WASHING UP

We’ve been experimenting with vinegar and baking soda as a method of cleaning work surfaces in the kitchen. When these two products are mixed together there is a chemical reaction, resulting in oxygen being created, which can help to clean surfaces. It’s the same reaction that puts the holes in the crumpets you have for tea. Sprinkle the baking soda on to the work surface, then put on a few drops of vinegar. You will hear a sizzling noise and this tells you it’s time to get scrubbing.

Soaking: Most adverts on the telly try to show you how well their product performs at getting rid of spills on work surfaces, especially dried on food on the cooker. On the bottom of the screen you will usually see the words “five minutes later.” There’s the answer, you only need to soak the spill in water for five minutes for the dried on food to be removed, this can then be rubbed with hot water and a touch of lemon juice to bring up the shine.

Verdict: We’ve tried this on stainless steel and glass work surfaces with great success.

Dishwashing: For squeaky-clean dishes mix ¾ water to ¼ lemon juice in a spray container. Get the water in the bowl very hot (use the rubber gloves) and spray the mixture to the pots. Rinse off with cold water.

Verdict: Lemon juice is the main ingredient in dishwashing detergent; it is an excellent grease fighter. The other ingredients in washing up liquid are mainly for fragrance. After saying that we did miss the bubbles in the bowl!


Crayons: Try using toothpaste to get crayons off the wall, it may well do the trick, as it is a mild abrasive. If this is too messy use baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) Along with chalk, these are the abrasive properties in toothpaste.

Verdict: As effective as any shop bought product. We were still left with a bit of an ink stain as it had soaked into the paint.


One for the kids (this is best done outside!)
Get a small pop bottle with one of those sporty, pop up tops. Put a few drops of washing up liquid in to the container then add a couple of inches of white vinegar. Put in a teaspoon of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) screw the top on tightly and quickly shake the contents. Put the bottle down in an upright position and retreat to a safe distance. After a short while you will see the results of vinegar and baking soda reacting!

Readers tip
Vinegar is great for relieving itching caused by athlete’s foot. It also makes a great mouth wash when mixed with equal amounts of water.

Environmental.