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.
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 a jar. Add 10 drops of lavender oil. Mix together with a spoon or stirrer. Place lid on the jar.
How you use it
Measure 2 teaspoons of the 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 store-bought products to save you loads… on your loads!
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 a 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 the 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 the 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.
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 the mixture can go rancid.
Money-saving tip for you
Opt for cheaper olive oil – it’s just as good!
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.
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 the paste into the 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 store-bought paste cleaners.
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