When spring cleaning try to ditch toxic cleaners and go for more natural options.
Assemble a natural cleaning kit – most of these ingredients can be found in your local supermarket.
In the living room
Furniture polish: Use olive oil for unvarnished or unpainted furniture. Spread lightly and dry with clean cloth. For varnished or lacquered wood, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 litre of water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly and dry with a clean cloth.
Carpet cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda on carpet before vacuuming to deodorise. To remove stains, make a spray from 1/4 cup of borax and 2 cups of water. Spray on and wipe off with a damp sponge. Alternatively, immediately rub with soda water, or sprinkle salt or corn flour on the stain and vacuum after 30 minutes.
In the bathroom
Bowl cleaner: Make a paste from borax and lemon juice for cleaning toilet bowls.
All-purpose cleaner: Clean tiles, sinks, toilets and baths with baking soda, using a damp cloth.
Grout & mildew cleaner: Dip an old toothbrush in vinegar and scrub the tile grout to remove mildew and mould and prevent new growth.
In the kitchen
Dishwashing detergent: Use pure soap to wash dishes and add white vinegar to the rinse water to give glasses extra shine.
Oven cleaner: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of washing soda in 1 litre of warm water. Spray on, wait 20 minutes and clean. For tough stains, scrub with steel wool and baking soda.
Pot cleaner: To remove burnt-on food, cover the burnt area with water, add two teaspoons of baking soda and bring to the boil. Leave to cool and scrape off.