Do-it-yourself cleaning tips

Activate the cleaning power of common ingredients with these simple, do-it-yourself solutions

rather than reaching for off-the-shelf cleaning products, why not give these homemade remedies a run for their money? You probably have most of the supplies already in your pantry, and you’ll be amazed by the cleaning power of each solution. Plus, you’re likely to save a pretty penny off your household shopping bill! So fetch your kitchen measures, make sure your chosen vessels are clean and dry, then get started.

FABRIC SOFTENER

What you’ll need

• White vinegar

• Lavender essential oil

• Medium glass jar with lid

Here’s how to make it Measure and pour 2 cups of white vinegar in jar. Add 10 drops of lavender oil. Mix together with a spoon or stirrer. Place lid on jar.

How you use it Measure 2 teaspoons of solution and use in place of your regular softener.

Money-saving tip for you Costing about 20c for 100ml, use this fabric-softening solution instead of storebought products to save you loads… on your loads!

LAVENDER RAGS

What you’ll need

• Lavender essential oil

• Cotton cloths/rags (clean and dry)

• Large glass jar with lid

Here’s how to make them Place one rag in jar, then add a few drops of lavender oil. Add the next rag and add a few more drops of oil. Continue until jar is full. Place lid on jar.

How you use them Use cloths as lightly scented cleaning rags – they’re perfect for dusting hard surfaces and they leave a heavenly scent in the air. Wash, dry and put back in jar with oil to reuse.

Money-saving tip for you To make rags, recycle worn-out shirts or bed sheets. Just wash, let dry and cut the fabric to a manageable cloth size.

FURNITURE POLISH

What you’ll need

• Fresh lemons (3–4)

• Olive oil

• Medium glass jar with lid or spray bottle

Here’s how to make it Squeeze lemons. Add ¼ cup lemon juice to ½ cup olive oil in jar or bottle. Shake well to combine.

How you use it Use a clean, lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of polish onto timber furniture. Rub in the same direction as the timber grain. Wipe away the excess polish with a separate cloth. Make fresh for each use, as mixture can go rancid.

Money-saving tip for you Opt for cheaper olive oil – it’s just as good!

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY

What you’ll need

• Assorted citrus peels

• White vinegar

• Medium glass jar with lid • Spray bottle

Here’s how to make it Half fill your jar with assorted citrus peels. Fill the jar with vinegar. Place lid on the jar. Leave in a cool, dark place for two weeks. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the citrus cleaner and then decant liquid into a spray bottle.

How you use it Spray cleaner on surfaces and wipe with a cloth. Avoid using on porous surfaces, such as marble.

Money-saving tip for you Save citrus peels instead of throwing them away.

STAIN SCRUB

What you’ll need

• Bicarb soda or salt

• Filtered or distilled water • Small bowl

• Fresh lemon (optional)

Here’s how to make it For a thick paste, add 3 tablespoons bicarb soda or salt and a splash of water to a small bowl. If using salt, add a squeeze of lemon. Mix with a spoon until combined. For a smoother paste, add more water.

How you use it Apply to stains, such as on oven dishes or the kitchen sink. Work paste into stain with a cloth. Set aside for an hour or so. Wash as normal. Repeat if necessary.

Money-saving tip for you Use in place of storebought paste cleaners.