Cut cleaning costs

Why spend a fortune on cleaning products when traditional cleaners do the job just as effectively?

Traditional cleaner: lemon juice

Surface cleaner, stain remover, deodorizer

1. Cut in half and leave in fridge to absorb smells.
2. Mix with salt to clean copper and brass.
3. Mix with water to whiten whites and brighten colours.

Price: Lemon 20p; 4 x organic lemons £1.59; bottled juice 49p/250 ml

Traditional Cleaner: Bicarbonate of soda

Deodorizer. When mixed with water produces an alkaline solution that dissolves dirt and grease.

1. Use dry to lift stains from carpets (e.g. red wine) and marks from surfaces.
2. Good for cleaning shower curtains.

Price: 48p per 200g (in baking supplies)

Malt vinegar

Many uses. Surface cleaner, stain remover, descaler, cuts through grease, deodorizes and acts as mild disinfectant.

1. Dilute mix is good for cleaning windows (apply on scrunched-up newspaper).

Price: 65p/ 250 ml; 44p/568 ml

Olive oil

Use sparingly as furniture polish and fingerprint remover for stainless steel.

Price: Organic own-brand £2.94/500 ml

Sunlight

Bleacher. Excellent for whitening infants' nappies.
Price: free

Tea-tree oil

Antiseptic, disinfectant. Effective on mould and mildew.

1. Dilute as deodorizer for musty clothing.

Price: Essential oil £5.25/10 ml

White-wine vinegar

Many uses. Surface cleaner, stain remover, limescale descaler, cuts through grease, deodorizes and acts as mild disinfectant.

Price: Organic £1.49/500 ml

Want more? 20 tips to a greener lifestyle >

This is an extract from Save cash & save the planet.

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Image © Stephen Pennells/Friends of the Earth