cleaning tips and tools: Interior: natural cleaners

1.23.2021

Interior: natural cleaners

Deliberately: 12:03 p.m. GMT, January 24, 2021 | Updated: 12:03 p.m. GMT, January 24, 2021

From a salt scrub for chopping up vinegar and lemon for your work surfaces to cleaning products, Harriet Birrell's DIY natural health experts are easy to make.

Before you go shopping, label your glasses with what you want to put in them. It helps you get exactly what you need, saving you money and waste.

Making your own household cleaning products can be quick, easy, and affordable. Once you have the basics in your pantry (think everyday items like lemon, coarse salt, and vinegar), you can mix, refill, or replace your potions in minutes, eliminating harsh detergents and drying at the same time.

A quick tip: store your mixes in clear jars and recycled containers in a cool, dry place so they will last longer. Choose durable varieties like glass, ceramic pots and stainless steel lunch boxes for a long life ( lakeland.co.uk sells a wide range).

Clearly label your DIY mix with the name of the product and the date of manufacture. (Use a permanent marker or just write it on a label and tie it to the top of the container.)

Keep frequently used items close at hand on kitchen shelves to see everything in one place. Most of these ingredients last six months before needing to be replaced. However, you can also make smaller batches to save space.

The recipes here have everything you need to create a quiet and clean home.

This is an edited excerpt from Home by Natural Harry by Harriet Birrell, published by Hardie Grant, priced at £ 16.99. To a copy for £ 14.95 until February 7 order , go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call on 020 3308 9,193th Free shipping on orders over £ 15

Cutting board cleaner

Cleaning your boards regularly with this simple mixture will help remove stains and is a great way to freshen them up quickly. Try you for a similar cutting board heals.com .

Enough to clean a medium-sized cutting board

ingredients

1 tablespoon of coarse salt

Half a lemon

Sprinkle the salt on the surface of the cutting board. Squeeze the lemon and rub the wood to remove stains. Rinse well and let dry.

Surface spray

Not only does it help disinfect all types of surfaces, it also smells incredibly fresh with shards of eucalyptus and lemon. It's great for post-meal cleaning as it eliminates kitchen odors.

Preparation time 2 minutes

Makes 500 ml

Equipment Amber spray bottle and funnel (250 ml)

ingredients

250 ml of filtered water

240 ml cleaning vinegar

Juice of 1 lemon, drained

20 drops of lemon essential oil

10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle. Put the cap back on and shake it. Store in a cool, dark place.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE Spray on the surface to be cleaned and wipe with a clean cloth.

cleaning supplies

For stubborn stains from dirt, grease and rust, this natural dish soap is just as effective as store-bought versions. The basic ingredients allow you to quickly make a new batch every time they run out. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent.

Preparation time 2 minutes

Makes about 230g

Kit 1 medium bowl, mixing spoon and airtight glass

ingredients

180 g baking powder

20 drops of essential oil or lemon juice (optional)

10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

3 tablespoons of pure Castilian liquid soap and more if necessary

In a bowl, combine the baking soda and essential oils. While stirring, slowly pour in the Castilian soap and mix until a smooth paste is formed. Transfer to a small airtight container or similar container for storage. It can dry out for long periods of time - if this happens add more Castilian soap and mix.