We all know that cleaning can be a chore and even more painful when trying to save money. You’ve got to buy mops, rags, cleaning solutions, sponges, brushes, and whatnot. Most people prefer not to spend money on these items, but that’s not a solution either. Their home would still need cleaning and look like a mess.
However, did you know there are plenty of cleaning hacks to clean efficiently and effectively without spending much money? From finding multi-purpose cleaning solutions available on the market to making your own solutions at home using only a few simple items, there can be many hacks that you can use to save money.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at these hacks.
9 Clever Cleaning Hacks to Save Money
1. Make your own DIY cleaner
Several recipes for DIY cleaning solutions can be found online or in books. For example, you can make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. To make it smell great, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Some essential oils have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making them even more useful for cleaning solutions.
Some essential oils we recommend for household cleaning include lavender, grapefruit, tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. Try adding these to your water-vinegar solution and feel the difference!
Another cleaning solution you can make at home is mixing one part water with one part rubbing alcohol. It is recommended to find rubbing alcohol containing 70% isopropyl alcohol. This diluted solution is perfect for disinfection.
Find a glass or plastic bottle with a spray attachment, add equal parts of distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and water, a few drops of essential oil (or a combination of essential oils), and mix well. Your very own DIY cleaning solution is ready!
Not only are these homemade cleaning solutions cheaper than store-bought ones, but they’re also more environmentally friendly. That’s because they don’t contain any harsh chemicals.
2. Clean things up right away
When spills, stains, or messes happen, it’s tempting to put off dealing with them. However, addressing them immediately can prevent long-term damage and costly repairs. For example, if left unattended, a small spill on your carpet can set in and require professional cleaning later. Wiping it up immediately with essential household cleaners can save you from having to replace expensive flooring or furniture.
This tip also extends to everyday chores. Dishes left in the sink can accumulate grime, leading to the need for stronger cleaning products, or even a new sponge or scrubber. By cleaning as you go—whether it’s after a meal, during a home project, or while doing laundry—you’ll avoid buildup and reduce the need for heavy-duty cleaning supplies. This saves you money on products and keeps your home in better condition over time.
3. Use a microwave cover when heating food
Using a microwave splatter cover when heating food is a simple but effective cleaning hack that saves you time and money. When food is heated without a cover, it often splatters and leaves a messy residue inside the microwave. Over time, these splatters can harden and become difficult to clean, leading to stronger cleaning products or scrubbing tools that must be replaced frequently. Using a microwave cover prevents food from splattering in the first place, keeping your microwave clean and cutting down on the need for frequent deep cleanings.
Not only does a microwave cover keep your appliance cleaner, but it can also extend its lifespan. Food particles and grease can get into the microwave’s vents and components, potentially causing damage over time. Avoiding this mess means fewer chances of malfunction or the need for repairs. Additionally, you’ll use fewer cleaning products and spend less time scrubbing away stubborn stains, saving you money on supplies and the effort required to maintain your microwave in top condition.
4. Keep a microfiber cloth handy
One of my favorite money-saving cleaning hacks is to always keep a microfiber cloth right next to the sink. Having it within arm’s reach makes cleaning up spills or wiping down surfaces super convenient. Instead of letting spills sit or accumulate dirt, I can quickly wipe them up as they happen, which helps prevent stains and buildup.
I even use it for those unexpected moments—like when I notice a little milk dribble down the side of the carton. Just a quick wipe and it’s clean! By keeping the microfiber cloth readily available, you can maintain a cleaner kitchen with minimal effort, reducing the need for heavy-duty cleaning sessions and expensive products. Plus, microfiber cloths are reusable, saving you money on disposable wipes or paper towels.
5. Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can be especially useful if you find a good sale online. For example, you might buy a large bottle of all-purpose cleaner or a multipack of sponges because it’s discounted. This can help you save a lot of money in the long run.
Also, keep an eye on discounts and offers like buy one get one free, and avail of them to save tons of money in the long run. Another way to save money by purchasing bulk is to sign up for Amazon Subscribe & Save for things you regularly buy, like bathroom and kitchen supplies. This will help you save up to 15% on these items, which is great actually!
