Natural Housekeeping

This weekend I picked up a brilliant book from our local library called “A Guide to Natural Housekeeping” by Christina Strutt.  It’s more than just about cleaning house – it covers a range of topics from environmentally friendly and homemade cleaning products, to planning and planting a kitchen garden.  She has also written chapters on the well-stocked larder (covering pickles and preserves – my new favourite), the usefulness of herbs and inspired gifts made from vintage items and home grown produce.

Christina writes that “it is possible to keep a clean house and maintain a fertile garden organically, to shop locally and seasonally and to recycle and re-use as much as we possibly can.  This way of life may sometimes be more time consuming but….. I have found that it is more efficient and ultimately much simpler and less stressful.  Add to that the fact that you will save money, the environment and miles travelled, and this can only be a good thing”  So, you can see, it’s my kind of book!

I had previously learned from Shannon Lush, Australia’s “Queen of Clean” (www.shannonlush.com/) that white vinegar and bi-carbonate of soda can replace a mountain of chemical household cleaners.  I am already a convert, using them in my laundry washing (I use ¼ amount of regular wash powder, 2 tablespoons of bi-carb of soda and put one cup of white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser for each wash) and using vinegar to clean my windows and mirrors (in a spray bottle, then wipe clean with paper towel/chamois).  But from Christina's book I’ve now discovered some more practical uses, which I’ll record here so that I remember to put them to the test:

-       to clean brass, copper and pewter mix one teaspoon of salf and one cup of vinegar, stirring in enough flour to make a paste.  Cover the item and leave for 15 mins then wash off with warm water and polish with a soft dry cloth

-       to rid the kitchen of cooking odours, simmer a solution of vinegar and water in a pan for 5 mins

-       to remove deodorant stains on coloured clothes, rub with a soft cloth dipped in vinegar and wash as usual

-       to deodorise drains, pour two tablespoons of bicarb of soda down the plug hole followed by half a cup of vinegar, leave to bubble for 20 mins then flush through by running the tap for a minute

-       wipe down kitchen surfaces with neat vinegar to deter insects (silver fish, ants etc).  This will also disinfect the surfaces.

-       To clean an deodorize a microwave, fill a bowl with vinegar and boil in the microwave.  This will loosen dried food on the walls, which can then be wiped clean with a soft damp cloth.

-       Sprinkle bicarb of soda into the bottom of a bin to remove unpleasant odours.  After emptying the rubbish, add some water and swill around the bin.  Pour it out and leave to dry, then add more bicarb for next time.

-       To clean silver, soak it in boiling water with bicarb of soda, cream of tartar, salt and a piece of aluminium foil.

Other items recommended to keep in your cleaning cupboard are:

Beeswax polish for nourishing timber and leather
Natural, ready-prepared cleaning fluids (I like the “Earth” brand floor and surface cleaner, and toilet cleaner).
Enamel buckets – preferably vintage.  This appeals to me! I’ll need to look out for them in flea markets and junk shops…. They’ll last a lifetime (and look vintage chic, too).
Jam jars with screw lids – I’ll need to build up a good stock of these!
Old toothbrushes
Rags for cleaning cloths from old clothes, towels, sheets, pillowcases etc
Refillable spray bottles

Christina comments “I have no need for anything more – mine is a small but friendly cleaning-product cupboard.  I lead a small but friendly life!”  I’m on the way to do just that, too!

If you have any tips on eco-friendly cleaning products or recipes that you use I would love to hear about them.  Send me a post or email me at livewelllivesmart@gmail.com .