A while back a friend of mine suggested writing a post about my cleaning products, what I use and how. I've kept this idea in the back of my mind. I really liked the idea of sharing ways to save money while cleaning your house, but then I realized, what I was using was not the cheapest option. So I've been slowly really looking at what I use to clean with and why. Does it save me money? Is it still getting my house clean? It was great to evaluate what I've been using and what else I Could do.
Now, first of all, I'm still working at this. When I started I was more concerned about my house still being clean and it being cost friendly. But, now I've started to care about what products I'm using around my girls as well. So while this is what I'm currently doing there are places for improvement, and as I learn more there may be additional things I try. I'll keep you updated and am open to any suggestions! :)
My main cleaning products include:
1. Baking Soda
2. Vinegar
3. Window cleaner (Amway)
4. Dusting cloths
5. Wash cloth
6. Disinfecting wipes
7. Baby wipes
8. All purpose spray (Amway)
9. Bathroom spray (Amway)
10. Sponges
11. Rainbow Vacuum
I use the first two more often than anything else if possible. Both are natural and safe for my kids and they both clean really well too. You'll see both disinfecting and baby wipes are on the list. Depending on the project sometimes I prefer a disinfecting wipe, but if it's just to do a quick wipe down of hair, I use a baby wipe and save the other wipes for when I really need them. This works for me right now because with a baby in diapers we have baby wipes on hand.
Ok so now I'll break down my cleaning routines by rooms.
1. Bathroom
Toilet: vinegar and disinfecting wipes.I pour a little vinegar into the toilet and then clean the rest of the toilet with disinfecting wipes while the vinegar sets. Then later I use a disinfecting wipe on the inside, flush and it's clean.
Sink: disinfecting wipes
Shower: Baby wipe or disinfecting wipe + baking soda + sponge
I wipe it down with a baby wipe or disinfecting wipe, then sprinkle baking soda all around the base of the shower. I let that sit while I work on the rest of the bathroom. Scrub the baking soda when ready in circles and then rinse. Baking soda is a great way to get your shower white again just with a little elbow grease; or even little helping hands, my girls love helping to clean the shower. Usually I let them start while I work on the rest of the bathroom and then when they've decided they're done I finish it up.
Bathtub: Bathroom spray + sponge
Spray and sponge wash, then rinse.
2. Kitchen
Counters: All purpose spray or just a washcloth with soap.Floor: Sweep + a bowl of warm soapy water and a washcloth.
I hand mop my floor. My mom used to do this and I remember thinking, No way, when I get older I'm using a mop. Well I had a mop for many years, but I felt like I was going over the floor with a washcloth anyways. So now I just use a washcloth with some warm soapy water.
Table: All purpose spray or washcloth with soap.
Stove top: washcloth
Fridge: washcloth. Inside, vinegar + water combo
If you mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, it's a great cleaner for anything tough sticking in your fridge. I don't clean the inside as often as I should, but when I do it's just soapy water or vinegar + water and washcloth.
Dishwasher: washcloth
For the three above, I learned to wipe them down as I was ending my evening cleaning the kitchen. This helps so that there's never a lot to clean. After I wash my dishes for the night, I wipe down the microwave, then the stove, fridge and dishwasher. I might not get them all each night, but I try to wipe them down as I go.
Microwave: washcloth + vinegar
3. Rest of the house
Mirrors/windows: Amway window cleaner with a microfiber cloth.This is one I plan to change once I'm out of my cleaner. You can clean your windows and mirrors with a vinegar solution.
Dusting: I have some homemade swiffer style dusters + microfiber cloths.
These are awesome to have. This way I'm not spending money over an over again on the swiffer cloths.
Vacuum: Rainbow vacuum
First off these are not cheap. A friend told me about them while I was still teaching. I really liked the idea of how they work and that I don't have to buy bags all the time. I was able to buy one for more than 1/2 the selling price on our local swap...otherwise I might still be saving for one. But, if you can get a vacuum of any kind that is bag less that's going to help you save. If you're not having to re buy bags all the time. Now, the rainbow vacuum does last, we've had ours now for 4 years and it's still holding up. Plus we use it as a de-duster/air purifier as well.
Oh and I do dust less now :)
These are the ways I try to clean our home without breaking the bank in buying multiple cleaning products.
The microfiber cloths can be purchased almost anywhere. I have some from Amway, as well as from our local Walmart, they're several options on amazon too.
The swiffer style cloths are easy to make. You can find many different styles on Pinterest. Sew Much Ado has a great tutorial on the swiffer duster. And Soap Deli News has a great tutorial on how to make both a dry and wet version of the swiffer cloths. These are just a couple to get you started. You can also find them on Etsy to buy if you'd rather.
What products do you use when cleaning? I'm always looking for healthier options with less toss away. I think my biggest thing is the toilet, I don't necessary like the idea of re-using something to clean the toilet with, but at the same time it feels a little wasteful. Any other suggestions other than disinfecting wipes?
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