There’s no better way to save money and save the environment at the same time than to make natural cleaning products as opposed to using store-bought, commercial cleaners. The right organic recipescan clean the house just as well as conventional products, if not better.

An all-purpose spray cleaner is convenient for use all around the house. Mix together ½ tsp. each of washing soda, vegetable oil-based soap and sodium borate with 2 tbsp. white distilled vinegar and dissolve in 2 cups of boiling water. Once the solution has slightly cooled, pour it into a spray bottle and shake well until any remaining solid particles have dissolved. Spray the cleaner onto work surfaces, windows and appliances and wipe clean with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.

To get a sparkling clean bathroom, all that’s required is white vinegar and organic liquid detergent. Heat 12oz vinegar in a pan until it’s hot but not boiling and pour into a spray bottle. Add 12oz detergent to the bottle, put the lid on tightly and shake gently until the liquids are fully mixed together. Spray onto bathroom surfaces, baths and shower bases, walls and doors and wipe with a clean, damp sponge. To tackle particularly tough soap scum, leave the mixture on overnight before scrubbing and rinsing.

For a gentle, Eco friendly way to thoroughly clean all kinds of clothing, try this organic detergent. Mix ½ cup each of washing soda and sodium borate with a cup of organic liquid hand soap and pour into a resealable bottle. Shake vigorously. For each small load of laundry, use 1 tsp. of the detergent and for larger loads use 2 tsp. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or closet between uses. This recipe is safe for use on practically all fabrics.

Combine a gallon of water with ½ cup vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Some people prefer to use equal parts of water and vinegar. Spray the mixture onto the windows and wipe clean with paper towels. To make the process even more environmentally-friendly, wipe down the windows with scrunched up old newspaper instead of the towels. This natural window cleaner can also be used on mirrors and glass tables and even to dust certain pieces of furniture.

A homemade carpet deodorizer is a great way to breathe new life into carpets without having to wash them. Mix together 2 tbsp. arrowroot or cornstarch, ¾ cup bicarbonate of soda and ¼ cup fragranced talcum powder in an empty, clean spice container. Shake thoroughly and sprinkle the mixture on dry carpet. Leave for 5 to 20 minutes and vacuum. This works wonderfully on both fitted carpets and loose rugs and is even worth trying on coir door mats.

Enjoy making and using these recipes in the knowledge that both the house and the environment are benefiting from them. One of the best things about homemade cleaning products is that there are always new recipes to discover and experiment with. The possibilities are endless.