Monday 25 May 2015

simple cleaning

for the past little while I've been slowly cutting down on the purchasing of cleaning products. underneath the kitchen sink which was once full of bottles and cans (with their warning labels and expensive price tags) now instead sits dishwashing liquid, a jar of bicarb-soda, a bottle or two of vinegar, along with a some essential oils.
these staples see me through most cleaning now.

Tile and wooden floor cleaner
to a bucket of hot water add
a squirt of dishwashing liquid
1 cup vinegar
1/4 cup bicarb soda
mop floor as usual

Foaming bath and toilet cleaner
Heat 1 cup of vinegar in a 1L microwave safe jug in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until piping hot.
Stir in 1/3 cup dishwashing liquid.
Add 2 tablespoons bicarb soda and stir quickly (be sure to be close by the bath/toilet as the mixture foams up and may overflow the jug).
Pour to coat the surface of the bath/toilet bowl. Leave for a minimum of 1 hour. A little scrub may be required then rinse with clean water.

Fabric freshener
Choose a large container/jar you wish to use to hold the fabric freshener.
To a jug add the required amount of vinegar to fill the container. to this add 1-2 tablespoons bi-carb soda. You will need to do this slowly as it will foam up.
Once the bi-carb is dissolved add a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice (i like eucalyptus, lemon myrtle or peppermint) then decant into your chosen container or jar.
Add a good half cup to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine and wash as usual.


do you have any simple, green cleaning recipes, tips or tricks?