CLEANING HACKS THAT REALLY WORK

BICARBONATE OF SODA

➤ Plastic garden chairs will be as good as new with a wipe of bicarb and water (2tbsp per 1 litre of water).

➤ Tackle your barbecue grill with a sprinkle of bicarb on a cleaning brush.

➤ Deodorise upholstery and carpets (even wool) by sprinkling with bicarb, then let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming.

➤ Both whites and coloured clothing will come out of the washing machine brighter if you add 200g bicarb to your load (in the main drum). Combined with liquid detergent, it helps balance the ph levels.

DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR

➤ Descale your kettle by filling with a solution of half water and half distilled white vinegar and leave overnight. Rinse thoroughly.

➤ Descale your showerhead by putting it in a plastic bag with 200ml distilled white vinegar and 200ml water. Secure with a band and leave overnight, then rinse with hot, soapy water.

➤ Make up a spray bottle of half distilled white vinegar and half water and spray weekly on tiles, basins and taps to keep limescale at bay. Rinse after using.

LEMON JUICE

➤ Deodorise and remove stains from chopping boards by rubbing with fresh lemon (or the bottled stuff) and leave overnight.

➤ Add half a capful into your wash and it will brighten whites – but don’t add to a colour wash!

➤ Remove smells and loosen dried-on stains from the inside of your microwave by adding some lemon juice to a bowl of cold water. Heat until the water boils and the inside of the microwave is steamy; then leave for 15 minutes and wipe with kitchen paper.