In numerous aspects, the Amish lifestyle contrasts with ours, as they live a simple and uncomplicated existence. Despite our dependence on modern technology, we often encounter difficulty accomplishing even the most basic tasks. The Amish have devised and embraced a variety of clever shortcuts throughout the years that make their lives more enjoyable and effortless, whether it be maintaining their homes or gardens, or simply surviving day to day. It is certainly worth exploring these hacks to enhance your daily routine.
Horse and Buggy for Transportation
The Amish community utilizes the traditional mode of transportation known as the “horse and buggy” to travel, whether it’s for attending church, exploring the town, or embarking on lengthy trips with bulky belongings. This is their preferred option due to its simplicity, time-efficiency, environmentally-friendly nature, and cost-effectiveness.
The majority of Amish families possess buggies, which have become a recognizable emblem of the Amish way of living. In contemporary times, a few Amish people also employ pony carts and exposed carriages as modes of transportation.
Natural Mothballs
People usually put mothballs in their closets to safeguard their woollen garments and plant fibres against moth infestation. Nevertheless, since it contains high levels of pesticides and hazardous chemicals, store-bought mothballs are generally unsafe for human health.
The Amish prefer using natural components that have similar benefits without any harmful repercussions. They produce small cotton balls that soak up a mixture of cinnamon and clove oils, which eventually become effective and safe mothballs.
Peanut Butter as Stain and Glue Remover
That’s correct! The Amish frequently rely on peanut butter as a solution for eliminating stains and adhesive residues. The technique is uncomplicated – spread a generous amount of peanut butter on the affected surface and then softly scrub using a brush.
Wait for a short while until it solidifies, then rinse it off and observe the outcome! The natural oils present in peanut butter possess a distinct texture, facilitating the removal of stains. Hence, when you have spare peanut butter, you now know its valuable purpose.
Vinegar as Disinfectant
Vinegar is a highly effective disinfectant that can eliminate bacteria, dirt, and unpleasant smells from various hard surfaces, while also posing minimal health risks. The Amish community has been utilizing vinegar for an extended period and creating diverse approaches to maximize its efficiency.
Begin by boiling a mixture of one cup of vinegar and one cup of water. After it reaches a boiling point, include some orange peels, cover, and wait for some time. Once done, turn off the heat and allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, transfer the solution into a spray bottle for use as a natural disinfectant.
Herbal Mosquito Repellent
The majority of mosquito repellents found in stores are potentially hazardous to our wellbeing. As a result, the Amish tend to choose natural ingredients instead in order to repel mosquitoes. They create a blend of clove, catnip, lavender, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and spearmint to make their own repellent.
To prepare the mosquito repellent, begin by combining these herbs in a bowl of boiled water. Cover the mixture and allow it to cool. Next, strain out any solids from the solution. The remaining liquid can now be used effectively as a mosquito repellent.
Citrus Solution to Deodorize Rooms
The Amish community has demonstrated that even a basic citrus solution can be utilized in a creative manner. They apply it to freshen up the air in a room, which provides a cost-effective and natural way to eliminate unpleasant smells.
Another way that you can utilize it is by making a natural deodorizer for your home. To do this, you’ll need to boil water and white vinegar in a pot. After that, add in some orange peels and let it steep for a period of time. Once you’ve finished steeping, transfer the mixture into a bottle and let it sit overnight. Now you have a homemade natural deodorizer that you can use.
Natural Burn and Wound Ointment
The Amish community create their own remedies for treating everyday illnesses instead of depending on contemporary medicines. To illustrate, aloe vera is utilized as a natural balm to heal burns and injuries. Additionally, they combine substances like honey, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and coconut oil with aloe vera in some instances to enhance its usefulness.
A blend of charcoal, alum, burdock leaves, honey, and cornmeal is a well-known remedy for burns and wounds, gaining widespread recognition worldwide.
Salt and Vinegar to Unclog Drains
Salt and vinegar when mixed together have been a remedy that the Amish community has been using for years to clear clogged drains, and it has become well-known among several other communities too. The concoction has the ability to cut through persistent blockages effectively, without harming the pipes.
