The Amish are known for their simple, frugal living. With the goal of being self-sufficient and producing as little waste as possible, surely we could all learn a thing or two from this lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for cleaning tips, gardening hacks, or how to do things on a budget, there’s something for you on this list! Go ahead and check out these frugal living and housekeeping tips from the Amish community.
Mending Bedsheets
This is so interesting! Most of us know Amish people often make and mend their clothing, but I never thought about other cloth items like bedsheets. Since sheets often get worn out in the middle first, a great way to prolong the life of your sheet is to cut it down the middle, then flip the sides so that the worn “middle” ends are on the outside, and the sturdier edges are in the inside. Then, sew the sheet back together!
Easy Grease-stain Removal
I think we can all sympathize with the pain of difficult grease stains. There are so many harsh chemical products out there designed to loosen these tough stains, but our Amish friends, unsurprisingly, have a much simpler solution: salt.
Pour two cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt in a pot and let it boil. Once cooled, spread the fabric on a flat surface and sponge the salt solution onto the greasy area. Then rub the area lightly with a soft, lint-free dry cloth. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Amish Surface Cleaners
Citrus Peel Cleaner: Boil 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar, then add 1 cup of citrus peels. Cover the pot and turn off the stove and let it seep overnight. Strain and pour in a spray bottle. Use this as a disinfectant spray on all non-porous surfaces.
Vinegar & Baking Soda Solution: Combine 2 cups white vinegar with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Use a wet microfiber cloth (or sponge) to wipe the solution onto countertops, sinks, and other hard surfaces. You can add a few drops of essential oils to mask the vinegar scent if you wish. I suggest lemon or another citrusy oil.
Floor Cleaner: Vinegar comes in handy here again for a super simple floor cleaner. Combine 1 part hot vinegar with 4 parts hot water in a large tub. Squeeze some lemon juice into the mix as well, or use citrus or peppermint essential oils to cut the vinegar smell. That’s it! There’s no need for expensive cleaning solutions when you have vinegar!
Insect & Pest Repellants
Ant & Cockroach Killer: Mix equal parts white sugar and borax, and sprinkle under fridges, sinks, and other problem areas. The sugar attracts the bugs, and the borax kills them. Sweep up the mess and be done with the bugs! (Note: Borax is harmful to pets, so don’t do this unless you can keep them away from the sugar/borax mixture!)
Plant-safe Insect Repellant: This seems too simple to work, but you’ll just have to test it out for yourself! According to Home Shalom, dissolve a 1/2 cup of brown sugar into 1 gallon of boiling water. Once cooled, spray the solution on your plants to protect them from harmful insects.
Mosquito Repellant: Looking for an alternative to the harsh chemical bug sprays for you and your family? Try this dried herb bug spray. Boil 1 cup of water and add 3 tablespoons of dried herbs. (I suggest peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender, or cloves.) Mix well, cover, and cool. Strain the herbs and mix the leftover water with 1 cup of witch hazel.