Cleaning the natural way

There are so many cleaning products out there to help us, but instead of trying them all, follow our advice on cleaning the natural way.

Here are some tried and tested (and cheap) methods to make your house gleam...

Removing cat/dog hairs
Unsightly animal hairs around the house can be a bit of a problem. Wrap sticky tape around your hand (sticky side out) and press on to the 'hairy' area to remove the hairs.

Air freshener
Simmer vinegar or herb mixtures in water.

For burned on food
Dampen spots slightly and sprinkle liberally with baking soda. Leave overnight then scrub with a plastic scrubber. (Ideal for the oven too).

Brass and copper cleaner/polisher
Use lemon juice or a slice of lemon sprinkled with baking soda. Rub with a soft cloth, rinse with water and dry.

Carpet deodoriser
Sprinkle baking soda liberally on dry carpet or rug. Leave at least 15 minutes then vacuum thoroughly.

Carpet shampoo
Mix 125ml (1 cup) of washing up liquid in 500ml (2 cups) of boiling water. Let it cool and mix well. Apply with a damp sponge or cloth to a small area and rub gently. To rinse use a clean cloth with a solution of 500ml (1 cup) white vinegar and 1 litre (4 cups) water. Wipe dry with another cloth.

Spills
To clean spills immediately, apply soda water with a damp sponge.

Furniture polish
Use olive oil to polish wood that has been stained but not varnished or painted. Spread a little on the wood then dry with a clean cloth.

Upholstery cleaner
Vacuum or brush regularly. Make a shampoo with 90ml (6 tbsps) soap flakes and 500ml (2 cups) boiling water. Cool the mixture. Use only the suds. Apply with a soft brush or cloth in a circular motion on a small area. Wipe soiled suds off with a damp cloth.

Laundry washing
Use soap flakes or non-phosphate detergent. If you have hard water or heavily soiled clothes, add 75ml (1/3 cup) washing soda.

Fabric softener
Add 50ml (1/4 cup) of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
Basin, bath tub and tile cleaner – Sprinkle baking soda or washing soda on surfaces. Scrub with a plastic mesh scrubber or sponge.

Grout, mould and mildew cleaner
Moisten a cloth with vinegar. Or use an old toothbrush with vinegar to scrub the tile grout to remove any mildew and mould.

Glass, mirror and window cleaner
Mix in a spray bottle 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water. Spray it on the window or mirror, then dry with a rag or crumpled up newspaper rather than paper towels.

All purpose cleaner
Mix 45ml (three tbsps) washing soda in 1 litre (4 cups) warm water. Wash and rinse with clean water, or mix a 50:50 solution of white vinegar and water. No need to rinse.