6. Use hot water for cleaning
Hot water naturally breaks down grease, grime, and dirt more effectively than cold water, allowing you to use less soap or detergent. Whether washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, or mopping floors, hot water can cut through tough stains faster, making cleaning more efficient and reducing the need for specialized cleaners.
Additionally, hot water can help disinfect surfaces, killing bacteria and germs without chemical disinfectants. This can be especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms where sanitation is a priority. Using hot water saves money on cleaning products and sanitizers while achieving the same, if not better, results. Plus, since hot water does much of the heavy lifting, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your clean space.
7. Lemon cleaning tips
There are some mind-blowingly clever ways to clean with lemon. The first one you might have guessed is to clean and disinfect your microwave oven. You don’t have to be an expert to use this tip.
– Clean the microwave
Take a microwave-friendly bowl, cut a medium-sized lemon in half, squeeze its juice in the bowl, add the remains, and put it in the microwave. Set the timer to 3 minutes and allow the lemon to cook uncovered. After three minutes, take the bowl out and wipe your microwave well using a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
– Clean the toilet bowl
The second hack is to clean your toilet bowl with lemon. Squeeze some lemon juice into the bowl, paying particular attention to stained and yellowed areas. Sprinkle salt over it, then use a toilet brush to give it a good scrub. There is no need to buy expensive toilet cleaners that don’t work!
– Make a natural cleaning solution
Another hack is to make your citrus cleaning spray using lemons. Peel the lemons, take a large airtight glass jar, and toss the lemon peels. Now, fill the jar with distilled white vinegar and close the lid tightly. Leave it for a day or two, open it, and use a filter to separate the vinegar solution from the lemon peels.
You will notice that the solution’s color has changed because vinegar has been infused with the power and strength of lemon juice. Fill a spray bottle with this solution and get down to work!
I’ve included a video if you would rather watch it to learn how to make this cleaning solution.
Bonus tip: Don’t use solutions that contain alcohol and vinegar on marble and granite surfaces.
To make the above natural cleaning solution at home, you can use any citrus fruit.
8. Use baking soda to clean the sink
When your kitchen sink needs a quick clean, there’s no need to buy expensive specialty cleaners. A simple money-saving hack is to use two household staples you probably already have: baking soda and dish soap. Start by grabbing that box of baking soda from your fridge and sprinkling it into your sink. Then, add a few drops of dish soap—any brand works, whether Dawn, Method or your favorite.
Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, scrubbing away grime and residue, while the soap helps lift dirt and grease, leaving your sink sparkling clean. Baking soda also naturally deodorizes, so it leaves your sink smelling fresh. This easy, affordable hack saves you from buying multiple cleaning products while keeping your sink spotless and odor-free.
9. Buy a handheld steam cleaner
One of my all-time favorite cleaning hacks is using a steam cleaner. This tool has saved me so much time and money because I can clean almost anything with hot water—no need for expensive cleaning products! A steam cleaner tackles tough grime effortlessly, from walls and baseboards to floors, refrigerators, and even ovens. It’s especially great for windows, leaving them spotless without needing Windex or vinegar—just the power of steam!
Trust me, if you’re on the fence about buying a steam cleaner, it’s worth the investment. I was initially skeptical, but it quickly became one of my go-to cleaning tools, right up there with my vacuum. The best part is you’ll save on all those extra cleaning supplies since the steam alone does the trick. It’s an eco-friendly, efficient way to keep your home sparkling without breaking the bank.
Wrapping Up
Incorporating these clever cleaning hacks into your routine can help you save both time and money while keeping your home spotless. From everyday household items like baking soda and microfiber cloths to investing in tools like a steam cleaner, there are plenty of ways to simplify your cleaning process without relying on expensive products. The best part? These tips are budget-friendly and effective in maintaining a clean and comfortable home. Give these hacks a try, and you’ll find that a cleaner home doesn’t have to come with a high price tag!
