Make up a solution of Soda Crystals – one cup in five litres of water, soak the grills and utensils before cleaning with a wire brush. For barbecue body casings, apply with a sponge or brush and leave for an hour before washing off with a sponge soaked in the solution. Then rinse with clean water. A wire brush or scouring pad will help remove burned on grease and food. Alternatively, you can use Liquid Soda Crystals.

*Do not use Soda Crystals on Aluminium

Regardless of the size or location of your beehive, regular maintenance is essential to keep happy bees and achieve high quality honey. Keeping apiaries clean and disinfected greatly reduces the risk of disease spores – like the potentially fatal foulbroods – from infecting the hive. Autumn is ideal for giving your apiary a thorough clean. This is due to the cooler weather and reduced activity in the hives.

For an effective and low-cost method of keeping your smoker, scraper, and hive tools clean, scrub them with a solution of Soda Crystals, water and a small amount of washing up liquid. This alkaline solution will cut through grease, clean petroleum oil, remove wax and propolis, and neutralise odours. A simple solution of warm water and Soda Crystals can be used to clean the floor of your honey shed and remove excess propolis. You can even clean your bee suits and gloves that are stained with soil, beeswax and propolis, by adding a couple of tablespoons of Soda Crystals to your usual washing powder.

Soda Crystals will not release harmful fumes and so they will not harm your bees. In addition, they do not contain bleach, phosphates or enzymes and are biodegradable

If a tent is put away when it is damp and dirty, it can create a breeding ground for mould and rot. To prevent this, clean and dry your tent thoroughly before putting it away.

Start by setting up your tent, and then gently brush off any excess dirt. Wipe it clean using a soft bristled brush and a mild solution of Pure Liquid Soap and warm water. Leave it to dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

Clean synthetic sleeping bags in the washing machine on a gentle wash with a small amount of Pure Liquid Soap.

If you have a down filled sleeping bag, place the bag in a bath of lukewarm water and Pure Liquid Soap and gently squeeze the soap solution throughout. Do not twist or wring the sleeping bag as this may damage its filling. Refill the bath at least three times, and each time, gently squeeze the clean water through the bag until the water runs clear. Dry the sleeping bag flat on the ground until it is partially dry and then hang it outside until it is completely dry.

Once your equipment is clean and ready to put away, fill two clean socks halfway with Bicarbonate of Soda and knot them at the top. Place these inside the tent and sleeping bag and then fold away as normal. The Bicarbonate of Soda will prevent odours from building up while your kit is in storage. This will leave it smelling clean and fresh when you bring it all out again in spring.

Pour 500g (half a 1kg Bag) of Soda Crystals directly down the drain and leave it to treat for ten minutes. Then rinse it with very hot water to clear grease and blockages from the waste pipe.

Wash gutters with half a cup of Soda Crystals per litre of water to remove rotting leaves, etc.

*Do not use Soda Crystals on Aluminium

Not only are moss and slime unsightly they are also a slip hazard. Clear them by sprinkling Soda Crystals directly on to the affected areas and use a watering-can to wet the area*.

Alternatively, you can simply put them down when rain is expected. Leave to treat for a day or two, until the moss turns brown. Then brush or scrape off and rinse with plenty of water.

*Soda Crystals are biodegradable but do exercise care when rinsing off near ponds and other plant life.

Make a slurry of Soda Crystals in very hot water and stir. Pour in and leave to treat for an hour. Then drain and leave to dry. Sprinkle with some Bicarb to remove any odours.

Use half a cup of Soda Crystals per litre of hot water to clean off caked grass, dirt and grime. Rinse, dry and lightly oil metal parts to prevent rust.

*Always disconnect electric mowers from the power supply and keep water away from electrical contacts. Thoroughly dry the machine before use.

Mix one cup of Soda Crystals per litre of hot water to clean off algae and moss, etc. You can also use it as a preparation to remove linseed oil prior to applying a new coat.

For any white plastic furniture use Bicarb Cream, pour onto a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down, use warm clean water to rinse.

Wash out with half a cup of Soda Crystals per litre of water to remove old compost, caked-on grime, etc. This is also great on garden furniture. Wooden furniture may need to be re-oiled after cleaning with Soda Crystals.

*Do not use Soda Crystals on Aluminium

Cover rusty tools, gates, and other equipment with Bicarbonate of Soda, and then pour some White Vinegar on to make the solution bubble. Once the bubbling stops, scrub the tools clean with a stiff brush.  

*Do not use Soda Crystals on Aluminium

Use Liquid Soda Crystals – spray directly onto the surface and leave to treat for an hour. Then use a stiff brush to scrub the ornaments and then rinse them clean.

Use Liquid Soda Crystals – spray directly onto the surface and leave to treat for an hour. Then use a stiff brush to scrub the ornaments and then rinse them clean.

Mix one cup of Soda Crystals per litre of hot water to clean off algae and moss, etc. You can also use this as a preparation to remove linseed oil prior to applying a new coat.