Budget-Friendly Cleaning Tips

Nothing beats coming to a relaxing, clean home. But scrubbing, dusting, moping and simply maintaining a house does not only take effort but could also be utterly expensive. Cleaning products and supplies may not be too friendly on the pocket, and with so many “new and improved” merchandise in the market, it’s hard not to be tempted to have a new purchase just to make cleaning easier and more effective. Resist your urge and consider first these helpful tips in making your home spotless without breaking the bank.

DIY and Go Natural

Whenever you can, always go for the natural home cleaning solutions before going for commercial and chemical products. There is a plethora of do-it-yourself cleaning recipes that you can find online using only ingredients that you already have in your home. Vinegar can be used for mold prevention, window and mirror cleaning, wood floor cleaning, and can even add luster to your dishwasher. Fresh lemons and lemon oil can enhance fragrance, clean brass, chrome, and cropper, and can help get rid of stains, including water stains in showers and faucets. Baking soda can be sprinkled on surfaces and help deodorize the carpet, fridge and other items. You can also use salt to remove grease spots from carpets, scrub out food residue from cast iron pans, and clean brass or copper.

Reuse

Ditch the disposables for reusable cleaning supplies. Paper towels can be replaced with rags and cloths that you can wash and reuse over and over. Opt for quality materials like microfiber mops, which can hold on to dust and dirt until washed. Compared to regular rugs and mops, it is more effective in removing bacteria from smooth surfaces. Microfiber mops and cloths also allow you to skip chemical solutions because it only uses water to be able to remove dirt and smudges. Choosing reusable tools will not only save you money in the long run but will also help the environment.

Go Generic

You don’t have to pay top dollar on pricey, branded products when you have the option to go generic. Most generic brands can offer the same cleaning performance as expensive items, while giving you about 50% savings. To make sure that you are getting a reliable merchandise, compare generic brand labels to the ingredients listed on the established brand’s product. It is important that you are comfortable with the quality of your purchase. You may need a few trial and errors but sooner than later, you are likely to find a much more affordable version of your go-to branded cleaner.

Repurpose

Cut down on cleaning supplies and tools by repurposing old items you can find around your home. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub grout in between tiles or clean crevices in your gadgets.  Consider using old wash cloths and t-shirts to use for surface cleaning or shining stainless steel appliances. Make do of an old bucket to store cleaning supplies and equipment. Just make sure that when you repurpose, you have enough storage space or it will only add up to the clutter.