Amish homes are known to be inviting, fresh, and settled.
Because of this, Amish housekeeping tips and tricks have won the hearts of many by turning everyday chores into something almost peaceful.
With a focus on old-fashioned routines, natural cleaners, and no-nonsense time savers.
These methods make keeping a tidy home simpler and more affordable.
What sets these traditional skills apart?
You can skip the endless aisles of products and pricey gadgets.
Amish housekeeping isn’t about perfection. It’s about routines built for real life—less hurry and more heart.
So, if you crave a calmer approach to cleaning, value frugal living, or just want a house that works with your schedule, this post is for you.
Why a Daily Routine Works
Instead of rushing through chores once a week, the Amish approach is to spread them out and make them less stressful.
When you know what needs to be done and when, you feel less overwhelmed and more accomplished.
A clean house should work with your life, not steal your time.
- Predictability keeps stress away – your brain stops spinning over what needs to get done.
- Small steps lead to big payoffs – tidying up for a few minutes each morning or evening creates lasting results.
- No special tools are required – you use what you have and focus on effort and intention.
For classic inspiration, see how others perfect their old-fashioned homemaking routines at Homemakers Society.
Building Your New Routine
Ready to try it for yourself? Here’s how to bring a little Amish wisdom to your cleaning habits:
- Pick Set Times
Morning or evening, just pick what works. Stick to it daily and watch it become automatic. - List the Essentials
Write out what matters:- Make the beds
- Do the dishes
- Sweep high-traffic areas
- Wipe counters
- Put away stray items
- Do a Little at a Time
No marathon cleaning here. Ten minutes in the morning, ten at night; it adds up fast! - Use Natural, Simple Tools
Skip harsh chemicals and fancy sprays. Amish families rely on vinegar, baking soda, and good old-fashioned elbow grease. Try it and see how much money and time you save. - Stick With It
The first few days may feel awkward, but with practice, it becomes an easy rhythm. Give it a good week and notice how your space feels calmer.
Living with intention and tradition is truly a breath of fresh air!
Keep It Simple: Multi-Purpose Cleaning Agents
Think you need a shelf full of bottles to keep your home fresh? The Amish show us otherwise.
One of the best-kept secrets in Amish homemaking is their faith in multi-purpose, natural agents that get the job done, without extra fuss.
This strategy fits right in with a slower-paced lifestyle that values simplicity, thrift, and all-natural charm.
Say goodbye to overwhelming choices and crowded cupboards; with just a few staple cleaners, you’ll be ready for anything.
Photo by Kaboompics.com
Amish-Approved Staples for Every Task
Ready to swap dozens of bottles for just a handful? Here are timeless favorites found in Amish homes:
- White Vinegar: Cuts through grease, removes odors, and shines glass. You can wipe your counters, mop your floors, or clean the windows. Vinegar does it all.
- Baking Soda: Perfect for scrubbing sinks and tubs, deodorizing carpets, or even freshening up shoes and laundry.
- Castile Soap: Just a small squirt cleans dishes, floors, and even delicate fabrics- plus, it’s gentle on your hands.
- Lemon Juice: Breaks down stains, leaves behind a fresh scent, and works wonders as a natural bleach.
- Borax: Laundry booster, mold killer, and general-purpose scrub.
These basics can be mixed and matched for dozens of jobs.
If you’re curious about keeping even your food supplies fresh with simple methods, you might also enjoy learning about Egg Preservation Techniques for another old-fashioned homemaking win.
Embrace Natural Cleaning Solutions
Can you imagine using one cleaner for multiple jobs? The Amish way focuses on the basics.
It took me a while to actually have confidence that I could substitute vinegar for bleach. My brain tells me that if I am not smelling that chemical after cleaning, then something is wrong.
Take a look at these natural cleaning tricks the Amish use to make their home spotless.
