Cleaning is a part of life that is often unavoidable, time-consuming, and expensive. Whether it’s a small space, a large house, an office, or even a car, there is always something that needs to be cleaned. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be an expensive chore; these 9 hacks can help you mix it up without breaking the bank.
1: Tidy up regularly. Cleaning doesn’t have to be a massive weekly event; it can be done a little at a time, every day. Not only does this save time when you do go for a major cleaning bonanza, it keeps things looking nice all the time. Keeping clothes put away, cleaning up spilled food as soon as possible, and taking a few minutes to sweep the floor now and then can make a big difference, save time, and eliminate the need for a large and expensive cleaning event later on.
2: Get an air purifier. Do you have a problem with dust? A good quality air purifier may be the answer. If the air coming into your house is passing through a filter, this will reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and other particles that settle on your floor, furniture, clothes, and everything else. This in turn will reduce the need for sweeping and vacuuming as well, as fewer particles will settle on the floor. An air purifier can also make your home feel fresher, and help remove strong odors like cigarette smoke.
3: Take off your shoes. Using a doormat and removing your shoes at the door can make a big difference in how often you need to clean your floors, because what is there to clean if they’re not getting dirty in the first place? By keeping the dirt brought in from outside limited to the entry area, you can keep the whole house cleaner for longer.
4: Don’t be afraid to try something different. If you need to clean out a tough stain or scrub a toilet, consider trying something less conventional before you go out and buy that expensive toilet bowl cleaner. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are among the common and simple items that can be used to clean countless things around your house. Save some money and a shopping trip, and clean out your microwave with vinegar this time.
5: Make your own cleaning supplies. Let’s not get too crazy, you can still go pick something up at the store. But sometimes, mixing up your own cleaning supplies can actually save you both time and money! Countless types of cleaners can be made with water, vinegar, or bleach as the base. From there, you can follow a recipe or (carefully) experiment on your own to create something that smells nice, cleans well, and works for you. Plus, you can tell your friends that you made your own cleaning supplies – and they will be impressed? – ok possibly not, but it still works and it’s super cheap. Just be careful you don’t accidentally make a bomb or chlorine gas!
6: Use microfiber towels instead of paper towels. Disposable paper products are easy to use for cleaning. They’re convenient, but did you ever think about how many you use each time you clean your home, office or vehicle? This can also apply to sanitizing wipes, and other disposable paper products. Consider a one-time investment in some microfiber towels that you can wash and reuse for years to come.
7: Recycle. What do you have in your house that you can repurpose for cleaning? Containers, rags, towels, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies that you already have can be surprisingly versatile, and they don’t cost you a thing. Even used dryer sheets can be used for dusting electronics, and coffee grounds can deodorize a refrigerator. Be creative, and see how many things you already have that you can use in a new way.
8: Reduce clutter. The less things you have, the less things you have to clean! There’s no need to take this to extremes, but if you have items that you know you don’t use often enough for them to be worth the space they occupy, consider giving them away or selling them. This will give you more space to breathe, fewer things to clean, and maybe even some extra dollars.
9: Air things out. Does your home or car smell stale? Before you grab the air freshener, try airing it out the natural way, by opening some windows. New air from outside can make your home feel fresher and cleaner, without any actual cleaning taking place.
Conclusion
How do you save money on cleaning? We have 9 ideas here; do you have a 10th? We’d love to hear from you in the comments, as we all work to make chores easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable.
