Non-stick pans, utensils, bakeware and pots are a godsend in the kitchen, rendering the drudgery of washing up effortless. However, despite the seemingly supernatural powers of the non-stick Teflon coatings, they contain per-fluorinated chemicals (PFC’S), known carcinogens linked with immune, endocrine, liver and thyroid disorders. Instead, opt for cast iron, enamel, stainless steel, porcelain-coated or glass pots and pans and wooden or stainless steel utensils.
A multitude of soft furnishings, for instance, sofas, rugs, curtains, cushions, wrinkle-free and permanent press clothing items and bedding are treated with stain guards, to keep them crease-free and eliminate them from being damaged or soiled easily.
However, the chemicals employed in the manufacture of these formulas often contain per-fluorinated compounds (PFC), believed to cause cancer and birth defects. Ensure new purchases of soft furnishings are not treated with stain-resistant chemicals or spray-on fabric protectors. Instead, opt for natural materials, fibres and fabrics, such as natural wood, recycled timbers, cork, coir, wool, organic cotton, hemp, flax, jute, cashmere, mohair, alpaca and silk, especially for flooring, mattresses, bedding and baby clothes.
Are you a green tea fan? If you are trying to cut back on coffee but still need a little pick-me up, this smoothie bowl is for you.
Whizz all of the ingredients together in a blender and top with dried coconut and seeds or nuts of your choice. You can also add protein to it in the form of hemp seeds, oats or chia seeds. Have fun and get creative.
Peppermint oil boasts a sharp, revitalising menthol scent acclaimed for its robust antibacterial properties. Peppermint essential oil is a perfect complement to home-made cleaning products. Add a few drops to your home-made surface cleaners for areas that require additional antibacterial attention; for example, bathrooms and kitchens. As a bonus, peppermint is a powerful natural pest deterrent.
Peppermint oil blends wonderfully with a variety of oils, including basil, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, myrrh, rosemary, spearmint and tea tree.
Produced from the Australian melaleuca tree, tea tree oil has a robust medicinal aroma and harbours potent antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties. The ideal choice for home-made bathroom and floor cleaning solutions.
Green smoothies are packed full of nutritious ingredients, from avocado to kale, mint to spinach. They’re healthy, delicious and really easy to pull together for breakfast on the run or as part of a detox diet. Here is one of our favourites:
Ingredients
2 bananas
1 apple
1 cup baby spinach
1 lime
1 cup water, or as needed
Instructions
Peel bananas and apple, cut into small slices and put into a blender. Add spinach to blender. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime or lemon and add to the blender. Add water as needed – about 1 cup. Blend until smooth and serve.
Before beginning your mopping duties, check that the floor surface is free of dust and debris and has been thoroughly swept or vacuumed. Start by spot checking the area and treating any difficult scuffs or sticky stains before mopping.
If you are using a mop with a water barrel attached, fill the barrel with warm water and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil or home-made floor cleaner. If using a conventional mop, fill your bucket with your chosen cleaning formula and hot water.
Never over-wet or soak your mop head, always ring the head out thoroughly and use it slightly damp. Remember that less is more when mopping hardwood, tiles or vinyl floors.
Begin mopping at the farthest point away from the door and work your way out of the room so that you are always standing on a dry area.
While dusting, carry two microfibre cloths: a slightly dampened microfibre cloth and a dry microfibre cloth. First, dust everything with the damp cloth to capture the dust and prevent the particles from flicking up into the air and resettling on your gleaming surfaces. Second, use the dry microfibre cloth for objects that might need drying, and for buffing ornaments, picture frames, chrome and glass.
Remember to work from top to bottom and move around the room in a circular, clockwise direction.
When cleaning electronic equipment, ensure it is unplugged and never use an over-wet cloth. I find a dry microfibre cloth normally does the trick. If not, lightly spray your cloth with distilled water and rub gently. Do not forget to dust and vacuum behind the equipment, including all plugs and cords.
To clean dust from awkward nooks and crannies, use a soft-bristled paint brush and finish off with a damp microfibre cloth. Kitchen and laundry vents can be cleaned effortlessly with the vacuum attachments.
Share the load by delegating tasks to other members of the family and make each person responsible for their own duties. Draw up a roster for the children and pin it on the fridge; if you involve them in choosing their tasks and the days they are responsible for them, you won’t believe how helpful they will become.
Before you do anything, always remember the magic words: ventilation, ventilation, ventilation. Quality ventilation and air-flow throughout your home is of utmost importance and is my number one rule of good housekeeping. By opening the windows and doors and letting as much air flow through your home as possible, you are releasing any trapped chemicals, fumes and odours that may have been building up overnight. Proper ventilation is vital for a truly clean, germ-free space, especially if you have pets, allergies or smokers in your home.
Another serious issue that can be tackled by correct ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, is mould and mildew build-up from excessive moisture.
Breaking up household chores makes them less daunting. For instance, doing a little bit of housework each day helps to keep on top of things and stops the workload from piling up, making cleaning day not quite as forbidding.
If, like myself, you do not have a dishwasher, a helpful hint is to fill the sink with very hot washing up water just before preparing dinner. Then simply pop the dirty utensils, pots, plates and pans in the water as you use them, that way they will be soaking while you eat and be ready just to give a quick wash once you are finished. No matter how tired you are, aim to wash the dishes straight after dinner, then let them air dry overnight. This will save you from the dreaded washing up mountain the next day and will also give dishes time to dry naturally, leaving them clean and germ-free.
Empty the bins regularly and before replacing the bin liner, put a few spare bags at the bottom of the bin, so they are always there to hand. Get into the simple habit of emptying your bins each evening and leaving them by the front door; this way you can just scoop them up and carry them out with you the next morning.