Vinegar for Sparkling Windows and Appliances
White vinegar is an Amish staple for good reason. Forget the name brands. All you need is this pantry workhorse!
Mix equal parts vinegar and water to wipe away fingerprints, smudges, or those sneaky water spots on glass.
You’ll see windows shine and mirrors gleam without a streak in sight.
Stainless steel appliances also regain their showroom sparkle with a quick wipe-down using this simple solution.
Bonus: no chemical smell. Instead, you get crisp, clean results that don’t leave any lingering residue on surfaces.
- Use a spray bottle for easy application.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a lint-free finish.
- Perfect for glass, faucets, and appliance fronts.
Baking Soda as a Deodorizer and Scrub
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to traditional cleaning. No Amish home is without a box or two.
Why? It pulls double duty.
Sprinkle it in sinks, tubs, or on grimy stovetops; then add a splash of water. You’ll have a gentle scrub that eats through mineral deposits, soap scum, and buildup.
Dealing with odors? Baking soda shines there, too.
Toss a little on carpets before vacuuming or leave an open container in the fridge. Baking soda in your fridge is a must (speaking from personal experience).
It soaks up smells without any perfumes or artificial scents. And it’s so cheap, too!
Lemon Juice for Antibacterial Cleaning
Lemon juice is nature’s answer to chemical disinfectants. Its acidity wipes out germs and leaves behind a light, citrusy scent.
Amish families swear by lemon for cleaning countertops, cutting boards, and sinks, making sure kitchens and bathrooms are both fresh and sanitized.
Got a stubborn stain or a musty smell? Lemon juice helps to break it down and brighten up surfaces.
Squeeze half a lemon, sprinkle a little salt, and scrub troubled spots—instantly refresh!
- Mix with water for an all-purpose spray.
- Pair with salt to clean cutting boards and sinks.
- Leaves behind a scent that feels clean and energizing.
Traditional, simple, and straight from the pantry.
Sunlight, Nature’s Disinfectant
Sunlight has a magical touch. It’s known for lifting moods, but it’s also an ancient method for disinfecting and brightening indoor spaces.
When sunlight streams through your windows, it does more than just light up the room:
- Kills germs and mildew: Direct sunlight naturally reduces bacteria and mold.
- Warms your home for free: Open curtains during sunny mornings to let in warmth, perfect for chilly days, and save on heating costs.
- Improves your well-being: Getting more natural light can support your sleep cycle and help you feel more alert and cheerful.
Many studies, including one published by the National Institutes of Health, confirm that sunlight helps your body create vitamin D and keeps you healthier overall.
See the details in this overview of the benefits of sunlight for human health.
Fresh Air, Instant Refresh for Every Room
Step into an Amish home, and you’ll likely notice how crisp the air smells.
That’s no accident. Amish families open windows (even just a crack in winter) to allow stale air and odors to escape. No plug-in air freshener needed!
Here’s why fresh air is a housekeeping essential:
- Pushes out stuffy odors and dust.
- Balances humidity: Prevents mold and stuffiness, especially in laundry areas and bathrooms.
- Uplifts your mood: Bringing in fresh air, as simple as it is, helps clear brain fog and soothes nerves.
Opening windows for even 10 minutes can refresh a whole space. It’s like hitting a “reset” button for your house!
Drying Clothes on Line
Line-drying clothes isn’t just a cute tradition; it’s another staple of Amish housekeeping.
Every sunny day, you’ll see colorful linens flapping on backyard lines. This isn’t just to save on electricity:
- Sunlight naturally whitens and disinfects fabrics.
- Outdoor air leaves linens and clothes smelling wonderfully fresh.
- It cuts down on wear and tear from machine dryers.
Old-Fashioned Floor Care
Walk into an Amish home and you’ll notice something right away: the floors look clean but not over-polished.
The secret is consistency and safe, simple materials.
Amish women sweep floors daily, but they don’t spend hours hunched over buckets. Their system is built for speed, not stress.
