CHEAP HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Most ingredients are available from chemists, paint shops and supermarkets.
Ammonia
General purpose cleaner for bath and basin.
Windows: 2 tablespoons of ammonia to 2 cups of water.
Stove: a saucer of ammonia overnight in the oven (with the vents blocked).
Baking Soda
Bath and basin: apply on a damp cloth sprinkled with white vinegar.
Kerosene
Good for dissolving grease on smooth surfaces, such as paint work, baths, glass and metal.
Use 2 tablespoons to 5 cups of water
Methylated Spirits
Dissolves grease.
Great for cleaning glass and stainless steel benches.
Window cleaner: 1 cup of methylated spirits to 1 cup of water.
Cream of Tartar
Removes rust, cleans discoloured aluminium.
Salt
Removes stains from tea and coffee cups.
Sprinkle salt onto a damp cloth and rub.
Turpentine
Wood panelling, wooden furniture, and laminated plastic wallboards and bench tops.
Use 1 tablespoon to 1200 millilitres of hot water.
Vinegar
Removes soap scum from baths and showers.
Use undiluted for stubborn stains.
Washing Soda
Useful as a non-polluting water softener to avoid bathtub rings and stubborn stains.