5 Ways to Save Money on Cleaning Products

Many people are moving away from harsh, chemical cleaning products, and using more natural alternatives that can be found at home in the average kitchen cupboard.  Not only are they more safe than the cleaners used in the past, they are also much more cost effective.  Some of the favorites we’ve found are:

• Baking Soda: Baking Soda is cheap and non toxic. It is one of the most versatile cleaning agents available and can be used in many different ways in the home. The powder had deodorising properties and can be sprinkled in the bottom of dustbins to banish odours. The powder can be mixed with a little water to form a paste that is effective at cleaning silver items, or can be used in the bathroom to remove stubborn stains from tiles, baths and sinks. Carpets can be sprinkled with baking soda before vacuuming, to remove dirt and leave a fresh smell. It can also be used in the laundry as a pre-treating agent or overnight soak.

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is acidic, which means that it can cut through grease easily. It also has a lovely fresh scent. A mixture of lemon juice and salt can remove rust from metal objects. The juice can be diluted with water and then kept in a spray bottle to deal with greasy marks and soap scum on surfaces in the home. A bowl of diluted juice can be placed in the microwave and heated up for a minute or so, creating steam that will allow the grime inside the microwave to be wiped away easily with a cloth.

• Salt: Salt can be used instead of washing up liquid, just sprinkle salt in the washing up water and wash dishes as usual. The salt is effective at removing tea and coffee stains from cups. Spills on the hob and in the oven can be sprinkled with salt. After letting the mixture stand for a few minutes the salt will have absorbed the liquid, and the spill can be wiped away easily. Another use for salt is to sprinkle it over a wine or juice stain on the carpet and letting the salt absorb the liquid for about 15 minutes before wiping away and rinsing the area with water.

• White Vinegar: Acetic acid breaks up grease, making white vinegar an effective and versatile cleaning agent. A traditional method of cleaning windows to a streak free shine is to use newspaper and white vinegar. Some diluted vinegar in a spray bottle is an effective kitchen cleaner and is also good at removing limescale marks and soap scum in the bathroom. White vinegar is a powerful descaler and can be used to unclog shower heads and descale kettles. Vinegar mixed with a little olive oil makes a homemade furniture polish. Vinegar can also be added to the final rinse during laundry to remove all traces of detergent from clothing.

• Bread: Believe it or not, a slice of bread, rolled up into a ball is a very good way to remove marks from wallpaper and paintwork. Simply rub the ball of bread over the stain, and the mark should lift off. This method also works for removing wax crayon marks and can efficiently remove stubborn marks from various hard surfaces, including polished wood.

By using these simple cleaning materials which are readily available in the home, you can save money, as well as help to save the planet too!  These non toxic, safe alternatives to harsh chemical clean products may also benefit people suffering from allergies, as they are less hazardous to health and naturally biodegradable.