Old-fashioned cleaning tips (that really work!)

Some cleaning solutions contain chemicals that find their way into our waterways, where wildlife can be affected, but eco alternatives can be expensive – and even these products sometimes come in plastic bottles. Try these old-fashioned (and cheaper) solutions instead…

✣ Bicarbonate of soda: Sprinkle on a damp cloth to clean greasy surfaces, or mix a cup with three drops of your favourite oil scent for a natural air freshener.

✣ Lemon juice: Dilute with water in equal parts to make a gentle disinfectant.

✣ Salt: Sprinkle into your washing-up bowl to replace liquid cleaner, rinse well. Or mix with white vinegar or lemon juice to make a general-purpose cleaner. It also removes stains from cups and teapots.

✣ White vinegar: Dilute white vinegar 50-50 with water to clean the inside of your fridge. Plus, a cup of white distilled vinegar poured into an empty washing machine will remove soap build-up in just a cycle.