Organic cleaners
Environmentally-friendly solutions for garden chores
If your garden surfaces, furniture and tools need sprucing up, here are some environmentally-friendly solutions:
● For tools, brushes and barbecues: Made from olive oil, Black Soap Paste has no artificial colouring and is completely biodegradable. Use it to clean and remove grease from barbecues and garden tools and to maintain brushes. £8.50 for 250ml from The Organic Gardening Catalogue (01932 878570, www.organiccatalogue.com). ● For patios: Algon Organic Path, Patio & Decking Cleaner removes dirt, stains and algae from most hard surfaces. You simply apply it and leave it to restore the natural colour. £21.50 for 2 x 2.5 litre bottles (each covers 60 sq m/72 sq yd) from Algon Organic (01772 823370, www.algonorganics.co.uk). ● For glass and painted surfaces: Biotal Algae & Mould Stain Cleaner is a non-toxic concentrate for tackling mildew, algae and mould on internal and external surfaces. A blend of biodegradable, non-ionic surfactants and natural plant extracts, it’s ideal for cleaning window frames, greenhouse benches, stonework and painted outdoor surfaces. £7.75 for 500ml from The Organic Gardening Catalogue (01932 878570, www.organiccatalogue.com).
For furniture: Using only natural, biological and biodegradable ingredients, Bio-mex Multi Surface Cleaner removes dirt, grease, oil and stains from plastic and wooden furniture as well as metals, glass and ceramics. £9.99 for 300g from Lakeland (01539 488100, www.lakeland.co.uk).