1. Make your own cleaning products

• Vinegar

It is well known that white vinegar is one of our best friends when it comes to cleaning. It’s powerful enough to break up dirt from smooth surfaces, yet cleans hardwood floors without damaging them. White vinegar can also be used to neutralize unpleasant odors. When doing a kitchen cleaning task, mix water with vinegar and use the solution to clean countertops and backsplashes. In the bathroom, you can use the same solution to clean the shower/tub walls and even the outside of the toilet. If the dirt is too stubborn, heat the cleaning solution in the microwave and spray the affected area. Let the solution sit for a couple of minutes. Then rinse and you’re done. Did you know that you can also use vinegar as a substitute for fabric softener? It is perfect especially if you have sensitive skin.

• sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda is the perfect replacement for expensive store-bought cleaning detergents. Sprinkle a little soda on a damp sponge or towel to remove dirt particles. It has deodorant properties which is just another bonus. If the dirt is much tougher than you thought, mix water with baking soda until it forms a paste and apply it to the affected areas. The paste should sit for about 15 minutes until dirt deposits can be removed.

• isopropyl alcohol

To wash the window or other glass surfaces, use isopropyl alcohol.

2. Use old rags instead of paper towels.

If you want to save more money, using paper towels is not the right step to take. In reality, rags are much more absorbent than a paper towel. When they get dirty, you can easily wash them in the washing machine.

3. Ketchup to shine brass?

Yes, this is not a joke. You can use ketchup to make the bronze shine! Therefore, there is no need to buy a special detergent for brass that definitely costs a lot of money. If you have ketchup in your fridge, all your problems are solved. Put a small amount of ketchup on a towel, rub the surface, then rinse!

4. Dish soap to win

Not many people know, but dish soap can be used not only for washing dishes. You can also remove stains. If you accidentally drop something on the carpet, treat the stain with a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. Forget running to the nearest store to get rid of expensive carpet stain remover.

5. Make your own laundry soap

You don’t have to waste precious money buying special laundry detergent when you can make your own at home. You will need 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of borax, a few drops of essential oil, and a bar of grated soap. Start by grating the soap, then the baking soda and borax should be mixed together. Just add a few drops of essential oil mist and mix all the ingredients together. Keep in a tightly closed container or jar.

Do you have other secret ideas to save money at home?