definitely worth incorporating into your regular cleaning routine. In fact, these 1940s cleaning tips offer inexpensive, eco-friendly solutions that actually outperform modern cleaning products.

From simple hacks to tried-and-true methods, these retro cleaning tips offer a window into a bygone era while providing practical solutions for today’s homeowners. While leafing through vintage issues of our magazine, we discovered a treasure trove of vintage cleaning tips that have stood the test of time. Here are five we recommend you try at home.

1. Keep linens in good condition

Love brand new white cotton and linen? “To keep them looking beautiful, use ultra-refined bleach in your regular washing process,” reads the March 1941 issue of Better homes and gardens“It restores their original whiteness and reduces friction, thus extending the life of fabrics and making washing easier.” While we in no way regret the laborious laundry methods that preceded the advent of the washing machine,

According to Mary Gagliardi, Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert, also known as Dr. Laundry, “the only thing absolutely worth incorporating into your laundry routine today is bleach.” She explains that the method for whitening whites hasn’t changed much since the 1941 issue was published. “Clorox Disinfecting Bleach with Cloromax’s patented formula 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 cotton cloth diapers!” she adds. “They were a must-have in the 1950s and are still a great alternative to disposable diapers.” To wash and disinfect diapers, rinse them before machine washing with laundry detergent and ½ cup bleach, making sure to let them sit in the bleach solution for 10 minutes. “Remember to always avoid bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex, and colors that don’t hold,” she adds.

2. Rid upholstery and carpets of unwanted pet hair

A reader from Redwood City, California, shared a clever trick for removing pet hair in the May 1946 issue of Best Homes and Gardens. “To remove dog and cat hair from furniture and carpets, wet a rubber sponge, wring it out, and rub it over the surface. The hair will curl up into little balls.” His advice is still relevant today, although the method has evolved with the addition of modern gadgets.

“Rubber brooms are great for picking up pet hair, and you can hose them down when you’re done,” says Courtney Landry, household cleaning expert and product development manager at Norwex. “Rubber squeegees are also great for removing pet hair from low-pile carpets and rugs.” Try these tips and enjoy a hair-free home.

3. Remove water marks from furniture

Water stains on furniture can be a real pain, 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 blotting paper or a clean, dry white cloth, and an iron.

Start by rubbing a small amount of wax directly onto the water ring using a soft cloth. Work the wax into the wood in circular motions and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the surface. Next, place a clean, dry blotting paper (or white cloth) over the waxed area. Set your iron to a warm (not hot) setting and make sure there is no water in the iron to prevent steam damage.

Gently press the iron onto the blotter for a few seconds at a time. The heat will help draw out any moisture trapped in the wood. Periodically lift the iron and blotter to check your progress. Repeat this process until the ring disappears and your furniture looks like new.

4. Address the “dangerous zones” of your home

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 called the “dangerous areas” of the household. 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, make sure the bleach solution contacts the surface for six minutes before rinsing and allowing the surface to air dry.

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 the mixture to the glass using a sponge or spray bottle. Then wipe it all off with a chamois, a clean cloth, or a squeegee. This inexpensive, homemade solution will keep your windows frost-free and sparkling all year long, so you can enjoy crystal-clear views no matter the weather.