If you’re looking for ways to save time and money when you clean, you’re in the right place.
I’m going to be honest right from the start. I don’t love cleaning.
I never have. And on top of that, we’re living in a time where everything feels more expensive than it used to be.
Groceries, household items, cleaning products, it all adds up quickly.
So instead of spending more, I started looking at what I already had at home and figuring out where I could cut costs without sacrificing a clean space.
This post isn’t about perfection or fancy products.
It’s about what actually works for me, what saves money, and what makes cleaning feel a little less overwhelming.
I originally put these ideas together for myself, but if they help you too, then that’s even better.
The One Cleaning Product I Use More Than Anything Else
The cleaning product I use more than any other in my home is all-purpose cleaner.
It’s the workhorse of cleaning products because it can safely handle most surfaces around the house.
The reason it works so well is simple.
It’s mostly water, which creates slip on a surface and helps lift dirt, combined with a small amount of surfactant that pulls grime up without damaging finishes.
You can absolutely spend a lot of money on all-purpose cleaners.
I’ve tested plenty of them, including one from a high-end perfumery that costs around $50 a bottle. And after all that testing, I can tell you this with confidence.
You don’t need them.
What I use instead is incredibly simple. I mix half a teaspoon of dish soap with two cups of water.
That’s it. I make this mixture about twice a week because I use it constantly, and every time I mix it up, I think about how much money I’m saving.
I don’t hesitate to use it generously, and it leaves my surfaces perfectly clean.
Why I Never Buy Glass Cleaner
There’s a reason the company that makes the popular blue glass cleaner has never come to me for a sponsorship.
I’ve been telling people for years to stop buying glass cleaner altogether.
You don’t need it.
Vinegar and water do an incredible job cleaning glass, mirrors, and windows.
The recipe couldn’t be simpler. I mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour it into a spray bottle, spray it on the glass, and wipe it off.
That’s it.
The result is streak-free, shiny glass, and you’ve saved yourself from buying another specialty product.
It genuinely surprises me that people still spend money on store-bought glass cleaner when this works so well.
Baking Soda Instead of Magic Erasers
When it comes to magic erasers, people usually fall into two groups.
They either love them or they could easily live without them. I’m firmly in the second group.
The reason is simple. Baking soda can do almost everything a magic eraser can do, and it costs a fraction of the price.
A single box of baking soda lasts a very long time and can replace multiple cleaning products.
To use it, I take a small pinch of baking soda and slightly dampen the surface I want to clean.
As with any abrasive cleaner, it’s important to test it in a hidden area first to make sure it won’t scratch the surface. The same rule applies to magic erasers as well.
Once tested, I grab a cleaning cloth, usually a microfiber cloth, and scrub gently in a circular motion. Afterward, I rinse the area with a little water.
Baking soda does leave a bit of residue, but it easily rinses away and does an excellent job removing marks, soap scum, and built-up grime.
It’s one of the most versatile cleaning tools I keep in my home.
Using an Old Toothbrush as a Cleaning Tool
Instead of buying a drawer full of specialized cleaning brushes, I reuse old toothbrushes.
No, they can’t do everything, but they can replace a surprising number of cleaning tools.
In the kitchen, an old toothbrush works perfectly around handles, faucets, stove knobs, and the tight edges of appliances.
I keep a separate toothbrush for the bathroom, where it comes in handy for toilet hinges, grout lines, and the small corners where tubs meet tile.
I also use it in places you might not expect.
A dry toothbrush is great for dusting tight seams in your car, those little areas that are impossible to clean with a cloth.
And one of my favorite uses is cleaning shoes.
I don’t save every old toothbrush, but every so often, I set one aside and give it a second life as a cleaning tool. It costs nothing and works incredibly well.
My DIY High-Dusting Tool That Costs Almost Nothing
I always laugh when I see expensive high-dusting tools or disposable dusters being sold.
You can make your own with things you already have.
All I do is take a mop pole and a microfiber cloth, flip the cloth over the head, and secure it with an elastic band.
I jokingly call this setup my “cleaning ghost.”
It works beautifully for high and hard-to-reach areas like the tops of doors, corners of rooms, ceiling edges, and light fixtures.
Just make sure light fixtures are turned off before cleaning.
One of the best parts is that you can flip it upside down and use it on baseboards.
If bending down is difficult or mobility is an issue, this makes cleaning baseboards much easier without putting strain on your body.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel
I still can’t believe how many stainless steel polishes are sold when there’s such an easy and inexpensive alternative.
I start by cleaning stainless steel with either soap and water or vinegar and water.
This removes fingerprints, grease, and surface dirt. It’s important to always clean in the direction of the grain.
You’ll see faint lines in the steel, and that’s the direction you should follow, whether it’s top to bottom or side to side.
I always use a flat, clean microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
Once the surface is clean, here’s the finishing step. I use mineral oil, which is a non-vegetable oil and won’t go rancid.
I put a small drop on a paper towel, about the size of a nickel, and apply it to the stainless steel in the direction of the grain.
At first, it might look a little patchy, but as you work section by section, the finish becomes glossy and smooth.
Not only does this give stainless steel a beautiful polish, but it also helps protect it from fingerprints for quite a while.
How I’m Saving Money at Home Right Now
We’re living in some interesting economic times, and everyone I know is looking for ways to stretch their budget further.
For me, using DIY cleaning products has made a noticeable difference, but it’s not the only change I’ve made.
One of the biggest money-saving moves I’ve noticed is switching where I shop for groceries.
I used to shop at a mid-tier grocery store, but I’ve since moved to a bargain grocer and started buying produce from a local farm.
That change alone has cut my grocery bill by around 30%.
Small changes really do add up.
Final Thoughts
Saving money at home doesn’t mean sacrificing cleanliness or comfort.
For me, it’s been about simplifying, using what I already have, and letting go of the idea that I need a different product for every single task.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that practical solutions often work better than expensive ones.
And when cleaning feels more manageable, it’s easier to stay consistent without dreading it.
I’d love to know what you’re doing to save money at home right now.
Whether it’s DIY cleaning products, shopping changes, or something completely different, those ideas are always worth sharing.
Thanks for being here, and I’ll see you next time.
