IT may be freezing outside, but now is the time to keep on top of mould and mildew in your backyard living spaces. You can also help keep the environment clean and healthy by using these homemade recipes to remove dirt, grime and insects from your outdoor living spaces.
Homemade insecticide
This recipe is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin and is friendly on the budget costing about 10 cents per bottle.
To make, add together four teaspoons of dried mint or eight teaspoons of chopped fresh mint into a heatproof jug and add one litre of boiling water. When the mixture is cool, strain it in to a spray bottle and add a teaspoon of lavender oil and shake well.
Lightly mist the mixture onto your skin and rub it in to help keep flies, mosquitoes and midges off your skin.
Homemade window cleaner
Have bright sparkling windows and a happier wallet by mixing together equal parts vinegar and water. Spray onto your window and wipe off with a paper towel. The diluted vinegar will take a little longer to dry so you have plenty of time to polish the glass.
Barbecue cleaning
Don’t let your barbecue rust over this winter. While the barbecue is still warm, simply pour a little vegetable oil over the hot plate and wipe with paper towels. For stubborn stains, while the plate is hot sprinkle on white sugar and vinegar. Leave on full heat until the vinegar evaporates and then use a scraper to remove the stain. After you have cleaned the hotplates, pour vegetable oil on and let the plates cool. Wipe down with a paper towel once the barbecue is completely cooled.
Snail mail
Keep snails out of the letter box – wipe a line of Vaseline around the edge of the letterbox. Snails and slugs won’t be able to stick to it and will fall off.
Oil slicks
The easiest way to remove oil marks from your driveway is with plaster of Paris. Simply mix with water until the plaster is the consistency of peanut butter. For every cup you make, add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and stir thoroughly. Paint the mixture over the stain, allow it to dry, and crack the dry plaster with a wooden spoon and then brush it away. Viola. No more oil stains.
