Cleaning

We buy lots of products to clean the house, the bathroom in particular. Many of these are based on old-fashioned recipes, so why not make your own? You’ll save money, and know that you are using safe products to look after your family’s health.

If you’re using greywater for your garden then this is even more important, as household chemicals could harm your plants. By making your own cleaning products, you’ll also ensure that fewer chemicals get washed down our sewage systems.

Getting the most out of bathroom cleaners

Old-fashioned cleaners still do the job; it’s just that we stopped bothering to make up the cleaners we need, and let industry mix them up for us.

You can make effective cleaners for just a few cents, using ingredients you probably already have around the home. Making your own cleaners when you need them ensures you always have the products you need to protect your family’s health.

And the same concern about excess chemicals applies to our soaps and shampoos too. Every year, we absorb chemicals from the personal care products we use. Look for natural soaps, cleansers and shampoos that are based on plant ingredients and which don’t contain synthetic fragrances or artificial colours.

How to make your own cleaners

Bathtub and tile cleaner

• 1 1/2 cups bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 1/2 cup pure soap powder
• 1/2 cup water

Mix bicarb and soap in a spray bottle. Add water and vinegar; stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Shake well before use. This is also safe to use on the bathroom sink and cabinets.

Toilet cleaner

• 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda
• 1 cup white vinegar

Mix bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray onto the porcelain, leave for a few minutes then scrub off.

Spray deodoriser

• white vinegar
• water
• essential oil (a few drops of your favourite oil)

Fill up a spray bottle with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar, add oil and shake. Shake well before each use.

Floor cleaner

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 5 litres of water (hot)
• essential oil (a few drops)

Mix ingredients in a 10-litre bucket. Mop floor.

Drains can be kept clean using a mix of bicarbonate of soda and salt. A wad of newspaper dipped in a little eucalyptus oil will clean the bathroom mirror without leaving streaks, and keep it fog-free.