hy spend money on expensive cleaning supplies, when most people have the things they need right at home. People usually have a pantry or cupboard filled with endless cleaning products, which most are harmful to children or pets. Plus, they can become costly, when having to buy a different product for each area of the home. Here are a few ideas to help cut cost in the family budget.
Window and Kitchen Cleaner
If you need a good mirror or window cleaner, use vinegar. Spray directly on the window or mirror and wipe off with newspaper. It does not leave behind streaks or residue, and you are recycling at the same time. Plus, it is safe to drink if a child gets ahold of it or maybe you are working too hard and need a quick drink to quench your thirst.
Hydrogen peroxide is an ideal cleaner for almost anything, especially kitchen counters. Mix hydrogen peroxide with water, equally, and spray onto the counter. It kills the germs without harmful chemicals, like bleach. If you want a fresh smelling scent, add a little lemon juice to the mix.
Motor Oil Stain Remover and Bathroom Cleaner
Dish washing soap is great for taking out oil stains in fabrics. No more worrying about the hubby ruining his clothes while working on the car. Do laundry as normal, and add a few squirts of Dawn dishwashing liquid into the machine. For tough spots, put the dish soap right on the spot and let sit for a few minutes, and toss into the washing machine. It is inexpensive and does a brilliant job.
Dawn dish soap can also be used for a bath tub or shower cleaner. Mix the dish soap with Epsom salt, making it an abrasive cleaner, to help scrub away hard soap scum areas.
Furniture Polish and Metal Cleaner
Olive oil is not only used for cooking, it can also be used as a cleaning solution around your home. It works great for a furniture polish. Mix 2 parts of olive oil with 1 part of lemon juice. It makes for a nice shine to the furniture while leaving your home smelling fresh.
You can also use this same mixture for cleaning metal, such as your kitchen sink. Just spray on and wipe off as if you were using your regular cleaning solution.
Window Blinds and Baseboards
A great way to dust blinds and window seals is to use a paintbrush. No need for any chemicals, or fighting with the hard to reach areas on the blinds. A simple foam or regular paintbrush will do the job. Just sweep the paintbrush over the area and dust is gone. You can buy these little brushes at any store for almost nothing.
Paintbrushes are also good to use on baseboards, to help clear the dust off.
Carpet Stains and Floor Cleaner
Windex can be used to take some stains out of carpet, like cranberry juice. Spray the Windex onto the spot, let it sit for maybe a minute (do not leave it on long), and the blot with a dry white cloth. Do not rub, because rubbing only makes the stain go deeper into the carpet.
Plus, you can also use Windex to mop ceramic tile flooring. It dries quickly, the alcohol kills the germs, and it leaves the floors looking shiny. Spray directly on the floor and mop away.
Josephine Hansen is a home improvement blogger. She is also part of HomeJoy cleaning service. Head over to www.homejoy.com to find more cleaning tips and tricks.
