Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
Subscribe
YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

This is how often you should be washing your pillowcase

This is how often you should be washing your pillowcase

13 household problems you can fix with aluminium foil

13 household problems you can fix with aluminium foil

The top cult cleaning products everyone uses in their home

The top cult cleaning products everyone uses in their home

IKEA's new decluttering system will change your life

IKEA's new decluttering system will change your life

{headline}

{headline}

11 common cleaning myths debunked

11 common cleaning myths debunked

7 unexpected ways to clean your house using dishwashing tablets

7 unexpected ways to clean your house using dishwashing tablets

Five dirtiest household items that will surprise you

Five dirtiest household items that will surprise you

{headline}

{headline}

10 simple declutter tips

10 simple declutter tips

6 hacks to make your white shoes look new again

6 hacks to make your white shoes look new again

How to wash new towels properly to keep them fluffy

How to wash new towels properly to keep them fluffy

The $5 smiley sponge sending shoppers into a frenzy

The $5 smiley sponge sending shoppers into a frenzy

5 steps to follow to keep your shower doors sparkling

5 steps to follow to keep your shower doors sparkling

12 of the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

12 of the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

Mum’s surprising hack for a sparkling clean glass shower screen

Mum’s surprising hack for a sparkling clean glass shower screen

  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Green Cleaning: 5 easy DIY solutions to try

Activate the cleaning power of common ingredients with these simple, do-it-yourself solutions - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 04 Jun 2018
Green Cleaning: 5 easy DIY solutions to try
Chris Jones

Rather than reaching for off-the-shelf cleaning products, why not give these homemade remedies a run for their money? You probably have most of the supplies already in your pantry, and you’ll be amazed by the cleaning power of each solution. Plus, you’re likely to save a pretty penny off your household shopping bill! So fetch your kitchen measures, make sure your chosen vessels are clean and dry, then get started.

1 Fabric softener

What you’ll need

  • White vinegar
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Medium glass jar with lid

Here’s how to make it

Measure and pour 2 cups of white vinegar in jar. Add 10 drops of lavender oil. Mix together with a spoon or stirrer. Place lid on jar.

How you use it

Measure 2 teaspoons of solution and use in place of your regular softener.

Money-saving tip for you

Costing about 20c for 100ml, use this fabric-softening solution instead of storebought products to save you loads… on your loads!

2 Lavender rags

What you’ll need

  • Lavender essential oil
  • Cotton cloths/rags (clean and dry)
  • Large glass jar with lid

Here’s how to make them

Place one rag in jar, then add a few drops of lavender oil. Add the next rag and add a few more drops of oil. Continue until jar is full. Place lid on jar.

How you use them

Use cloths as lightly scented cleaning rags – they’re perfect for dusting hard surfaces and they leave a heavenly scent in the air. Wash, dry and put back in jar with oil to reuse.

Money-saving tip for you

To make rags, recycle worn-out shirts or bed sheets. Just wash, let dry and cut the fabric to a manageable cloth size.

3 Furniture polish

What you’ll need

  • Fresh lemons (3–4)
  • Olive oil
  • Medium glass jar with lid or spray bottle

Here’s how to make it

Squeeze lemons. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 1/2 cup olive oil in jar or bottle. Shake well to combine.

How you use it

Use a clean, lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of polish onto timber furniture. Rub in the same direction as the timber grain. Wipe away the excess polish with a separate cloth. Make fresh for each use, as mixture can go rancid.

Money-saving tip for you

Opt for cheaper olive oil – it’s just as good!

4 All-purpose spray

What you’ll need

  • Assorted citrus peels
  • White vinegar
  • Medium glass jar with lid
  • Spray bottle

Here’s how to make it

Half fill your jar with assorted citrus peels. Fill the jar with vinegar. Place lid on the jar. Leave in a cool, dark place for two weeks. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the citrus cleaner and then decant liquid into a spray bottle.

How you use it

Spray cleaner on surfaces and wipe with a cloth. Avoid using on porous surfaces, such as marble.

Money-saving tip for you

Save citrus peels instead of throwing them away.

5 Stain scrub

What you’ll need

  • Bicarb soda or salt
  • Filtered or distilled water
  • Small bowl
  • Fresh lemon (optional)

Here’s how to make it

For a thick paste, add 3 tablespoons bicarb soda or salt and a splash of water to a small bowl. If using salt, add a squeeze of lemon. Mix with a spoon until combined. For a smoother paste, add more water.

How you use it

Apply to stains, such as on oven dishes or the kitchen sink. Work paste into stain with a cloth. Set aside for an hour or so. Wash as normal. Repeat if necessary.

Money-saving tip for you

Use in place of storebought paste cleaners.

  • Better Life
  • Cleaning
Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes and Gardens
Australia's favourite TV show, magazine and website.

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

This is how often you should be washing your pillowcase

This is how often you should be washing your pillowcase

13 household problems you can fix with aluminium foil

13 household problems you can fix with aluminium foil

The top cult cleaning products everyone uses in their home

The top cult cleaning products everyone uses in their home

IKEA's new decluttering system will change your life

IKEA's new decluttering system will change your life

{headline}

{headline}

11 common cleaning myths debunked

11 common cleaning myths debunked

7 unexpected ways to clean your house using dishwashing tablets

7 unexpected ways to clean your house using dishwashing tablets

Five dirtiest household items that will surprise you

Five dirtiest household items that will surprise you

{headline}

{headline}

10 simple declutter tips

10 simple declutter tips

6 hacks to make your white shoes look new again

6 hacks to make your white shoes look new again

How to wash new towels properly to keep them fluffy

How to wash new towels properly to keep them fluffy

The $5 smiley sponge sending shoppers into a frenzy

The $5 smiley sponge sending shoppers into a frenzy

5 steps to follow to keep your shower doors sparkling

5 steps to follow to keep your shower doors sparkling

12 of the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

12 of the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

Mum’s surprising hack for a sparkling clean glass shower screen

Mum’s surprising hack for a sparkling clean glass shower screen

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Shop This Offer
Get your mag delivered!