Double-Duty Cleaners

There’s no need to stock up at the store on expensive cleaners. You may very well have what you need in your cupboards already- although you may have stocked them for food rather than cleaning purposes!

There is nothing like double duty items to help with time (and budgetary) management.

Vinegar

Not just for your French fries! Vinegar is one of the most effective cleaning agents around (you will notice many restaurants use vinegar and water to clean their tables- a testament to its power).

Put equal parts distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle with equal parts water and you are good to go.

Vinegar and water are also really effective in cleaning hardwood floors-without streaking.

Grapefruit and Salt

Grime caked on your bathtub? Cut a grapefruit in half and load up with salt. The salt will sizzle and foam, making an excellent tool to clean the tub.

Squeeze the grapefruit to make it even bubblier.

Vodka

Also in the bathroom, vodka and water is effective in removing soap scum from shower stalls. Mix equal parts with water, spray and scour.

Just save some for cocktail hour!

Corn Starch

Spill some wine on your white carpet? Did your toddler run through the house with his juice box a-flyin? Fear not!  A paste of corn starch and water, left to sit on the stain will pull it out.

Mix together a paste and cover the stain. Let it dry and dab the stain out. Vacuum up any remnants.

Caked on Oven?

Don’t bother with expensive and fume-ridden oven cleaners. Mix together baking soda and water into a paste. Put on the bottom of the oven and leave for a few hours. Wipe out- and clean as new.

The Crayon

Did your pint-sized artist claim your floor or table as his canvas for his crayons? Don’t spend money on expensive magic erasers.

Believe it or not, applying a little bit of toothpaste and wiping with a damp cloth works pretty well too.