IS your motor in need of a tune-up?
My car’s MOT is coming up and I have kept busy by giving it a bit of a clean-up. Try these home-made helpers on your own set of wheels.
Screen saver. When windscreen wiper blades get dirty, they streak the glass instead of keeping it clear. To get them clean, mix 60ml household ammonia with 1l water, gently lift the blade and wipe both sides with a soft cloth soaked in the solution. Then dry the blades before lowering them back into place.
You can grab 500ml of Max Ammonia for £3.49 at Robert Dyas. That is a steal compared to Amazon, where I have seen it on sale for £9.76. Plus it will last for ages.
SAVING: £6.27
Touch of glass. For windows, mix 60ml spirit vinegar with 400ml distilled water and ½ tsp dish soap, then pour into a large spray bottle. Spritz on to glass before wiping clean with a microfibre cloth. This is far cheaper than buying screenwash, £3.50 at Halfords.
SAVING: £3.50
More for your floor. Instead of spending on shampoo such as Vax Ultra+ carpet solution, £14.99, mix 200ml spirit vinegar, 2 tbsp fabric softener, 2 tbsp baking soda, ½ tbsp dish soap and 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil with 200ml hot water and add to a spray bottle.
Spray on carpets and mats, let it sit for a few minutes then wipe down with a clean cloth. I like that I can choose the scent using different essential oils.
SAVING: Up to £10
Don’t sap your savings. If your motor has been parked under a tree and is splattered with sap, don’t let it sit for too long — it could erode the paint. Clean it off by stirring 200ml dish soap and 2 tbsp baking soda (this neutralises the acidity of the soap) into a bucket of water.
Pour this over the splatters and let it soak for a couple of minutes. Then rub clean with a rag or sponge. Making your own is cheaper than buying specialised removers costing £10.25 at ultimatefinish.co.uk.
SAVE: £10.25
- PRICES correct at time of press. Deals/offers subject to availability.
Deal of day
STOCK up on Purina One chicken and wholegrains cat food at Tesco, £10.99 with a Clubcard. Usually £14.50.
SAVING: £3.51
Cheap treat
ENJOY Kellogg’s Squares Curious Caramel & Chocolate, £1 for a four-pack at Morrisons. Usually £2.
SAVE: £1