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In these tough economic times we're all on the lookout for a bargain or somewhere we can cut corners and save a few bob for that summer holiday or night out. With all the food channels just now putting out programmes and recipes showing you how to make the most of leftovers I thought “why not the same for household cleaners?” Not only will these be using up store cupboard ingredients they will also be saving you precious pennies and can be eco-friendly into the bargain.

1) Get rid of garlic

We've all chopped a garlic clove and been left with a sticking chopping board. Rather than scrubbing at it for hours in a bowl of soapy water simply wipe it down with the cut side of a lemon to instantly rid the board of that lingering smell.

2) Vinegar's not just for chips!

Get yourself a plastic spray bottle and mix up some vinegar and water then spray on taps, worktops and tiles for fantastic shine.

Another tip for vinegar (there are hundreds) is to add a dash to your wash in place of fabric conditioner for soft fluffy clothes, towels and sheets.

And my third and final vinegar tip is to use it to clean windows. Using the same spray bottle as in the first tip ion this section spray it over your windows and wipe of using crumpled up newspaper for unbelievable shine.

3) Banish oven dirt

Mix up baking powder with salt and water into a thickish paste and plaster onto your oven, put the oven on to a very low heat until it's slightly warm then wash off with a damp cloth (be warned though, this may involve some elbow grease!)

4) Baking soda for eliminating smells

To make your fridge smell fresh put a small box of baking powder in it and let the powder soak up the smells and leave your fridge smelling like, well, a clean fridge.

5) And finally...wine isn't just for drinking

To rid clothing, carpets and upholstery of red wine stains dab the offending area with some white wine to remove the stain and leave the material as good as new. This one really does work, I've been known to use it on dried in wine stains and it's always done the deed.

So there you have it, 5 homemade kitchen cleaners to save you a few pennies.