Cleaning products can be quite expensive. You are mostly paying for the brand name and the convenience of the item. There are quite a few things you can do to reduce these costs significantly. Essentially, you can spend less than $5 per month to make your own cleaning products or purchase the at dollar stores. Cleaning rags and sponges can also be washed or put in the dishwasher for reuse.
Use a Bagless Vacuum
Rather than having to purchase vacuum cleaner bags, use a bagless option. All you have to do with these is clean the filters and replace them once a year. Some filters never need replacing, so keep them clean and it could be even less expensive on your budget.
Make your own Cleaners
It is very easy to make your own cleaner. You can use just regular soap and water if you wish. An antibacterial option works best.
If you want to make your own cleaners, just make a diluted vinegar and water solution using 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Use white vinegar only though.
Another option is using orange oil extracts and water with a bit of dish soap. This cleaner has a fresh scent and can be used on nearly any surface in the home.
To clean wood, simply dab a few drips of walnut or grapeseed oil onto a dry, soft cloth. Wipe the wood surfaces down and ensure that none of the oil is dripping down the piece of furniture. Let it sit for 5 minutes and wipe the area clean with a dry cloth.
Shop at Dollar Stores for Supplies
Most areas have discount or dollar stores available. Most cleaning products and supplies are only a dollar or two. If you just pick one or two cleaners, you can clean the entire home. Most perform multiple duties. In fact, you don’t even need a separate cleaner for the toilet and tub/shower. Just use a multi-surface cleaner and a good brush.
Living a frugal lifestyle is not by choice for some consumers. Saving money wherever you can is important. Making your own cleaners literally costs pennies. Rags and sponges can survive three cycles in a dishwasher for reuse. These items alone can cost over $10 per month. Consider just using unmatched socks or ripping t-shirts that have become too stained or ripped for wear. These make great cleaning rags for smooth surfaces.
For wood I use 1/3 vegetable oil 2/3 kerosine, and scrub the wood with it. It keeps the bugs away and gives wood a shiny look.
Nice article and I love the posted comment about cleaning wood. I heard kerosene takes off rust as well. Cleaning a home without the use of all the chemical cleaners that are out there today can be a great thing for our own health and when it comes time to sell the house, it can be one little step that appeals to buyers as well.