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Frugal cleaning has become more important than ever. Household cleaning products and almost every other grocery item have become more expensive recently. For the average person, it’s becoming a significant problem.
With rising costs and the necessity of household cleanliness, getting creative with our methods may be the only option. A refined way of cleaning may be the solution.
Do we need four different spray cleaners? Are the cheapest sponges the most long-lasting? How many products are essential to sanitize a bathroom?
1. Use Less Product
It may seem obvious, but minimizing your cleaning equipment is a surefire way to reduce your cleaning costs. Vinegar, bicarb soda, and tea tree oil are all effective products for household cleaning.
Vinegar breaks down dirt, bicarb soda makes a great exfoliant, and tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. It’s all gentle enough for kids to help, too.
2. Clean Your Microwave With a Lemon
As unconventional as it sounds, the acidity in lemons is surprisingly good at removing grease and bacteria. One lemon, a bowl of water, and a dirty microwave are all that are required.
This is the easiest way to clean a microwave without the harsh chemicals.
3. Don’t Fall for the Marketing
The tag #CleanTok has over 3.8 million videos on TikTok’s social media platform. While watching others clean can be inspiring, it can also overcomplicate a job that can often be achieved using simple measures.
4. Reuse Your Grocery Bags
For those still accumulating plastic grocery bags, instead of piling them out of sight in a cupboard, try using them in place of a garbage bag instead. It uses less plastic overall, and you won’t need to purchase more plastic.
5. Newspaper Will Clean Mirrors and Windows
Every year, America consumes billions of kilograms of paper towels, contributing to the growing number of landfills nationwide. To minimize our impact, here’s a clever alternative: consider using an old newspaper instead of reaching for paper towels to clean smooth surfaces. Newspaper won’t streak, making it the perfect solution for shiny, clean windows.
6. Old Clothes as Cleaning Rags
Cleaning rags are not precious items, and for a society that sends over 11 million tons of clothing to landfills, using old clothes is both environmentally friendly and thrifty.
For example, cotton t-shirts, known for their softness and absorbent nature, are excellent for cleaning spills and wiping surfaces.
7. Clean Often
It doesn’t sound desirable, but cleaning regularly can reduce the need for harsher products in your household. Plus, it will save time in the long run. Regular cleaning can minimize the chance of mold growth, which can introduce long-term damage if left unmanaged.
8. Descale Your Kettle With Vinegar
Instead of using pricey descalers, white vinegar can do the trick. Fill the kettle to three-quarters with white vinegar, then fill the remainder with water. Boil and then rinse a handful of times, and that’s one less product you’ll need in the cupboard.
9. Vacuum in Rows
In the interest of saving time, vacuuming in rows is considered the most effective method. It might not be as free-spirited as tacking a room based on instinct, but touch-ups will be a thing of the past.
10. Dust Without Spraying
Dusting did not initially require any liquid product; it still doesn’t today. Grab a rag or microfibre cloth and remove that dust without making extra work for yourself.
11. Clean the Exhaust Fan
A haven for dust and grime, the exhaust fans in your laundry or kitchen can and should be cleaned. It won’t be a fun job to tackle, but it will extend the life of your appliances.
12. Shake Out Throw Rugs
Harboring dust, dirt, and even pet hair, throw rugs are among a household’s most unsanitary items. Shaking them out regularly will reduce wear through washes and lower the chance of buildup in your washing machine.
13. Use a Fabric Steamer for Mattress Sanitizing
Mattress sanitation can be a daunting prospect for many. Still, you might have an easy solution for those with a fabric steamer lying around.
Move the steamer across the mattress in long strokes without touching the fabric. Just like that, another cleaning job is done.
14. Vacuum Window Blinds
Are you sick of wiping, dusting, and simply staring at the dust buildup? Next time the vacuum comes out, try caring for the window blinds that way.
15. Take Care of Your Dishwasher
Did you know dishwashers need to be cleaned from time to time? Check your manual for the filter location and get that thing sparkling for a dishwasher that will function at its best for longer.
16. Wash the Shower Curtain
Most shower curtains can be placed in the washing machine to remove buildup. Dry them, hang them up, and make a note to do it again in a month. Regular cleaning keeps mildew and mold at bay, extending the curtain’s life.
17. Reuse Candle Jars
Excess wax can be removed from candle jars using hot water, leaving them available for other purposes. For the thrifty creative, jars can store anything from makeup brushes to art supplies, minimizing waste and introducing new storage.
18. Save Your Showerhead
Removing your showerhead and soaking it in white vinegar removes buildup, making for more efficient use. Experts recommend following the descaling process monthly.
19. Wash the Pillows
Are you interested in extending the life of your pillow? Most feather pillows can be washed in the same machine for clothing. Washing two at a time is recommended to balance within the machine. Use the dryer to finish the job.
20. Walnuts for Scratch Removal
A surprising trick: grocery store walnuts can buff away scratches on wooden surfaces. Rub the walnut over the affected area a few times, rub the excess away with a finger, and just like magic, the imperfection has vanished.
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