1. Beating Rugs Outside
Before vacuum cleaners, hanging rugs over a line and beating them was how you got rid of embedded dirt and dust. It was exhausting and incredibly inefficient by today’s standards. Now, vacuums and even rug shampoos can do the job faster and with better results. Yet some folks still haul their rugs out every spring, wooden paddle in hand.
There’s something cathartic about the act—it feels like fighting back against grime. It’s noisy, physical, and kind of dramatic, which makes it memorable. But it spreads allergens into the air and rarely gets the rug truly clean. Unless you live without electricity or love theatrics, you’re better off sticking with modern tools.
2. Folding Towels a “Proper” Way
There’s an oddly competitive edge to how people fold towels—tri-fold, rolled, hotel-style—you name it. Social media has only added fuel to the fire, but this dates back to when homemakers were judged by their linen closets. The truth is, towels don’t dry better or last longer depending on the fold. It’s purely aesthetic and, frankly, arbitrary.
Still, people get very passionate about “the right way” to do it. There’s comfort in routine and a sense of control in making things look tidy. But unless you’re running a spa, the fold method doesn’t matter. Just get them clean and put away—your guests won’t be measuring edges.
3. Ironing Bedsheets
Ironing sheets was once a point of pride, especially in upper-class households with staff. The idea was that a crisply ironed bed symbolized order and care. But for the average modern household, this is an enormous time investment with almost no functional payoff. Once you sleep in them, those wrinkles come right back.
Even so, some people still insist on it—either out of habit or because they genuinely enjoy the luxury feel. Hotel-level perfection is appealing, but it’s definitely not practical for day-to-day life. It’s also energy-intensive and hard on the fabric over time. Unless you’re prepping for a magazine shoot or impressing royalty, you can probably skip it.
4. Polishing Silver Regularly
Owning silverware used to be a status symbol, and keeping it sparkling was considered a sign of good housekeeping. But silver tarnishes fast when exposed to air, requiring constant maintenance. Polishing silver is time-consuming, messy, and sometimes toxic depending on the cleaner used. Most people use stainless steel now for a reason.
Still, family heirlooms and wedding gifts mean many households keep a few pieces tucked away. And every holiday, out come the gloves and polish like it’s 1955. Sentimental value keeps the tradition alive, even when it doesn’t serve a practical purpose. It’s a labor of love—not logic.
5. Waxing Wood Floors
Before polyurethane sealants, floors needed to be waxed regularly to maintain their shine and protect the wood. This involved spreading paste wax, letting it haze, and then buffing it out—by hand or machine. It was sweaty, time-intensive work, and it didn’t even prevent scratches all that well. Today’s flooring options require far less upkeep.
Even so, some homeowners continue to wax out of habit or preference for the old-school glow it provides. There’s nostalgia tied up in the scent and rhythm of the process. But unless you have original hardwood from the 1800s, it’s more of a vintage hobby than a modern necessity. Most modern floors just need a gentle cleaner and a mop.
6. Washing Walls Every Spring
For generations, spring cleaning meant dragging out buckets and scrubbing down every wall in the house—top to bottom. This came from a time when homes were heated by coal or wood, which left soot on surfaces. But in most modern homes with clean HVAC systems, walls don’t accumulate nearly that kind of grime. Still, many people swear by the ritual, more for the symbolic fresh start than actual cleanliness.
Even though it’s rarely necessary today, the habit lingers as part of the larger spring cleaning mindset. People feel a psychological “reset” when they do it, even if it’s overkill. Plus, it can be oddly satisfying, like wiping away the last of winter’s gloom. But from a practical standpoint, there are far more efficient ways to refresh a space.
7. Keeping a Formal Living Room Off-Limits
Many older homes feature a “formal” living room that’s rarely, if ever, used. These were designed for entertaining guests, not relaxing—and children or pets were often banned. Maintaining this room means cleaning and decorating a space no one enjoys. In small homes, it can even feel like wasted square footage.
Still, some families preserve this tradition for holidays or the occasional visitor. There’s a certain elegance in having a space that’s always spotless and photo-ready. But it’s not the most practical use of space in modern family life. Nowadays, multipurpose rooms that reflect actual living tend to make more sense.
8. Air-Drying Laundry Indoors Year-Round
Back in the day, line-drying laundry was the only option, even in winter. Clothes would freeze on the line before eventually drying indoors on racks. While it’s energy-efficient, it’s also time-consuming and creates a ton of indoor humidity. Plus, it leaves fabrics stiff and takes forever in colder climates.
Still, some households continue this practice in the name of tradition, thrift, or eco-consciousness. It can work well in dry climates or during warm months. But if you’ve got a dryer, using it doesn’t mean you’ve abandoned your values. Sometimes convenience really is the more sustainable option in the long run.
9. Keeping a “China Cabinet” for Special Dishes
Owning fine china used to be a marker of adulthood and domestic success. People kept full sets in glass-front cabinets and only used them for “special occasions.” But realistically, those occasions rarely happen, and most modern gatherings involve casual dinnerware. Maintaining a china collection takes up space and adds mental clutter.
Yet many families still cling to grandma’s china, even if it never leaves the shelf. It holds memories more than utility now. That’s totally valid, but it’s worth questioning whether it needs to stay front and center. Sentiment aside, those dishes are often more fragile than functional.
10. Ironing Everything—Even Underwear
It might sound absurd today, but ironing every piece of clothing—including underwear and handkerchiefs—was once common. Wrinkle-free clothes were seen as a reflection of personal dignity and discipline. But with modern fabrics, dryers, and steamers, the effort is largely wasted. Not to mention it’s a huge time sink.
Some still do it, often out of lifelong habit or a deep-seated belief in “looking put together.” There’s something meditative about ironing, sure, but underwear doesn’t need crisp pleats. If it’s clean and fits, that’s what really matters. Unless it sparks serious joy, this one’s better left in the past.
This post 10 Housekeeping Traditions That Were Never Practical—But Still Persist was first published on Greenhouse Black.
