CAN’T GET TO THE SHOPS? MAKE YOUR OWN PRODUCTS AT HOME

THEY’RE usually better for the environment and safe to use around pets and children, as well as being less likely to trigger asthma and allergies. You’ll need some 500ml spray bottles and a funnel – and don’t forget to label your products so you know what’s what. Each can be kept for up to three months.

MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER

Pour 20ml of white wine vinegar and 20 drops of essential oil into a bottle. I like to use peppermint for this one, but you could also use eucalyptus, lavender or tea tree. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake and it is ready to use. I love this multi-purpose cleaner for its versatility, which saves you so much space in your cleaning cupboard or caddy. You can use this product every day for shining results in your bathroom and kitchen, and throughout the house for cleaning up any messes.

GLASS AND WINDOW CLEANER

Pour 20ml of white wine vinegar and 10ml of lemon juice into a bottle, fill the rest with water and then shake. This amazing glass cleaner is fit for anything you would use a shop-bought glass cleaner for, such as mirrors, mirrored furniture, windows and even metal taps.

CARPET REFRESHER

Put 250g of bicarbonate of soda into a large jam jar with 20 drops of essential oil. Shake well and leave overnight in a dark place for the bicarb to absorb the scent of the essential oil. The next day, before you vacuum, sprinkle your carpet refresher all over the area you want to refresh and leave for 15 minutes to allow the bicarb to soak up odours from your carpet. Then, vacuum up the mixture.

FABRIC REFRESHER

Put 2 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda and 20 drops of your favourite essential oil into a bottle, fill with water and shake. I tend to make up two of these: a lavender mixture for the mattresses, as this helps aid sleep, and a lemon mixture for refreshing rugs, sofas and curtains.