Complete and utter honesty check: I H-A-T-E to clean. And yet I know that in order to function {and prevent my children from being removed by the state or end up on hoarders} I do have to keep things in a relative working order here in the Queendom. So here are a few of my favorite tips for keeping cleaning frugal and simple.
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| Source: beingcreativetokeepmysanity.blogspot.com via Cherie on Pinterest This is the recipe I used and I actually only use 1/2 T per load. |
I choose to make my own cleaners. I know, I know . . . you’re thinking, “Doesn’t that take a whole lot more time?!” And the short answer is not really. I use White Vinegar a lot {for a rinse agent in my dishwasher, in lieu of fabric softener in a Downey Ball, as a glass and general purpose cleaner, as a leave on shower spray}. The cheapest place you can purchase it is Sam’s club and it saves you a boatload of coin regardless where you buy it. I make our own laundry detergent and dishwashing detergent, too. I PROMISE I will share recipes one day soon.
- I do what I need to keep my sanity FIRST. For everyone, this looks different, but a nothing shuts me down mentally like a sink full of dirty dishes and a counter full of kitchen clutter. And when you eat at home as much as we do {and don’t often buy disposable items to save $}, you’re going to have a lot of dirty dishes. So I usually choose to attack there first. As a side note, I love to use the time cleaning in the kitchen to listen to podcasts that inspire, challenge, and enrich me – sometimes they come from churches {both local and national} and sometimes they come from Dave Ramsey.
- I let go of what doesn’t really matter to me. Again, this is going to look different for everyone, but dusting really isn’t a priority for me. Sweeping becomes a priority when the floor crunches when you walk across it but otherwise it doesn’t rank as high as laundry/dishes for us. If I get around to these tasks during an average week, bully. If not, I’m going to let it slide.
- Be ok with a dirty house. People matter more. I used to say that I didn’t care if someone saw my dirty house. But I really didn’t mean it. I really really was embarrassed if someone dropped by unannounced and the place was falling apart. But, I’d like to think that I’m in the process of getting beyond it. Just a couple of weeks ago, a friend who I love {and who loves me} dropped by and I invited her in to sit and chat {but I had to clear off the table first and I glanced down at a Cheerio covered floor and hoped she didn’t notice}. Bottom line, I remember and cherish the chat, I don’t really care about the clutter and I’m guessing she doesn’t remember it.
What do you do to keep cleaning Frugal and Simple? Share your best tips with us in the comments!
