Thrifty Spring Cleaning – Grandma’s Ways, For Modern Days!

Universal Cleaner

Ditch expensive supermarket cleaners and go for a hunt in your kitchen cupboards. Mix 50g bicarbonate of soda, 50ml lemon juice, one tablespoon salt, and a litre of cold water. Pour into a spray bottle and get to work.

Drain Unblocker

Are you tired of chemical-laden drain cleaners? Try a natural solution. Mix water, Borax, and washing soda to create a robust, eco-friendly remedy for regular maintenance and stubborn blockages. For regular cleaning, mix four tablespoons of Borax with 200ml water.

Get the grout out!

Bid farewell to bathroom mould with a homemade paste. Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar work wonders. Your bathroom sealant will look brand new with a bit of patience and a scrub.

Toilet TLC: Forget abrasive cleaners

Opt for a can of fizzy cola to tackle hard water marks in your toilet bowl. Let it sit, scrub away, and revel in a sparkling, eco-friendly result.

Dishwasher Loading Tips

Add scrunched foil for sparkling cutlery and use white vinegar as a rinse aid for machine cleaning.

Stainless Steel Shine

Reveal the brilliance of stainless-steel appliances with a mix of olive oil and vinegar. Apply the concoction with a soft cloth, and watch as smudges disappear, leaving a pristine shine.

Wooden Furniture Elixir

Nourish wooden furniture with equal parts olive oil and lemon juice. Wipe the mixture onto surfaces and witness a natural glow while the lemon adds a subtle, fresh scent.

Treasure Your Towels

Don’t waste money on kitchen papers; invest in some hardy absorbent cloths that you can clean with, then stick them in the washing machine when needed.

Microwave Magic

Tired of battling microwave stains? Fill a bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon. Microwave for five minutes, and let the steam loosen the grime. Wipe away effortlessly for a spotless interior.

Shiny Taps

Combat water stains on taps with a simple solution. Rub a cut lemon over the fixtures, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse. The acid works wonders for removing mineral deposits.

Gleaming Glassware

Restore the sparkle to your glassware by soaking it in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly for a crystal-clear finish.

Rust Removal

Say goodbye to rust on metal surfaces. Add a paste with lemon juice and salt to rusted areas, and let it sit for a couple of hours. Scrub away the paste to reveal a rust-free surface.

Natural Air Freshener

Banish stale odours from your home by simmering a pot of water with citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. This natural concoction will infuse your space with a delightful, inviting fragrance.

Grab a Grapefruit

Remove tough grease stains from pots and pans with grapefruit juice. Not only does it leave stuff sparkling, but it also contains antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Sparkling Silverware

Revive tarnished silverware effortlessly. Line a basin with aluminium foil, add boiling water, a tablespoon
of salt, and a dash of white vinegar. Immerse silverware for a few minutes, then witness the tarnish disappear.

DIY Air Purifier

Enhance indoor air quality by creating your own air purifier. Combine baking soda and a few drops of essential oil in a jar with holes in the lid. Place it strategically in your home to enjoy continuous natural freshness.

When Life Gives You Lemons

Use them to brighten your white garments. Soaking faded whites in lemon juice and hot water will leave them looking as good as new.

NorthernLife March/Apr/May 24