30+ Hacks From the Amish That Somehow Seem Futuristic

Following the old-school form of transportation, the Amish people use ‘horse and buggy’ for moving around. Be it going to church, roaming around the town, or even embarking on a long-distance journey with heavy luggage — they always prefer this option. Why? Because it’s simple, time-saving, eco-friendly, and also very affordable.

Most Amish households own buggies. The ‘horse and buggy’ is actually now recognized as a symbol of the Amish lifestyle. Some Amish nowadays even use pony carts, open carriages, etc., for transportation.

Mothballs are placed in wardrobes to help protect woolen items from moths and plant fibers. However, due to it being loaded with pesticides and other toxic chemicals, the store-bought kind isn’t usually safe for human health.

The Amish use natural ingredients which serve the same purpose without the bad side effects. They make small cotton balls and let those balls absorb a solution made of cinnamon oil and clove oil. After some time, these become ready to use as mothballs.

Yes, you read it right! The Amish often use peanut butter to remove stains and sticky residue. The process is simple — take a lot of peanut butter, apply it on the affected areas of the surface, and then rub gently using a brush.

Give it a few minutes to set, then wash it away and see the result! Peanut butter contains natural oils. This oil has a unique consistency, which makes it easy to remove stains. So, next time you have some extra peanut butter, you know how to use it.

Vinegar works as an excellent disinfectant, helping to remove bacteria, dirt, and odor from any hard surface. Also, it’s relatively safe for your health. The Amish have been using vinegar for a long time, developing several methods to increase its effectiveness.

First, heat one cup of vinegar with one cup of water, and let it come to a boil. Then, add some orange peels, cover, and wait for a while. Now, turn the heat off and leave it for a night. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle in the morning, and your natural disinfectant is ready to use!

Most of the mosquito repellents available in the market are quite harmful to our health. For this reason, the Amish always prefer going for natural ingredients when it comes to keeping mosquitos at bay. They use a mixture of clove, catnip, lavender, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and spearmint to prepare this repellent.

First, mix these herbs in a bowl with some boiled water, cover the pot, and then let the mixture cool for a while. Now, all you need to do is use a strainer to separate the solid matter, and then the remaining liquid is ready to be used as a mosquito repellent.

The Amish have proved that something as simple as a citrus solution can also be used innovatively. They use it to deodorize rooms, making the process of getting rid of the odor natural as well as inexpensive.

You can also use it at your home. How? First of all, boil some water and white vinegar together. Now, add a few orange peels to it and wait for a while. Pour the mixture into a bottle, leave it overnight, and your natural deodorizer is ready to use!

Instead of relying on modern medications, the Amish people make their own medicines to treat many common ailments. For instance, they use aloe vera as a natural ointment for burns and wounds. Honey, lavender oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, etc., are also sometimes mixed with aloe vera to increase its effectiveness.

Another effective burn and wound ointment that they use is a mixture of charcoal, alum, burdock leaves, honey, and cornmeal. This mix has recently gained popularity all across the world.

A mixture of salt and vinegar can also be used to unclog drains. The Amish have been using it for decades and have made it popular among other communities as well. The combination of these two ingredients easily cuts through tough clogs, without damaging the pipes.

To replicate this at home, prepare an even solution using one cup of salt and one cup of white vinegar. Now, pour the mixture into the drain, cover it up, and let the clogs soak for about thirty minutes. Then, use some boiling water to rinse the drain.

Vinegar and baking soda are both used for several different purposes in the Amish lifestyle. In fact, the Amish use a solution of these two ingredients as an alternative to toxic cleaners. They use it to clean pots, dishes, kitchen sinks, washing machines, and more.

The solution can also be used to deodorize indoor spaces, wash clothes, unclog drains, treat dull hair, and more. Make sure to use equal proportions of vinegar and baking soda to make the solution.

Your washroom showerhead requires regular cleaning to perform properly. Mineral deposits in the water supply sometimes block the holes of the showerhead through which water passes. As a result, your showerhead gets clogged and eventually stops working the way it used to.

However, the Amish have a quick and effective method to unclog those showerheads. All you need to do is fill a plastic bag with some white vinegar, and wrap it properly around the showerhead. Now, leave it overnight, and your showerhead will be unclogged by the next morning.

A clogged sink is a serious issue as it restricts the water flow. It usually occurs due to food particles that get trapped in the pipe system under the sink. However, next time you deal with such issues, try this simple Amish hack instead of calling a plumber to unclog the sink.

All you need to do is simply hold a crochet hook properly and use it to remove all the materials accumulated in the pipe. You can hold the hook similarly to how you would use a knife to cut vegetables.

Silver items tarnish over time, losing their natural shine. However, instead of throwing them away, you can use this simple Amish hack to bring them back to life in no time.

First, lightly clean your silver utensils using a non-abrasive mild soap. Now, apply a blend of baking soda and warm water to the affected areas, leave it for about 15-20 minutes, and then simply wipe the solution off with a dampened cloth.

Leather accessories are an excellent style statement for many. However, the drawback is that they lose their shine over time, and hence, require frequent polishing. As most leather conditioners on the market are quite expensive, the Amish follow a DIY method, making leather polishing cost-effective.

Take some raw milk and rub it gently on the leather using a microfiber cloth. Give it some time, and be prepared to see amazing results!

The Amish are known for great organic gardening, and for making their own organic fertilizer. For gardening, they typically use animal manure as it has been proven to be the best for soil. In addition to that, it’s cheaper compared to fertilizers available on the market.

Besides animal manure, they also use kelp, seaweed, cottonseed meal, etc. Wet waste, such as tomato tops, onion peels, potato skins, etc., makes for effective fertilizer as well.

In the Amish way of life, a borax solution is used as an all-purpose cleaner. Borax has alkaline properties, which break down acidic stains easily, leaving a long-lasting shine.

To make the solution at home, all you need to do is mix equal proportions of borax and boiled water in a stainless-steel container. Apply it on affected surfaces and clean using a brush or dampened cloth. Use the solution frequently to see better results.

If you’ve ever felt like vacuuming just isn’t enough to clean rugs, you’re not alone. The Amish have developed an effective DIY method for cleaning those pesky rugs, which you may also want to try.

First, prepare a smooth mixture of baking soda, borax powder, cornstarch, and bay leaves. Now, pour the mixture onto the rugs and leave it for about three hours. Clean the top of the rugs when it gets completely dried.

The Amish people believe that rainwater is the safest option for drinking. They collect rainwater in a reservoir and then pour it into a natural purifier made out of an oak barrel.

There are many small stones at the bottom of the barrel, which are covered by layers of sand, charcoal, and big stones, respectively. As the water channels through the layers, it loses impurities, becoming suitable to drink.

The Amish follow the “grow your own food” concept very strictly. Most families in the Amish community hold a garden space on their home grounds, where they grow many different kinds of crops. This isn’t only cost-effective but also allows them to eat better quality fresh fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, they raise their own livestock as well. They make the most out of it and help each other in farming. A major reason why the Amish people are so healthy is definitely their good food habits.

Spending money on cooking gas isn’t the Amish way of living. They prefer to cook naturally over a fire, using iron wood-burning stoves. This not only saves a lot of money but also adds a delicious flavor to the dishes.

The Amish typically build the stove in the center of the house, so that it provides a sufficient amount of heat to all corners of the home. During harsh winters, Amish families often spend the evenings gathered around the burning stove.

Preserving food for later seasons is a common practice in the Amish community. They ditch the modern ways and stick to traditional methods of keeping their food fresh. For instance, they store food in an ice house (made out of wood) to keep it cold during 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.