10 Easy & cheap homeowner cleaning hacks
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According to a survey conducted by Currys, on average, UK homeowners spend around £670 per year on cleaning products, which can seem like a lot, especially in a time of economic uncertainty and while our monthly budgets are getting smaller and smaller.
This got us thinking, is there a way to quickly clean your house for cheaper?
We have discovered ten easy and cheap cleaning hacks that cost just below £27.70, using products found on Amazon and in UK supermarkets that will last all year.
It ultimately saves you £642.30, which could be used towards heating, utility bills or a family excursion.
We spoke to our Co-CEO, Jonny Christie, about saving money when and where possible.
He said, "Saving money on your cleaning products is essential for managing the cost of living. By adopting cost-effective cleaning solutions, we empower ourselves to allocate resources towards other important aspects of our lives."
"It's about making smart choices that not only keep our homes clean but also contribute to our financial well-being, allowing us to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle."
Our 10 easy & cheap homeowner cleaning hacks:
1. Vinegar and baking soda power duo:
Cost: Distilled Vinegar = £0.29, Baking Soda = £3.35.
A vinegar and baking soda mix creates a powerful, cost-effective cleaner that can tackle tough stains on surfaces like countertops, bathroom fixtures, and even carpet stains.
Use the vinegar first, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for several minutes. Carefully wipe the stain with a nonabrasive sponge.
If the stain remains, then wetten the sponge & apply baking soda to the area and wipe away with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, continue this until it disappears.
2. Lemon juice for hard water stains
Cost: Lemon = £0.30.
By using lemon juice, a natural acid, to remove hard water stains from faucets, shower heads, and glass surfaces, you can get a budget-friendly alternative to expensive commercial cleaners.
Using lemon for hard water stains is as easy as cutting a lemon in half and rubbing the cut lemon against the hard water stains. Alternatively, you could spray the lemon juice, leave it for several minutes and then wipe it off with a wet cloth.
3. Coffee filters as lint-free wipes
Cost: Coffee Filters = £1.20.
Instead of purchasing expensive lint-free wipes for cleaning windows and mirrors, use coffee filters. They are absorbent and won't leave streaks, resulting in a sparkling finish.
4. Microfibre magic:
Cost: Microfibre Cloth = £1.
Invest in reusable microfibre cleaning cloths. They are highly effective at trapping dust, dirt and grime without additional cleaning products. Plus, they can be washed and reused multiple times, saving money on disposable wipes.
5. DIY Air Freshener:
Cost: Essential Oils = £1.70.
Mix water, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil to create your air freshener. Place it in a spray bottle and spritz it around the house to eliminate odours without the expense of store-bought air fresheners.
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1. Toothpaste for stain removal:
Cost: Toothpaste = £0.98.
Toothpaste, mainly white non-gel varieties, can remove stains from surfaces like walls, shoes, and jewellery. It's an affordable alternative to specialised stain removers.
Apply white toothpaste to the stain and let it sit for several minutes before removing the toothpaste with a clean cloth and then dabbing the spot.
7. Dryer sheet dusting:
Cost: Dryer Sheets = £2.10.
Don't throw away used dryer sheets just yet. They make excellent dusting cloths due to their anti-static properties.
Use them to wipe down surfaces and remove dust from furniture.
8. Salt scrubs for pans
Cost: Salt Scrub = £5.99.
Revive stained or scorched pans by creating a salt scrub. This hack saves you from purchasing expensive pan cleaners.
Mix salt with water to form a paste, and gently scrub stubborn stains.
9. Newspaper for streak-free glass:
Cost: Newspaper = £1.30.
Instead of using paper towels, grab some old newspapers to clean glass surfaces. The ink is a natural cleaning agent, leaving your windows and mirrors streak-free.
10. Repurpose old toothbrushes
Cost: Toothbrush = £1.
Before discarding old toothbrushes, repurpose them as scrub brushes. They are perfect for cleaning grout, tiny crevices, and hard-to-reach areas, saving you money on specialised cleaning brushes.
What is the importance of using easy & cheap cleaning alternatives?
Our cheap cleaning hacks involve readily available household items with a duo purpose, which causes the alternatives to be highly versatile.
For example, vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean surfaces, unclog drains, remove stains, deodorise spaces, and be used on top of your fish n chips or baking.
These inexpensive ingredients can help you save money on expensive cleaning products without compromising cleanliness.
The accessibility of household cleaning alternatives means that you don't have to run to the store every time you need to clean something, making your cleaning routine far more convenient and efficient.
Using cleaning alternatives within your home may give you a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. Instead of relying solely on commercial cleaning products, you can take control of your cleaning tasks and achieve satisfactory results with affordable and readily available solutions.
Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and your health. Our cleaning alternatives will contain natural or sensitive ingredients that are safer for the environment, reducing your ecological footprint.
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