by Bruce Coffman, cheapskate extraordinaire
Contrary to what the barrage of cleaning product commercials and other messaging blasts at you, you don't need a different high priced name brand product for every little thing. You more than likely have everything you need for a sparkling, sanitary home in your pantry.
Pick up basics like table salt, vinegar, baking soda, fresh lemons and whip up your own low priced concoctions. Even better if you can get them from a locally owned indie shop. Less money to giant corporate monstrosities like Proctor & Gamble, an American monopoly, and more money in your household budget. Win-win!
Salt
Use on: Cast-iron skillets to help break down grease buildup. Fill halfway with water and pour in a couple tablespoons of salt, bring that to a boil, and gently scrape the bottom with a wooden spatula to get out remaining debris.
Pro tip: Use it on your favorite mugs to get rid of tea and coffee stains. Just pour a little salt inside, then take a lemon wedge to scrub them down.
Vinegar
Use on: Basically anything that needs some shine, water-stained faucets or streaky mirrors. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar before optionally adding about a teaspoon of cornstarch. The vinegar helps remove any dirt, while the cornstarch works as a mild abrasive.
Pro tip: Mix in other ingredients to boost vinegar’s effectiveness like baking soda.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Use on: Spaces that get a lot of everyday use and need regular disinfecting. Try pouring a cup into your toilet bowl and swishing it around with a brush to help break down stains and get rid of bacteria.
Pro tip: You can also use it to whiten grout as long as it’s not painted. Turn two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide into a paste, apply to an old toothbrush, and give the space in between your tiles a scrub.
Lemon
Use on: Kitchen equipment, from wood cutting boards to knives. Pour some coarse salt over half a lemon, and use it to scrub down and disinfect pretty much anything. If using it on something that has a natural finish, follow up with a touch of mineral oil to protect it from stains.
Pro tip: Clean your cheese grater. Lemon oil and juice help to cut the dairy fat and break up any of proteins clinging to the small crevices. Saves on torn up sponges, too!
Rubbing Alcohol
Use on: Laminate or synthetic flooring. Mix ½ cup water, ½ cup white vinegar, and ½ cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth to wipe down those floors.
Pro tip: Works on laminate furniture, too, from glossy furniture to kitchen cabinets.
Some simple cleaning tool swaps can save a lot of money, too. Instead of paper towels for everything, invest in some microfiber cloths and even plain old cotton kitchen towels and wash cloths. Throw in the wash and they're ready to be reused over and over. Repurpose plastic bread wrappers as "Ziplock" bags. Yes, it actually works. Little changes add up and put extra change in your pocket.
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