How to make your own natural dishwasher detergent

Thanks to Planet Gift Baskets for this top tip for making your own phosphate-free dishwasher detergent.

The recipe is very simple. Just mix a tablespoon of borax with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 drops of lemon oil.

For more ideas for making your own natural cleaning products see our website. You can also buy all the essential ingredients fo these from our Amazon shop

What do you think? Are natural home made products as effective as mass produced consumer brands? Do you have any favourite recipes you waould like to share?

10 Top Tips to make Spring Cleaning a breeze

We are coming to the end of National Spring Cleaning Week, so if you haven't done any yet, now is a good time to get started. Here are our top tips for making spring cleaning easy and rewarding:

1. Make your own cleaning materials. It's easy. It's natural. It's cheap. It's kinder to the environment. What else do you want?
2. Pick a day when the sun's shining. It makes cleaning windows easier. It lifts your spirits and gives you more energy.
3. Before you clean, clear the clutter - it will create space in your life as well as your home.
4. Don't see Spring cleaning as a task or a chore. See it as a chance to brighten your home and reclaim your space.
5. Do it to music. It lifts the spirits and makes you clean more energetically. Pick upbeat, lively songs.
6. Make a list of tasks and tick them off as you do them. You'll get a sense of momentum and accomplishment.
7. Prepare your tool kit and materials in advance and put them in a box or basket so you can carry them around easily.
8. Don't just clean - freshen too. Shake some baking soda on the carpets and leave overnight - then vacuum afterwards for fresh smelling carpets.
9. Don't forget to clean your house plants too - dusty leaves look very sad and give the impression that your home is not cared for.
10. Plan to reward yourself afterwards with a big fat glass of wine, a bar of chocolate or whatever is your preferred treat.

For loads of advice about spring cleaning, making your own natural cleaning material and clearing clutter, check out our website