There’s a vast array of synthetic cleaning products available in supermarkets today, some with hefty price tags. Many were originally modelled on existing natural cleaning products, all of which can still be used to help keep your home clean and germ-free.
You can buy most cleaning products at the local pharmacy or supermarket, and you can easily mix up the solutions yourself. But wear gloves and a face mask when working with ammonia, talcum powder or turpentine products. Avoid swallowing, breathing or absorbing them through your skin, and store your homemade cleaning materials in well-labelled containers out of reach of children (just as you would with products you buy). It’s a good idea to check their shelf life regularly.
Glycerin
This colourless, odourless and thick non-toxic alcohol is commonly used in personal-care and pharmaceutical products such as cosmetics, soaps and toothpaste, as well as in certain food products. Glycerin, in its pure form, can be used to treat a number of minor medical conditions including calluses, bedsores, rashes and cuts. But it’s usually used at home to soften up tough, dried-on fabrics stains from substances such as coffee, berries and lipstick. It’s also used as an antifreeze on windowpanes -- rub windows with glycerin before the temperature drops and they won’t freeze over.
Vinegar
Vinegar doesn’t just liven up your salad, it’s also an excellent natural cleaning product, disinfectant and deodoriser. To make an all-purpose cleaner for tables, benchtops, baths and tiles, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, or pour the substances directly into the toilet bowl to remove discolouration. Make sure to test it on an inconspicuous area before use. Vinegar should never be used on marble and, when improperly diluted, may eat away at tile grout.
Turpentine
Turpentine oil, produced by distilled turpentine, is effective for dissolving grease. The colourless-to-yellowish fluid has numerous applications in the home – as a floor polish, a shoe polish or a solvent for stain removal. Don’t dispose turpentine products by pouring them down the drain, which is damaging to pipes and the environment. Ask your local authority about proper disposal methods.
Warning: Exposure to turpentine through splashes, inhalation of fumes or swallowing can lead to serious health problems. Wear protective clothing, including a face mask, and ensure a room is well-ventilated if you’re using it. For many applications, it’s cheaper and just as effective to use white spirit, which is derived from petroleum, to do the same jobs.
Talc
Talc is the softest mineral that is also known as soapstone. You can use it as a gentle scrubbing agent, to treat rubber seals or silence squeaky wooden floorboards and stairs. But be careful not to breathe it in, as the substance can cause inflammation in your breathing passages.
Ammonia
Ammonia has been used in everything from fertilizer to rocket fuel. That may make it sound like a dangerous chemical but, in fact, ammonia has also been used for a long time as a household cleaner. Use liquid ammonia at home for stain removal or for cleaning stainless steel, glass and porcelain – it leaves a streak-free shine. It’s also used to combat mould and pests. But be careful – don’t breathe in the fumes or swallow as it is caustic.
If you need professional help in cleaning your beloved home, don’t hesitate to consult one of Australia's cleaning experts.