Farmers in the past had a different way of life compared to what we have today. One of the biggest differences was the way they kept their homes clean and fresh. Without the modern cleaning products and tools, they relied on their resourcefulness and ingenuity to keep their homes clean and free from pests. In this blog post, I will explore how farmers like myself years ago kept their house clean and fresh.

Sweeping and Dusting

Sweeping and dusting were the most common cleaning tasks in rural homes. Farmers used brooms made of twigs, corn husks, or straw to sweep their floors. Dusting was done using a damp cloth, which was dipped in water and wrung out. The cloth was then used to wipe down surfaces, including tables, chairs, and shelves.

Homemade Cleaning Products

Farmers didn’t have access to commercial cleaning products, so they made their own. One popular cleaning solution was made by mixing vinegar and water. This mixture was used to clean windows, mirrors, and countertops. Another homemade cleaning solution was made by mixing lye, water, and fat. This mixture was used to clean clothes and dishes.

Freshening the Air

Farmers kept their homes smelling fresh by using herbs and flowers. They would hang bunches of lavender, rosemary, or mint around the house to keep it smelling sweet. These plants also served as natural insect repellents. Some farmers would also burn dried sage or cedar in the fireplace to freshen the air.

Pest Control

Farmers had to deal with pests like mice, rats, and insects in their homes. They used various methods to keep these pests at bay. One popular method was to sprinkle Boric Acid earth around the baseboards to deter insects. Farmers also kept their homes clean and free from food scraps to prevent pests from being attracted to their homes.

Conclusion

Farmers in the past may not have had the modern cleaning products and tools we have today, but they managed to keep their homes clean and fresh using their resourcefulness and ingenuity. They swept and dusted their homes regularly, made their own cleaning products, freshened the air with herbs and flowers, and practiced pest control. These methods may seem outdated, but they are still effective today and can be used in our homes to keep them clean and fresh.