Introduction
Hey mama, let’s talk cleaning. I know, not the most exciting topic, but hear me out—nothing is more frustrating than spending money on fancy cleaning products that don’t even work. Been there, done that, tossed the bottle. I don’t want to lug around a tote full of chemicals when I clean. I want simple, affordable solutions that actually work—so simple that even the kids can help. So, grab your coffee, and let me share my top 10 budget-friendly cleaning hacks that have saved my sanity (and my wallet)!
Goo Gone Baking Soda Alternative
I have to admit, I didn’t know about this one until my mother-in-law showed me. I used to wrestle with Goo Gone—ugh, that greasy, smelly mess that never seemed to wash off. Then I learned that a little baking soda on a damp, sticky surface works like magic. Just rub it in, and poof—no more residue. If you have kids who love stickers (and putting them everywhere), this is a game-changer!
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
This homemade cleaner is my go-to for just about everything (except windows). It’s super easy to make and actually works. Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup of dish soap (Dawn works best!)
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 1 1/4 cups of water
Spray it on, let it sit for five minutes, then wipe—it’s like those cleaning commercials where everything magically disappears. Trust me, this is the real deal and my favorite cleaning hack.
Steam Cleaning Instead of Chemicals
Let’s be real—good steam cleaners can be pricey, but they are worth every penny. I love my Bissell Steam Shot handheld steamer. It gets into every nook and cranny, and best of all? No chemicals! It’s perfect for families with kids and pets. Plus, who doesn’t love watching steam blast away grime?
Check out one of my favorite blogs for more tips on using a steam cleaner here.
Repurpose Old T-Shirts as Cleaning Rags
Got some old T-shirts lying around? Cut them up and use them as cleaning rags! They work great for dusting, scrubbing, and wiping up spills. Once they’re too worn out, toss them guilt-free. Bonus: You’ll save money and reduce waste!
Pillowcases for Dusting Ceiling Fans
I always forget to clean the ceiling fans until I notice the dust hanging from them (oops). Instead of dusting and making a bigger mess, just slip an old pillowcase over the blade, then pull it off—the dust stays trapped inside. So much easier and no sneezing attack afterward!
Baking Soda as a Natural Deodorizer
We have a cat, and let’s just say, sometimes his litter box is… less than fresh. A simple box of baking soda next to the litter box helps absorb odors. Same goes for the fridge, closets, and any musty-smelling areas. No need for expensive deodorizers—just grab a bulk pack of baking soda and call it a day!
Use Salt to Scrub Stubborn Pans
If you’ve ever battled stuck-on food in a cast iron pan, you know the struggle. Sprinkle some coarse salt (like kosher or Himalayan), scrub with a damp sponge, and watch the grime disappear. This also works in small containers—just add water and shake. Just don’t dump the salt down the drain (lesson learned the hard way!).
Here is a full tutorial on how to season cast iron including how to use salt to clean it:
Baking Soda for Fresh-Smelling Upholstery
Sprinkle baking soda on your couch, mattress, or carpets, let it sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. It absorbs odors without adding artificial scents, which is great for allergy sufferers like me. Say goodbye to Febreze—this trick leaves everything smelling fresh without the overpowering fragrance. Baking soda cleaning hack for the win!
Dawn Dish Soap for Grease Stains
If you have kids (or a husband who works with grease), you need this trick. Dawn dish soap is magic for grease stains on clothes. Mix it with baking soda, scrub with an old toothbrush, let it sit for a few hours, then wash in the sink. Once it’s dry, check to make sure the stain is gone. If it is, wash it. If it’s only faded, do it again. Even set-in stains fade! It’s saved so many of my favorite shirts.
Lint Rollers for Quick Fur Cleanup
Lint rollers are a lifesaver, especially if you have pets. I use mine for way more than just clothes—furniture, car seats, even my sewing table (hello, stray threads). If you’re worried about waste, grab a reusable fabric lint roller instead. So easy, so effective!
Conclusion
Mama, cleaning shouldn’t take over your life. These little cleaning hacks help me get the job done quickly and efficiently so I can focus on what really matters—spending time with my family and actually enjoying my home. Do you have any go-to cleaning hacks? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to swap tips over coffee!
