Interiors: Natural born cleaners  | Daily Mail Online

From a salt scrub for your chopping board to vinegar and lemon for your work surfaces, natural health expert Harriet Birrell’s DIY cleaning products are nasty-free and easy to make

Making your own home cleaning products can be quick, easy and affordable. Once you have the core ingredients in your pantry (think everyday items such as lemon, coarse salt and vinegar), you can mix, top up or replace your potions within minutes, ditching harsh, drying detergents at the same time.

A quick tip: store your mixtures in clear jars and upcycled containers in a cool dry space to help them last longer. Opt for durable varieties such as glass, ceramic pots and stainless-steel lunchboxes for longevity (lakeland.co.uk sells a wide selection).

Clearly label your DIY mixture with the product name and the date you made it. (Use a permanent marker, or simply write it on a tag and tie it around the top of the container.)

Arrange frequently used items within easy reach on kitchen shelving to see everything you have to hand in one place. Most of these ingredients will last for six months before having to be replaced. But feel free to make in smaller batches to save on space.

The recipes here will arm you with everything you need to create a calm and clean home.

This is an edited extract from Home by Natural Harry by Harriet Birrell, which is published by Hardie Grant, price £16.99. To order a copy for £14.95 until 7 February, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. Free p&p on orders over £15

Chopping Board Cleaner

Cleaning your boards periodically with this simple mixture helps lift out stains, and it’s a great way to give them a quick refresh. For a similar chopping board, try heals.com.

Makes enough to clean one average-sized chopping board

Ingredients

1 tbsp coarse salt

half a lemon

• Sprinkle the salt over the surface of the chopping board. Squeeze the lemon over, then scrub the wood to lift out stains. Rinse well and stand upright to dry.

Surface spray  

Not only does this help to disinfect all kinds of surfaces, but it smells amazingly fresh with bursts of eucalyptus and lemon. It’s great for cleaning up after a meal as it helps eliminate cooking odours.

Prep time 2 minutes

Makes 500ml

Equipment amber spray bottle and funnel (250ml)

Ingredients

250ml filtered water

240ml cleaning vinegar

juice of 1 lemon, strained

20 drops lemon essential oil

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

•  Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle. Attach the lid and give it a shake. Store in a cool, dark place.

• TO USE Spray over the surface to be cleaned and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Cream Cleaner  

For stubborn grime, grease and rust stains, this natural dish liquid is just as effective as the store-bought versions, and the basic ingredients means that you can quickly whip up a new batch whenever it runs out. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to lend a fresh scent.

Prep time 2 minutes

Makes about 230g

Equipment 1 medium bowl, mixing spoon and airtight jar

Ingredients

180g baking soda

20 drops lemon essential oil or juice (optional)

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

3 tbsp pure liquid castile soap, plus more if needed

• In a bowl, combine the baking soda and essential oils. While stirring, slowly pour in the castile soap and mix until it becomes a smooth paste. Transfer to a small airtight jar or similar container to store. It can dry out over long periods: if that happens, add more castile soap and mix.

• To use Add a teaspoon or more to a clean cloth. Run cream over the surface to be cleaned, lightly scrubbing away dirt. Rinse or wipe the surface.

Get the kit

Stylish utensils that will make you want to do the cleaning!