Top tips for saving money on cleaning

Making double use of products, looking out for coupons and offers and even trying your hand at making your own are all expert ways to save money on your cleaning products.

Money saving blogger Kayleigh Hughes, who writes for coupon site PromotionalCodes.org.uk, has put together her expert advice on how to stop splurging the cash on unnecessary cleaning items.

The mum-of-two says that housework supplies can come at hefty prices but by only buying the core essentials, you can slash the total of your weekly supermarket shop.

Kayleigh, who lives in Grantham, in Lincolnshire, also urges fellow shoppers to look out for useful discount codes as well as taking the natural approach by making products using items already in the kitchen cupboards.

The 29-year-old said: “One of the most expensive items on your shopping list can be cleaning supplies. From kitchen and bathroom cleaner to multi-purpose cleaner and floor cleaner, is it really necessary to buy a different product for each area?

“In my opinion, you don’t need all of these products. That is, however, just my preference but I know everyone has their own ways and favourite items. I stick to three products at most, which are washing up liquid, multi-purpose cleaner and anti-bacterial wipes.”

Here are Kayleigh’s top tips for saving money on cleaning products:

Look for double uses

As well as washing dishes, washing up liquid can be used for floor cleaning and it works great on draining boards and the sink.

Anti-bacterial wipes are great when you have kids and pets, as they are fast, simple and very effective.

Multi-purpose cleaner is exactly what it says on the tin. I use it for the kitchen, the bedrooms and the bathroom. This combined with the anti-bacterial wipes works great for me and is the perfect cleaning combination.

Get couponing

I really don’t think there is a need for all the different products available that make you part with your hard-earned cash. However, if you do want to use them then find as many coupons as you can. Coupons are always readily available for cleaning items and if you combine them with a store offer you can get all the cleaning products you want for a very little price.

Create a stockpile

When you can get a cleaning item for a low price, buy a few items and start to create a stockpile. Before you know it you will have a little treasure trove and you can cross these expensive items off your weekly shopping bill.

Make your own natural products

If you don’t like chemicals, then the natural approach can be very effective just by making use out of items in your cupboards. It’s also fun to use a homemade product.

You can make your own multi-purpose cleaner using vinegar, baking powder and water. This is quick, simple and chemical free, just make sure to not use anything with vinegar or lemon in it on granite or marble surfaces as it will eat into the stone. You can also use baking powder as a great carpet deodoriser and freshener. Just sprinkle across the carpet, leave for a few minutes and then vacuum.

One of the great old favourites is homemade glass cleaner. This can be made by using water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. The last part is optional but will give you a lovely scent.

I haven’t yet gone down the route of making my own cleaning products as I’ve used various coupons and offers to get the items I use at rock bottom prices. I’ve managed to build up a great stockpile but I may give homemade items a go.

It’s all been tried and tested through generations – it’s something my grandma did and her mum before her.

It really is down to your stand on chemicals though – if you want something natural then give DIY a go.

To view Kayleigh’s blog post, click here.