Housework is officially bad for you. Experts say cleaning sprays could increase your risk of asthma by 70 percent but this doesn’t mean you should ditch the cleaning and dusting; quite the opposite as studies show that exercise is a great way to burn calories. Just try natural brands or store cupboards alternatives such as lemon juice with vinegar.

Why spend pounds on commercially produced aerosols packed full of chemicals and synthetic fragrances, not to mention damaging the protective ozone layer, when you can easily make up your own gorgeous room air fresheners?

In just minutes, for next to nothing, using two of the most natural substances available you can create your own recipes!

Simply choose a combination of up to 3 types of essential oils to total 20 drops and combine with 200ml of spring water. Then either pour into an open bowl or into a plant sprayer (preferably glass) and shake well before each use to disperse the oils.

With so many different essential oils available you can of course simply choose your favourite scent or scents to make a delightfully aromatic personal air freshener. But, in addition, certain oils may also be considered for their therapeutic benefits. Many oils may be used in air fresheners to great effect to neutralise unpleasant odours or to purify the air during illness helping to prevent the spread of infection or disease:

• Best deodorising oils – Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Pine or Rosemary
• Best purifying oils – Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon or Tea Tree (anti-bacterial/anti-viral oils)
• To mask unpleasant cooking smells such as fish or cabbage – 12 drops Lemon, 8 drops Eucalyptus
• To remove the smell of Cigarette smoke – 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Lime
• To create a sensual atmosphere in the bedroom – 8 drops Ylang Ylang, 12 drops Patchouli
• For fresh Bathrooms – 6 drops Rosemary, 8 drops Lemon, 6 drops Lavender

Chemical cleaning products can trigger all kinds of nasty reactions from watery eye to itchy skin. So why not clean your home the natural way?

• Say goodbye to bleach: Lemon juice is a natural bleach – perfect for stubborn stains or wooden chopping boards.
• Pass the vinegar: If lime scale is your bugbear, vinegar is ideal for sinks, baths and taps.
• Get busy with bicarb: Bicarbonate of soda mixed with water dissolves grease and dirt. Used dry, it’s a great abrasive for lifting carpet stains and as a powder nothing is better for neutralising odours.
• For windows: Nothing is better than vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle. Simply spray it on then buff up the panes with scrunched up newspaper – the ink on the newspaper reacts with the vinegar for a streak-free clean.
• Beat your rugs: While carpets need vacuuming rugs benefit from a vigorous beating. Hang outside and spank with a weapon of your choice; it’s a great way to relieve stress too.
• Go bananas: Indoor plants are great for improving air quality but not when they are covered in dust. All you need is a banana skin – wipe the soft inside over grubby leaves for a healthy, chemical free shine.