Looking back at household tips from the ’70s might feel like stepping into a different world, but many of these old-school tricks still outperform today’s modern hacks. You might be surprised how simple, practical methods from decades ago can save you time and effort in your daily routine.

 

These vintage tips offer straightforward, reliable solutions that often work better than the tech-heavy alternatives you see now. Tapping into these tried-and-true practices lets you cut through the noise and get things done without unnecessary fuss.

Use baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors, just like in the ’70s.

 

If your fridge smells funky, a simple box of baking soda can help. Just open it and place it inside your fridge or freezer. It works by neutralizing the acidic or basic compounds that cause bad odors, rather than just covering them up.

Make sure to swap the box out every three months to keep things fresh. For strong smells, you can even mix baking soda with a little water to scrub surfaces. This old-school trick still beats many modern odor-eliminating hacks.

Rub lemon juice on wooden cutting boards to clean and freshen them.

If your wooden cutting boards are looking or smelling a little worn, lemon juice is a simple fix. Just rub a cut lemon over the surface to naturally lift stains and kill bacteria.

For extra cleaning power, sprinkle some salt on the board before rubbing with lemon. The salt works like a gentle scrub to remove stuck-on bits.

Afterward, rinse the board with warm water and dry it well. This old-school trick keeps your boards fresh without harsh chemicals.

Hang slippery clothes with safety pins attached to hangers

If your clothes keep slipping off hangers, safety pins can help. Attach a safety pin to the hanger with the point facing downward. This creates extra grip without damaging your clothes.

You can also pin the safety pin through the garment’s fabric lightly, keeping it secure. This trick works especially well for silky or delicate fabrics that usually slide off.

It’s a simple, cheap fix that takes just seconds and saves your clothes from falling on the closet floor. Plus, safety pins are easy to find and reuse anytime.

Use vinegar and water to clean windows streak-free without chemicals

You can easily clean your windows with just vinegar and water. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a simple, eco-friendly cleaner.

Spray the solution on your windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper. This combo helps remove dirt and leaves glass clear without harsh chemicals.

Be careful using vinegar on wooden or metal window frames, as it might damage them. But for regular glass cleaning, it’s a safe and budget-friendly option you can count on.

Keep a bar of soap in drawers to repel moths and keep clothes fresh

You can toss a bar of soap in your drawers to help keep moths away. It’s a simple trick that’s been around for decades and works without chemicals.

Lavender or other scented soaps work well because the smell discourages moths from settling in your clothes. Plus, your clothes get a nice, subtle freshness.

Change the soap every couple of months to keep the scent strong. This helps protect your garments naturally and adds a little extra freshness to your drawers.

Use a wet sponge inside a plastic bag to keep lettuce crisp in the fridge

You can keep your lettuce fresh by placing a damp sponge inside a plastic bag with it. The sponge adds just enough moisture to prevent the lettuce from drying out but not enough to make it soggy.

This helps control the humidity around the lettuce, so it stays crisp longer. Just make sure the sponge isn’t dripping wet—too much water can cause wilting.

Store the bag in your fridge’s crisper drawer for the best results. This old-school trick beats many modern hacks by balancing moisture and air circulation perfectly.