Two ‘cheap and effective’ ingredients that will leave you with a ‘shiny oven’

Those who have ever looked at the ingredients on the label of commercial cleaners will know it includes a long list of chemicals. What’s more, these products also tend to be expensive. 

Instead, Simon Exton, a cleaning expert at AO.com has shared five cost-effective eco-cleaning hacks to simplify cleaning routines while protecting the planet and pockets.

He said: “People always think that buying the most expensive cleaning products will result in a cleaner, more polished home, however, that’s not always the case.

“With store cupboard essentials, including washing up liquid, white vinegar, baking soda and citric acid, you’ll be able to introduce an eco-friendly cleaning routine that’s easy on your wallet.”

1. Use citric acid to keep your dishwasher spic and span

Simon explained that using citric acid to clean dishwashers is kinder to the planet and “considerably cheaper” than dedicated dishwasher cleaners.

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Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid that contains d-limonene which “cuts through grease and grime with ease”, claimed the expert. 

He said: “All you have to do is fill up where you would usually put your dishwasher tablets and start a cycle for a sparkling appliance.”

2. Baking soda and white vinegar to tackle baked-on grease

When it comes to cleaning the oven, using store cupboard basics like baking soda and white vinegar provides a “cheap and effective solution”.

Simon instructed: “Simply mix the two ingredients together with two to three tablespoons of water to create a baking soda paste.”

After removing the oven trays, spread the paste all over the inside of the oven and leave for 12 hours or preferably overnight.

Take off the dried baking soda using a damp cloth and fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Once households begin to spray the oven with vinegar, they’ll see the vinegar interact and foam when it makes contact with the leftover baking soda. 

Simon added: “Finally, wipe it down and you’ll be left with a brand-new shiny oven.”

3. Reduce drying time with a tea towel

Many will be familiar with the pain and the expense of drying clothes in the tumble dryer because it takes hours and isn’t cheap to run.

To avoid this, Simon advised: “Simply put a dry towel in with your wet clothes. After 15 minutes, remove the towel from the machine and you’ll find it will have soaked up the excess water and your clothes will dry much quicker – saving you time, money and energy.”

4. Damp dusting 

Damp dusting is a great way to prevent dust from travelling through the air and settling back down on floors and furniture. 

By dampening a cloth with water and gently wiping down all surfaces, households will find that the dust clings to the cloth instead of circulating throughout the home. Not to mention, it’s advantageous for those with allergies too. 

5. Use hot soapy water to clean windows

Simon claimed that most of the time, the “old-fashioned way of cleaning” with hot soapy water does a “brilliant job” of cutting through grease and grime, including cleaning and “getting rid of the streaks on your windows”.

The cleaning for said: “To buff them up to a lovely shine use one part water, and one part white vinegar. Don’t be put off by the smell because once it’s dry it’s completely odourless.”