AS we bid farewell to winter and look forward to the warmer months, many homeowners will be gearing up for a spring clean to refresh their homes.
It’s all about shaking off the winter blues and preparing your space for the sunshine – and the good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive cleaning products.
According to experts, it can cost as little as 4p – and chances are, you already have the solution in your kitchen cupboard.
Cleaning expert and director of Daily Poppins, Nigel Bearman, has unveiled a surprisingly effective, budget-friendly alternative to costly chemical cleaners: used tea bags.
As spring cleaning season approaches, many people are on the lookout for affordable, natural cleaning solutions – and tea bags might just be the answer.
In fact, you can even clean your entire bathroom with just a single tea bag, costing as little as 4p.
“Don’t throw away your used tea bags,” Nigel advises. “Instead, set them aside and use them on your shower screens, taps and even your toilet for a streak-free shine.”
Tea bags contain natural chemical compounds called tannins, which boast antibacterial and grease-cutting properties.
These compounds help break down dirt, grime, and oily residue, making tea an effective and eco-friendly cleaner.
“The next time you make yourself a cup of tea, let the tea bag cool down on the side whilst you enjoy your brew.
“Then simply rub the damp tea bag over any affected areas to lift dirt and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth – it’s that easy.
“The tannins work to dissolve grease and lift dirt, leaving your surfaces streak-free and sparkling.
“It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to maintain spotless windows without relying on any harsh chemicals.”
The best part? Once you’re done cleaning, you can compost the used tea bags.
This simple hack not only saves money but also reduces waste, making it a win-win for both your home and the environment.
Beyond tackling bathrooms and windows, tea bags have plenty of other clever uses around the home.
For instance, experts have revealed that they work wonders on greasy pots and pans.
By soaking dirty dishes in warm water with a few used tea bags for a few hours, the tannins help break down grease, making the washing-up process much easier.
They’re also an excellent solution for deodorising shoes.
Stacey Solomon's cleaning tips
IF you want a home that gleams like Stacey's, you'll need to listen up!
Label Everything: Stacey swears by the power of labelling. From pantry jars to storage bins, clear labels help keep everything organised and easy to find.
Daily Tidy Routine: Dedicate 15-20 minutes each day to tidying up. This prevents clutter from building up and makes weekly deep cleaning less daunting.
Baking Soda Magic: Stacey uses baking soda for a variety of cleaning tasks. It’s great for deodorising carpets, cleaning grout, and even freshening up mattresses.
Upcycle Containers: Repurpose old jars, tins, and containers to store cleaning supplies, craft materials, or kitchen ingredients. It’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Shine with Vinegar: White vinegar is a staple in Stacey’s cleaning arsenal. It works wonders on windows, mirrors, and even limescale build-up in kettles.
Make It Fun: Turn on your favourite music or podcast to make cleaning less of a chore and more of a fun, productive activity.
Use a Toothbrush: For those hard-to-reach spots, a toothbrush can be an excellent tool. Use it to scrub grout lines, around taps, and in other small crevices.
Declutter Regularly: Stacey advises a regular declutter session to get rid of items you no longer need. This keeps your home neat and creates more space for the things you love.
Air Fresheners: Create your own natural air fresheners using essential oils. Stacey loves using lavender or citrus oils to keep her home smelling fresh.
Microfibre Cloths: These are essential for dusting and cleaning surfaces without leaving streaks. They are reusable and can be easily washed.
Incorporate these tips into your routine for a cleaner, more organised home, just like Stacey Solomon’s!
Simply place dry, used tea bags inside your shoes overnight, and they will absorb any unwanted odours, leaving your footwear smelling fresher.
Another surprising use is for polishing wooden furniture.
Steep a used tea bag in a glass of water, then dampen a microfibre cloth with the tea-infused water and gently wipe down your wooden surfaces.
Not only does this remove dust and grime, but the tannins also enhance the wood’s natural colour, leaving it with a beautiful shine.
6 Spring Gardening Jobs You Can Do in 60 mins
A gardening pro, or just starting your planting journey? Nigel Lawton, a gardening expert at Dobbies Garden Centres has shared the six jobs you can do to transform your garden in under an hour.
1. Tidy up
Remove dead leaves, neaten beds and borders, remove any seeds and apply a good layer of mulch over the surface with organic peat-free compost. TIME: 60 mins
2. Design beds and borders
Trim back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and get rid of any branches that cross over, Nigel says.
Then prune summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. As well as encouraging new growth in the plant by removing dead material, pruning will also allow you to control the height and shape of your plants. TIME: 50 mins
3. Create a cosy patio
If you have a patio, transform it into a cosy socialising spot.
Start by giving that a good clean with a jet wash to quickly complete the job in under an hour. You can further liven up the area by adding some garden furniture paired with some cushions, some throws, and an outdoor rug. TIME: 30 mins
4. Refresh pots
To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Nigel recommends refreshing your pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes with early season flowers for a country garden effect.
Plant in threes or fives to create a impactful display with small, medium, and large plants of different heights beside your door. TIME: 15 mins
5. Lawncare
Another beginner-friendly task you can do to spruce up your garden is taking care of the lawn by cultivating the soil and making sure the area is level and firm.
Rake out any moss or dead grass, and apply lawn treatement in late spring. TIME: 15-30 mins
6. Welcome wildlife
Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out of hibernation and new birds hatch into life.
To ensure your garden is a safe space for wildlife, Nigel suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter.
You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help protect them from the elements. All of this can be done in under an hour. TIME: 40 mins
