May 2009
14
$4.29 a bottle, $3.89 for 16 fluid ounces, and -gasp- $24.99 for a MOP?... oh, and not to mention the $4.00 replacement pads. Browse down the cleaning aisle of any grocery or supermarket, and these will be the price tags you'll find on cleaning supplies. With prices like that, it seems like a luxury to not live in filth, doesn't it?
Luckily, maintaining a happy, healthy and clean home doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Find out how to do it frugally today! Below are eight tips to help you clean up your home without cleaning out your wallet.
1.Downsize your cleaning arsenal- "All purpose cleaner" is just that, and you save a significant amount of cash when buying it in those huge, economy sized refills. Pick two or three essential products that you can use to clean everything window to wall, floor to ceiling. As for cleaning the restroom, some Ajax and disinfectant work fine and last for months.
2.Dilute the fluids- Add a little water to the mix to stretch the formula. It will still work great, promise!
3.DIY cleaning solutions- They are cheap, you don't have to run to the store when you run out, and better for the environment. Be sure to store all solutions in an air-tight container to prevent evaporation.
- Wood polish- 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice. Clean with a soft, damp cloth and buff with dry cloth.
- Carpet freshener- Just use baking soda and let sit for 1-2 hours. Vacuum afterwards.
- Kitchen counter cleaner- Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water.
- Disinfectant- 2 teaspoons borax,4 teaspoons vinegar, and 3 cups hot water.
- Carpet cleaner- For large spills and messes on carpet, dump pure, dry cornmeal on the mess. Vacuum 15 minutes later.
For additional cleaning solutions and ideas, check out our member's tips on our forum "Cleaning products are costing me a fortune'
4. Follow the directions- Read the label to make sure your not overusing the chemical. It wastes money, and too much of it could be toxic to children and animals, and have a rather strong odor.
5.Do it thoroughly!- If this means cleaning one room at a time, and only one room a day do this. By cleaning efficiently, you reduce the risk of re-doing it (and using twice the cleaning products).
6.Work from the top down- Clean counters, dishes, and other surfaces before the floor. This is good advice because dirt and debris from higher surfaces can fall on the floor, causing you to redo it.
7.Ditch the paper towels- Get washable rags and cloths to use instead. Paper towels are wasteful and expensive.
8.Get FREE cleaning supplies. Request to get samples from the "Cleaning" section at Hey, Its Free. They have tons of links to companies that are willing to give away free samples. Also, try coupons from Smart Source or Cool Savings.
©2009