If you have pets, then keep them off the treated area, at least until the solution is dry. Vinegar and salt could be harmful to their paws or if ingested by them.

These detergents also contain surfactants. These do the job of keeping the dirt suspended. Surfactants now have to be aerobically biodegradable.This means that they need to break down by 60% in the presence of oxygen within 28 days. It’s a step in the right direction. However, biodegradability depends on the conditions within the waterways and nature doesn’t always play by specific rules. Its vegan-friendly and cruelty-free washing-up liquid is free from harsh chemicals, including petrochemicals, phosphates, preservatives, and enzymes. This makes it readily biodegradable, as well as suitable for use in septic tanks and around pets. As with any form of weed killer – commercial or homemade – you do have to exercise common sense when using it. For the best eco-friendly washing-up liquid and laundry detergents, look for companies that are taking meaningful steps to reduce their emissions. This includes reporting fully on every element of their supply chain. This also includes working towards carbon emission reduction targets that are in line with international climate agreements. However, others branded the idea 'brilliant'. Hollie Rushforth said: "This is a brilliant idea not just for money saving but what about if your boiler goes? You still need to wash up and cheaper than boiling the kettle twice just to rinse some dishes."Yet despite its powerful action, it’s gentle on your hands and safe for use around pets. In fact, all of its products are free from VOCs, chlorine bleaches, solvents, lanoline, phosphates and phosphonates.

If you can’t keep your pets off your slabs or paving, then do give this recipe a miss. Instead, use the eco-friendliest method there is – pulling up the weeds by hand. Laundry detergents and washing-up liquids contain a range of chemicals that are designed to break down dirt and carry it away. They also provide fragrance, a particular look, or just bulk out the active ingredients. However, another said sadly: “Just sad times that energy costs so much people have to wash in cold water these days to save a little off their bills.” Couldn't think of anything worse than having my hands in a bowl of cold water right now,” said a second.Refills – Look for refillable washing-up liquid and laundry detergent so single-use plastic bottles can be used again and again For split table wax which can occur on the carpet, table linen and even on the walls you simply need to cover the wax with kitchen roll or a clean tea towel and then using either your iron or hair dryer, pop on a cool/medium setting and go over. The heated wax then lifts off. Washing up, washing clothes, loading the dishwasher. These endless daily chores probably aren’t top of your list of fun ways to spend your time. Yet, with the drudgery of cleaning dirty dishes and clothes comes an opportunity to do good, to ditch the polluting big brands, and to support ethical brands that are creating a positive environmental impact. Tesco is selling a washing-up liquid that could save you hundreds of pounds – and it smells like Christmas! (Credit: Tesco/Ben Stevens/Parsons Media) Tesco selling Christmas-scented washing-up liquid that could save you money Looking to wave goodbye to single-use plastic? Miniml makes it easy with its clever closed-loop recycling scheme.