There are many thousands of different cleaning products on sale, many at an extortionate price. Why throw away your money on these when there are cheaper or free alternatives available.
Below is a collection of ideas which will improve your cleaning and save you money!
Woo takes the safety of its viewers very seriously, and it would be irresponsible not to highlight any dangers involved. Please read the warnings on this page and visit the Home Safety and Dangers in the home pages to ensure you and your family are kept safe.
We all use a wide variety of cleaning agents to make our homes spotless and smelling fresh, however there are dangers in doing this, and before we start on the cleaning tips I feel it is important that we all understand the risks of using multi-chemicals in our cleaning routines. Some chemicals in propriatary cleaners can react against others, some can cause explosions, others can cause instant gases which can result in death.
Old toothbrushes are indispensible in your cleaning kit. They get where cloths and sponges cant reach when cleaning around the base of taps, or sink & bath overflow outlets. They are ideal to clean the slats and blades of extractor fans, around the hinges of toilet seat lids, and for getting carpet fluff and dirt from the base of skirting boards. They make cleaning microwave ovens and fridges much easier simple and get right into the corners of square kitchen containers and when cleaning jars.
NEVER PUT CRYSTAL GLASS IN A DISHWASHER!
Over time Crystal glass washed in this way will acquire a hazy white film which is unable to be removed, only place cheap glasses in a dishwasher.
Cloudy glasses can be tackled by soaking in warm (NOT HOT!) vinegar and then scrubbing them with white toothpaste. If either of these two methods do not work then your glasses are probably scratched by the dishwasher detergents and have become unsalvagable.
Are your mirrors or window glass cloudy? Greasy from cigarette smoke, heat from central heating, from the burning of aroma candles or oil burners, or sooty from an open fire?
Everytime we breathe we expire moisture which have our own body oils in them, this gradually builds up on surfaces and acrs as a magnet gathering not just dust and dirt, but also germs which then generate spores which irritate our respiratory tract and lungs, increasing the effects of Asthma and Bronchitis.
Using white vinegar in the cleaning water will help disolve the grease and it also acts as a natural disinfectant to combat the spores.
To remove a larger build up of dirt and grime mix up a paste of cheap Cornflour from the kitchen cupboard, cover the window, mirror or glass table top and leave for 20 minutes, then wipe off with a piece of kitchen roll or newspaper, then cleanand buff with a lint free cloth.
There are many ways to clean jewelery, sonic cleaning devices, silver dips, but you have to be careful that they will not scratch gem stones or cause damage.
IF CLEANING IN A SINK, MAKE SURE YOU FIRST PUT THE PLUG IN TO SAVE LOSING ANYTHING !
Clean your jewelry quickly by popping into a glass of warm water and add a Alka-Seltzer tablet, alternatively you can use a 'Sterident' tablet which will bring your jewelry up nice and shiny. BUT THIS IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PEARL'S OR OPALS.
Amethysts; Diamonds; Ruby's or Sapphires can be cleaned in washing up liquid and warm water or a mix of washing powder that has been previously dissolved in warm water. Use a small paintbrush or make-up brush to gently scrub then rinse in clean lukewarm water. Dip into surgical spirit to remove any soap residue and buff gently witha chamois leather.
Turquoise and Emeralds are pourous, so keep them out of the water and polish with a chamois leather instead.
Has your little angel become the next 'Banksy' and added to your nice clean walls with their crayons?
Wax crayons may look so innocent, but they are virtually bomb proof when on walls.
If the wall surface allows spray a little WD-40 onto the crayon stains and immediately wipe away.
Fabrics:- scrape off what you can then dab with Methylated spirit, then rinse.
Vinyl Wallpaper:- Wipe with damp cloth or try a proprietry stain remover.
Painted Walls or Wallpaper:- Gently scratch surface then repaint or patch the wallpaper.
Scrape out what you can with a plastic not metal scraper, then cover the base with cheap supermarket Cola, slowly heating until it bubbles, leave to simmer for a few minutes before washing away. For badly burnt pans a few applications may be needed, and any stubborn marks removed with a non-scratch scourer.
Lets be honest, how many of us even think about cleaning our wardrobe?
