Most of us want to do what we can to keep a clean home, but it can get expensive!

In addition, a good cleaning can be time-consuming, and the products involved can be harsh as well as expensive.

This can make the task more difficult than it needs to be.

The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to not only make cleaning easier, but also bring down the overall cost.

Using these 11 tips, you’ll be able to keep the price of a clean home on a manageable level. Rest assured that your home will be clean, your budget in check and you’ll still have plenty of energy left over!

You’ll also be doing your part to help promote clean energy, so it’s a win-win solution!


Work Daily

The best way to keep your home clean is to work on it little by little every day.

Whether you live in a mansion or a small apartment, enough time spent doing nothing will allow messes to build up.

In time, you’ll likely find that you need to spend hours on end cleaning just to have an acceptable living space.

Meanwhile, spending just a few minutes a day will keep everything in check and help you avoid the kinds of intense (and expensive) products you might need in a messier situation.

When you catch them quickly, stains and spills can usually be handled with water and gentle soap rather than something tougher.


Use Vinegar for Different Jobs

Regardless of the chore, vinegar can be very helpful with your general cleaning.

It’s natural, safe and inexpensive. Just make sure you have a spray bottle to put it in!

While some people might worry about the smell of vinegar, it’s important to keep in mind that the scent won’t last long once you’re finished.

You can even mix the vinegar with water to make it last longer, and it will still work perfectly for the majority of your cleaning needs.

Remember: You don’t need a specific product for most cleaning jobs. There are numerous natural cleaning solutions to tackle multiple jobs.

And name brands are often just that: names. They create extra cost where it isn’t really needed, as most of the time the generic brands are capable of the same tasks.


Use Re-Usable Mops

When it comes to mops, there are a number of affordable options. And no two mops are created equal: many of them are high-rated models.

To get the best possible value from a mop, purchase a reusable one.

Many mops offer mop heads you can simply clean in your washing machine between uses.

Because you won’t have to purchase mop heads as often, choosing quality options can save you a lot of money. Just make sure to take good care of the mop as well!


Handle Clogged Taps with Household Items

From time to time, the taps in your home can become clogged. This could happen with the shower head or a sink.

Oftentimes, this is due to a buildup of things like limescale, and it can be quite unpleasant to deal with.

However, there is a simple, affordable solution.

All you need is white vinegar, a plastic bag and a rubber band. Fill the bag with plenty of vinegar so that the tap will submerge easily. Then, place the bag firmly onto the tap and use a rubber band to keep it in place.

After being in place overnight, the water should flow better.


Dust the Smart Way

A little dusting can go a long way. Few things make a home look more unkept than a dusty film over all your household surfaces.

A decent dusting job can just take a few minutes every week or so, depending on the situation in your home.

Just like with your mop, it’s a good idea to get a duster you can re-use.

One solid duster can last for years if you take good care of it.

Consequently, you won’t need to worry about spending a lot of money on new dusters regularly. A microfiber duster is known to be a particularly good option!


Attack Shower Mold and Mildew

After plenty of use, mildew can begin to grow on your shower curtain liner.

When this happens, you have a few options.

The first is to toss the old liner in favor of a new one, which can mean purchasing a new liner often and this may not be the most budget-friendly choice.

Second to that, you can remove the mildew by scrubbing it. Not only is this a gross process, it’s labor-intensive when it doesn’t need to be!

Instead, spray Wet and Forget Shower on your shower curtain liner! One easy application each week is all it takes to remove soap scum and shower grime.

Regular maintenance means you won’t constantly have to scrub and scrub and scrub (or throw away) shower curtain liners.


Use Coupons

Coupons are a must-have for just about everything. This is especially true for cleaning products, as even the generic versions can sometimes be pricey.

Even if you’re just using white vinegar, a coupon to take a small amount off the cost is always helpful, right?

Every penny counts!

If your store has one, it’s also wise to make use of newsletter-style coupons, digital coupons and any rewards programs. These can all go into making your grocery store trips a little bit less expensive, and we could all use that!

It’s also a good idea to make use of any sales you possibly can.


Use Cola for Odd Jobs

Cola can be a clever, and inexpensive, way to solve some of your cleaning problems.

For example, pouring it into a toilet bowl can be a helpful way to get it clean.

Just allow the Cola to sit for an hour or two and use your brush to scrub away all the stains.

It’s a great way for a typically unhealthy product to be useful!
The reason this method is successful is due to an ingredient known as phosphoric acid.


Proper Storage

Making sure that your cleaning products are stored and organized well can add to their lifespans.

In open containers, stacked on one another or in similar conditions, they can spill easily. Losing a product you paid for can be annoying, but it can also be dangerous, particularly if you have small children.

Keep cleaning products cool and dry and store them in their original containers. Lock them up or store them high (out of kids’ and pets’ reach).

Properly stored cleaning products tend to last longer, so you’ll need to replace them less often, which just adds to saving you money in the long run.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More