BASIC, ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING GLOOP

This cost-effective mix, devised by Donna Lee of Cottage Hill Herbs (cottagehillherbs.co.nz), can be used for dishwashing, clothes laundering, basic cleaning, or as a fabric softener.

Ingredients • 3 cups water • ½ cup finely grated soap • 1 cup pure cider vinegar • 1 teaspoon lemongrass or other pure essential oil

Boil water, add soap and stir till dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar and essential oil. Place in a glass container.

For shampoo: Substitute chamomile tea, rosemary or lavender (strained) for the 3 cups of water.

For scouring the bath, stove, or hard-to-clean surfaces:

Add 6 tablespoons caster sugar and 2 teaspoons pumice powder to the gloop. This works well for cleaning the stove and other areas that need a good scrub.

Be careful with delicate surfaces, as it may scratch.