Just as in years gone by, herbs still have a place in our homes and can be used in simple homemade products that will clean, disinfect and polish household furniture. When your windows no longer give you a clear view of the world, this window and glass cleaner will leave your windows, and also your mirror, sparkling clean. As a bonus, it will help to keep flies out when used on external windows and glass doors. Place three teaspoons of dried lavender buds in a bowl, add two cups of boiling water, cover, steep overnight, then strain through muslin cloth, squeezing all liquid from the herbs.
Next, dissolve 12 drops of pure lavender oil in 20mls of methylated spirits, then blend it with the lavender water and drip it through coffee filter paper. Store the cleaner in a pump-spray bottle. Apply, as required, with a damp cloth, then buff it off with wads of clean newspaper.
Windows and mirrors can also be cleaned with wads of newspaper that have been wrung out in vinegar water. Dissolve 20mls of white vinegar in half-a-litre of water. Shine with wads of clean newspaper. An all-purpose disinfectant cleaner that can be used for most cleaning chores around the house can be made by dissolving 25 drops each of lavender and eucalyptus oil in 20mls of methylated spirits.
Blend the oil mixture and two tablespoons of laundry borax with one litre of warm water, then bottle for future use. Apply the all-purpose cleaner with a soft, clean cloth, then buff up with a second cloth.
To remove most stubborn stains and grease from carpets try this handy cleaning gel. Place leftover soap scraps in a saucepan, cover with water and allow to soak for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Bring to the boil over a medium heat, stirring continuously, then reduce to a simmer.
Whisk to completely dissolve the soap. Remove from the stove, allow to cool and for each cup of resultant soap-like jelly add two cups of talcum powder and two tablespoons of mineral turpentine. Mix well and store in a large, wide-mouthed container with a tight fitting lid.
To clean and polish all timber surfaces, use this natural furniture polish. It is an excellent product for people who suffer from asthma and dust allergies, because it picks up the dust instead of flicking it into the air. Thoroughly blend together 125mls of strained lemon juice, 250mls of raw linseed oil and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Store in a pump-spray bottle and apply with a slightly moistened, soft rag.
To remove light scratches from timber surfaces, apply equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar. Rub well into the scratch with a soft, dry cloth. The next time you have to clean your home, why not use the herbal alternative instead? Natural cleaning products are safe for humans and the environment.
