Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
Spring has sprung! Something within us makes us want to organize, dust up, and deep clean. It’s time to throw open the windows, get out the stale stench of winter and welcome in the spring sunshine. These spring cleaning hacks are certain to inspire you to get the process under way.
Clean Out Before You Clean Up
There’s always a great temptation to run to the store to purchase cleaning and organization products willy nilly. Before you make a single buy, you need to clear out the clutter first. You might actually discover that you have more cleaning products and even bins and baskets that could be repurposed to organize than you realized. Fight the impulse to make numerous purchases that you might not even need.
Track What You Donate
If you plan on donating your outgrown clothes or housewares, be sure you keep a record of what you give away. This is incredibly important if you choose to itemize your taxes because more than likely you’re undervaluing your donations or not counting them at all. The Salvation Army’s website has a fantastic Donation Value Guide Chart to help you determine how much each item should be worth. Keep a log in a notebook that you can find again so that you can keep a running total throughout the tax year. Don’t forget to also get a receipt of your donation at the location where you pass along your goods.
Dust Fans with a Pillowcase
You don’t need a fancy duster or that latest mop to clean up. While old t-shirts and towels make great dust rags, try to think creatively when it comes to spring cleaning. A pillowcase is the perfect way to dust fan blades. Instead of the dust flying high into the air you can capture it all inside the case. Slip the open end on either side of a fan blade (be sure you turn it off first, because ouch!). Then carefully slide it back toward you. All of the dust will be trapped inside instead of flying around in the air.
Make Your Own Cleaners
I’ve talked about this so many times before, but making your cleaners is not only a great way to save money but also a fantastic way to go a little more green. I have over 10 Homemade Cleaner recipes on my site and a few in Slaying the Debt Dragon, too. From laundry detergent to jewelry cleaner and dishwashing detergent, most recipes require three simple ingredients, washing soda, borax, and white vinegar. Baking soda, dish soap, and salt are great to have on hand, too. You’ll spend less and expose your family to fewer chemicals.
Clean Copper Pots and Pans with Salt and Vinegar
This is one of my favorite spring cleaning tips of all time. If you’re looking to do some deep cleaning in your cabinets, you can easily use three simple ingredients to get the bottoms of your copper pots and pans shining like new. Begin by sprinkling regular table salt on the bottom of the pan. Spritz or pour white vinegar on top of it. Then use a scour pad (without soap) to scrub away. Add more salt and vinegar as necessary. You’ll be shocked at how well this works!
It’s so easy to get carried away when the seasons change. Our enthusiasm can lead to overspending or worse, purchasing products we already have or don’t even need. Use your head and what you already have to clean your castle as good as new!
What are your favorite money saving spring cleaning tips? I’d love to read them in the comments!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
Ya, if you are planning on cleaning, don’t buy more things. If you have to buy things because you have absolutely no others, then go ahead. You just need to make sure you check your inventory before you buy.
sparklecleanonline.com
This post is just what I needed. I’m on a budget and the house needs to be cleaned as always. Thanks for this fantastic article!