These cleaning solutions are cheap, environmentally friendly and may already be hiding in your pantry!

Bicarb Soda.

Bicarb soda is a goldmine when it comes to cleaning, cutting through grease, restoring shine and eliminating foul odours. Use it to…

• Freshen up the fridge by filling a small container with bicarb soda and place on a shelf. It will absorb any smells and gradually purify the air.

• If you have burn marks on your pots and pans, pre-soak with hot water, detergent and bicarb for 10 minutes. Then apply dry bicarb to a moist scouring pad and put some elbow grease into it.

Salt.

Salt is a natural scrub, useful for everything from removing watermarks to wine stains. Use it to…

• Clear mineral deposit marks from the bottom of vases by reaching inside and rubbing them with salt, then rinsing away with water.

• Remove watermarks from wood by creating a paste by mixing one teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water. Gently rub onto the stain using a soft cloth and gently work over until the watermark is gone.

• Stop ants from entering your house by sprinkling salt across your doorframe.

Citrus.

A natural antibacterial, lemon juice contains citric acid, which deodorises, removes stains, cleans glass, inhibits mould and disinfects. Use it to…

• Clean your microwave. Squeeze some lemon into a bowl of water, drop the rind in and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Leave it for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the bowl and wipe the sides down with a clean towel.

• Clean chopping boards. Sprinkle the board with coarse salt and scrub using half a lemon. Then let it sit for 5 minutes before scraping and rinsing clean.

• Make an all-purpose cleaner by filling a jar with white vinegar, and then adding citrus peels until there’s enough to fill at least half the jar. Secure the lid and allow it to sit in a dark place for 2 weeks. Then strain and pour liquid into a spray bottle to use on kitchen and bathroom surfaces.