Cash advice

You can easily spend a small fortune on cleaning materials, but Colleen Branch, Head of Content at Expert Home Tips, says it’s unnecessary, as you already own plenty of items that can clean just as well.

‘Not only are these methods natural, they’re also a great way to use up things in your kitchen,’ explains Colleen.

‘Spend the cash you save on items you love, instead of boring old cleaning products!’

1 EGGS-ELLENT IDEA

If you’re kicking off the day with a plate of scrambled eggs on toast, don’t throw away your leftover eggshells. Instead, save them until the next time your pots and pans need a good clean. To store, grind up the eggshells and keep them in a jar. Then, when you have a dirty pan, grab a handful of pieces and pop them in it. Mix with soapy water, then scrub with a sponge. The eggshells are a brilliant abrasive and will work like a charm. Goodbye, stuck-on food!

2 TOP TAP TIPS

If you live in a hard water area, chances are your taps are covered in limescale. To remove it, cut two lemons in half. Shove one half on each tap’s spout, rub the other sections over the taps and leave overnight. Next day, remove the lemons and wipe taps with a damp cloth. They’ll look as good as new!

3 COFFEE TO THE RESCUE

Do you have annoying stains on your kitchen counters that just won’t budge? Try mixing coffee granules with a little soapy water in a dish and using the mixture on a sponge to scrub the stains off. It really is that easy! The coffee grounds are only mildly abrasive, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your surfaces. This method also works a treat on dirty dishes and hobs.

4 SALT SCRUB

Many people soak in Epsom Salt baths to ease sore muscles, but you can also use it to get rid of the gunk on your bathroom tiles and grout. Add equal parts of washing-up liquid and Epsom Salt to a bowl, stir, dab the mixture on and scrub with a sponge.

5 LET IT SHINE

We’re all aware that coconut oil can be used in cooking and as a body moisturiser, but did you know you can also make furniture polish with it? Mix coconut oil with some white wine vinegar and a squeeze of lemon juice, then put in a bottle and spray on to wooden furniture. Buff with a cloth, then stand back and admire your handiwork!