As you probably know, I've been a domestic cleaner for over 23 years and cleaning my own home for 26 years. I've tried just about every product available in that time with varying results. Sure, they might work but I'm not impressed with the fumes, cost and environmental impact.
If you came to visit my home you'll find it clean at all times. I don't use anything fancy and in the list below you'll see a reoccurring product or two that I DO use. It's super cheap too. Infact, it costs me 99 cents per bottle and lasts almost 2 years. Can you guess what it is ?
Here are 23 cleaning items I DO NOT BUY -
Foaming hand wash / liquid hand soap - I use a bar of soap or make foaming hand wash from cheap shower gel / shampoo.
Kitchen sponges - I knit my own or use old face washers.
Fabric softener - I just don't need it. Vinegar is a cheap alternative.
Dishwasher air fresheners - I clean the dishwasher once a month with bi carb and vinegar and clean the seals and filters with dishwashing liquid
Bin Liners - I use bread bags and shopping bags FREE
Window cleaner - I use a microfibre cloth ( or any cloth ) and water. If needed, I use vinegar
Toilet cleaner - I use diluted dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle and a cloth ( washed afterwards )
Disinfectant wipes - I use disinfectant sprayed on an old cloth / face washer.
Shower cleaner - I use diluted dishwashing liquid and a scourer. Mould killer is used once every few months.
Air freshener - I use cooled boiled water and lavender water / essential oils in a spray bottle
Toilet bowl fresheners / blocks - I just keep my toilets clean
Floor cleaner - I use a dash of vinegar and dishwashing liquid in hot water.
Clothes washing disinfectant - I just put a squirt of regular disinfectant into the wash if clothes are smelly.
Surface spray - I use diluted dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. ALMOST FREE
Stainless steel cleaner / wipes - I use diluted dishwashing liquid in a bottle and a cloth. Buff dry
Oven cleaner - I wipe the ovens out on a regular basis with diluted dishwashing liquid. I also use a little bi carb and vinegar on spills and a magic eraser on the doors.
Kettle de scaler - I use citric acid and fill the kettle up then boil. ALMOST FREE
Grout brushes - These damage the grouting over time. I use old toothbrushes FREE
Vanilla fridge spray - I clean the fridge out with soapy water and remove yucky food. I put lids on all containers with leftovers.
Carpet spot stain remover - I use dishwashing liquid or Miracle Spray on a microfibre cloth
Laundry powder / liquid - I make my own with laundry soap, bi carb and washing soda
Dishwasher rinse aid. - I just pour white vinegar into the rinse aid dispenser. It seems to work fine for me and I've been using it for years.
Washing machine cleaner - I use Epsom salts and run the machine on a long, hot wash. This piece of advice was given to my Mum by a washing machine repair man over 40 years ago.
If you boil half a lemon in your kettle then boil and refresh the water twice without, it will remove any build up.
ReplyDeleteGood day, a question from Holland: can I make the miracle spray without the eucalyptus oil? Greatings, Marian
ReplyDeleteYou can but you won't get the same stain removing power. The eucalyptus oil is also good for removing sticky residue of bottles and jars.
DeleteThank you
DeleteThat's a really useful list. I've started using the ubiquitous hand sanitiser on places like windows and mirrors and had some good results - Lyssa
ReplyDeleteRegular cleaning, dusting, wiping, and drying also prevents build-up, so you won't need harsh chemicals to get rid of nasty, dried-in, built-up spots.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic list Wendy.
ReplyDeleteKeep things simple is my motto. I very rarely go down the cleaners aisle, just do not use them anymore.
xTania