The use of powerful cleaning solutions bought off the shelf is so rampant that people have forgotten about conventional cleaning products that can do the job just as well. These products are much cheaper and definitely better for the environment.

Baking soda, for example, is a great cleaning product and deodoriser. It cleans stainless steel items remarkably well. When made into a paste with lemon juice and vinegar, it becomes a wonderful multipurpose cleaner and stain remover. Sprinkling some baking soda on carpets a few minutes before vacuuming it works amazingly well to remove stains and odours.

Lemon juice is a great stain remover. The mild acid in it acts as a bleaching agent and helps dissolve grease. It removes stains from brass, copper, stainless steel and from fabrics.

White vinegar is another natural cleaner and deodoriser. It is great to clean glass and to remove stains from a whole lot of products like furniture, upholstery, bathroom tiles, and pots and pans among others.

So the next time you feel the need for a cleaning solution, check your kitchen store first.

Most people forget about their cleaning equipments and tools once the cleaning is done. Piling them into cupboards or in a corner somewhere is the usual practice. The result – tools get damaged easily and have to be replaced frequently. Apart from generating unnecessary waste harmful to the environment, it also costs money. However, with proper maintenance and storage you can ensure that they last longer and work better.

Always remember to clean the tools before putting them away. Make sure to dry out mops, sponges, scrubs and wash clothes after use, otherwise they become perfect habitat for mould and bacteria. Brushes and brooms, if not stored right, can lose their bristles or have them bent out of shape. With vacuum cleaners and dehumidifiers, it is important to clean out the filters regularly. Also remove any debris or hair on the bristles before use.

It is always better to repair or replace damaged parts or items immediately lest you forget.