A-Z of DIY & Building Guides Eco Cleaning

Date Published:

20/05/2008

Modern day cleaning can be a bit of a chore. But there is an alternative! You don't have to spend piles of cash on an armful of super-tough chemicals. You don't even need to find extra storage for all those dozens of bottles. In fact you can muster up your own natural house cleaners from ingredients already in your store cupboard.

By Alana Blincoe

Essential Ingredients

White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, lemons and olive oil are all you need to keep your wood floors sleek, stainless steel germ-free and shiny, and bathroom tiles squeaky clean. And the added bonus is there's not a harmful chemical in sight.

Scientists have found house dust contains a heady mix of toxins from a variety of sources. Traffic pollution blown through open windows, shoes treading in soil, lead and pesticides, and insect sprays with other synthetic products all build up the chemicals in our home. Even TVs and computers contribute when they heat up. So with the following tips you can detox your home and get it super-clean too.

White Vinegar

A natural disinfectant and stain remover plus it reduces mineral and lime deposits. It's a diluted ascetic acid and a substitute for ammonia-based cleaners. You can use white wine vinegar, but white distilled vinegar is cheaper. Don't use malt vinegar - your home will end up smelling like a chippie.

Bicarbonate of Soda (aka baking soda/sodium bicarbonate)

A miracle cleaner. When mixed with water it forms a slightly alkaline liquid, which cuts through grease and dirt on almost any surface. Used neat it's slightly abrasive and can be used to scrub problem stains. Often vinegar and soda are mixed together for maximum cleaning strength. Baking powder works just as well - it's a mix of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar.

Olive Oil

A great alternative furniture polish. Don't worry about using the extra-virgin type, the most basic will do.

Lemons

The citric acid in lemon juice makes it perfect for bleaching, disinfecting, deodorising and cutting grease.

Water

Damp dusting is great for general cleaning and ensures dust is not scattered around. For best results, soak your duster in two parts water, two parts vinegar and two drops of lemon oil. Then wring out and store in a covered glass jar until you need it.