To deodorize carpets and rugs, pour some bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of essential oil into a jar. Punch a few holes in its lid and shake it on the carpet. Leave for 30 minutes before vacuuming.
Try cleaning your sink with a paste of baking soda and water—it’s abrasive enough to remove stains and water deposits without scratching the surface. Wash the sink with vinegar after it is clean and dry, then add a few drops of olive oil to a soft cloth and buff it until it is shiny.
For an effective furniture polish, combine two parts olive oil and one part lemon juice in a bowl and apply a small amount to your furniture with a clean cloth. Use a soft cloth to dry and smooth.
To hide scratches on dark wood furniture, apply used coffee grounds with a cotton bud. Leave on for 10 minutes before blotting with a soft cloth. For lighter woods, try rubbing the scratch with a half-walnut, allowing the oil to penetrate before smoothing.
Remove stains from a wooden chopping board by rubbing half a lemon. Clean and dry and rub in sunflower oil for protection.
For an easy way to clean your microwave, heat a small bowl of vinegar and lemon juice on high for two minutes. Leave the lid closed to allow the steam to soften the splatter marks, then wipe the inside with a damp cloth.
For a sparkling sink, spray the bowl with white vinegar and then sprinkle with baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash it off until the mixture is fluffy and any traces of it are gone.
Organize your fridge
Organize your refrigerator so that its contents are clearly visible and raw and cooked foods are separated. According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, here’s how to effectively stock the fridge:
top shelf
Cooked foods, including sliced meats and leftovers
middle shelf
Dairy products, including cheese, butter, yogurt, and if space is long enough, milk
bottom shelf
This is the coldest part of the refrigerator and is where raw meat and fish should be stored
drawers
Vegetables, fruit and salad
the doors
This is the warmest part of the refrigerator with the most fluctuating temperature, so it is the best option for storing items such as curds and condiments that do not spoil easily.
Organize the store cupboard
Clearing out the pantry and taking stock can be a very helpful therapeutic activity, especially when things are brought back to order. You’ll also have a list of ingredients to use, which can generate ideas for the week ahead. Follow these seven easy steps:
- Start by taking everything out and cleaning the shelves
- Throw away anything that is long past its best before date or if it’s left open and stale (eg crackers or cereal).
- Be ruthless and get rid of anything you can’t think of a way to use (angelica root, anyone?).
- To prevent future spills, pack, seal, or empty open bags in clear, labeled containers.
- Group similar items or flavors together
- Pull off all the tags and put the oldest items in front to use first
- Make a list of what has an expiration date and use it to plan your meals for the week. Use our recipe database for inspiration: Spicy soups and casseroles are often a good place to start, but see what other creative dishes your pantry might support.
Give a homemade gift
Buying gifts can put a big dent in the family budget. Everyone loves homemade gifts, and they can often be made much cheaper and more meaningful than store-bought gifts.
To sterilize jars and bottles, wash them and their lids with warm soapy water and rinse very well. Place in a baking dish and while it is still wet, put it in the oven preheated to 160 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, rinse well and then run in the hot dishwasher cycle without detergent.