As we age, we often find joy in the simple things – a well-kept home, a beautiful vase of fresh flowers, and the satisfaction of a clever household tip that makes life just a bit easier. But sometimes, the beauty of those fresh blooms can be overshadowed by the grime that builds up in our favorite vases, especially those with narrow necks and wide bottoms that are nearly impossible to clean by hand. Fear not, members of the Seniors Discount Club, because we've stumbled upon a 'genius' cleaning hack that will leave your vases – and you – sparkling with delight!

The revelation comes from none other than Nancy Birtwhistle, a name you might recognize as the winner of the Great British Bake Off, who has since turned her attention to sharing budget-friendly and eco-conscious home cleaning tips. Nancy's latest trick for tackling those tricky vases is not only effective but also uses items you're likely to have in your pantry right now.

Here's the magic formula: Nancy suggests combining two tablespoons of baking soda, two tablespoons of uncooked rice, and six to eight tablespoons of warm water into your vase. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and a natural deodorizer, thanks to its low pH, while the rice serves as a scrubber that reaches where sponges and brushes cannot. After giving the mixture a vigorous shake and letting it sit for about 30 minutes, a quick rinse is all it takes to reveal a vase so clean it looks brand new.

Nancy Birtwhistle shares an eco-friendly vase cleaning tip using household items. Credit: @nancy.birtwhistle / Instagram

This tip is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it's incredibly cost-effective. By utilizing common household items like baking soda and rice, you're not only saving money by avoiding specialized cleaning products, but you're also practicing a form of sustainable living by reducing chemical use. It's estimated that switching to such homemade cleaning solutions can save you nearly $100 a year – and who wouldn't want that extra cash for spoiling the grandkids or funding a weekend getaway?

Moreover, this hack is a testament to the power of simplicity. In a world where we're often sold on the latest gadget or gizmo, it's refreshing to see that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones. And it seems that Nancy's followers agree, with comments pouring in praising the effectiveness of this method. One user exclaimed that it worked like magic, while another was thrilled to find a solution for cleaning their hummingbird feeders.

So, the next time you're admiring your floral arrangement but dreading the cleanup, remember this clever trick. It's not just about keeping your vases clean; it's about embracing smart, sustainable practices that make our lives easier and our homes more beautiful.

We'd love to hear from you, too! Have you tried this vase cleaning hack, or do you have any other ingenious tips for tackling those hard-to-reach spots? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below, and let's continue to help each other make the most of our golden years with grace, wisdom, and a little bit of magic.

Key Takeaways

• Nancy Birtwhistle provides an eco-friendly cleaning tip for hard-to-reach spaces in vases using common household items.
• The cleaning method involves a combination of baking soda, uncooked rice, and warm water to clean a vase effectively.
• The tip is celebrated by followers and commenters for its simplicity and effectiveness.
• Utilising available household products can save money and reduce the reliance on harsh chemical cleaners.

And don't forget, for more easy tips to save money, reduce waste, and support a healthy planet while caring for your home, join our free newsletter. It's packed with practical advice tailored for the savvy senior who values both penny-pinching and the environment.

 

[Barbara V]

Not new my Aunie used this trick back in the 1940s !!!!!!

 

[Ezzy]

Quick & easy. Thanks for sharing.