Ask an expert The art of thrifty cleaning

Make your home feel fresh and clean, without the hefty price tag. Cleaning expert Ann Russell shares her brilliant, budget-friendly tips to help you save money and get sparkling results every time

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How many products do you actually need in your cleaning kit?

There are a few essential items I couldn't live without, starting with washing-up liquid. It's the ultimate degreaser - it contains surfactants, which break down and lift grease and oil from surfaces. You can go a really long way with washing-up liquid alone - it has 101 uses, from floors to general-purpose cleaning. A bowl of hot, soapy water and a cloth is really all you need to clean, dust, and even remove marks from carpets and furniture.

Cotton cloths are another must-have. Old T-shirts (or any old cotton garments) make great cloths, as they are usually tightly knitted cotton, which is both durable and absorbent. Cut them into neat squares, and they'll last just as long as store-bought versions.

You probably also need a pair of rubber gloves, a soft, stainless-steel scrubby and, if you live in a hard-water area, some limescale remover. Finally, you need a good squeegee to take care of glass, tiles and mirrors.

What are your favourite budget-friendly cleaning products? (And what's worth spending on?)

I like to buy cotton dishcloths (a pack of four or five is under £1 and they last for ages). I frequently refill empty trigger bottles with water (or white vinegar) and a squeeze of washing-up liquid, too. They work just as well as the more expensive original contents, and cut down on plastic use.