Eco-friendly cleaner that costs 18 cents to make

Don’t fork out big bucks for expensive cleaners, there are eco-friendly alternatives you can make at home for a fraction of the cost.

Let me let you into a little secret the huge manufacturers of chemicals don’t want you to know.

You can make a cleaner at home that works better than their products, is eco-friendlier than the harsh-chemical versions, smells better – and all for less than a couple of dollars to make.

I started making my own cleaning products 10 years ago when I moved out into the country. There is no sewerage system out in these parts. So if you put any bleach or harsh chemicals down the sink or loo, it’s going to kill all the bacteria in the treatment plant. And a dead treatment plant smells like a public service station bathroom on a busy Saturday night.

Jody Allen is the founder of mothers’ network Stay At Home Mum. Picture: Supplied

If I haven’t convinced you yet to make your own cleaner at home then maybe this will work: Chemical cleaners and cleaning products can make up to 25 per cent of your grocery bill. Think of all the wine and cheese you can buy for 25 per cent of your grocery bill. And there is no fluffing around for hours to make it – it takes a few minutes, costs 18 cents and that’s it.

Here’s what you will need:

● 2 cups hot water (not boiling)

● 1 tablespoon of good quality dishwashing liquid

● ½ cup white vinegar

● 10 drops eucalyptus oil

Pour the hot water into a spray bottle (1 litre capacity) and add the dishwashing liquid and the vinegar. Replace the lid and gently tip it upside down a few times to let it mix together. Pop the lid back open and add the essential oils (you can use any, I just think eucalyptus oil smells fresh and clean and it is great for removing sticky mess).

If you can find a glass spray bottle that's even better. It preserves the essential oils for longer. You can use this mixture to clean anything around the home. Bench tops, the toilet and shower, even the floors will come up a treat. Store your bottle of unused cleaner in a dark cupboard.

If you are wanting an eco-friendly and natural cleaning solution make sure you keep your lemon or orange peels. Here are my recipes for natural lemon homemade all-purpose cleaner:

● Skins of 4 -5 lemons, oranges or limes

● 2 cups white vinegar

● Large glass jar that will hold 2 ½ cups

Pop the peels into the jar and really stuff them in there all the way to the top. Pour in the white vinegar to cover all the peels. Seal the jar and allow the mixture to steep for 2-3 weeks. After then, remove the lid and pour 1 cup of the liquid into a spray bottle, and top with warm water. You have a beautifully scented and natural cleaner that is eco friendly and smells just delicious.

FOR CLEAN TYPES

We’ve all heard the stats on how your keyboard is dirtier than a toilet seat. But when was the last time you cleaned it? Turn your computer or laptop off then mix equal parts vinegar with water and dip an old toothbrush in. Flick off the excess water and give the keyboard a good scrub.

NOZZLE NUZZLE

The space under your kitchen sink can easily get cluttered with cleaning bottles which are difficult to tell apart. Solve this problem easily by installing a simple metal rod three-quarters of the way up the cabinet side and hang the bottles by their nozzles.

ZAP IT AWAY

You don’t have to put off cleaning the microwave any longer. Place a bowl of water in the microwave and run it for five minutes. The steam created inside will make it easier to dislodge the stuck-on food and grime. Better still, squirt some lemon into the water.

Jody Allen is the founder of mothers’ network Stay At Home Mum. Find her at @StayHomeMum on Facebook, @jodyallen.stayathomemum on Instagram, @JodyAllen_SAHM on Twitter.