There are five basic items which most kitchens/households have, that can clean most of the house.
Bicarbonate soda: a gentle, moderately alkaline, non-toxic abrasive, which cuts through grease and oil because it reacts with the fatty acids to form a mild detergent. Use it to clean, deodorize and buffer.
Lemon juice: a natural bleach which can be used for stain removal, deodorizing and mould inhibiting.
Salt: a natural and gentle abrasive and disinfectant, that's useful for clearing drains and scouring utensils.
White vinegar: a moderately strong acid that can remove bathroom scum and hard water deposits as well as discolouration from metals such as aluminium, brass, bronze and copper. It can also remove rust stains on iron. White vinegar will clean moss off bricks and concrete.
Eucalyptus Oil: removes stains on carpet. Spray generously on the stain and wipe with a clean absorbent cloth. It is also very useful for getting sticky stuff off almost anything.
Some home-made cleaners can include
Washing for 8 cents per load:
Buy a 6 pack of soap cakes, which can cost as little as 95 cents. For a full wash in a 5kg washing machine, grate half a cake in hot water. By the time the machine is filled with water, the soap has melted and is ready to be poured in. This also saves on fabric softener as the soap has a softening effect as opposed to harsh detergents.
Window Cleaner:
Combine 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts warm water. Put into a spray bottle and fill to top with water. Spray on surface and rub with an old cloth nappy, lint-free rag or when washing windows, using newspaper is best. For outdoor windows, use a sponge and wash with warm water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap.
Furniture Polish:
In a jar, combine 1 cup of vegetable oil and ½ a cup of lemon juice. To use, dip dust cloth or rag into oil, blot the oil by folding the cloth together and then dust your furniture.
Drain Cleaner:
Using ½ cup bicarbonate soda, ½ cup vinegar and boiling water, will clear minor clogs and help prevent future clogs. Pour the bicarbonate soda down the drain first, then the vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes. Pour a teakettle full of boiling water down the drain to clear it.
Entertaining the Kids
Bubble Fun – Buy a couple of clean fly swatters, or use anything plastic with holes. To make the bubble formula, combine 1 part dish soap, 10 parts water, 0.25 parts glycerine. Store in a covered container and pour into a pie plate for use.
Play Dough – All kids love play dough – it's very simple and extremely cheap to make and lasts for ages. To make the dough, combine 1 cup flour, ¼ cup salt, 1 tbsp spoon oil, a few drops of food colouring and ½ cup boiling water. Mix all together and knead until it reaches a dough consistency.