To recreate this process in your own home, make a uniform solution by mixing one cup of salt and one cup of white vinegar. Next, pour the concoction down the drain, cover it, and let it soak for approximately thirty minutes to remove any blockages. Finally, rinse the drain with boiling water.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
The Amish lifestyle involves using vinegar and baking soda for various purposes. Instead of using harmful cleaning products, they prefer a mixture of these two ingredients to clean kitchen sinks, washing machines, dishes, and other household items.
The mixture of vinegar and baking soda in equal amounts can create a solution that can be utilized for various purposes such as keeping indoor areas smelling fresh, cleaning clothes, unblocking drains, treating dull hair and other uses.
Unclog Showerhead
It is necessary to periodically clean your showerhead in order for it to function effectively. The minerals present in the water supply may obstruct the small holes through which water comes out of the showerhead. As a result, the showerhead may become congested and eventually fail to function properly.
The Amish have found a convenient and efficient way to remove blockages from showerheads. Simply fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, wrap it securely around the showerhead, and leave it in place overnight. By the next morning, the showerhead will be free from clogs.
Crochet Hook to Unclog Sink
When a sink becomes clogged, it can be a significant problem because it limits the flow of water. This typically happens when food particles become trapped in the pipes beneath the sink. Rather than calling a plumber to address this issue, consider using a simple Amish technique the next time you need to clear a clogged sink.
To clear out the debris in the pipe, it’s essential to grasp the crochet hook correctly and use it to extract all the materials. Holding the hook is similar to holding a knife for cutting vegetables.
Baking Soda to Revive Tarnished Silver
Silver objects lose their natural sparkle as they age due to tarnish. But instead of disposing them, you can use an easy Amish trick to revive them quickly.
To begin with, gently wash your silver utensils with a mild soap that is not abrasive. After that, put a combination of warm water and baking soda on the affected parts of the utensils, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, take a damp cloth and remove the solution by wiping it off.
Milk to Polish Leather Accessories
Leather accessories can be a great way to express your personal style, but one downside is that they tend to lose their luster with time and need to be polished regularly. While many commercial leather conditioners can be quite pricey, the Amish have developed a do-it-yourself approach to leather polishing that is more cost-effective.
Gently apply raw milk on the leather surface with the help of a microfiber cloth and allow it to sit for a while. Prepare to witness remarkable results!
Organic Fertilizer
The Amish community is recognized for their exceptional skills in organic gardening and creating their own natural fertilizer. They typically rely on animal manure for gardening purposes, as it has been scientifically proven to be the most effective for soil enrichment. Moreover, it is a cost-effective method in comparison to other commercial fertilizers.
In addition to animal waste, they utilize substances like kelp, seaweed, and cottonseed meal. Additionally, damp residues like tomato tops, onion peels, and potato skins prove to be efficient fertilizers too.
Borax Solution as an All-Purpose Cleaner
The Amish lifestyle involves utilizing a borax solution for various cleaning tasks. Borax, well known for its alkaline nature, effectively removes acidic stains and retains a durable luster.
To prepare the solution at your own place, simply blend borax and boiled water in equivalent ratios in a container made of stainless steel. Rub it over the surfaces that are affected and wipe them off using a cloth that’s either dampened or a brush. For best outcomes, utilize this solution regularly.
DIY Method to Clean Rugs
If you have ever had the thought that vacuuming alone is insufficient in keeping your rugs clean, know that you are not alone in this. The Amish community has come up with an efficient do-it-yourself approach to tackle the issue of cleaning untidy rugs, which you may find helpful to consider trying.
To begin with, make a well-combined blend of baking soda, borax powder, cornstarch, and bay leaves. Next, sprinkle the mixture over the rugs and allow it to sit for roughly three hours. Once the mixture has fully dried, vacuum the surface of the rugs to clean them.
Natural Water Purifier
The Amish community holds the belief that consuming rainwater is the most secure alternative. They gather the rainwater in a reservoir and transfer it to an oak barrel that functions as a natural purifier.
The barrel contains various layers of sand, charcoal, and big stones, and at the bottom of it, there are numerous tiny stones. The water passes through these layers of the barrel, which leads to the removal of impurities from the water, making it safe for drinking.
