3 Ways Spring Cleaning Saves You Money
If you haven't done so already, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and clean your house. It may be a lot of work, and call me crazy, but warmer weather inspires me to clean and get organized. The only problem is that the cleaning supplies aren't cheap. Seemingly innocent trips to buy them often end with moments of clarity when I realize I overspent.
With two children, I've had to learn to cut down on my budget. Those "oops" moments still happen, but they occur less frequently and are offset by some spring cleaning tricks I'd like to share with you.
Donate, Sell and Keep
A common rule of thumb when organizing your house is to make three piles as you sort through your possessions: donate, sell and keep. Once you get that far, look at your donate or trash piles with a new set of eyes -- odds are you can repurpose the very things you were going to get rid of while crossing something off your list of things to buy.
My favorite items to re-use are old towels, T-shirts and cloth diapers. I use my old towels nearly every day, and don't know what I'd do without them. For example, April showers (or melting snow) make for muddy dog feet. I keep a stack of my old towels outside for paw inspection before the dogs track mud in my (spring-cleaned) house. When one of my children spills something on the ground, I run for one of my trusty old towels to soak it up. Post-workout cool down? I reach for an old towel. Don't want my dogs getting fur on my car seat? That's right -- trusty towel. I don't care if they get stained, and compared to paper towels they absorb spills better and are way more durable. Besides, a quick trip through my washing machine is all it takes to make them as good as new.
Dusty blinds? Why pay $25 or more for a blind-cleaning tool? Stick an old sock on your hand and run it across the blinds -- it picks up dust, and it's free! Old T-shirts and cloth diapers are also great for dusting. They won't scratch wood surfaces and don't leave residue behind.
What I can't reuse, I sell or donate. It's a great way to earn some extra cash. When I sort my old belongings, I think about how much money I can earn, and it motivates me to complete the task at hand (and some good music doesn't hurt either). If I can't get someone to buy it on a site like eBay or Craigslist, I donate it to someone in need and claim a tax deduction later. It's a win-win. Just don't forget to grab a receipt when donating. It will provide the proof you need to claim charitable deductions on your tax return.
Why Buy When You Can Borrow?
One of my friends clued me in to something I never would have considered on my own -- the idea of using a community to make purchases. For example, unless you have young children or messy pets, you don't really need to own a carpet cleaner. Why not share the cost with a group of friends or neighbors, and use it when needed? They run about $100 to $150 apiece, so even if you split the cost with one other couple, it will make up for the $20 four-hour rental fee you'd pay at a place like Home Depot in only three uses. If that option is too complicated, renting on your own may be a better option. The same concept can apply to floor steamers, window squeegee poles and power washers. Consider your options, talk to your friends and neighbors and do what works best for you.
Buy in Bulk or DIY
Finally, shop around before purchasing the cleaners themselves. I've never tried making my own cleaning products, but my friends rave about the process. They swear that using vinegar, lemons, olive oil and other common household items work just as well as their chemical counterparts. They're also economical and you can use your favorite oils to make them smell amazing.
I'm more old school and prefer to clean my bathroom and certain areas of the kitchen with the traditional stuff. If you're "chemical-friendly" like me, check out warehouses like Costco or Sam's Club, and buy in bulk for a discount. I can find toilet bowel cleaner, cleaning wipes, glass cleaner and furniture polish for much cheaper prices in bulk than buying individually, and when I run out I just refill the bottles. Buying in bulk also is a smart option for pricier items like air filters, which usually need to be replaced every three months.
The Vacuum Cleaner
Your vacuum may be the best tool in your arsenal. Use it to clean the lint out of the dust trap in your dryer, as well as the cavity that houses it. You'll be amazed when you see what comes out of it. (Hint: it'll resemble a small creature). Besides, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 15,000 structure fires are caused by clothes dryers in the United States every year.
I also use my vacuum to clean the air registers and fan blades because I don't want the wind blowing dust onto my newly-cleaned furniture. I vacuum the coils at the back of my refrigerator, which, according to The Family Handyman, can eliminate more than 70 percent of refrigerator service calls and save $5 to $10 per month.
And about those air filters, don't forget to regularly change them. The Energy Department estimates that regularly changing your filters will provide 5 to 15 percent in energy savings. Your vacuum cleaner will pay for itself in no time.
Though there are countless cleaning tips out there, these are by far my favorite. I hope they help you whip your house into shape without bending your budget out of shape!
Lori McDaniel is the senior content manager at Offers.com. She's a wife and mother of two who can't seem to shake her taste for the finer things in life, which means she always is on the hunt for a great deal.
