Cleaning tips

Have you ever thought about how much it costs to buy chemical-based cleaners for your home?

Have you ever thought about the impact that those chemicals can have on you and the environment?

Some of the compounds found in household cleaners are not only toxic if ingested but also contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are released into the air in our homes. For example, cleaners that contain bleach can be an irritant to skin and eyes, worsen asthma and even cause premature ageing.

Many of these chemicals also find their way through our sinks, loos and drains into watercourses where they can accumulate and threaten bird, mammal, insect and plant life.

Even if you’ve never given a second thought to what you use to clean your home, here is some information about how you can save a few pounds and be kinder to the environment.

There are three main essential ingredients that you will need to clean the natural way and chances are you’ve already got them in your cupboards!

They are:

Lemon Juice

Lemons have a naturally high level of acid in them and are a natural deodoriser which makes them a perfect home cleaning product. You can use freshly-squeezed lemon juice or a shop bought lemon concentrate (the kind you use in cooking) – both work equally well.

Uses:

• Kitchen / Bathroom
• Washing dishes and glasses
• Polishing metal – for example brass and copper

White Vinegar

Like lemon juice, vinegar is a great all-purpose home cleaner due to its mild acidic levels. You can use white wine or apple cider vinegar but don’t use malt vinegar as the strong smell will remind you of a chip shop! When making your own vinegar cleaner, make sure that you mix the vinegar at a ratio of 1:1 with water.

Uses:

• Stainless steel sinks
• Bathroom taps
• Ceramic tiles
• Cleaning windows, mirrors or other glass surfaces

Bicarbonate of Soda (aka Baking Soda)

Bicarbonate of Soda is a natural deodoriser and acts as a mild abrasive. It is especially good for scrubbing tough stains when mixed into a paste using a little water.

Uses:

• Bathrooms
• Cookers and ovens
• Drains
• Air freshener

Now that you know the basics here are some great cleaning ideas

• All-purpose cleaner: soap and water; or mix two tablespoons of baking soda in a litre of water.
• Stubborn stains: mix baking soda and a little water to a paste to remove stubborn stains from coffee cups, doors, appliances, etc.
• Removing grease: mix white vinegar with salt.
• Drain cleaner: mix ½ cup baking soda with ½ cup of white vinegar, leave for 15 minutes then pour down a kettle of boiling water.
• Toilet cleaner: mix white vinegar and water then spray around the rim. Pour a cup of white vinegar and a couple of spoons of baking soda into the bowl, leave for 15 minutes, brush and flush.
• Mould remover: mix equal parts of white vinegar and water then spray, leave for five minutes and wipe clean.
• Carpet freshener: sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet before vacuuming.
• Window cleaner: mix one litre of water, ¼ cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Shake well and keep in spray bottle like ordinary window cleaner.

Before you use any of the natural cleaners it is advisable to test them on a small area first!

Housework is also a good way to keep fit! Did you know that 60 minutes’ worth can burn around 286 calories?