Little household things that add up to big savings

It’s true that it’s the little things in life that really count. Money saving is not much different. When you’ve cut all the big expenses and think there’s nowhere else to cut, it’s time to start looking at the smaller ways in which money is leaking from your wallet. These small household tips and tricks can save you hundreds if not thousands on your grocery and household expenditures.

A Little Dab Will Do

All your life, you see ads on TV showing a big long strip of toothpaste covering your brush from one end of the bristles to the other. The truth is, you only need about 1/3 that amount to brush your teeth properly. Make your toothpaste last three times longer by using less. The same is true for most beauty products, like shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and moisturizer. Experiment with your daily personal care regimen and see how little of these products you really need. This will save you big on one of the most expensive grocery items on your list. 

You Only Need One Cleaner

Do you know you can clean most of your house with a 99-cent bottle of bleach? Stop buying window cleaner, dusting spray, toilet bowl cleaner, anti-bacterial wipes, floor cleaner, kitchen cleaner, shower cleaner and all those other specialized cleaning products. All these small items add up to one big bill. You’ll save hundreds by dropping all those cleaners for one basic essential. Here’s how you do it.

You will need to invest in some specialized cleaning cloths that can be used for dusting and windows. These cloths can be re-used for years and will save you a ton on paper towels. Also, pick up some green scrubbing pads (not the sponge-type because they harbor germs). Your total investment will be about ten dollars. You only need one window cloth, but you are better off with a few dusting cloths. Scrubbing pads come in packs of three, but if you cut them in half, you get six scrubbers. If you have sensitive skin, it is a good idea to get a good pair of cleaning gloves as well.

Dusting and Everyday Cleaning

Do your dusting with one dusting cloth. For everyday cleaning, you only need to add 1 tablespoon of regular bleach to one gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a dusting rag into the solution and wipe down all your non-porous surfaces. This same solution works for mopping the floors. Instead of buying disposable pads for your mop, use a rag soaked in the solution for mopping. Rinse periodically in clean water and re-soak as needed. 

Windows

For windows, use the same bleach-water solution and the same rag to wipe down the windows and clean the tough stains. Then take the window cleaning cloth and wipe down the mirrors and windows to remove streaks. This works better than window cleaner and paper towels. Just be sure you rinse all your cloths thoroughly before throwing them in with the laundry to be cleaned.

Germy Surfaces

For food areas and bathrooms, let the bleach-water solution sit on hard surfaces for two minutes before wiping away. This will kill all those dangerous germs that can make you sick. Wipe away the excess and let the areas air-dry. For the toilet, tougher stains can be removed by pouring a little bleach directly in the bowl and scrubbing with a toilet brush. 

Use green scrubbing pads for shower soap scum. Soak the pad in the bleach-water solution. Scrub down your shower and water fixtures to remove the white mist that settles on these surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Then take your window cloth and wipe down the chrome surfaces for a beautiful streak-free shine.

 
Serious Germs

If you have a dog or cat, you should mix a stronger solution for cleaning floors once a week or so. Mix ¾ cup bleach with one gallon water and let the solution sit on the floor for about ten minutes. This will kill any parvovirus your pets leave on the floor. If you have hardwood floors, you should be careful how often you follow this procedure. Hardwood floors are best cleaned with a dry mop and broom.

Speaking of Pets…Save on Food

Most pet owners stick with one brand of dog food and never try anything else. As a result, they may not realize how much more food you get out of a bag filled with smaller bits of kibble. When shopping for dog or cat food, look at the total weight of the bag compared with the price. Go with a reasonably priced brand made of smaller chunks of kibble and your pet’s food will last longer, saving you hundreds over the course of a year. 

These three basic tips alone can save you about $1,000 a year or more if you are like the average household. Use less, buy only the essentials and make smarter choices. Apply these principles to all your daily activities and the savings will be even greater!