Lynsey, Queen of Clean - How To Clean Your House

Try to use smaller bottles when mixing your own products. I love to use 500 ml bottles – this size will give me enough product to last for a few weeks.

BENEFITS OF MAKING YOUR OWN PRODUCTS

You control the ingredients.

They are cost effective (especially if you buy the ingredients in bulk).

Fewer chemical toxins means safe cleaning (particularly if you have pets or children).

Improved air quality.

Reduced probability of triggering asthma and allergies.

You will need:

Spray bottles (these can be recycled from existing store-bought products. Simply remove the labels, wash them out well and allow to dry)

Adhesive labels

Water

Lemons

Bicarbonate of soda

White wine vinegar

Soda crystals

Essential oils

TIPS FOR HOMEMADE PRODUCTS

Use 500 ml spray bottles for your homemade products.

Label all products clearly.

Use single-use products immediately and discard any product left over.

Other products will keep for a few weeks, but discard after 3 months.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

Mix 120 ml/½ cup white wine vinegar and 50 g/¼ cup bicarbonate of soda into 2 litres/8 cups water. Mix until completely dissolved. Decant into a labelled spray bottle.

Use this solution for the removal of water marks on shower panels and bathroom chrome fixtures, and to clean windows and mirrors. Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe with a damp microfibre cloth.

WOODEN FURNITURE POLISH

I am often asked about how to clean real wood surfaces. Some of the products on the market are just far too abrasive and can take the colour out of the wood or damage fine polished surfaces. Using a natural cleaner will ensure your wooden surfaces are well looked after.

This simple, quick and easy polish won’t cause any damage at all. Simply fill an empty spray bottle with 4 teaspoons olive oil, 4 teaspoons white wine vinegar and 10 drops of lemon essential oil and shake really well. A few sprays and a rub with a soft microfibre cloth and… voila! You will be left with the perfect finish.

NOTE: this polish is single use. Do all your woodwork on the same day to get full use of the solution.

AIR FRESHENERS

Air fresheners are commonly used to mask bad smells within the home, however they don’t actually get rid of the smell altogether. Many of my natural solutions will absorb and remove the nasty odours for fresher, healthier air.

Dot bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers around the house.

A mixture of bicarbonate of soda or white wine vinegar with a hint of lemon juice placed in small dishes around the house will absorb unpleasant odours.

Put 3 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda and 8 drops of your favourite essential oil into a spray bottle and top up with water for a homemade deodorising spray.

House plants help to reduce odours in the home.

Prevent cooking odours by simmering 1 tablespoon vinegar in 1 cup water on the stove while cooking. Alternatively, simmer some cinnamon or other aromatic spices.

To remove particularly pungent smells like fish and onions from utensils and cutting boards, wipe them over with vinegar, then wash them in soapy water.

A halved onion left in the corner of a room will help absorb odours quickly.

Keep fresh coffee grounds on your kitchen worktop.

Freshen up your kitchen bin by dropping in slices of lemon.

FABRIC REFRESHER

You can make your own fabric spray to refresh your sofas, carpets, curtains and other fabric surfaces. Half-fill a spray bottle with boiling water, add 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of your favourite essential oil, shake to mix and leave for about 30 minutes for the mixture to infuse. Always spray items from a distance of at least 20 cm/8 inches and be careful around pets and children.

CARPET REFRESHER

For the freshest carpet, add 15 drops of your favourite essential oil to 200 g/1 cup bicarbonate of soda. Using a sieve, liberally sprinkle the mixture all over your carpet or rug, leave for a few hours, then vacuum it up.

This is one of my favourite tips; I do it myself once a week!

CARPET STAIN REMOVER

Mix equal parts white wine vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the stain, let sit for several minutes, then clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.

For fresh grease spots, sprinkle cornstarch (cornflour) onto the spot and leave for 15–30 minutes before vacuuming.

For a heavy-duty carpet cleaner, mix together 50 g/¼ cup salt, 50 g/¼ cup soda crystals and 60 ml/¼ cup white wine vinegar. Mix into a paste then rub into the carpet stain and leave it for a few hours. Vacuum it off.