- Broom every day: Amish families rely on sturdy, handmade brooms. It’s quick, meditative, and keeps dust at bay.
- Spot mop with water and vinegar: They use a mop or a damp cloth with a mix of water and white vinegar for sticky spots. Try a half-and-half solution for a streak-free shine.
- No waxy buildup: Skip chemical polishes. If wooden floors need love, a little olive oil or beeswax brings back the glow without fumes.
Sweeping daily and mopping often keeps dirt from spreading.
For more homemade cleaning solutions that fit a thrifty lifestyle, visit Clean and Green Homemade Cleaners.
The Amish Laundry Method
Instead of strong-smelling detergents and hours of sorting, Amish families have honed a few practical tricks that work every time.
- Fewer loads, bigger batches: Large-capacity wash days mean water is used efficiently; one of the ultimate time and money savers.
- Soap that’s simple: Amish laundry soap is often homemade using basic ingredients like lye, washing soda, borax, and sometimes a little castile soap. The results? Clean clothes and soft linens, without harsh additives.
- Whitening with sunshine: Sunlight fades stains, brightens whites, and kills mildew. No chemical bleach needed.
Routine Touches for a Welcoming Home
Clean floors and fresh laundry are just part of the equation. The Amish are masters of thoughtful routines— each small touch is about nurturing your space and the people in it.
- Shaking out rugs and blankets outdoors: This quick step clears out dust and refreshes the entire room.
- Seasonal rotating of bedding: Switch out comforters and linens by season, storing off-seasons simply in a dry trunk or closet.
- Daily bed-making: Every bed is tidied each morning. It’s a small act that centers the whole day.
All these habits add up. They make any home more inviting and less chaotic.
Squeeze Value Out of Every Item
Amish homes thrive on the simple habit of saving and reusing everyday materials. Why?
It keeps costs down, helps avoid shopping sprees, and stretches household resources—perfect for anyone who’s tired of constant waste.
- Glass jars and containers: Use old, clean jars as spice holders, vases, or pantry organizers.
- Old towels and linens: Snip them into cleaning rags instead of buying disposable wipes.
- Tin cans: With a little love, a coffee can transforms into a storage bin, planter, or scoop for bulk goods.
- Worn-out shirts: Turn them into dusting cloths or even patchwork quilts—no sewing expertise needed, just some scissors and a bit of patience.
This habit isn’t just about saving a few dollars. It’s about stepping off the consumer treadmill and finding satisfaction in being inventive, calm, and practical.
For many, this is at the heart of a slower-paced, more meaningful style of home living.
Old Ingredients, New Recipes
Don’t let leftovers or slightly wilted produce end up in the trash.
Transform scraps into soups, broths, or stir-fries where every carrot top and bread crust serves a purpose.
- Vegetable trimmings: Boil for homemade stocks or flavor bases.
- Stale bread: Whip up breadcrumbs or crunchy croutons for dinner salads.
- Soft fruit: Toss into muffins, jams, or a humble cobbler.
Here are 50 Foods You Can Make From Scratch at home to help you be more mindful.
This habit isn’t about survival or because you have to—it’s about pride in resourcefulness and joy in less waste.
These simple changes can slim down your grocery bill and pile up your sense of satisfaction.
Final Thoughts on Amish Housekeeping Tips and Tricks
Amish housekeeping tips and tricks offer a smart blend of tradition and simplicity.
By sticking with daily routines, using natural cleaners, letting fresh air in, and reusing what you have, you keep your home clean, inviting, and budget-friendly.
No trendy gadgets or endless supply runs needed!
Mixing these old-fashioned methods with a pinch of modern ease is the real secret to a space that works for you.
Why settle for quick fixes when time-tested skills give lasting rewards? If you’re ready for a house that feels calm, clear, and genuinely cared for, give these traditional strategies a shot.
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24 Best Cleaning Hacks From Professional Cleaners To DIY