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When you’ve been raisin’ babies, cleanin’ messes, stretchin’ paychecks, and runnin’ a house full of chaos for more years than you can count, you learn a few things. Some call it wisdom. We call it Southern Mama Survival Mode—and honey, it’s a powerful thing.
Here’s a list of home and life hacks straight from my Southern heart to yours. They’re practical, a little ridiculous, and downright brilliant if I do say so myself.
Keep a Gallon Ziploc Bag in the Freezer for “Soup Starters”
Don’t throw out those leftover veggies, chicken scraps, or even that last spoonful of rice. Toss ’em in a Ziploc bag labeled “Soup Starter” and keep it in the freezer. Once it’s full, dump it in a pot with broth and some seasonin’. Boom. Free dinner.
Use a Pillowcase to Clean Ceiling Fan Blades (Without Gaggin’)
Slide a pillowcase over the blade, squeeze it shut, and pull. It traps the dust inside so it don’t go flyin’ all over your room and your fresh-washed sheets. Learned this one after sneezin’ through spring cleanin’ like a fool.
Mason Jars Ain’t Just Cute—They’re the Ultimate Organizer
Store dry goods, cotton balls, Q-tips, nuts, bolts, leftover paint, bobby pins, or spare change. If it fits, it sits. Bonus points if you write on the lid with a Sharpie like your Granny used to.
Line Trash Cans with Newspaper Before Adding the Bag
This one’s pure gold: lay some newspaper at the bottom of your trash can before you put the bag in. It’ll soak up leaks, fight odors, and keep stuff from stickin’. Just like Mama’s gossip—absorbs the mess before it gets outta hand.
Ice Cubes Fix Carpet Dents Like Magic
You know those lil’ craters your furniture leaves behind in the carpet? Drop an ice cube on it, let it melt, then fluff with a spoon or fork. Works like a charm—no lie. Just don’t forget the towel underneath unless you want a surprise puddle.
Put a Lazy Susan Under the Sink
Tired of crawlin’ around under the sink just to reach the dish soap? Toss a Lazy Susan under there and spin your way to sanity. Works great in the fridge too for sauces, dressings, and that jar of pickles nobody eats but still insists on keepin’.
Lemons + Vinegar = Southern Mama’s Miracle Cleaner
Soak lemon peels in white vinegar for two weeks in a jar. Strain it, and you’ve got the best all-purpose cleaner this side of the Mississippi. Smells good, cleans better, and makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if the dog just threw up on the rug.
Keep Dryer Sheets in Your Drawers and Suitcases
Not just for laundry! Tuck a dryer sheet in drawers, shoes, or your suitcase when packin’. I also throw one in each pillowcase when I wash them each Sunday. It’ll keep everything smellin’ fresh and remind you of clean laundry—even if the laundry pile’s taller than your grandkids.
Use a Hanging Shoe Organizer for Snacks or Cleaning Supplies
Hang it on the pantry door or in the laundry room. Each pocket holds granola bars, spice packets, wipes, dusters—whatever you’re tired of diggin’ for. If it can fit in a flip-flop, it can fit in here.
Set a “Power Hour” Timer and Tackle What You Can
Turn on your favorite playlist, set a 60-minute timer, and go full ham. Clean, organize, pay bills—whatever needs attention. You’ll be amazed how much you get done without scrollin’ your whole day away.
White Bread Removes Scuff Marks (And That’s Not a Joke)
Got marks on your wall or shoes? Take a piece of plain ol’ white bread, ball it up, and rub it gently over the spot. It lifts scuffs like magic. Bonus: You can eat the crust while you clean.
Store Sheets Inside Their Matching Pillowcase
Fold up your fitted and flat sheets, tuck ’em inside one of the pillowcases, and store the whole bundle together. That way, when it’s time to change the bed, you ain’t diggin’ through a linen closet like you’re on a treasure hunt.
Rubber Bands on a Paint Can = Mess-Free Brushing
Stretch a rubber band across the opening of a paint can and use it to wipe your brush on instead of the rim. Keeps the can clean, your hands tidy, and your tongue from sayin’ things you’ll have to apologize for in church.
Turn a Cake Stand Into a Fancy Sink Organizer
Put a cake stand beside your sink and load it with soap, sponges, and lotion. Looks cute, keeps things off the counter, and makes you feel just a little fancy—like “bless-your-heart-but-don’t-touch-my-soap” fancy.
A Southern mama knows that sometimes the best fix isn’t fancy—it’s resourceful, simple, and straight from the heart. These hacks ain’t from Pinterest, baby. They’re from real-life livin’, learnin’, and a little trial and error (and maybe one exploded casserole).
Try a few, pass ’em on, and don’t forget: if duct tape and sweet tea can’t fix it, you probably just need a nap.
Related: The Secret to Tackling Laundry Like a Pro
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.