Keeping your home spotless doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some creativity and a handful of affordable ingredients, you can achieve excellent results while saving money.
In this guide, we’ll explore simple and effective household cleaning hacks that are budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and easy to follow.
Why Household Cleaning Hacks Work
Most commercial cleaning products are expensive because of marketing and fancy packaging. Yet, you can achieve the same (or better!) results with items already in your pantry. These DIY household cleaning hacks will save you money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, keeping your home fresh and healthy.
Affordable Ingredients for Household Cleaning Hacks
Here are the key ingredients to create powerful DIY cleaners, all for under R150:
- White Vinegar (±R25 for 750ml) – Cuts through grease and disinfects.
- Baking Soda (±R18 for 500g) – Deodorizes and scrubs surfaces.
- Dish Soap (±R20 for 750ml) – Removes dirt and grime.
- Lemons (±R10 each) – Fresh and naturally antibacterial.
- Salt (±R15 for 1kg) – An abrasive cleaner for stubborn stains.
- Rubbing Alcohol (±R40 for 500ml) – Quick-drying disinfectant.
- Microfiber Cloths or Old Rags (Free or Reused) – Eco-friendly cleaning tools.
Learn More: What Can R1 000 Buy at Pick n Pay QualiSave? A Price Breakdown of Everyday Essentials
Easy Household Cleaning Hacks for Every Room
1. Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
- All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and a teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. This is one of the most versatile household cleaning hacks, perfect for countertops, cabinets, and appliances. - Microwave Deodorizer
Place a bowl of water with a few lemon slices in the microwave. Heat for 2 minutes, then wipe the interior clean. The steam loosens grime, while the lemon leaves it smelling fresh. - Sink Freshener
Sprinkle baking soda into your sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse with vinegar for a fizzing clean that removes odors and grease. - Oven Cleaner
Combine baking soda and water into a paste. Spread it on the inside of your oven and let it sit overnight. Scrub with a damp cloth the next day for a chemical-free clean.
2. Bathroom Cleaning Hacks
- Showerhead Maintenance
Tie a plastic bag filled with vinegar around your showerhead. Let it soak overnight to remove hard water stains and mineral deposits. - Tile Grout Cleaner
Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply to dirty grout. Scrub with an old toothbrush to restore whiteness. - Mirror Cleaner
Spray a mix of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water on your mirror, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. This is one of the simplest household cleaning hacks for a streak-free shine. - Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 minutes before scrubbing and flushing.
3. Living Room and Bedroom Cleaning Hacks
- Carpet Refresher
Mix 1 cup baking soda with a few drops of essential oil (if available). Sprinkle on your carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly. - Dusting Hack
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces, trapping dust instead of just moving it around. - Pet Hair Remover
Put on a slightly damp rubber glove and rub it over furniture to pick up pet hair easily. - Mattress Freshener
Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, leave it for 30 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly to remove odors and allergens.
4. General Household Cleaning Hacks
- Window Cleaner
Combine 2 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Spray on windows and wipe with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free finish. - Stove Grease Remover
Spray vinegar on greasy stove surfaces, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. - DIY Furniture Polish
Mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice. Use a soft cloth to apply the mixture, leaving your wooden furniture shiny and nourished. - DIY Air Freshener
Simmer a pot of water with orange peels and cinnamon sticks. This quick trick makes your home smell welcoming and cozy.
How Household Cleaning Hacks Save You Money
Here’s how using these household cleaning hacks benefits your wallet:
- Multipurpose Ingredients: Items like vinegar and baking soda are versatile, reducing the need for multiple products.
- Affordable Costs: A bottle of vinegar and a box of baking soda cost a fraction of what branded cleaners do.
- Eco-Friendly Reusables: Replace disposable wipes and paper towels with washable rags or microfiber cloths.
Pro Tips for Effective Cleaning on a Budget
- Reuse Old Items: Old T-shirts make excellent cleaning rags.
- Shop Smart: Check your local grocery store or spaza shop for affordable ingredients.
- Stick to Basics: Focus on multipurpose items to keep costs low.
- Label Your DIY Cleaners: If you’re making several solutions, label your bottles to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Product: More isn’t always better and can waste your cleaning solutions.
- Mixing Chemicals: Avoid combining vinegar and bleach, as this creates toxic fumes.
- Skipping Ventilation: Always open windows when cleaning with strong-smelling solutions like vinegar.
Why These Household Cleaning Hacks Work
These household cleaning hacks are effective because they rely on the science of natural ingredients. Vinegar’s acidity cuts through grease and grime, while baking soda’s abrasive texture makes scrubbing a breeze. Lemon adds antibacterial properties and a refreshing scent, while dish soap breaks down oils.
Learn More: 30 Genius Cleaning Hacks For Your Home
