1. Make your own cleaning products
- Vinegar
It is well known that white vinegar is one of our best friends when it comes to cleaning. It’s powerful enough to dissolve dirt from smooth surfaces, yet clean hardwood floors without damaging them. White vinegar can also be used to neutralize unpleasant odors. When performing a kitchen cleaning task, mix water with vinegar and use the solution to clean countertops and backsplashes. In the bathroom, you can use the same solution to clean the shower/tub walls and even the outside of the toilet. If the dirt is too stubborn, heat the cleaning solution in the microwave and spray the affected area. Let the solution sit for a couple of minutes. Then rinse and done. Did you know that you can also use vinegar as a substitute for fabric softener? It is perfect especially if you have sensitive skin.
- sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is the perfect replacement for expensive store-bought cleaning detergents. Sprinkle a little soda on a damp sponge or towel to remove dirt particles. It has deodorizing properties which is just another plus. If the dirt is much harder than you thought, mix water with baking soda until it forms a paste and apply it to the affected areas. The paste should sit for about 15 minutes until the dirt deposits can be removed.
- isopropyl alcohol
To wash the window or other glass surfaces, use isopropyl alcohol.
2. Use old rags instead of paper towels.
If you want to save more money, using paper towels is not the right step to take. In reality, rags are much more absorbent than a paper towel. When they get dirty, you can easily wash them in the washing machine.
3. Ketchup to shine brass?
Yes, this is not a joke. You can use ketchup to make the bronze shine! So there is no need to buy a special brass detergent which definitely costs a lot of money. If you have ketchup in your fridge, all your problems are solved. Put a small amount of ketchup on a towel, rub the surface, then rinse!
4. Dish soap to win
Not many people know this, but dish soap can be used not only for washing dishes. It can also remove stains. If you accidentally drop something on the carpet, treat the stain with a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. Forget running to the nearest store to get rid of expensive carpet stain remover.
5. Make your own laundry soap
You don’t have to waste precious money buying specialty laundry detergent when you can make your own at home. You will need 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of borax, a few drops of essential oil, and a grated bar of soap. Start by grating the soap, then mix in the baking soda and borax. Just add a few drops of essential oil spray and mix all the ingredients together. Keep in a tightly closed container or in a jar.
Do you have other secret ideas to save money at home?