There is nothing quite like the feel of a fresh, clean house. Unfortunately housework is one task that will always need doing. With the rising cost of commercial brand cleaning products, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stretch the family budget to afford cleaning sprays and liquids. With these simple and practical cleaning ideas, houses will be sparkling in no time.
Cleaners From the Pantry
Vinegar is a natural all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant and deodoriser. Although there is a strong vinegar scent during and just after cleaning, it will disappear when dry. Buy a reusable plastic spray bottle and add a mixed solution of one part vinegar and one part water. The vinegar solution can be used to clean most areas of the home including:
- Kitchen - stove, appliances, benchtops, sink and floors
- Bathroom - bathtub, shower, basin, vanity cabinets and floors
- Laundry - tub, floors and as a fabric softener for those with sensitive skin
- Windows
Lemon juice is another effective cleaning product and stain remover. Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a cleaning paste, ideal for shining brass and copper items. Lemon juice eats through soap scum build-up and can be used to scrub dishes and remove stains from benchtops.
General Cleaning Solutions
While stainless steel appliances are great for their resistance to corrosion and rust, fingerprints can be a problem. To clean stainless steel items, mix water with a squirt of dishwashing liquid and wipe the surface dry with paper towel to remove streaks.
To polish furniture, mix 1 cup of vegetable oil to half a cup of lemon juice and pour into a spray bottle. Spray a polishing cloth with the oil solution and blot by rubbing the cloth together. Gently rub the cloth over furniture to leave a beautiful polished finish.
To remove stains from non-stick bakeware and frying pans, pour in a solution of 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of bleach. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring the solution does not reach boiling point. Wash the cookware in warm soapy water and allow to dry.
Make a homemade carpet deodoriser by combining 3/4 of a cup of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of corn starch and a 1/4 of a cup of scented talcum powder. Sprinkle onto carpets and allow to stand for around 15 minutes before vacuuming.
From kitchens and bathrooms to carpet deodorising and window cleaning, families will save money and help the environment with these simple, yet effective homemade cleaning product recipes.
Sources
Pioneer Thinking150 Homemade Cleaner (accessed May 6. 2010).
About.com 3 Homemade Natural Cleaning Products (accessed May 6. 2010).
Sharon Rattray - After completing her studies in Freelance Journalism in 2003, Sharon received a Diploma in Freelance Journalism and a Higher Diploma in ...
Join the Conversation