Keep Your House Clean On a Tight Budget
I don't know about you, but I despise having to waste our hard earned money on cleaning supplies - like toilet bowl cleaner. Of course, I do try to stock up when I find a great deal, but I have heard so many great ideas about how to make your own cleaners or even just save on time when doing your chores.
One of my readers - Tina - has some amazing ideas that she is sharing now on her Facebook Page - The Happy Lil' Homemaker. Some of the things I've read I had heard about before, but there are some others that are pretty smart! Here are a few that I have read about lately that I'm going to be trying very soon!
1. Save On Fabric Softener / Dryer Sheets. Buy sponges from any Dollar Store and cut them into half. Then, mix equal parts liquid fabric softener & water in a container. Place the sponges in the mixture until they are covered and keep this by your dryer. Then, when you are ready to dry a load of laundry, ring out the sponge and toss it in with your clothes (be sure it isn't dripping wet). You can stretch a bottle marked for 32 loads to as much as 60 loads.
2. Ditch the Windex. I have sets of microfiber cloths that I use for cleaning. Rather than use Windex, I just use warm water! I will take a wash cloth and wash the spots/streaks off. Then, I dry it with one cloth. Once it is dry, I use a completely dry microfiber cloth and polish/buff it until the streaks are gone and it shines. I also use this method (although much "dryer wet cloth") when I clean our televisions.
3. Clean that Fridge/Freezer Chemical Free. Mix salt and soda water and use it to scrub your appliance clean. The reason is that the bubbling action of the soda water combines with the abrasive texture of the salt and gets your fridge as clean as can be!
4. Stop Buying Furniture Polish. Again, I don't ever use chemicals when I dust. I simply use a dry microfiber cloth and that captures my dust. If I have a smudge, I will dampen one spot on the cloth and use it to scrub off the food -- and then dry it clean. If you really love to use polish, you can make your own. Just find a small container and place olive oil in it. Then, add 2 drops of lemon oil. Place the product onto your cloth (never right onto the furniture) and rub it into your wood. Let it set for 15 - 20 minutes and then buff with another clean cloth to make it shine!
5. Vinegar can be your best friend. It is amazing what you can do with good old vinegar. Here are a few ideas:
* Before you step into your shower, spray the door with full strength vinegar and hard water deposits will not stick.
* Pour 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup hot vinegar into your drain to clean it. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then run warm water through it.
* Clean grout by place vinegar (full strength) into it and let it set for a few minutes and then scrub with an old toothbrush.
What amazing money saving tips have you come across? I love learning new ways that I can save even more money on household products!