Eco-friendly cleaners

In the living room

Window cleaner
Add 1/2 litre of white vinegar to 1 litre of warm water and wipe windows with a damp cloth. Use wads of newspaper to dry and polish.

Furniture polish
Use olive oil for unvarnished or unpainted furniture. Spread lightly and dry with clean cloth. For varnished or lacquered wood, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 litre of water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly and dry with a clean cloth.

Carpet cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda on carpet before vacuuming to deodorise. To remove stains, make a spray from 1/4 cup of borax and 2 cups of water, spray on and wipe off with a damp sponge.  Alternatively, try lemon juice or undiluted white vinegar, or immediately rub with soda water, or sprinkle salt or cornflour on the stain and vacuum after 30 minutes.

Air freshener
Simmer vinegar or herb mixtures in water, or try cinnamon and cloves.