Granny Satchell’s Old-Fashioned Spring Cleaning Tips!

Satchells have been selling property for almost 100 years, with four generations of the family all involved in the business in some way.

While the running of the business was the responsibility first of Mr J.D.G Satchell when he started the company in 1922, then passed to Bill Parker when Mr Satchell retired, then to John Hilditch and finally with Alan and Derek Hilditch taking the reins – in the background Granny Satchell was beavering away, running the household and advising clients of her very best cleaning tips!

Granny Satchell loved carbolic soap and could often be found with a scrubbing brush in one hand and a bar of the ‘red soap’ in the other. She loved nothing better than a good spring clean, taking pride in her own home and now, years later, we can all take some good old fashioned cleaning tips form Granny Satchell!

So, with the smell of spring in the air, it’s time to pop your marigolds on!

Whether it’s a good old spring clean or you simply want to ensure your home is spick and span before you put it on the market, choosing cleaning products that get the job done is essential!

We have become so used to seeing fancy, branded packaging lining the supermarket shelves, that many of the traditional cleaning methods that Granny Satchell swore by have disappeared. Fear not though, because the team at Satchells have raided the archives and can share with you five old fashioned cleaning tips that really work.

White vinegar was always a cupboard staple and it’s no wonder!

1.   Use White Vinegar to Clean Your Windows

Do you have trouble getting a streak-free finish? Sometimes, no matter how much you scrub and rinse, your windows will keep drying with unsightly marks down them, making them look worse than before.

If this sounds familiar, then white vinegar is the answer. Just spray a little bit on your windows and wipe them clean to achieve a streak-free finish.

You can also mix it with warm water and cornstarch to achieve similar results, but a spray bottle of distilled white wine vinegar by itself should do the trick.

2.   Use White Vinegar to Remove Limescale

As you’ve probably guessed, white vinegar is incredibly versatile. And in case you’re wondering, it doesn’t leave a nasty odour like malt vinegar will, so avoid the bottle of brown stuff at your local chip shop!

To remove limescale from the kettle, just fill the kettle with a mix of water and white vinegar, leave for a few hours, and when you come back to it the limescale can be removed easily.

You can also use it to remove limescale from your showers and taps too, but take care as it’s not suitable for all taps, such as gold-plated ones.

Lemons are not just for your G&T!

3.   Use Lemons to Remove Stains on Chopping Boards

If your chopping board is looking tired and stained from fruit like strawberries and raspberries there’s no need to give up on it and buy a new one, because another fruit is the answer you’re looking for.

Just squeeze a lemon over the board and give it a scrub to remove those stubborn stains. If you’re wondering how this works, it’s the acidity of the lemon that works its magic here. Just don’t use it on stone floors or worktops.

4.   Use Lemons to Remove Grease from Your Dishes

Just like white vinegar, lemons are incredibly versatile when it comes to cleaning. If your saucepans or frying pans have tough grease on them, just cut a lemon in half and rub over them. This loosens the grease, allowing you to remove it much more easily.

Baking soda is not just for making a yummy Victoria Sponge!

5.   Use Baking Soda to Scrub Your Dirty Pans

Similar to lemons, the acidity in baking soda makes it a great product for removing stubborn grease. Simply apply it to a scrubbing brush and get to work on your greasy pans, and you’ll find it works far easier than a scourer, or sponge.

Bonus Tip: Dust with Water, not Polish

There’s no need to buy expensive polishes, because using water on your duster is sufficient. Give your duster a good soaking, wring it as dry as possible and use it without any cleaning products – it does the job and is environmentally friendly too!

Now there’s no excuse for you not to have a sparkling house with inspiration from Granny Satchell! The Satchells team are always ready with advice and to help you in your property search. Call us on 01462 410394 or email us at salesadmincentre@satchells.co.uk