It is easy to adopt the attitude of ‘well, what difference can I make?’ when it comes to environmental issues. We all know that we are contributing to global warming and climate changes through our day-to-day actions. So, maybe we can’t reverse the damage we’ve done, but we can all do our bit to at least slow the effects we are having on this Earth. It is not hard to adapt to a few changes, such as turning off the tap while we’re brushing our teeth, or switching off lights when we leave a room, but few of know how easy it is adopt more environmentally friendly ways to clean our homes by taking a few simple steps.

Now, I’m not talking about any extreme changes in our homes, such as collecting the bath water and washing our clothes with it (already happening in Japan), but simple minor changes that maybe you and your family may not even notice, but the environment will definitely appreciate.

The cleaning products that we buy in the local supermarket contain hundreds of toxic chemicals which can not only lead to endless health problems for you and your family, but are causing problems of a much larger scale for the environment. Most non-toxic cleaning products can be made using everyday ingredients from our own kitchen cupboards.

Follow the tips below for a safer, happier more environmentally home.

• To make a really effective duster, dip some lint-free cloths into a bowl of lemon oil and warm water, let them dry naturally and then store in some metal covered containers, to use when you need. These will give your home a lovely fresh scent and the oil will pick up dust.
• Baking soda can be used in a number of ways; to unblock a sing, poor some dissolved baking soda and warm water solution down the plug and then poor boiling water afterwards to dissolve grease. Use a plunger to loosen any clumps. A solution of baking soda and water can be used to clean metals in the house without scratching them as well as to remove stains in carpets, curtains and cushions.
• A solution of warm water, lemon juice and vinegar can be used as an effective floor cleaner or to polish your furniture. Lemons are a fantastic natural cleaning agent; squeeze into a bucket of warm water before mopping your floors to help remove stains and to give your house a fresh uplifting smell.
• To remove tougher caked on grease or soap scum, mix baking soda with salt for a natural abrasive (do not use on ceramic bath tubs though, as this will scratch the surface; use a nylon brush the solution above).
• To clean windows and glass, use a weak solution of vinegar and water and wipe in circular motions with newspaper.
• To freshen a carpet, add a small cup of baking soda, cornflower and some essential oil fragrance, such as lavender or vanilla, to a bucket and brush it into your carpet using a stiff brush and plenty of elbow grease. Leave overnight and vacuum in the morning.