By Renae Chiovaro
Cleaning products are a necessity in any home, but for tough jobs in big houses, costs can add up. It is possible to spend less on cleaning products without cutting your cleaning power. Whether you have $5 to spend on cleaning products or $50, these simple tips will help you clean house on a very limited budget.
1. Use old-fashioned soap and water.
Dish soap is a mild cleanser that can be used on multiple surfaces. To clean countertops, use hot soapy water.
2. Clean a little every day.
Put some effort into cleaning at least one thing every day. Cleaning will be less daunting and require gentler cleaning products if it occurs regularly.
3. Clean the dryer vents and refrigerator coils regularly.
Appliances run more efficiently when they are properly maintained. Plus, you will extend the life of your machine.
4. Less is more when it comes to dishwasher and laundry soap.
Using too much soap can lead to appliance damage -- plus, it's a waste of costly detergent. Follow the instructions on the package to use the appropriate amount of soap. If you have soft water, you can use even less soap than the manufacturers recommend.
5. Implement a "no shoes rule" in your house.
This will cut down on the amount of dirt and debris tracked in the home. Place a basket at the door to serve as shoe storage.
6. Reuse used items.
If you've just used a paper towel to dry off washed fruit, use the now-wet paper towel to quickly swipe over stains or spills on kitchen counters. A sponge that was once used to clean dishes can now be used to get small spills of the floor.
Renae Chiovaro is a mother of two boys who blogs at madamedeals.com on how to save money in all aspects of life.
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