Chemical cleaning products can trigger all kinds of nasty reactions from watery eye to itchy skin. So why not clean your home the natural way?

• Say goodbye to bleach: Lemon juice is a natural bleach — perfect for stubborn stains or wooden chopping boards.
• Pass the vinegar: If lime scale is your bugbear, vinegar is ideal for sinks, baths and taps.
• Get busy with bicarb: Bicarbonate of soda mixed with water dissolves grease and dirt. Used dry, it’s a great abrasive for lifting carpet stains and as a powder nothing is better for neutralising odours.
• For windows: Nothing is better than vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle. Simply spray it on then buff up the panes with scrunched up newspaper – the ink on the newspaper reacts with the vinegar for a streak-free clean.
• Beat your rugs: While carpets need vacuuming rugs benefit from a vigorous beating. Hang outside and spank with a weapon of your choice; it’s a great way to relieve stress too.
• Go bananas: Indoor plants are great for improving air quality but not when they are covered in dust. All you need is a banana skin — wipe the soft inside over grubby leaves for a healthy, chemical free shine.