by Elspeth Raisbeck

Created on: November 23, 2010

‘Woman’s work! Housework is the hardest work in the world.  That’s why men won’t do it.”  Edna Ferber (1887-1968)

Ok, so in the enlightened age of the New Man, that is perhaps a little harsh.  But no matter who does the domestic chores, here are some modern money-saving tips using eco-friendly cleaners that will make them easier.

Bicarbonate of soda is a useful household cleaner.  Use it for:

Deodorising a mattress or carpet or other non-washable soft furnishings.  Sprinkle it on, leave for an hour or so and vacuum up.

Reducing odour in the cat litter tray: spread a thin layer on the bottom of the tray and then add the litter.

Getting rid of burned-on food from dishes and pans.  Fill the pan with hot water and add a tablespoon of bicarb.  Leave to soak.  If the pan is scorched then use warm water, add a few tablespoons of bicarb and boil until the scorching lifts or softens so that it can be removed.

Use lemon juice to:

Get rid of fruit juice from linen or cotton.  Leave it to soak into the stain for about 30 minutes (test on an inconspicuous area first) and then wash as normal.

Eliminate blue/green water staining in the bath or shower by wiping the cut side of a lemon over the area; leave and then rinse off.

Shine up chrome surfaces – wipe on and buff off.  Simple.

Use distilled white vinegar to:

Descale a shower head.  Pour undiluted vinegar into a plastic bag; leave the shower head submerged in the bag to soak overnight and rinse off.

Clean out a steam iron.  Fill the iron with equal amounts of water and vinegar and let it steam for about 5 minutes.  Then unplug it and leave to sit upright for an hour.  Empty, rinse well with cold water and check there’s no residue by ironing an old cloth.

Clean windows or tiles: use diluted in an old spray bottle.

Use glycerine (available from the pharmacy) for:

Removing grass stains from clothing.  Work it into the stain, leave for 30 minutes and wash in the normal way.

Removing lipstick from serviettes.  See above.

Softening pieces of old soap so that they can then be steamed over boiling water, left to cool and moulded into a fresh tablet.

Make a good de-greaser by combining 600ml distilled white vinegar, 300ml water and a few drops of eucalyptus oil.  Put it into an old spray-top bottle and use to get rid of grease and grime on stainless steel, sinks, tiles and phones.

Use old tooth brushes

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