Alternative Cleaning Agents

Some of the old-fashioned cleaning methods work just as well as the latest products, and at just a fraction of the cost.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is good for removing unpleasant smells.

For removing odor from fabrics, dampen area, sprinkle on baking soda, leave for 30 minutes or longer, then launder.
On carpets that smell, make sure thta the carpet is dry, sprinkle baking soda generously and leave for at least 30 minutes (overnight in severe cases) before vacuuming off.
For smooth surfaces, such as inside a fridge or freezer, wet area slightly, sprinkle on baking soda, leave for 30 minutes, then wipe off with a wet cloth. Alternatively, sprinkle onto a damp sponge, wipe round, then rinse off.

Bread

Stale bread, rubbed on gently, can clean dirty marks from wallpaper or leather.

Ice

Ice cubes applied to fresh grease spots on a wooden floor will harden the grease, which can then be gently scraped off with a round-edged knife.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice and vegetable oil in equal parts is a good mixture for treating furniture scratches. Rub gently into the scratches with a soft cloth. A blend of two parts oil to one part lemon juice makes an effective and fragrant furniture polish.

Methylated Spirits

Methylated spirit removes grease and grime from telephones and piano keys. A little on a damp cloth gives extra shine to mirrors and glass.

Mustard Powder

Mustard powder and water can deodorize bottles and jars. Just rinse -� no need to soak.

Salt

Salt can prove very handy.

Revive dingy carpets by sprinkling salt generously, leaving for an hour or two, then vacuuming.
To get rid of black stains left by eggs on flatware, rub the area with a damp cloth sprinkled with salt.
To unblock drains without using a caustic cleaner, pour in 2 1/2 oz salt and 2 1/2 oz baking soda, followed by 2 pints of boiling water. Leave overnight, then flush thoroughly with water. Don't use this remedy if a proprietary drain-cleaner has already been tried.

Vinegar

Vinegar is very versatile:

To slow grease build-up, wipe out your oven with a cloth dampened with water and vinegar.
Paint white vinegar onto stubborn price tags on china and glass. Leave to soak in, then rub the tag off.
As an alternative to the salt drain cleaner, try 2 1/2 oz baking soda and 3 1/2 fl oz white vinegar. Cover drain and leave for a few minutes, then pour boiling water down to flush. Don't use this remedy if a proprietary drain-cleaner has already been used.
Cover limescale deposits round taps and plugholes with paper towel soaked in vinegar. Leave for an hour, then scrape off the softened scale using a blunt knife tip. Another method is to use a flour and vinegar paste.
Wash dull kitchen floors with a solution 7 fl oz vinegar in 4 pints of water.
For streak-free windows, wash with a mixture of equal parts warm water and white vinegar, and dry with a soft cloth. Don't clean windows when the sun is shining on them.
To unblock a clogged shower head, soak for an hour in a solution of equal parts hot water and white vinegar.