MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANERS

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

DILUTE three parts white vinegar with one part water and pour into an old, used spray bottle to use as a surface wipe.

ALL-PURPOSE DISINFECTANT

BORAX powder, also known as sodium borate, is a white powder that is stronger than bicarbonate of soda. It’s best known as a laundry booster and water softener, but it is classed as toxic in the EU so try Dri-Pak’s ‘borax substitute’. It costs around £1.40 for 500g and can be bought from hardware stores. Dissolve 4 tsp in 1l hot water, and pour into an old spray bottle.

DISHWASHER POWDER

COMBINE 1 tsp baking powder with 1 tsp borax substitute and ½ tsp salt and pour into the soap compartment (add 1 tbsp white vinegar to rinse compartment).

TOILET CLEANER

SPRINKLE baking powder in the bowl, rinse with white vinegar and brush clean, ideally using a wooden brush.

FABRIC CONDITIONER

ADD 250ml white vinegar to the wash during the rinse cycle.

HOB CLEANER

MIX 1 tbsp baking powder with a squeeze of lemon juice to scrub off any stubborn cooking stains on your hob surfaces.

SHOWER/MIRROR SHINER

SPRAY undiluted white vinegar and wipe clean with a dry cloth.