Domestic goddesses unite

Friends and fans have been asking recently for more eco-fabulous cleaning tips around the home. Here are my faves...

* To clean vases and jars that you can't fit your mitts into, half fill with warm water, a drop of dishwashing liquid and a cup of rice. Swirl and swirl until you can see through the glass again. Use the mixture in as many dirty containers as you need to clean.
* If cobwebs are a nuisance, place a drop of orange oil on the end of a broom and sweep along ceilings, window frames, or anywhere that the spiders like to hang. They hate it!
* I've heard many remedies for cockies, aren't they a bugger. They don't like anything with eucalyptus, mint or clove. Dot the areas where they venture with an oil made from one or all of those scents - or mix the oil with plenty of water and wipe behind the oven, fridge, etc.
* Still the best glass and window cleaner I've ever used is white vinegar with newspaper.
* Old toothbrushes are so useful for cleaning squeezy bits in the bathroom.
* Dust with an old sock, not an expensive cloth that you'll only throw away. By the time the sock is old enough for household duties, it should have a hole in it where you can poke your thumb out. I'm so clever.
* Clean old pots and pans by adding boiling water to them - so the dirt softens - for half an hour, then discard. Clean with a paste of white vinegar and bi-carb and gently scrub in a circular motion.
* Always use gloves when washing dishes by hand. Hot water and soap aren't exactly kind to your skin and hands look old before the rest of you. Trust me. Hand cream is for life.

I hope this satisfies my earth-hugging eco-amigos... am happy to receive requests at any time x