Back to Basics - "Green" cleaning

Spring clean your home using these old fashioned and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

• Remove sticky marks (such as those left behind by so-called removable sticky labels) with eucalyptus oil. (Apply sparingly and wipe off the surface afterwards, and wash your hands as it can be an irritant if left in contact with the skin for too long.)

• Clean your fridge with a cloth soaked in a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda and hot water.

• Charcoal (or a packet of bicarbonate soda) will absorb fridge odours - wipe your fridge over with a cloth dipped in a solution of water and vanilla essence.

• To remove the smell of food cooked in pots and pans, fill with water and vinegar, boil and then rinsed thoroughly. If the smell persists, repeat the process.

• To remove the smell of food stored in plastic containers, fill with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, leave overnight and then rinse and wash normally. If the smell persists, repeat the process.

• To clean your windows or mirrors, just use a splash of white vinegar in water, and wipe off with newspaper. When you're finished with the newspaper, you can put it in your compost pile.

• Use water from your rainwater tank to wash your clothes - it makes the clothing much softer so you won’t need to use fabric softener.

• Sprinkle talcum powder on oil marks. Once the oil is absorbed the powder will just fall off.

• To remove tea or coffee stains from cups, place a small quantity of salt on a damp cloth and rub over stains.