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All-purpose liquid cleanser
Combine 2 litres of hot water, 2 tablespoons of cloudy ammonia, 2 tablespoons of white
vinegar, and ½ cup of bicarbonate of soda. Combine all the ingredients in a glass or
plastic screw-top jar or squeeze bottle. Shake until the bicarbonate of soda is dissolved,
then store for future use.
All-purpose powder cleanser
Bicarbonate of soda used alone is a highly effective, non-scratching abrasive cleaner,
as well as an essential ingredient in many other household formulas. Store it in a clearly
labelled flour or icing sugar shaker, and apply to stubborn stains on baths, basins,
sinks, benchtops and other surfaces, just as you would a commercial powder cleanser.
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BASIC INGREDIENTS: ALL YOU NEED TO DO IT YOURSELF
Pure soap-flakes or bars ° Cloudy ammonia ° Household ammonia ° White Vinegar ° Brown
vinegar ° Bicarbonate of soda (500 grams or more) ° Washing soda ° Borax (sodium
borate) ° Glycerine (available from supermarket or chemist) ° Vanilla essence ° Lemon
essence ° Methylated spirits ° Tea tree oil ° Eucalyptus oil ° Peppermint essence and
peppermint oil (available from supermarket or health food stores) ° Lavender oil °
Linseed oil (available from hardware stores and paint specialists) ° Beeswax (available
from hardware stores) ° Turpentine ° Rubbing alcohol (available from chemist) ° Table
salt ° Cooking salt ° Lemons ° Talcum Powder
You will also need a large glass or aluminium shaker used for flour or icing sugar and an
assortment of jars, plastic bottles and tins for storage. Be sure that these are labelled
clearly and stored well out of the reach of children.
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All-purpose deodoriser and disinfectant
For a natural deodorising and disinfectant action,
add a few drops of tea-tree oil to the toilet, rubbish bin and other germ-prone containers
after you have cleaned them.
Air fresheners and deodorisers
Place dried lavender, potpourri, or other naturally fragrant materials in bowls throughout
the house to act as natural air fresheners. After cleaning floors, add a pleasant
fragrance by using scented oils, for example, lemon, lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree, in
a final wipeover. Charcoal left to stand in an open bowl absorbs most household odours; it
can also be wrapped in muslin and placed in the fridge or in the bathroom.
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Keeping pests at bay
A number of easily made baits and repellents can be
used instead of commercial preparations.
Baits for cockroaches and ants Mix equal parts of borax and sugar and leave in
small containers in places frequented by cockroaches and ants. The sugar attracts and the
borax kills. Beer and red wine will also attract cockroaches. Put a small amount in the
bottom of a smooth-sided vessel, such as a margarine container. The cockroaches that come
to drink their fill will drown. Never leave insect baits within reach of children or
pets.
Deterrents for rats and mice Sprinkle the infested area with drops of
peppermint essence or oil.
Fly repellents Jars or saucers of strongly scented lavender water, made from a few
drops of lavender oil added to water, will help repel flies. Place near doors and on
windowsills. Pots of fresh, sweet basil growing near a window will also help deter flies.
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