Oh spring. I’m so glad spring is here. I love everything about it, even the cleaning. As a frugal environmentalist, I’m always on the lookout for green cleaning tips on a budget. There is no reason why green cleaning has to cost an arm and a leg! Check out some of my favorite tips for green spring cleaning on a budget so your house can be squeaky clean for less.
Green cleaning is possible on a budget
Do you remember when “green” cleaning was ridiculously expensive? I do.
I want to say that I first heard “green” cleaning when I was in college in 2003. At the time the cleaning products were as high as $7 a bottle. Seventh Generation products were way out of my budget. I remember thinking that one day when I had money, I’d splurge on green cleaning products.
These days green cleaning is the norm which means it’s way cheaper to clean green now than ever before.
There is so much competition out there that it’s not usual to see sales for Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Seventh Generation, and The Honest Company products. Big companies like Lysol and Windex even have eco-friendly options!
Of course, there are so many DIY options for making your own green cleaning products, which makes green cleaning even more affordable.
Since I’m all about green cleaning, and I’m all about sticking to a budget, I’m so excited to share my favorite tips for green spring cleaning on a budget:
Save Money with These Green Cleaning Tips
1. Baking soda and vinegar are your best friends
My favorite tip for green cleaning on a budget is to make your own cleaning products. Buy a few plastic spray bottles and get to town on making your own products. Here are a few of my favorites:
If all else fails, a combo of lemon, baking soda and vinegar is my go-to. I swear it can clean anything from a nasty sink to dirty grout between tile. I do the same thing with my ceramic stove top.
2. You need Dr. Bronner’s in your life
I use Dr. Bronner’s for everything from hand soap and body wash to a gentle soap for my hardwood floors.
The soap is so concentrated that you only need a few drops to get things squeaky clean. My favorite way to use it is to put a couple tablespoons in with water to make foaming hand soap in a reusable foaming dispenser.
I buy my Dr. Bronner’s at Whole Foods because they really do have the best price, especially for Amazon Prime members. Don’t have a Whole Foods near you? Check out this deal on Amazon. I prefer the baby unscented version.
Bonus: Dr. Bronners SalSuds product is great for cleaning. You can even use it for laundry!
3. Order green products online
If you are still buying your cleaning products at the store, stop. Stop it now. I can’t tell you how much money you are wasting (unless you use stackable coupons at CVS- in that case, proceed).
You’ve got to start using Amazon Subscribe and Save and Grove Collaborative.
Sign up for Grover Collaborative now and get a FREE Welcome Gift!
4. If you must buy in stores, check out Trader Joe’s
If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s near you, check out their cleaning section. I’m a little obsessed with this multi-purpose cleaner for less than 5 bucks.
I know I can make my own, but this stuff works so well in a pinch when I don’t have the time or energy to make my own cleaning products. Plus, when my mom moved in with a compromised immune system, I felt better buying cleaning products instead of making my own.
5. Buy reusable cleaning cloths, or make your own
I love using my Norwex cloths. They are reusable and surprisingly affordable!
I’ve also stopped using disposable supplies like Swiffer. I use a sheet of felt in my old Swiffer sweeper to pick up dust. These sheets are less than $1 at craft stores. Toss them in the wash when you are finished!
Tip: take all the hair off first so you don’t end up with a ball of hair in your dryer. That’s gross. Trust me.
Stick to your green cleaning plan
Sticking to your plan will actually help you save money. By cleaning yourself, you’re saving an average of $100 a month.
I recently started using a cleaning company twice a month. Life has been so hectic lately that it’s been great to have the help, even if I do feel guilty for spending money on it. Let me tell you, when I have the time again, I will clean my own house again. I love saving the money!
What are your favorite tips for spring cleaning? Do you like green cleaning products too?
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Check out these similar posts:
- 5 of the Best DIY Laundry Detergents
- Why I Feel Guilty Every Time I Hire a Cleaning Lady
- How to Clean a Misto
- Jump Start Your Spring Clean and Clean Up Your Finances
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I am in love with my new Swiffer pads, but using felt is GENIUS! I need to check out Dr. Bronner’s…I have a coworker who raves about it too!
You’ll love it! You can use it for so much.
I know! Of all the green products you mentioned here, baking soda has been my best companion. It’s an all-purpose product and the most economical too.
Baking soda for the win!
Excellent ideas Hannah. I’m showing this post to my husband. He uses a steam mop to clean our floors and I’m going suggest the felt pads.
I’ve always wanted to try the steam mop! However, we’ve had pretty great results with the felt!