Growing Your Own Food
The Amish strictly adhere to the concept of producing their own food. Nearly all households in the Amish community have a garden area on their property, where various crops are cultivated. This practice is not only economical but also ensures that they consume high-quality, fresh produce.
In addition, the Amish people raise their own animals and work together in agriculture to maximize its benefits. Their excellent eating habits are certainly a significant factor in their overall good health.
Cooking Over Fire
The Amish way of life does not involve spending money on cooking gas. Instead, they choose to cook their food naturally over a fire using iron wood-burning stoves. This practice not only helps them save a significant amount of money, but it also adds a delectable taste to their dishes.
The Amish families usually construct the stove at the heart of their home to ensure that it distributes warmth to all areas of the house. In severe winter seasons, evenings are often spent by Amish families huddled around the blazing stove.
Food Preservation Methods
In the Amish community, it is a customary habit to preserve food for future seasons. They do not rely on modern techniques, instead they adhere to the traditional ways of keeping their food fresh. To exemplify, they utilize wooden ice houses to maintain the coldness of the food, especially during the summer.
Likewise, instead of using a pressure cooker, they boil canned food naturally for more than three hours to preserve it. Also, when it comes to food like sauerkraut, they ferment it for about ten days at room temperature.
DIY Cold Remedies
As mentioned before, the Amish rarely use modern medicines for common issues, and, instead, go for natural ingredients to fight ailments. They use something as simple as lukewarm salt water to treat problems like a cold or a sore throat. For the remedy, all you need to do is dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and use it to gargle three times daily without fail.
Similarly, some Amish people also use ginger root dissolved in boiled water for a sore throat. Garlic, honey, echinacea, soup, etc., are also commonly used in the Amish communities to treat minor issues.
Dandelion Juice for Health
Dandelion has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. In Amish health care, dandelion juice is primarily used to remove toxic substances from the blood. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it effectively purifies your blood, making you healthy from the inside.
It apparently promotes the formation of red blood cells, helping in reducing the risk of anemia. It also improves skin health, aids in immune functions, boosts liver functions, fights inflammation, regulates cholesterol levels, promotes weight loss, and more. Drink it every morning on an empty stomach to see good results.
Orange Peels to Polish Wood Surfaces
Instead of throwing them away, the Amish use orange peels in numerous innovative ways. For instance, they use those peels to clean and polish wood surfaces.
Orange peels contain D-limonene, which is highly effective at polishing greasy and dull-looking wood surfaces. Also, it provides a protective layer on the wood’s top, helping to prevent the build-up of dust. Simply rub the white side of the peels over the wood, and it will do the job within a few minutes.
DIY Method to Remove Mildew
For mildew, there are lots of toxic cleaners available in the market. As you surely don’t want to remove mildew at the cost of your health, try using this simple DIY Amish method to conquer mildew.
Mix half a cup of borax powder with three-four cups of lukewarm water and a small amount of thyme essential oil. Then, apply the mixture to the affected areas of the surface and use a brush to get rid of those spots.
Natural Pesticides
The Amish love organic gardening, and, therefore, avoid using chemical pesticides on plants. They use a simple solution of boiled water and brown sugar, which is effective for killing pests without causing harm to the plants.
Some Amish communities also use salt spray at the base of plants. This not only gets rid of pests but also boosts the absorption of nutrients in plants. Eucalyptus oil is also an excellent pesticide; however, it needs to be used almost daily for good results.
Natural Insecticides
It’s a real pain seeing those cockroaches and ants scuttling across the kitchen floor. They spread diseases and also make the floors dirty. However, using store-bought chemicals to get rid of these insects could eventually be hazardous to your health.
Thankfully, you can simply use an Amish recipe to make DIY insecticide. All you need to do is mix equal amounts of borax and white sugar and then sprinkle it across all infested areas of your house. Your bug problems should be gone in no time.
DIY Skin Remedies
Amish women are well-known for their glowing and flawless skin. The secret to their unmatched beauty lies in their homemade skin remedies, a major one being apple cider vinegar. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes — apple cider vinegar helps reduce pimples, soothe skin, heal sunburns, and restore natural tone. The remedy can typically be used three to four times a week.
