10 Frugal Cleaning Hacks Using Common Household Items

Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few common household items, you can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks effectively and affordably.

Here are ten frugal cleaning hacks that utilize items you probably already have at home.

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1. Baking Soda for Deodorizing

Baking soda is a versatile and inexpensive product perfect for neutralizing odors.

• Hack: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, or in your trash can. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum or wipe away. For refrigerators and freezers, place an open box of baking soda to absorb odors.

2. Vinegar for Streak-Free Windows

White vinegar is excellent for cleaning glass and windows without leaving streaks.

• Hack: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a sparkling, streak-free finish.

3. Lemon for Freshening Up the Garbage Disposal

Lemons are natural disinfectants and leave a fresh scent.

• Hack: Cut a lemon into wedges and drop them into your garbage disposal. Turn on the disposal and run cold water to grind the lemon, which helps clean and deodorize the blades and pipes.

4. Dish Soap for Removing Grease

Dish soap is not just for dishes; it’s great for cutting through grease on other surfaces too.

• Hack: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use it to clean stovetops, range hoods, or greasy kitchen surfaces. For tough grease, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping.

5. Toothpaste for Cleaning Silver

Toothpaste can be used to polish and remove tarnish from silverware.

• Hack: Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to a soft cloth and gently rub it on tarnished silver. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth for a shine.

6. Cornstarch for Dusting and Polishing

Cornstarch can be a handy tool for dusting and polishing surfaces.

• Hack: Sprinkle cornstarch on your furniture or on windowsills. Use a dry cloth to dust and polish the surface, and then vacuum or sweep up any excess cornstarch.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfecting

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that’s effective against germs and bacteria.

• Hack: Use a spray bottle to apply hydrogen peroxide to countertops, bathroom sinks, or cutting boards. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.

8. Old Newspaper for Cleaning Mirrors

Old newspapers can help clean mirrors and glass without leaving lint behind.

• Hack: Dampen a newspaper with water or your glass cleaner and wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces. The newspaper helps reduce streaks and lint.

9. Essential Oils for Freshening Linens

Essential oils not only smell great but can also freshen up your linens and fabrics.

• Hack: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Lightly spritz your bed linens, curtains, or even your car interior to infuse a pleasant fragrance.

10. Salt for Scrubbing Pots and Pans

Salt can be a powerful abrasive cleaner for scrubbing tough stains.

• Hack: Sprinkle coarse salt onto the bottom of pots and pans. Add a bit of water to create a paste, and use a scrubber or sponge to clean away burned-on residue and stains. Rinse thoroughly.

Conclusion

With these frugal cleaning hacks, you can maintain a sparkling clean home without breaking the bank. By using common household items, you can tackle a range of cleaning tasks efficiently and economically.

Give these hacks a try and enjoy a cleaner, fresher home on a budget!