Home Cleaning – How to clean on the cheap (and be green)

I am going to be honest with you guys. For as cheap as I am, I actually splurged and got a “cleaning lady” to do my dirty work each week. I pay this woman $60 for 5 hours of work and the house is immaculate. Don't get me wrong, I am not loaded with cash but I'd gladly sacrifice the daily Starbucks and/or fast food so I can pay for this service as it allows me to spend more time with my kids.

I do however employ some old home remedies and encourage (cough) the staff to use them. Too lazy to write them up myself, I think you'll get some benefit from reading a post by a personal finance blogger. The name of the blog is Free Money Finance and here are a handful of tips that explain how you can clean for less in the bathroom. If you are so inclined, they also list tips for the kitchen, laundry, etc.

BATHROOM:

• Showerhead and Sink & Tub Faucets – wipe down with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner. If you've got a big cleaning problem, lay a vinegar-laced cloth on the faucets, cover with a plastic bag, and hold in place with a rubber band. Leave overnight. It should be a much easier wipe and polish. If you have hard water, which we do, cleaning the inside of the showerhead is similar to above. Fill a bag with vinegar, submerse the showerhead (with or without removing fixture), and tie on with a rubber band. Leave several hours or overnight.
• Toilet – for routine cleaning and disinfecting, pour a half up of distilled white vinegar into the back of your toilet bowl, scrub, and let sit for about a half hour before flushing. For a stronger clean, sprinkle the bowl with baking soda, add vinegar, and scour. Wait a half hour before flushing.
• Scouring Powder – lightly sprinkle baking soda or borax on the surface, wipe, and rinse well.
• Soft Scrubber – add enough liquid castile soap to 1/2 cup of baking soda create a creamy mixture. Apply and clean with a sponge; rinse well.

Downgrading Your Cleaning Supplies – Save Money & the Environment by Free Money Finance