Summer is here and what better time to clear your household of dust and dirt so it looks at its best? Winter is still some way off and if you’ve already got policies such as boiler insurance in place then now might the time to spend any extra cash you’re managing to save on energy bills elsewhere.
Natural sunlight can help the process of cutting bills and is usually a welcome addition to a home, but it also shows off dusty and dirty areas a little more than you might be used to. But before you rush off to the shops to pick up a trolley full of cleaning products, it might be worth considering the harmful impact these can have on the environment. Many items sold on supermarket shelves can prove expensive and contain loads of chemicals, so here are a few eco-friendly options you might like to try.
Make rags and wash cloths
Before you start scrubbing, it’s worth checking your wardrobes to find any old t-shirts you have lying around that could be cut up to make cleaning rags. These can easily be washed and re-used time and time again and save you from purchasing cloths and dusters. If you do decide to buy-in items, remember these too can be used again by simply putting them in the washing machine next time your put a load in.
Add more salt
When it comes to salt in your diet you’re probably used to hearing that it should be cut out whenever possible. However, in terms of cleaning your property its use should be encouraged – as it’s able to tackle grime in a number of ways. Mix it up with a little vinegar and bring shine to sinks, work surfaces, tiles and glass. It may leave a bit of a whiff in the air, but it’s nothing opening the window can’t sort and at least you’ll know it’s non toxic. In fact, there are many others ways salt can be used so it’s always worth having in your store cupboard.
Get the lemon juice out
Lemon juice not only smells great but is also an effective disinfectant, making it great for use in the kitchen. Use it to shift limescale from your sink and give worktops a sparkle and for tougher-to-clean spots add some warm water and baking soda. Be sure to wipe down with a damp cloth to avoid stickiness.
Throw some baking soda in the mix
If your property has developed an unwanted smell then it could be neutralized with a little baking soda. Sprinkle some over your carpet before cleaning, or place a cup inside your dishwasher and you should find any lingering odors are soon removed. Its uses don’t stop there either as it’s a versatile cleaner too, for everything from inside the oven to the hobs – when mixed with warm water, vinegar and lemon juice. Alternatively, it could help to unclog a sink blockage when teamed evenly with vinegar.
Make your windows sparkle
Window cleaning sprays are often not cheap, so if you’re looking to be a little more savvy with your cash then why not instead try cleaning them up with a splash of vinegar in warm water? A little elbow grease should help them to sparkle and old newspapers are an ideal way to dry them off as they don’t cause the streaking that can be left behind by paper towels. If you’d rather avoid the smell left behind by vinegar – or simply don’t have any to hand – then soda or lemon juice can act as a substitute.
This article is a guest post from Dan Whiteside, Dan blogs about issues including plumbing repairs, DIY and money saving at DIYNewbie.
