Cleaning on the cheap

Cleaning is the necessary evil that we all have to do. I dont like wasting my day cleaning, but with 4 kids, 2 dogs, and 2 cats it is pretty much hopeless that my house is ever going to remain clean for very long. Cleaning products do get expensive though. Especially when you go through as many as I do. So how do you save money while still keeping your budget in check?

I have a few ideas that I use, but am always in search of more money saving tips...

I get tons of newspapers every week thanks to my friendly newspaper carrier! I try to make use of these extra papers by using them to clean all my glass items. They actually leave less streak marks and are a heck of alot cheaper than paper towels...even with a coupon!

For floor cleaning, I have to say that we have laminate flooring throughout our main level. This makes it pretty easy to care for, but do you have any idea how much I have to mop it in the summer to keep up with the "bare feet prints"? I first started with a swifter, but for some reason the dog kept getting sick after I would use it so I searched online for an alternative. Now I keep a spray bottle of 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water. Totally keeps the shine of my floors with no harsh chemicals. The smell is off putting at first,but goes away as the vinegar evaporates. I also have been known to use this when we are out of cleaning products and I can't find a deal.

Instead of expensive shower cleaners, I am trying to train everyone to just wipe down the shower with their used towel after they are done. The refills on the shower sprays were getting too pricey for me. This is certainly a work in progress...especially for the male members of this family :-)

So any more real time solutions for me? I am all about quick and simple changes to make. Making my own laundry soap for example is more effort than I am going to put forth....Just sayin