Spring is just around the corner, and you know what that means, right? Spring Cleaning! I know, I know. It’s not the most fun, but there’s nothing quite like throwing open the windows, letting the fresh air in and getting rid of all the dust and grime that’s collected over a long winter. Spring cleaning is a tall order, but it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune. Here are five tips for spring cleaning the frugal way!
Tip #1 – Sometimes Less is More
Despite what TV ads want you to believe, you don’t need an arsenal of harsh, expensive cleansers that foam and bubble to get things really clean. Sometimes, a simple solution of hot water and a few drops of dish soap are all you need to break through the grime. Dish soap isn’t just for washing dishes – it’s also great for removing laundry stains and carpet stains, and really makes a great window cleaner and all-purpose surface spray.
Tip #2 – Clean More, Work Less
I know it’s been a long winter and you may not have kept up with everything, but making a habit of regularly cleaning from floor to ceiling can reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning and the amount of money you need to spend on stronger cleansers. We all know that if you leave a stain to set, it’s going to be even harder to get out – you’ll need more elbow grease and probably stronger cleansers to get the job done. Get a calendar, set a schedule for when you’ll tackle jobs like carpet cleaning, window washing, etc. and work smarter, not harder.
Tip #3 – Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better
You may have certain brand name products you trust and have used for years. It’s good to have products you trust to get the job done, but don’t rule out their cheaper equivalents. Many brand name products have generic brand equivalents that work just as well for quite a bit less.
Tip #4 – Choose Reusable when you Can
Many cleaning items are disposable these days, which is convenient, but not so gentle on the wallet. For example, paper towels are great, but as a cleaning tool, are expensive to replace constantly. Disposable mops such as the Swiffer brand are awesome, too, but buying the replaceable mop heads cost a pretty penny. When possible, choose reusable cleaning tools such as reusable mops, dust cloths and rags and simply take care of them properly so they last a long time.
Tip #5 – Make your own Cleaning Products
Who says you have to buy the cleaning products you use at the store? Make your own out of simple ingredients you probably already have in your home. White vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice all make fantastic cleaners that not only save you money, but are also safer to use. The Internet is full of homemade cleanser recipes – a simple Google search for “homemade cleanser recipes” returns hundreds of results.
Image Credit: Thinkstock
