1. Using Baking Soda to Freshen the Fridge
For decades, families have placed an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors. While baking soda does neutralize some smells, it’s not as powerful as people assume. It works only on acidic or basic odors, not everything in the fridge. Activated charcoal or specialized deodorizers are much more effective.
The baking soda box endures because it’s inexpensive, familiar, and easy to remember. Many brands even print “for fridge freshness” on their packaging, which helps the myth stick. It’s one of those habits that feels harmless enough to keep doing. Even if it’s outdated, it continues as a small ritual of household care.
2. Using Bread to Pick Up Broken Glass
For generations, people have been told to grab a slice of bread when they drop a glass. The soft texture supposedly helps pick up tiny shards that a broom or vacuum might miss. While it does work to some extent, it’s hardly the most efficient or safest method anymore. Modern vacuums and sticky lint rollers do a far better job without wasting food.
Still, it’s one of those quirky “grandma tricks” that gets passed down at family gatherings. The idea probably came from a time when wasting a sponge or rag felt more costly. It’s memorable and easy to try, which explains why it lingers. Even though it’s outdated, it does show how resourceful people were with everyday items.
3. Using Mayonnaise to Fix Water Rings on Wood
Water rings from cups and glasses used to be treated with a dollop of mayo. The idea is that the oil in mayonnaise seeps into the wood and displaces the trapped moisture. Sometimes it does improve the look, but it’s messy and can leave behind a greasy residue. Modern furniture polishes or dedicated wood treatments are far more effective.
This hack likely stuck around because it uses something almost everyone already has in the fridge. It feels clever, like you’re outsmarting a problem with kitchen scraps. The fact that it occasionally works is enough to keep it circulating. But in most cases, it’s more of a nostalgic fix than a real solution.
4. Rubbing Lemon Juice to Lighten Hair
Long before boxed dye was cheap and accessible, people used lemon juice and sunshine to bleach their hair. The citric acid can indeed strip pigment when combined with UV rays. The downside is that it also dries out hair and can cause uneven results. These days, professional products do the job with far less damage.
The ritual of sitting outside with lemon juice in your hair is a classic summer memory for many. It was inexpensive, fun, and gave people the thrill of a subtle change. That nostalgia keeps the advice alive, even if stylists cringe when they hear it. It’s a good example of how beauty hacks often prioritize affordability over safety.
5. Using Butter to Soothe Burns
For decades, butter was the go-to fix for kitchen burns. The cool spread feels soothing at first, but it actually traps heat in the skin and can make the injury worse. Modern medical advice recommends running the burn under cool water instead. Using butter is one of those tricks that sounds comforting but does more harm than good.
This old habit shows how families leaned on whatever was handy in the pantry. The cold sensation likely fooled people into thinking it worked. Because it was simple and immediate, the advice spread easily. Now, it’s mostly remembered as an outdated “don’t do this” warning.
6. Vinegar as a Weed Killer
Generations of gardeners have sworn by vinegar to kill weeds in the cracks of sidewalks and driveways. It works because the acid dehydrates the plant leaves. However, it doesn’t kill the roots, so weeds usually bounce back quickly. Commercial herbicides or boiling water are longer-lasting alternatives.
Still, it’s easy to see why this one persists—it’s cheap, natural, and avoids chemicals. For households looking for a quick, non-toxic fix, vinegar feels like a safe bet. Even if it’s not perfect, the immediate visible results are satisfying. That small success is enough to keep the advice alive.
7. Putting Coffee Grounds Down the Sink
Older generations often suggested dumping used coffee grounds into the sink as a deodorizer. While they do absorb odors, the grounds can clog pipes over time. Plumbers caution against it because buildup leads to costly repairs. Baking soda or citrus peels are safer alternatives.
This practice probably comes from a time when waste disposal wasn’t as carefully managed. Coffee grounds seemed harmless, especially when compared to harsher chemicals. The trick has just enough truth to feel reliable. Unfortunately, it’s one of those cases where tradition works against modern plumbing.
8. Using Toothpaste to Clean Silver
Toothpaste has long been a quick fix for tarnished silver jewelry or flatware. Its mild abrasives can scrub off tarnish, but it can also scratch delicate surfaces. Jewelers now recommend specialized silver polish or cloths instead. Toothpaste is more likely to damage than restore in the long run.
The trick probably spread because toothpaste is something everyone has on hand. It gave people an immediate solution without buying new products. The fact that it works “sort of” is enough to keep it circulating. But anyone with valuable silver should skip this hack entirely.
9. Using Salt to Put Out Grease Fires
When a grease fire flares up on the stovetop, people often suggest tossing salt on it. While salt can smother a flame, you need a large amount for it to be effective. Baking soda works better, but the safest option is to cover the pan with a lid. Water should never be used, as it spreads the fire.
This bit of kitchen wisdom likely spread because salt was readily available near the stove. It gave people a sense of control in a scary moment. The advice isn’t entirely wrong, which makes it stick in memory. Still, modern fire safety guides stress the importance of using a lid or fire extinguisher.
10. Placing Pennies in Houseplants
An old gardening trick suggests putting copper pennies in plant soil to ward off pests. The theory is that the copper acts as a natural fungicide or insect deterrent. However, modern pennies don’t even contain enough copper to have any effect. It’s more folklore than science at this point.
This tradition probably started when pennies had higher copper content. It seemed like a clever way to recycle coins while protecting plants. Now, it mostly lingers as a charming but ineffective gardening tale. People pass it on more for nostalgia than actual results.
11. Hanging Bags of Water to Repel Flies
In some households, clear plastic bags filled with water were hung outside to deter flies. The theory is that light refracts through the water and confuses the insects. Scientific evidence doesn’t really back this up, though some people swear by it. Fly screens and traps are far more reliable.
This trick has that homespun appeal that makes it easy to share. It’s simple, uses no chemicals, and looks like a clever hack. Even without proof, personal anecdotes keep it alive. It’s a perfect example of how tradition can outweigh science.
12. Cleaning Windows with Newspaper
Before paper towels were standard, people often grabbed yesterday’s newspaper to polish glass. The ink and paper texture left a streak-free finish, which made the trick seem like magic. These days, though, newspapers use different inks and coatings, making the results much less reliable. Plus, ink smudges on hands can be more trouble than they’re worth.
Despite that, the advice still pops up in conversations about old-school cleaning. It shows how families made do with what they had at home. Now, microfiber cloths are a safer and more effective replacement. Still, you might catch someone swearing by this trick because “that’s how Mom always did it.”
This post 12 Outdated DIY Tricks That Are Still Passed Down Generations was first published on American Charm.
