I think it’s every parent’s dream to snap their fingers like Mary Poppins and instantly clean their house. If she’d help look after the kids too, even better. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
But if there was a way to do it that costs less, that’s safer for your children, and more environmentally friendly, then we’d all be up for it. The great news - there is! There are a few inexpensive products you need to purchase if you want to start creating your own potions and once they’re mixed together they can work their magic! Here are 7 homemade cleaning products that'll have your place looking spick and span.
Sink Cleaner
If you want something to make your stainless steel sink sparkle, then look no further than baking soda and water. Simply make a paste out of the two, spread it on the sink with a damp cloth and rub it gently. Rinse it off once you’re finished and buff it dry for an extra gleam.
Grout Cleaner
The same concoction (1 part water and 3 parts baking soda) can also be used to get your bathroom grout back to its best. Apply the paste to the grout, leave for a few minutes then give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush. Once your grout is stain-free, remove the paste with a sponge.
Window Cleaner
Parents constantly have the problem of their windows getting covered in sticky handprints so an effective window cleaner is high on the wish list. Step forward distilled vinegar and water. Mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar and two cups of water in a spray bottle, spritz the window (avoiding the frames) and use newspaper to wipe it off. Say hello to streak-free windows!
Toilet Cleaner
Cleaning your toilets is probably the least popular chore but the great news is that there’s a simple way to tackle them using baking soda and distilled vinegar. Pour the vinegar around the toilet bowl and shake in a cup of baking soda. After ten minutes give it a scrub with a toilet brush and then flush. Clean toilets in a flash – minus the nasty chemicals.
Drain Cleaner
Smelly drains are one of my pet peeves but thankfully I’ve found a natural solution that works using the same ingredients as before. Tip half a cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour in one cup of vinegar. Once you’re satisfied that the foam has worked (I usually leave it for about an hour), pour in a kettle of boiling water. I sometimes do this two days in a row to make sure all the nasties have been washed away.
Duster
When it comes to getting rid of dust, you have a couple of options for homemade cleaning products. We’ve switched to microfiber cloths and they’re so much more effective than traditional dusting cloths. You just wet them with water and then wipe away! Another option for dusting wood is to use olive oil. Simply apply it to a cloth and get polishing.
Dishwasher Cleaner
Finally, an easy but effective way to clean your dishwasher. Pour two cups of vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Turn it on and once it’s run a full cycle you’ll have got rid of any nasty odours.
After all that cleaning, your house will be "practically perfect in every way!" Well, at least for half an hour…