Photography by JACKIE RUSSELL.
Succumbing to the easy option may be tempting, because every household needs a good stock of cleaning products, but if skin allergies and asthma are a problem for loved ones, using toxic substances may be doing more harm than good. So, why not give Mother Nature a go? Everyday things you can buy from the grocery store or pull off the tree are just as effective in getting off grime, and are cheaper in the long run.
White vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda are essential in every spring cleaner’s arsenal.
These products make cleaning a breeze as they are economical, eco-friendly, and are a good option for people with sensitive skin — and noses.
Bicarbonate of soda is one of nature’s best cleaners. Grab a damp sponge, dip one side in baking soda and use a bit of elbow grease to wipe down the shower. It’s non-abrasive, works well on kitchen counters, sinks and ovens, and is useful for getting rid of stubborn smells and stains on clothes.
Instead of opting for costly whitening products, add about a cup of baking soda per load of washing and enjoy the results.
Essential oils are not just for relaxing in the bath. Adding a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus or tea-tree oil in a washing cycle makes your clothes smell good. Dab a drop of your favourite oil onto a light bulb, so every time it’s switched on you get a lovely scent in the room.
White vinegar is a pantry must-have that’s cheap to buy. Add a cup of white vinegar and a cup of bleach each into a third-full washing machine and put it on a regular cycle. Or, if it’sreally grubby, leave it in to soak overnight.
To remove fluff from new towels, put a cup of vinegar into the final rinse of a washing cycle. Don’t worry about the smell, it go away when the towels are dry.
Vinegar is a great glass cleaner too. Mix one part vinegar to two parts water, add a dash of dishwashing liquid and a drop of lavender oil. Rub off with newspaper and you’re set.
Being a green goddess isn’t easy, but consider the rewards — it’s cheaper, you are less likely to gag at the smell of natural products, and it’s oh so chic to be environmentally friendly.
