Spring cleaning – whether you love it or hate it, it’s the time of the year to think about it. The cleaning product industry makes 30+ billion dollars annually. Keeping things clean can really be expensive if we’re not careful. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down and your home shiny and bright. Here are of my favorite frugal spring cleaning hacks to make things spic and span without overspending.
Go On A Scavenger Hunt
It’s always wise to evaluate what you already have rather than running out and making broad purchases. Most of us keep cleaners throughout our entire homes – in cabinets and in closets, on shelves and under the sink. Gather everything you have in one place to begin evaluating what you have and can use before you make a single purchase.
Make Your Own Cleaners or Borrow Equipment
You can save a bundle by choosing to make your own cleaners using basic ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and Borax. Over the years, I’ve used these ingredients to clean everything from jewelry to my laundry. In addition to making your own cleaners, it’s also wise to borrow equipment like carpet cleaners when you can instead of purchasing them. Check out a few of the links below for more ideas:
- 5 Quick & Easy D.I.Y. Household Cleaners
- 5 Easy Homemade Cleaners You Can Make!
- Save Money Washing Dishes PLUS D.I.Y. Dishwasher Detergent
- 5 Quick, Easy, & Cheap Cleaning Hacks
- 7 Frugal Cleaning Products You Need This Spring
Consider Laundry Stripping
This idea is fresh on my brain because I’ve done it twice this week. Overtime, clothes collect fabric softener, built in grime, oils from perfumes and deodorant, and more. You can actually soak your clothes for an extended period of time to remove all of the above. Fill your bathtub up with water that includes a combination of borax, washing soda, oxy cleaner, white vinegar, and Dawn dishwashing detergent. And then allow the clothing to soak for multiple hours before wringing it out and then rinsing in your washing machine. You’ll be amazed at how much comes out of the clothing during this process. The water will be discolored.
A basic process/recipe can be found here. I do like using a degreaser like Dawn in addition to this recipe personally because it helps with those oils. This strategy is useful for towels, workout clothes, hand me downs, and thrifted items especially. Best of all, you may not have to purchase new items when yours are returned to their former state of fluffiness.
Clean the Machine
Most of our homes come fully stocked with modern conveniences like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. As much as I love the idea of time travel, I’d never want to live in an era when these appliances weren’t a part of everyday life.
Alas, those work horses that do the lion’s share of the actual labor when it comes to cleaning in our homes often get neglected. Spring is the perfect time to show them a little TLC. Pick up a machine cleaner (I’m a big fan of the Lemi Shine brand) on your next grocery store run. Follow the directions on the package to refresh your household appliances. Or, do a quick Internet search to find a homemade recipe to get the job done.
When you clean your machines, you’ll find that they run more effectively. You also increase the longevity of the appliance. As an added bonus, you’ll reap the benefits of a lower energy bill because of increased efficiency. All three benefits save you money.
Order Cleaning Products from Amazon
Many times, you can get a better deal on your favorite cleaning products and toiletries on Amazon. Did you know Amazon actually has coupons that you can “clip” to maximize your savings? Pair these coupons with the low prices featured on the Subscribe & Save and Amazon Family programs and you can own shopping for cleaners like nobody’s business. Another advantage is that the products you purchase come straight to your door and eliminate impulse buys that might occur in a brick and mortar store. Pay attention to unit price though. Subscribe & Save prices fluctuate from month to month so after an item ships, it’s a good idea to pause or cancel the subscription so it is not automatically shipped the next month.
Cut Sponges or Scour Pads in Half
This simple tip can stretch your sponges or green scouring pads twice as far without spending an extra cent. Simply use a pair of kitchen scissors to snip them into two equal pieces.
Sweep Out the Back of Your Refrigerator
This is a ridiculous tip but go with me here. The coils in your refrigerator get clogged with dust, hair, and grime. Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to use the attachment on your vacuum or a Shop Vac to sweep that badboy out. Your refrigerator will run more effectively and keep cooler. Your energy bill decreases a bit and your food lasts longer. Double bonus. For other out of the box ideas, read: 31 Debt Free Missions: Save Money On Appliances.
Sub White Vinegar for Fabric Softener
White vinegar makes a fabulous frugal replacement for fabric softener. At first, I purchased a Downy Ball at my local big box (the link to Amazon is overpriced, don’t buy it there. I just wanted to show you what it was.). Instead of filling it with fabric softener, I used white vinegar (the best price is at Sam’s Club). Now I just put white vinegar directly into the fabric softener dispenser on my machine (it’s a newer HE machine). You won’t smell like salad dressing, I promise. Your whites will actually be whiter, clothes are soft, and it cuts down on static most seasons of the year. I also have a set of adorable Kikkerland Hedgehog Dryer Balls that help with static, too.
Descale Your Coffee Pot with Vinegar
Calling all java lovers. If you daily use your coffee pot, at least once a month you’ll want to descale it. Simply run 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water through a regular cycle. Let the mixture sit. Pour it down the drain (by the way, this will actually help clear your drains, too). Then, run a regular cycle with just water. Your coffee will taste better on the next brew and you’ll stretch the life of the appliance. Want to know what other two appliances to maintain? Check out 3 Appliances to Maintain to Save Big Bucks.
I’d love to hear your money saving cleaning hacks, too!
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 The Debt Free Devotional
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