FEATURE: CLEANING & LAUNDRY


V


inegar is a cleaning superstar. Its acidic nature makes it perfect for tackling grease, grime, and bacteria. Here are a


few ways to use it:


All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant scent. This solution is great for countertops, sinks, and glass surfaces.


Deodoriser: Place a bowl of vinegar in any room to neutralise odours. It works wonders in the fridge, too!


Limescale Remover: Heat vinegar and pour it over faucets and showerheads to dissolve limescale build up.


Baking soda brilliance


Baking soda is another household staple with incredible cleaning power. It’s mildly abrasive, making it ideal for scrubbing without scratching surfaces. Stain Remover: Make a paste with baking soda and water to lift stains from countertops, sinks, and even clothing. Apply, let sit, and then scrub away.


Carpet Freshener: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum. It helps to absorb odours and leave your carpets smelling fresh. Oven Cleaner: Combine baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread it inside your oven, let it sit overnight, and wipe away the grime with a damp cloth.


Lemon love Lemons are not just for your lemonade; they’re also fantastic for cleaning!


Microwave Cleaner: Fill a


microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few lemon slices. Microwave for 3-5 minutes, then wipe down the inside. The steam will loosen grime, and the lemon


will leave a fresh scent. Stainless Steel Shine: Rub a cut lemon over stainless steel appliances and faucets to remove water spots and add shine.


Cutting Board Refresher: Sprinkle salt on your cutting board, rub it with a cut lemon, and rinse. This helps to deodorise and sanitise the surface.


Hydrogen peroxide helper Hydrogen peroxide is a great disinfectant and can be used in various cleaning applications. Grout Cleaner: Mix hydrogen


peroxide with baking soda to make a paste. Apply it to grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a toothbrush.


Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then scrub to disinfect and brighten the bowl. Laundry Whitener: Add a cup of


hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine to boost the whitening power of your laundry detergent.


Olive oil magic


Olive oil isn’t just for cooking; it can also be used to polish and clean. Furniture Polish: Mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice. Apply to wood furniture with a soft cloth to polish and protect. Stainless Steel Cleaner: Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and buff stainless steel appliances to


remove smudges and fingerprints.


Cornflour cleaner Cornflour is great for absorbing grease and polishing surfaces. Glass Cleaner: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a quart of warm water. Use it to clean windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine. Carpet Stain Remover: Sprinkle cornstarch on a fresh grease stain, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum it up.


By incorporating these low-cost,


DIY cleaning solutions into your routine, you can maintain a clean, fresh home without spending a fortune. Remember, the key to effective cleaning is consistency and using the right ingredients.


LOW-COST DIY CLEANING TIPS FOR THE HOME


With a few simple ingredients that you are likely to already have in your kitchen, you can create powerful, effective cleaning solutions. Hallie Gray, home expert from Home Detail (homedetail.co.uk) dives into these easy-to-create DIY cleaning tips that will keep your home sparkling without breaking the bank.


www.diyweek.net


NOVEMBER 2024 DIY WEEK 29


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