Community Voices for Health

By: Cheryl Maguire

I’m a frugal germaphobe so I’m always looking for new ways to save money buying cleaning products. With the new year soon approaching many of you may have New Year’s Resolutions involving saving money or decluttering/cleaning so this will help you to do both.

Since I’m also a mom to three children, there is always a spill or mess to clean. A bonus is that many of these cost saving options are better for the environment.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products 

One of the easiest cleaning solutions to make is an all-purpose cleaning solution of ½ water and ½ vinegar. You can also use this solution as a dishwasher rinse agent (instead of Jet Dry) which is less costly. Vinegar is inexpensive and is both a disinfectant and a deodorizer. You can buy a gallon of it for only a few dollars. I like it because it is also non-toxic. You can make everything from an all-purpose cleaner to laundry detergent. Here is a list of 9 Homemade Cleaners You Can Make Yourself on Good House Keeping.

Use Coupons and Shop Sales

 If you do purchase name brand cleaning supplies often you can find printable coupons on the manufacture’s website or you could add digital coupons to your store card. If you combine this coupon with a sale you could save a significant amount of money.

Buy Store Brand

If you don’t have access to coupons it may be more economical to purchase the store brand. Compare the product ingredients to see if the store brand is equivalent to the name brand.

Use Less of the Product

 Try to use less than the recommended amount for laundry detergent and dish washer detergent. Using more soap will not get your dishes or clothes cleaner. In fact, you can harm your appliances by using too much soap. When you use less soap you will save you money by purchasing the products less often.

Use Rags Instead of Paper Towels

Paper towels are expensive, and you throw it away seconds after being used which is harmful to the environment and your wallet. If you use old towels, burp cloths, old t-shirts to clean, you are also recycling these items.

Use Boiling Water to Unclog Drains

Instead of using chemicals to unclog a drain, try boiling water and plunge if necessary.  The chemicals are expensive and can erode your pipes.

Use Energy Saving Mode

On most dishwashers, washers, and dryers there is an energy saving mode. According the website Engergy.org, “how you operate your appliances can also have a major impact on your savings each month.” The website recommends washing your dishes with a full load, air drying when possible and not scraping food off your dishes before loading. When washing your clothes, using cold water will save you money.

Clean Sponges in the Dishwasher

Sponges can accumulate bacteria and since you use your sponge to clean, you need it to be germ-free. One easy solution to a clean sponge is to place it in the dishwasher with the rest of your dishes. Allow your sponge to dry out as often as possible to prevent bacteria growth (moisture increases growth).

Take Your Shoes Off By The Front Door

By removing shoes before you enter your house, you will prevent germs and mud/dirt from getting on the floor and that is one less mess you will have to clean.