Month: April 2020

This is one from my collection of poems that I find meaningful, especially for when times are tougher than usual. Hope you like it too.

With CoVid-19 still running rampant at the time of writing this post, many of our stores are running out of cleaning products, so thought it’s be a good time to remember some of the old DIY recipes so we can make some ourselves.

Vinegar cleaner

All-purpose and long-lasting, this removes grease and dirt. Ideal for stainless steel sinks, tiled and timber surfaces and plastic finishes such as fridge shelves and phones.

• 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 25 drops eucalyptus oil

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use, spray onto a soft damp cloth and rub. No need to rinse.

Lavender disinfectant

Keeps bathroom surfaces safe and smelling sweet. It also makes a marvellous spray when ironing bed linen.

• 25 drops lavender essential oil
  • 2 tbsp methylated spirits or vodka
  • 500ml distilled water

Add the oil to the alcohol in a clean, dry bottle and leave to dissolve for 24 hours. Add water and decant into a spray bottle. Shake thoroughly before use.

Scouring paste

This is the simplest cleaner of all for sinks, oven doors, stovetops and inside mugs.

• 4 tbsp bicarb
• 1 tbsp water

Mix the ingredients into a stiff paste and apply with a damp sponge. Buff with a dry cloth.

Bicarb cleaner

A general cleaner, this is safe for use anywhere in the home.

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 tsp pure soap flakes
  • squeeze of lemon or dash of white vinegar
  • 1 cup warm water

Mix ingredients and shake until soap is dissolved. Spray and wipe with a sponge.