What to Clean and How to Clean it...
Wash windows with two to three tbsps of vinegar to three litres of warm water. Dry with crumpled newspaper for sparkling results.
Scummy vases? Put in one tbsp of vinegar and fill with warm water. Leave to soak for 10 minutes. Rub with a soft cloth then rinse.
Mix one part olive oil with one part lemon juice. Rub on furniture or apply with a spray bottle, then polish with a dry cloth. Use this mix to make wood floors gleam.
Mop vinyl, laminate or ceramic tiled floors with eight tbsp of vinegar diluted in three litres of hot water.
For pet odours and stains in carpets, mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Apply to affected areas. Blot with kitchen roll (recycled is preferable), until moisture is absorbed. You may need to repeat the process.
Clean and shine any stainless steel surface with a paste of soda and water. Apply liberally with a damp cloth. Leave for about five minutes, then wipe.
Clean with a cloth dampened in equal parts of vinegar and water. To remove microwave odours, place some lemon slices in a bowl of water. Put on high for a few minutes.
Tackle body oils and soap scum with two parts soda to one part vinegar or lemon juice. The thick paste should be applied with a damp cloth. Leave for 10 minutes then rub with a brush or sponge. As you rinse it off, drains will be kept fresh too. Use this mix on shower doors, sinks, tiles and grout. If cleaning grout, rub with a toothbrush.
Banish black spots with one part vinegar or lemon juice to one part baking powder. Apply and leave for one or two hours. Rinse off. It may need to be reapplied or left longer, depending on how severe your mould or mildew is.
Baking soda eliminates odours. Mix eight tbsp with three drops of your favourite essential oil. Place in a decorative bowl or vase.
Soda in the bottom of ashtrays absorbs smoke smells. It's also like sand for stubbing out cigarettes.
Dab some essential oil on a light bulb. When on, the heat will diffuse the fragrance.
Keep loos clean and fresh - put eight tbsp of soda in the bowl. Leave overnight. Sprinkle soda onto a damp cloth to clean toilet seat and cistern, then wipe with a wet cloth.
Put down one part soda, followed by four parts hot vinegar. Leave overnight if possible.
For information about chemicals in the home:
www.wwf.org.uk/chemicals
To buy natural cleaning products:
www.greenshop.co.uk
www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk
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