Money Saving Deal of the Week: How to Clean Up on a Dime - Save Money on Cleaning Supplies by Using Cheap Basics

 

SoftScrub, PineSol, Swiffer Jet are all excellent items if you can afford to throw away tons of money, but cleaning supplies can be acquired that do the job for much less. In today's economy, you may want to consider other options.

First of all, much of advertising aimed at the average consumer places too much emphasis on household cleaning products. These products are only slightly more effective than the products they originate from at 4 and sometimes 10 times the cost. Are you wasting money because you have been paying too much attention to the television. Are there cleaning products that you just can't live without? How much should you be saving?

 

Second, many cheaper items can substituted for more expensive items. This is especially useful in times of scarcity such as your most recent layoff. Temporarily these items can be sacrificed for their more expensive counterparts.

 

SUBSTITUTION ITEMS   

Swiffer Sweep Jet	Broom and Mop
Toilet Bowl Cleaner	Comet
PineSol	Ammonia
SoftScrub	Inexpensive Bleach Cleanser
Wood Protectant	Mineral Oil
Expensive Dusting Spray	A rag with a dot of mineral oil or water and a feather duster
Glass Cleaner	Vinegar and water solution with heavy duty paper towels

Check out these links for more information on how to make your own household cleaners:

http://tipnut.com/cleaning-house-cheap/

http://tipnut.com/category/cleaning/cleaning-recipes/page/2/

Finally, your local Dollar Star, Dollar Tree, or store that carries items that only cost $1 each will normally carry items ranging from Febreeze knock-offs to packs of 12 sponges for only $1. This makes for a convenient one-stop-shop for discounted cleaning needs. Be careful that you do not purchase items that are cheaper at department stores here for $1. One of the most obvious items is Comet. Comet and its knock-offs are usually less expensive at Wal-mart if they are more than 75 cents. Dollar General, if located in your area, is also a great discount supply store for cleaning items.

Big Book of Hints from Heloise

Another great money-saving idea is to use reusable mesh laundry bags for recycling purposes. This also helps the environment. Mesh recycling bags cut approximately $3 from your monthly budget, and are very inexpensive. 

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Save Money With Department Store Clearance Deals

1. Target.com has a nice clearance section. Prices start at $1.75 and there is a special section for items priced more than 70% off. Stock pile merchandise you can’t find in stores.

2. Sears Outlet Stores features 20-60% off retail prices everyday. This is “new one-of-a-kind, out of a carton, discontinued, used, scratched and dented merchandise ranging from home appliances to sporting goods and everywhere in between.

3. Walmart’s clearance section is pretty extensive as well

with apparel and digital cameras among many other things at very reasonable prices.

4. Don’t forget the ToysRus clearance section for all your child’s needs. Toys are an especially good item to buy on clearance. They never go out of style, and usually aren’t used that much anyway.

5. American Eagle’s clearance section allows you to save up to 60% on some of the hottest fashion items. Shorts, shirts, and jeans the whole family will love at affordable pricing. Right now the site is running free shipping with orders over $100.

6. Spiegel also has a great clearance section. Save up to 90% at Spiegel on some beautiful clothing for yourself.

7. QVC Jewelry clearance. Need I say more? Who doesn’t need a jewelry clearance? This clearance site features designers you know and love as well as less well known designers and many items are at least 50% off!

Combine these clearance deals with online coupons to save tons of money!

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