There are many simple and easy ways to make your own cleaning products and stain removers. These are often better for your health as well as being kinder to the environment.





Try out some of the tips below instead of buying buying expensive brand named products. If you still prefer to buy cleaning products then look for cheaper "no frills" type products and give them a try. They will cost much less and are often just as good as the more expensive brands!

		Oven cleaner Prepare a mixture of lemon juice and water in a bowl and then heat it in the microwave for a few seconds. Use this hot mixture to scrub the inside of your oven. You'll be surprised at how it will loosen stubborn stains and leave the interior smelling naturally fresh.
		Glass cleaner Vinegar is great for cleaning glass and removing smears. If you have an old spray bottle fill it with half vinegar and half water for a great window and mirror cleaner.
		Stain removers Apply washing up liquid to the stain on a garment, then wash in the machine as usual. This simple trick will remove most stains. Instead of using expensive cream cleaners try using a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth - it works just as well.

Vinegar
Vinegar is the penny pincher's dream! Both as a cleaner and disinfectant. You can wipe cupboards down with a vinegar-soaked cloth to help prevent mould.

White vinegar can be used to clean shower doors. You will be amazed! Wipe it on and leave to soak for a few minutes, rinse well and then polish dry.

Vinegar also cleans tiles and removes soapy residue on bathroom tiles.

Vinegar doesn't contain the toxins found in some more expensive cleaners.

Descale the kettle by boiling up a half-vinegar and half-water solution, leaving overnight.


Economise
Try using half a dishwasher tablet instead of the recommended whole one. The dishes come out just as clean.

Unless your clothes are very dirty then try using half the recommended amount of washing powder - see if you can tell the difference! Supermarket own brand washing products are just as good and much cheaper than the expensive brand name washing powders.

If you do need a special cleaning fluid for a particular job look for it in the bargain shops first like 99p stores, cheap supermarkets etc.

Scrape out remnants of washing powder on the box seams. It won't save you a fortune, but it will give you a warm feeling of thrift!

If you iron towels and underwear, ask yourself - why??