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Home cleaning tips

Adopt a greener approach to your home cleaning. With a little ingenuity, consideration for the planet and a bit of elbow grease, it's possible to save a great deal of money and and keep you home clean and fresh. The good news is you don't need harmful chemical products to keep your home clean.


Washing Machine

Washing machines often work overtime and can become clogged – compromising their ability to make laundry fresh and wasting water and energy. Follow these tips for how to clean a washing machine.

1. First check the filter for coins or rubbish, then check the hose for any blockages.

2. Remove the soap drawer and give it a good scrub in warm water; sticky residue indicates you could be overfilling it.

3. A routine maintenance wash will keep things in good order. Do a full wash (empty) at the hottest temperature, then wipe down the drum and door with warm, soapy water and dry. Leave the door ajar to prevent damp, but keep pets and children clear.

Clean Venetian blinds

1. The best way to clean wooden or aluminium blinds is to don an old (clean) sock on each hand and give individual slats a wipe over. Dry socks work best, particularly with aluminium venetians, as a wet cloth will leave streaky marks.

2. Regular dusting with a feather duster will prevent dust from building up on the slats. Once a month give blinds a cleaning with the upholstery attachment and your vacuum cleaner.

Remove stale odours

Baking soda is nontoxic and eco-friendly and can be used to remove odours from upholstery and carpets. Adding a small amount of baking soda to your washing will remove grease and keep your washing machine clean.

Remove lime scale

White vinegar is a great way to avoid using harsh chemicals when it comes to keeping your shower clean.

1. Before you step in the shower and turn on the water, spray the shower door with full-strength vinegar to help ensure hard water deposits won't stick to glass.

2. Clean grout by letting full-strength vinegar sit on it for a few minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush.

3. Clean your microwave by bringing 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water to a boil inside (remember to use a microwave safe bowl). Anything inside will just wipe clean.

4. Remove odours from your fridge with 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Place in the frige and leave overnight.

Lemon-fresh cleaner

The acid in lemon juice makes a natural bleach alternative.

1. Remove stains from a countertop by allowing lemon juice to sit on the stain for five minutes. Scrub with baking soda and watch the stain disappear.

2. Refresh and clean a bread board with coarse salt sprinkled over the board and scrub with half a lemon. Wash with hot soapy water and dry immediately.

Cleaning your oven

Put a ban on chemical sprays for cleaning the oven and go back to traditional methods.

1. Remove racks and soak in hot soapy water before scrubbing with a scourer.

2. Set oven to its highest temperature then leave for at least two hours before switching off. Once completely cooled, wipe interior with a damp cloth.

3. To remove lingering food or greasy residue, mix bicarbonate of soda with a little coarse salt and white vinegar to form a paste. Spread over the interior and leave overnight. Remove with a spatula.