Growing up in a middle-class Indian home means witnessing your mom work miracles with everyday items. She has a DIY fix for everything, from cleaning stubborn stains to repurposing old clothes. And most of these hacks actually work! Here are some of the best desi home hacks that have made my life easy living away from home.

Newspaper = The ultimate glass cleaner

I love looking out of my windows, but it’s impossible to do so with dirty window panes. So, my mother told me this nuskha that works like magic – use old newspapers. Spray some water or vinegar on your windows and mirrors and wipe them with a crumpled newspaper. No streaks, no fuss.

Lemon and baking soda to remove stubborn stains

Haldi stains on your kitchen counters? Sweat stains on white clothes? Mix lemon juice with baking soda, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Works like magic every time.

The magic of naphthalene balls

Moms swear by these tiny white balls and so do I. Place them in cupboards to keep cockroaches away, in suitcases to prevent musty smells, and even in washrooms for freshness.

Using salt to keep ants away

I stocked up on my snacks for midnight cravings, and one fine morning, they were attacked by a colony of ants. If you have the same problem, sprinkle a line of salt along doors and windows. Ants hate salt and will stay away.

Aata for picking up broken glass

I came to know about this the hard way (read: I have broken too much crockery). So, now instead of struggling with tiny shards, I use aata (kneaded dough) to pick them up safely. Just press the dough on the floor, and it’ll pick up even the smallest pieces.

Clove and bay leaves to keep bugs away

Moms don’t just use bay leaves for biryani, they also put them in dal and rice containers to prevent bugs. Adding a few cloves also works to keep insects away naturally.

Tea leaves to absorb odours

Used tea leaves aren’t just for composting. Dry them and place them in the fridge or shoe rack to absorb bad smells. Trust me, it works like magic or maybe even better.

Mustard seeds to prevent food spoilage

If you tend to stock up on kitchen ration like I do, I’m sure insect infestation in pulses is a pain for you too. Adding a few mustard seeds to pickles and stored pulses prevents insect infestations and keeps food fresh for longer. 

These mom-approved hacks are proof that Indian households are full of clever, cost-effective solutions.

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