When it comes to keeping their home clean, many Americans seem to think that if something looks clean, it is clean enough. However, even surfaces that look clean can be teeming with bacteria, flu viruses, allergens, and other nasty surprises. Not only is that gross, but Forbes reports that poor health costs the U.S. economy $576 billion a year!
If you think that keeping your home safe and sanitized requires a hefty budget, you’ve been very misled. Here are just a few ways to keep your home clean on a budget.
Use Natural Solutions
First, don’t ever feel like you need to buy a different cleaning product for each surface of your home. In fact, with the proper homemade solutions, you may not need to buy chemical-filled cleaning products at all. Wellness Mama compiled a handy list of natural cleaning solutions that can be used in a myriad of ways to keep things as simple as possible. From homemade laundry soap to car upholstery cleaner, Wellness Mama seems to have a solution for everything — literally. The main ingredients recommended for her natural cleaners are white vinegar, natural salt, liquid Castille soap, baking soda, borax, hydrogen peroxide, washing soda, and lemons. If you have those ingredients on hand, you can clean almost anything with the right solution.
Invest In Higher Quality Tools
This isn’t always feasible, but if you have the investment upfront, buying higher quality cleaning essentials, such as brooms, mops, and vacuums, can help you save money because they last longer and don’t require repeated investments.
“It can tempting to go for the more affordable tools when you’re just looking for a new broom. But spending a little extra money in the beginning on mid-range and higher-end cleaning tools can help you save money in the long run by not having to constantly replace cheap tools that poop out on you in the middle of a cleaning session,” writes Adrienne Breaux on Apartment Therapy.
Have you ever purchased an ‘affordable’ vacuum and been disappointed when it broke down on you after just a few months? Don’t make the same mistake again. Do your homework by checking reviews and comparing prices, and then purchase accordingly. It’s always a good idea to invest in an eco-friendly vacuum that doesn’t require bags, as well.
Consider Equipment Rentals
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind the power that comes with heavy duty cleaning equipment rentals. For example, steam kills 99% of common household germs and bacteria like E.Coli, salmonella, and staph, as well as dust mites and bed bugs. It may not make financial sense to invest in your own steam cleaner if you don’t use it very often. In these cases, don’t just skip the steam — invest in a one- or two-day rental twice a year and clean your house, furniture, and carpets from top to bottom.
Of course, for smaller and non steam-related chores, it’s okay to take it a day at a time. To make cleaning a more manageable endeavor, mark each task with an estimated time — 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour. Each day do only one thing. Within 30 days, your whole home will be uncluttered and clean!
Ultimately, keeping these cleaning tips in mind can help you maintain the home of your dreams without putting a major dent in your wallet.