Although most of the time our wardrobes remain closed keeping its contents out of sight, dust still collects inside and it is the last place we tend to run the vacuum cleaner around.
The dust is partly formed by discarded skin cells, and along from the heat from freshly washed and ironed clothing it becomes the ideal breeding ground for Textile Mites, these not only eat away at the fibres of your clothing but leave behind their faeces which harbor many germs which can affect our breathing and promote Asthma and other Bronchial conditions.
Empty and vacuum the bas frequently and wipe with a damp cloth dipped in warm water which includes half a capfull of fabric conditioner, this will help repel the mites and make it smell fresh.
Buy a small piece of Cedarwood from the local woodstore, bore a hole and fit with a piece of string or ribbon, hanging this in the wardrobe will not only make it smell nice but will chase off textile mites and moths. Re-scratch the wood every few weeks so that it keeps giving off its aroma.
Using cheap polythene suit / dress covers available in the pound shop will also help protect clothing, or save room by using vacuum bags for bulky jumpers and cardigans.
While you are cleaning those wax crayon marks from your living room wall, check to see if your little angel modified your nice new Italian Leather sofa with blue biro ink grafitti or a picture of Mummy.
ALWAYS BE CAREFUL TO TEST ON A AREA THAT DOES NOT SHOW FIRST!
Spray the area with Hairspray till a small puddle forms on the top, immediately dab with kitchen roll to absorb it, then clean the area with 'Saddle Soap' which not only cleans but also conditions the Leather keeping it flexible and stops it from drying out and cracking. Poundshops also stock spray on 'Leather Cleaner' which includes a conditioner for this purpose.
MIX UP:- 7 cups of water, 1/2 cup Baking Soda, 1/3 cup of Lemon Juice, 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
Mix well and decant into a spray bottle, spray floor or wall tiles and let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Removing pet or human hair from a carpet or material based furniturecan often be too much for your carpet cleaner, even the best ones designed for that purpose.
Use a window squeegee to firmly brush against the weave of the carpet fibres, choose a squeegee designed for cars as these tend to have a thicker and more comfortable grip allowing more pressure.
Then use a rubber 'Marigold' cleaning glove and drag it across the surface, it will be easier to get into creases and corners. Using such a glove is also a good way of removing hair from clothing.
MIX UP:-
1/2 cup of White Vinegar.
1/2 cup of Olive Oil.
Mix well then rub well into wood using a piece of kitchen towel, leave to dry and then buff off with clean cloth or duster.
For scratches, rub a Walnut into the scratch, this will fill the indentation and help to re-colour.
This should remove most of the heat stains and scratches made by your mug of Tea
Permanent marker can be removed using toothpaste.
Soft pink lightly abrasive paste that cleans almost anything.
Solvent free cleaner that can be used on plastics and metal finishes.
White Vinegar is a very versatile cleaner and safe to use on most surfaces.
Not just for cooking cakes, will deep clean many materials.
Cleans and protects wooden furniture.
Designed to break down make-up this can clean many other things and does not leave streaks
A very good degreaser, nice smell and kills most bacteria. Ideal for kitchen & bathroom.
Tap water tends to leave marks due to lime deposits, which will leave glass streaky, it will also create build up in coffee machines and kettles. Mineral water is a cheaper alternative to Micellar water.
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iTS NOT JUST FOR LOOSENING TIGHT NUTS!
Most of us have used WD-40 at some point to free sticking nuts and bolts or to lubricate door hinges, but this clever spray has many more uses around the home.
Shower Cubicles: - use with a cloth to remove the water staining on the inside.
Chewing Gum Remover: - Insert nozzle under gum on carpet and soak, gum comes off easy and carpet wipes clean.
Hob Cleaner: - Removes the baked food and grime from hobs, and cleans the hot plates.
Paint & Scratch Remover: - Can remove spray paint and small scratches from cars.
Watch the videos below to find out many other uses
1. Cleans and protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floor that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps the flies off of Cows, Horses, and other Farm Critters, as well. (Ya gotta love this one!!!)
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewellery chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic / terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
But there are many many more!
