As someone who prefers to deep clean my home one to two times a week, I used to go through a ton of cleaning products and therefore a ton of money. On average, the cleaning products I liked using the most cost anywhere from six to eight dollars. From disinfecting wipes, carpet and upholstery cleaner, foaming shower cleaners, glass cleaners and a host of other products, I used to spend approximately 65 dollars a month on average a month. I knew there had to be a way to spend significantly less money and achieve similar if not better results in the maintenance of my living space, and I was right. After searching the internet, I have come across several DIY (do it yourself) solutions to keep my home clean, smelling fresh, all while spending a fraction of the monthly cost I and my family used to spend on commercial products.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

To clean my bathroom and kitchen, I use a mixture of water, vinegar, Pine Sol and dish soap in a recycled spray bottle. When I first started using this mixture it did not include Pine Sol; however, desiring a less pungent scent from the use of vinegar in the solution, I decided to add this product. Filling a 32 ounce spray bottle up half way with water, one quarter vinegar, one fifth Pine Sol, and three ounces of dish soap, I have a powerful and wonderfully scented all-purpose cleaner that use for cleaning the shower, bath tub, toilet, sink, and also my kitchen. After letting the product sit for about five minutes, I can already see grime and scum being defeated. After rinsing and wiping away the filth and remaining solution from my surfaces, the targeted areas are even cleaner and fresher than they were with the use of commercial products. Anytime there is a spill in the kitchen or anywhere else, I spray the area a few times with this miracle mixture and wipe away the mess quickly and easily.

BAKING SODA CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANER

Baking soda is another miracle substance that is also very cheap; not only does it leaves a fresh scent, but deodorizes and cleans. In order to effectively remove an odor, you have to eliminate the problem first, something that sprays and candles do not do. To deep clean my carpet and upholstery I coat the surfaces with baking soda, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then vacuum the baking soda away. Afterwards, the carpet is visibly cleaner, given the dirt lifting power of baking soda, and a wonderful scent is left behind.

DIY UPHOLSTERY SPRAY

I am obsessed with clean and fresh smelling furniture. After learning of the power of baking soda and vinegar, I knew there had to be a way to combine them for the purpose of cleaning my couches and couch pillows, and then I found the answer. By mixing two table spoons of baking soda with ½ cup of vinegar, one cup of water and a few drops of essential oil, I was able to create a mixture that I can use any time to spray down my upholstery and pillows.

There you have it, do it yourself solutions for cleaning your home without spending a ton of money. Not only was I able to sufficiently clean my home with the methods above, but I was able to achieve a much longer lasting scent that left my home smelling and feeling refreshed. However, I do not recommend just taking my word for it, try these ideas out! See how you like them and how they work for you the next time you to clean your home.