frugal cleaning tips

Cleaning for Less

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 Melissa Smallwood (aka Multi-tasking Mama) has worked with seniors and families as a professional organizer for several years and is the owner of Organized Life by Design, LLC. She has an extensive human services background. She is also the mom of three active boys (one of which has special needs). She enjoys helping people get their lives, calendars and homes organized so that they have time to see and enjoy their blessings! Melissa also has a passion for cheap yet chic home décor and has many resources available for decorating your home on a budget. Melissa has written many articles on organizing for various websites and organizations including Online Organizing.com, Show Mom the Money, Ask Baby Kid, Dr. Mommy Says, Sassy Mamas, Pink Lemonade of Life and more.

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When I was in the hospital having my 3rd son, my mother-in-law came to help out. She was a war bride and came to this country from Germany. As much as I hate to stereotype- the German people are a very cleanly people.

She had also lived through WWII, and knew how to do without. I couldn’t believe it when I came home from the hospital. My house was literally Sparkling! When I asked her what she had done, she replied she had “cleaned it”. ”

“Yes, but, what did you use?”, was what I wanted to know.

Her answer- “Ammonia”- She had used nothing but a bottle of ammonia- for Everything!

When I think of how many cleaning products there are on our supermarket shelves, and how much they cost……it is clear that we could save a lot of money on our cleaning supplies by not being “lured” into buying all the cleaning products advertised over and over to us .
Here are some ideas

First, it is important to remember NEVER to mix ammonia with bleach. This will result in toxic fumes.
It doesn’t take much ammonia to get the job done- about 1/4-1/2 cup to a gallon of water.
For walls and floors, add a cup of liquid detergent.
For windows, add a little vinegar and baking soda.
For sinks and tiles, add just the baking soda.

For fresh, clean drains put 1/2 Cup Baking soda, and 1/2 Cup Vinegar down your drain. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

To Remove Stains; On Upholstery try shaving cream; with ink, hairspray; and if your kids have been very bad with their crayons, try toothpaste!

Freshen up your house with a nice blend of spices, wrapped up in a loosely woven fabric, and tied up at the ends with ribbon or another decorative tie.

Remember to vacuum those draperies and keep the dust on your mini-blinds under control. Also, hose down those screens. If you let things go- it will take more time and money to make them attractive again…and you may never get them looking good.

by Nikki Willhite

www.allthingsfrugal.com