8 smarter, more cost-effective ways to clean your home

The task: tiles and grout 

The product: Citric Acid 

Because citric acid kills bacteria, mould and mildew, it’s a great all-round cleaner. Particularly effective at removing soap, scum and hard water stains, it’s one to store under your bathroom sink. To clean tiles and grout, add a couple of tablespoons of citric acid into a spray bottle filled with water and spray onto the affected areas. Let the product penetrate the grout for a few minutes before giving the area a good scrub with a stiff-bristles brush. This will make shorter work of one of the more tedious chores in the house. Just avoid citric acid on natural stones as it will cause damage.  

The task: toilet bowl 

The product: Citric Acid 

Just add a tablespoon of citric acid powder to the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes before flushing away. 

The task: burned pan 

The product: Bicarb Soda 

To clean a badly scorched pan without damaging it from over-scrubbing, cover the burned area with bicarb soda and pour enough boiling water to fill the pan almost halfway. When the water has cooled enough to tough, rub away the scorch with a sponge. Drain and wash with hot, soapy water as usual.  

The task: kitchen sink 

The products: Natural Castile Liquid Soap 

Castile Liquid Soap can be used to clean almost anything, plus it’s eco-friendly and gentle on your skin so you don’t have to worry about harming your health or the planet. In a spray bottle, mix 500mL of water with 30mL of castile soap and a few drops of tea tree essential oil for an all-purpose, anti-bacterial cleaner. Spray and wipe the sink free of bacteria and food particles after each use to avoid the build-up of grime and harmful germs. 

The task: wood and stone flooring 

The product: Natural Castile Liquid Soap 

Wood and natural stone flooring are easily damaged by many commercial products. Castile liquid soap is gentle enough to be used on almost any surface; simply mix 120mL of castile soap in a bucket of hot water. Use a microfibre mop and wring thoroughly before mopping.  

The task: dirty walls 

The product: Natural Castile Liquid Soap 

If you have kids, dirty fingerprints and food-spattered walls are probably your cleaning bugbear. To avoid damaging your walls, use a gentle cleaner like castile liquid soap. Add ¼ cup to a bucket of hot water and use a microfibre cloth to gentle rub away any dirt, grime and marks.  

The task: sponge and toothbrush holder 

The products: White Vinegar 10% 

If your sponge or toothbrush holder has developed mould or bacteria build-up, use a toothbrush dipped in white vinegar to scrub it away. Rinse away and wash with hot, soapy water to finish.  

The task: stovetop 

The product: White Vinegar 10% 

To tackle the baked-on grease on your stovetop, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on and rub with a non-scratch sponge. When cleaning stainless steel, scrub with the grain, rather than in a circular motion, to avoid scratching, and allow the product, rather than force, to do the bulk of the cleaning work. Wipe any residue away with a clean, dry cloth.