7 ‘Unexpected’ Things You Can Clean with Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is a powerful cleaning agent. But did you know that it can do much more than just clean your clothes? The stuff can be multifunctional in your household. For example, you can use both the liquid and powder version for your drain, oven or car. We have listed seven things that you can clean with laundry detergent.
1. Unclogging the drain
Is your drain clogged up? Don’t call a plumber just yet; try this trick first. Pour about 60 millilitres of laundry detergent into the sink and then (slowly) pour a litre of boiling water down the drain. The hot water and the liquid detergent work together to flush out the blockage. That saves you another visit from the plumber.
2. Making all-purpose cleaner
It is also perfectly fine to use laundry detergent to make all-purpose cleaner. To do this, mix 80 millilitres of bleach, 4.5 litres of water and a teaspoon of laundry detergent together. It works surprisingly well on walls, in the bathroom and on almost any other surface in the house.
3. Removing stains
When you think about it, it makes sense that the same stain-fighting properties that help clean your clothes, also work on upholstery and carpet. Apply powder detergent to a stain and rub it gently with a wet cloth to work the detergent into the stain. Wait five minutes, then wipe off the excess powder and repeat until the stain is gone.
4. Washing the car
Laundry detergent is ideal for cleaning the outside of the car. It removes dirt with ease. Makes sure to dilute the detergent fist. Just one tablespoon of laundry detergent per bucket of water should be enough. A solution that is too concentrated could damage the paintwork of your car, which is something we want to avoid! Of course, you can also use laundry detergent for the interior of the car, as described above.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.