Besides apple cider vinegar, they also apply a citrus solution on their skin to remove dark spots, scars, pigmentation, etc. Aloe vera gel is another commonly used skin care remedy popular in the Amish community. The list also includes cherry paste, charcoal, coconut oil, and more.
DIY Remedies for Sore Muscles
Muscle soreness is a very common issue all around the globe, especially among those who often engage in vigorous exercises. Luckily, the Amish have found several remedies to fix this. So, next time you deal with a sore muscle, use any of the following remedies.
Apple cider vinegar works like a charm to fix sore muscles. It can be either applied to the affected areas or consumed on an empty stomach regularly. Besides, topical application of essential oils (such as thyme, lemongrass, or peppermint) is another great solution for the problem. The list includes Epsom salt, watermelon juice, cherry juice, etc. as well.
Removing Grease Stains
Seeing grease stains on your clothes isn’t uncommon nowadays. However, using detergents to remove those stains is a bad idea as it could eventually fade the clothes’ color and make them dull. The Amish have developed a DIY solution for this problem as well, which is definitely worth a try.
First, heat two cups of plain water with one teaspoon of salt. When the mixture comes to a boil, cover it properly and let it cool for a while. Now, scrub the stained areas of your clothes with this mixture. You can also add vinegar, baking soda, or cornstarch for even better results.
Preventing Bed Sheet Pilling
Pilling refers to those tiny fuzz balls on your sheets due to the breakage of cotton fibers. Many bed sheets develop this issue after they’ve been used for a certain time. This is undoubtedly a very annoying problem and can cause itchiness and irritation on your skin.
In the Amish way of living, there are some easy methods to prevent this. Firstly, go gentle when washing your bed sheets. Also, avoid using harsh detergents, and go for mild ones instead.
Drying Clothes Without a Dryer
Most Amish people wash their clothes on a fixed day, usually Monday, with their hands or in a washing machine (powered with a diesel generator or a pneumatic motor). However, when it comes to drying those clothes, they don’t prefer modern-day drying machines, and, instead, go for the traditional method of sun drying.
They simply hang clothes on clotheslines out in the yards. During rainy days, they hang small batches of clothes underneath their roofs, or sometimes near the wood stove.
Natural Stovetop Cleaner
The most popular stovetop cleaner in the Amish community is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. They also use a solution of table salt, baking soda, and warm water to clean their stovetops. You can also add some lemon juice to the mix to see more effective results.
For any of these remedies, all you need to do is apply the mixture on the stovetop and then scrub gently. It’ll only take a few minutes to clean the area.
Keeping Cookies Fresh
As mentioned, the Amish have some innovative ways of preserving food. So, when it comes to keeping cookies fresh longer, they have another great hack. Amish families keep cookies in an airtight container with a little piece of bread. This keeps the crunchiness of the cookies intact for a longer period.
When trying this trick, make sure that the cookies are completely cool before you store them. Also, store different varieties of cookies separately or in layers. Moreover, if possible, try to store them without frosting.
Pineapple Juice for Cough Relief
Pineapple juice is widely used in the Amish community to relieve cough symptoms. It has a group of enzymes called bromelain, which contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective against mucus. Additionally, it contains fiber, vitamin C, beta carotene, zinc, copper, folate, manganese, and more, all of which are cough-preventing agents.
For the best result, mix one cup of pineapple juice with one teaspoon of honey, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Drink the mixture three to four times a day for a few days.
Garlic to Relieve Digestive Issues
Garlic is one of the most commonly found herbs (although it’s botanically a vegetable) in Amish kitchens. Besides adding it to various dishes to boost flavors, the Amish also use it as a remedy to treat and prevent digestive issues.
Rich in antibiotic properties, garlic flushes out toxins from your digestive system. This, in the long run, helps keep digestive issues at bay. For the best result, chew a clove of garlic on an empty stomach every morning. Besides digestion, it will also help regulate blood pressure, boost the immune system, and fight against heart diseases.
