Give dirty mirrors and windows a streak-free sparkle without using detergent. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar into a litre of warm water and apply to the glass surface with a soft cloth.


Keep sinks free of blockages by pouring one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar down the drain. Leave it for an hour and then flush away with warm water. Repeat once a month to keep the pipes clear and the plumber away.


Chewing gum stuck to a wooden floor? Gently scrape off what you can with blunt knife and then get a bag of ice. Leave the ice standing on the gum until it freezes and then and try to remove the remainder of the gum - it should easily to snap off.


Remove limescale deposits that have built up around taps by placing a paper towel soaked in white vinegar around them. Leave it in place for at one hour, then scrub with a stiff nylon toothbrush - the chrome should sparkle.


To avoid mildew on your bathroom ceiling, spray it every six months with a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide - available from hairdresser's suppliers - and water, then wait two hours and
respray.


To make a great non-toxic household cleaner, dissolve four tablespoons of baking soda in two pints of warm water.


Remove coffee stains by mixing a mild, non-bleaching detergent with warm water, apply and blot the area. The mix one third white vinegar with two thirds of water, apply and blot. Finally, sponge the area with warm water.


If your candles have dripped wax onto the carpet, take some kitchen roll and place it over the wax. Next, take an iron on a moderate heat and press it over the paper, then keep repeating with fresh kitchen roll – the paper will absorb the wax. If there is any coloured residue left on the carpet, it should come away with a little white spirit.


A dry, green kitchen scourer makes a useful tool for removing pets hairs from furniture and fabrics.


Marks left on enamel, ceramic and glass baking dishes, can be removed by making a paste out of baking soda and salt - use it to gently scrub them clean.


Steam clean your microwave by putting a Pyrex dish that is two thirds full of water in and turning it on until the water steams. It will help loosen any marks and make them easy to wipe away. To leave it smelling extra fresh, add slices of lemon to the water.


If you have burnt a pan whilst cooking it need not be a disaster that leads to hours of scrubbing. Try pouring in some biological washing powder and some warm water, then leave the pan to sit for a few hours. Then clean it out with a sponge and it should be as good as new.