I took these pictures this morning in our garden Shula and Minnie were having great fun although Minnie had to try and follow in Shula's tracks otherwise she was almost buried! It is certainly not weather to be out driving and my car is parked and luckily I do not need to go out. Peter dug himself out today to go to work.

I have been looking at some recipes for homemade cleaners which are a good idea both from an environmental view and they will also save you lots of money.

All purpose spray cleaner

1 tsp castile soap

1 tsp borax

2 tbsps vinegar or lemon juice

Water to fill a 16oz spray bottle

Because this mix contains borax it is best not to use it in the kitchen or where food is prepared. Hot water increases the working power of the vinegar.

N.B. Castile soap is any soap that is made from vegetable oil as opposed to animal fat. Borax should be obtainable from the chemist.

Window and Kitchen spray cleaner

2 tbsps vinegar

1 tsp castile soap

Water to fill a 16oz spray bottle.

Soft scrub

2 cups bicarbonate of soda

1/2 cup castile soap

4 tsps vegetable glycerine

The glycerine acts as a preservative to keep the mixture moist. Use on almost any surface also deodorises fridges etc.

I hope that these recipes will be useful they certainly cost a fraction of what it is to buy the proprietary brands available and don't forget some of the ingredients will last for ages.

Happy cleaning,

Linda