I’m a cleaning expert, how to make your own products for under £1 – and you’ve already got all the ingredients at home

AT this time of year many are starting to think about a spring clean.

Starting the warmer season with a fresh home is a great feeling.

Cleaning can be costly

But it can be pricey buying all the supplies you need to get your home ship shape.

However, the expert team at tradespeople match-up site My Local Toolbox have put together a simple cleaning regime which can be done with cheap, homemade products.

And the best news is, you probably have all the ingredients already.

Adam Clark, from the brand, created a five-hour weekend cleaning schedule along with a simple 15-minute Monday to Friday maintenance plan.

He said: “As warmer days and lighter evenings mark the arrival of spring, many across the UK feel inspired to emerge from hibernation and conduct a thorough home refresh.”

The first homemade solution Adam made was a degreaser, which costs around 90p to make.

The cleaner is 175ml of distilled white vinegar, two tablespoons of sodium carbonate, one tablespoon of washing up liquid and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Mix this all with 400ml boiling water and use once cooled.

He has also come up with an Anti Bac, cleaner which costs around 75p.

To make this you mix 120ml of white vinegar with 60ml of lemon juice, a tablespoon of citric acid powder, a teaspoon of glycerine and 350ml warm water.

Again, this can be used once cool.

Meanwhile, you can make a £1.90 multi-purpose surface cleanser with 240ml of disinfectant, 120ml of distilled water, one tablespoon of baking soda, five drops of your favourite essential oil and finish with five drops tea tree essential oil.

Finally, if you need to clean a sofa or other material, Adam has created his £1 ‘Textile Takeover’.

It’s made with three tablespoons of fabric stain remover, two tablespoons of washing crystals, a tablespoon of citric acid, one teaspoon of glycerine and 550ml hot water.

Adam says the best way to get the spring cleaning done is to set aside a weekend and work your way methodically through tasks.

He said: “In the first hour, apply the degreaser to all kitchen surfaces, ensuring that you have completed a patch test first.

“The mixture may then be applied to oven interiors, and extractor fans. Leave the mixture to ‘soak’ whilst completing the following cleaning tasks.”

In the second and third hours, the expert says you should apply the anti bac solution to bathroom fixtures and fittings as well as shower screens, and tiled surfaces. Rinse with warm water and, to avoid smears, dry with a microfibre cloth.

Then treat fabric, such as upholstery, curtains and rugs, with the Textile Takeover. This can be spot applied or used on large surfaces.

In the fourth hour, it’s time to head back to the kicthen.

He said: “Wipe clean and apply the Anti-bac to countertops. Then in the fifth hour, return to bathroom to rinse surfaces and apply Multi-purpose Surface Cleanser to high-touch areas such as cupboards.”