About to tackle the post-Christmas clean up? Try these inventive and free DIY cleaning tips!

Christmas Day might have been and gone, but the festive mess has a habit of hanging around. From stubborn mince pie crumbs ground into the carpet to an oven that’s seen one roast too many, the aftermath can feel a bit overwhelming.

Before you head out to buy pricey cleaning products, take a look around your home. You might be surprised by how many everyday items can be reused to clean, store, and refresh your space, saving you money and reducing waste.

Get inventive with these simple, eco-friendly DIY cleaning and organising ideas!

Reuse carboard and wrapping paper to store decorations

Instead of filling your bin with empty cardboard boxes or making a trip to the tip, put that packaging to good use.

• Cut rectangles from cardboard or use wrapping paper tubes to neatly wind up Christmas lights. This keeps them tangle-free and frustration-free next year.
• Use sturdy boxes to store decorations, and wrap fragile baubles in old wrapping paper for extra protection.

Remember to label the boxes clearly so you can find everything in a flash next December.

Make a nutrient-rich compost from raw veg scraps

Those raw vegetable leftovers don’t need to go to waste.

• Potato peelings, carrot skins, and even uneaten sprouts can be added to your compost heap.
• Shred plain wrapping paper, without any glitter or foil, and add it too. It breaks down slowly and helps balance the compost.

Come spring, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready to give your garden a boost.

Use flat fizzy drinks to clean the toilets

Got half-full bottles of flat lemonade or cola lying around? Don’t pour them down the sink!

• simply pour the drink into the toilet bowl
• leave it for a few hours, or overnight
• flush to help lift stains and freshen things up

A surprisingly effective alternative to expensive toilet cleaners.

Add scent to cleaning spray with fallen pine needles

Instead of clogging up the vacuum cleaner with fallen pine needles from your Christmas tree, put them to work.

• Add a small handful to a homemade cleaning spray and let the scent infuse.
• Or pop them into a fabric bag and hang it in your airing cupboard or wardrobe for naturally fresh-smelling linen.

Your home will smell crisp and pine-fresh long after the tree’s been taken down.

Citrus peel DIY cleaner

Don’t throw away those satsuma and lemon peels!

• grate or peel them and add to a jar of white wine vinegar
• leave to infuse for a couple of weeks, then strain

You’ll have a powerful, citrus-scented cleaner that works wonders on grease and grime.

Give your oven its sparkle back with bicarbonate of soda

Wave goodbye to burnt oven trays by sprinkling bicarbonate of soda over them, spraying with vinegar, and leaving overnight before scrubbing.

A post-Christmas clean-up doesn’t have to be expensive or boring. With a little creativity, you can reuse what you already have, cut down on waste, and start the new year with a fresh, organised home.

Happy cleaning!