What you'll need: 4 tablespoons baking soda 1 quarter warm water This multipurpose cleaner can be used on kitchen counters, on white goods & appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator, all you need is baking soda & water. It makes a great deodorizer and can be used to shine stainless steel too. To deodorize drains or remove odours use the baking soda neat. For shining stainless steel make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it with a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse and buff dry.

What you’ll need: 1 cup of water 1 quarter of a cup of vinegar 8 drops of tea tree oil 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil 8 drops of lemon essential oil Empty baby wipe container 15-20 squares of cloth (can use old tea towel, dish cloths or t-shirts)

What you’ll need: 2 cups of water 2 tablespoons of white vinegar 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol 5 drops of peppermint essential oils 24oz spray bottle Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle, shake up the contents & use a micro fibre cloth to shine up your glass.

Lemon - fights bacteria, removes stains Olive oil – ideal for polishing furniture it’s also great for loosening up stains & removing grime of surfaces. Salt – great for scouring also add it to your other ingredients to boost their effectiveness. Essential oils – for a great smelling house you can use natural anti-bacterial essential oils such as lavender, tea tree & lemon.

1. To soften splatters inside the microwave, fill a cup with water and microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any baked on food so you can easily wipe it clean.

2. Allow burner rings from the hob to soak in a sink full of hot, soapy water. This will loosen the dirt and make them easier to clean.

3. Spray oven racks in a plastic rubbish bag for easier cleaning.

4. Dishcloths and sponges can be incubators for germs. Regularly put dishcloths in the washing machine, and microwave damp sponges on high for several minutes to kill bacteria.

1. Change the vacuum bag as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain maximum suction.

2. If your vacuum has poor suction it might be the result of a blocked hose. To check for a blockage, disconnect the hose and drop a penny down it. If the penny falls out, it is unlikely that your hose is the problem.

3. A small hand-held vacuum with a beater bar is useful for vacuuming upholstery and carpeted stairs.

4. Check beneath furniture before vacuuming to ensure you do not vacuum up small items such as toys, jewellery, coins, etc.

5. Ensure the correct vacuum attachment is used for the floor surface you are cleaning.

1. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around soap holders, taps and drains.

2. Add a fabric softener sheet to bins to avoid odours.

3. Foggy mirrors can be restored, by rubbing a small amount of glycerine onto the surface.

4. A small window squeegee used on tiled walls after each shower will slow the formation of water spots.

5. To unclog lime scale from showerheads, remove and soak the head in boiling water and vinegar.

6. It will be much easier and less time consuming to clean the bathroom if it is done on a regular basis as this will prevent the build-up of mildew and soap scum.

7. Vacuum or sweep the bathroom floor to collect any loose hair, dust and dirt prior to washing it. Remove mats, bins and any other items on the floor that may get in the way.

1. When removing pet hair using a damp cloth or rubber gloves will remove pet hair from most fabrics.

2. Sweep or vacuum floors first to collect crumbs and dirt before damp mopping. Start washing the floor in the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door.

3. Use a cloth on the end of a mop handle to reach the narrow space between appliances.

4. A plastic hairbrush will straighten the fringe on carpets. Comb the carpet fringe away from the centre of the carpet.

5. Place a mat inside and outside each entrance to your home to reduce the dirt brought in on shoes and boots.

6. Protect your floors and furniture by preventing surface damage. Never set wet cloths, bottles, buckets, or damp mops on furniture, hardwood floors, carpet or marble.