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Back to Basics: Household cleaning the old-fashioned way.



It might be said that taking lessons from the past could save our future. There is no doubt that the number of quick-fix cleaning products has increased massively since the middle of last century. Products that promised hygiene and sparkle with minimal effort have become household names. There are so many cleaners out there using harsh chemicals that need only be sprayed on a surface to do their work and dissolve any traces of dirt - before being washed down the plug hole and into our waterways. Even the packaging screams pollution!

During the time of Mrs. Beeton, houses were cleaned effectively with a combination of time, muscle, natural ingredients and effective tools. And there’s no reason why this can’t be done again. Here's some great alternatives for chemical-based cleaning products:

Vinegar-based all-purpose cleaner

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar (distilled)

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 12 to 24 drops *essential oil

  • Spray Bottle (preferably glass)

Put all of the ingredients into the bottle and shake well. Use as you would a normal all purpose cleaner.

Best Essential oils for Green Cleaning and pest control

* not only do some essential oils smell lovely and help our mood, they also can have a benefit in repelling insects.

  • Lavender - for relaxation and repels clothes moths, flies and mosquitos

  • Eucalyptus - natural germicide that repels wasps, flies and mosquitos

  • Pine - wonderful fresh scent, kills e-coli and repels mosquitos

  • Rosemary - antibacterial and antiseptic

  • Lemon - uplifting, antiviral and antibacterial

  • Tea Tree - antibacterial and antiviral

  • Wild Orange - lifts mood and cuts through grease

  • Peppermint - antibacterial and repels mosquitos

  • Cinnamon - antibacterial and antiseptic

  • Thyme - powerful germicide and repels common housefly

Bathroom Cleaner made with Baking soda

Ingredients

  • 2/3 Cup baking soda

  • 1/2 Cup liquid soap

  • 1/2 Cup water

  • 2 tbls White Vinegar

  • 1 spray bottle

Mix the baking soda and liquid soap in a bowl before diluting with water and vinegar. Stir until lumps are dissolved and then pour liquid into bottle.

Furniture Polish with Coconut oil and Lemon juice


Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup coconut Oil

  • 1/3 Cup lemon Juice

Directions

Combine ingredients in a jar. Apply with soft cloth and rub briskly to polish.

And finally....

Gherkin Juice for sparkling loos

Before you throw the liquid of an old jar of pickles or gherkins, think again. Tip it down the loo and the bottom of the loo will sparkle white.

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