Strategic Garden Planting
The Amish take a strategic approach when it comes to garden planting. They’re very specific about which plants they want to grow and plan accordingly. They grow vegetable crops vertically, as this makes it easier for the plants to get air circulation.
Amish grow certain plants (like marigolds) next to vegetable crops. This is due to the fact that marigolds reduce the risk of pests. They implement the “companion planting” method and design the space of the garden beforehand.
Purchasing Goods in Bulk
Even though the Amish grow their own food, they need to visit stores to buy certain items. However, they follow a simple strategy that turns out to be very cost-effective.
They purchase goods in bulk for the entire community at once and later distribute the goods accordingly. This makes the rate a lot lower than the actual price. Notably, the Amish rarely spend money on frivolous goods.
Vinegar in Cherry Desserts
The Amish way of cooking is interesting in many ways. They add a splash of balsamic vinegar to all kinds of cherry desserts, including pie. While it may sound a bit odd to many, this enhances the taste enormously.
According to “The Amish Cook” columnist Elizabeth Coblentz, vinegar’s acidic nature helps make cherry desserts a bit tart. This is similar to using lemon juice in many other types of desserts.
Aloe Vera for the Eyes
If you visit an Amish community, you will notice that, except for a few members, no one is wearing specs there. The reason is simple: they go natural when it comes to taking care of their eyes.
Most Amish people apply aloe vera gel around their eyes. This helps to hydrate the skin around the eyes, keeping your eyes relaxed for a long time. Also, it reduces swelling, which in the long run, helps keep your eyesight strong. You can either use the natural gel from the plant or buy the gel.
Using Butter When Baking Bread
The Amish make a very delicious bread, which is known as “friendship bread” all across the world. Among all the factors that make their bread unique, the use of butter is certainly a major one!
They brush some melted butter all over the top of the bread before putting it into the oven for baking. This makes the bread soft, crunchy, and golden in appearance. It’s recommended to use herb butter instead of normal butter for a better taste.
Softening Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a boost of flavor to baked dishes. But a major challenge of using brown sugar is that it gets dried and rock-hard quickly. However, the Amish have developed an easy method to soften it again.
First, put the sugar in a container and place a small piece of apple or bread at the top. Now, seal the container and leave it at room temperature overnight. This restores moisture in brown sugar, making it soft and ready to use! You can also use an oven or a piece of terracotta to make it go quicker.
Olive Oil as Floor Cleaner
The Amish people prefer using natural ingredients for cleaning, ditching all chemicals available on the market. One such ingredient is olive oil, which the Amish often use to clean floors.
As surprising as it may sound, olive oil works as a great floor cleaner. It removes dirt and other impurities with ease, leaving the floor shiny. For even better results, you can add some lemon juice and vinegar to the oil, and apply the mixture to the floor with a cotton pad.
Waste Nothing
“Waste nothing and fix everything” — this is a principle that most Amish people live by in their day-to-day lifestyle. They preserve leftover food and take all necessary measures to follow an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Also, they don’t throw peels of vegetables and fruits in the dustbin. For example, they use lemon pulp to clean shower doors. Banana peels are used to polish shoes or to help grow household plants. And, apple peels are used in various dessert recipes.
Natural Soap
The Amish people have crafted numerous recipes for natural soap, some of which have recently gained enormous popularity across the world. Free from harmful ingredients, these soaps have no side effects on your skin. So, if you want to give your skin a superb glow naturally, try these.
You can make a bar of soap using lavender buds, patchouli, and lavender essential oil. Additionally, you can add some poppy seeds as well because they effectively remove dead skin cells while also improving blood circulation. Finally, add a few drops of lemongrass or eucalyptus oil for a pleasant fragrance.
DIY Hair Remedies
In the Amish way of hair care, one should always go as simple as possible and ditch all kinds of chemical treatments. They mostly use natural remedies for hair, which are very effective in the long run.
For instance, they use a simple solution of ginger paste and carrier oil for scalp treatment. First, combine two teaspoons of ginger paste with four teaspoons of carrier oil, massage the mixture into your scalp for about five minutes, leave it for thirty minutes, and wash it off with a mild shampoo. Do it twice a week for better results.
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