This blog post is marked as an AD (advert) because I was gifted a ScrubDaddy package in return for writing a review and/or social media coverage. I aim to be transparent in order to retain your trust and I hope you will continue to support the Thrifty Mumma Thrifty Bubba blog and social media channels.
Cleaning is a challenging chore that is never-ending. However, with a few handy hacks your cleaning caddy could soon be helping you to save both time and money when doing the housework.
1. Keep in control of your caddy
This hack may sound obvious but it is one that is often overlooked. Having a dedicated cleaning caddy in your cupboard can mean that precious time isn’t spent searching for the products and tools you will need before you begin cleaning. I picked mine up from B&Q. It’s cheap, cheerful and does the trick. Aim for a container with handles that you can grab and go.
2. Stock up on offers
The cleaning products market is big business. Companies are regularly releasing new ranges however don’t be too quick to part with your cash. Use coupons from supermarket magazines, sign up to newsletters for free vouchers, shop smartly in discount stores and stock up on your most used items when they are on offer. This will help you to save money in the long run.
3. Motivate yourself
Often the thought of cleaning is worse than the reality. Who doesn’t feel better when their house is sparkling? I find watching YouTube ‘speed cleaning’ videos is a fantastic way to motivate me to clean and pick up some helpful tips too. The idea is to set a timer, clean quickly and get instant results. Mrs Mummy Mills has some fab speed cleaning videos so do check out her channel. Even better, invite someone over to your house. This way you will have a deadline to work to and while you’re cleaning you’ll be able to see your home through a visitor’s eyes making you more focused.
4. Clean methodically
When I clean I like to go from the top of the room to the bottom to make sure that I only have to clean the floor once right at the end. I also do all of the dry cleaning tasks (polishing, dusting, sweeping, hoovering) before moving on to the wet cleaning tasks (scrubbing, disinfecting, mopping). This means that I organise my cleaning caddy into dry and wet products too.
The first thing I do when cleaning is fill a bucket with two full kettles worth of boiling water and then pop a cap full of Zoflora in. The steam gives a wonderful scent throw and I can then use the water to disinfectant when mopping.
5. How to organise your cleaning caddy
My basic cleaning caddy contains the following:
- Rubber gloves
- Coloured cleaning cloths (blue for loo, pink for sink)
- Duster
- Microfibre cloths
- Scrub Daddy
- Toothbrush
- Bleach
- Zoflora
- Method antibacterial surface spray
- Dettol disinfectant spray
- Toilet discs
- Polish
I’m sure you can see that my cleaning caddy contains everything I need to do a thorough clean at short notice. What do you keep in yours?
6. Find tools that work hard so you don’t have to
A reliable hoover, a sturdy mop and a deep bucket are all items that help me to clean more efficiently.
More recently, I’ve also discovered Scrub Daddy – a cleaning product which has transformed the way I clean! These friendly faced scrubbers are adaptable so stay firm and coarse in cold water and soft and pliable in warm water. This means the product does the scrubbing which saves my elbows! Importantly, Scrub Daddy doesn’t scratch any surfaces and once you’re finished, pop it in the dishwasher to kill germs and then you can reuse it again and again!
7. Shop supermarket own brand
When it comes to cleaning products such as bleach, disinfectant wipes and cleaning cloths then stop buying branded and start shopping supermarket instead. Like most products, you are paying for expensive marketing and packaging if you choose the high end option. Bargain supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl stock their own ranges which are brilliant for both cleaning and my budget. I’ve made the switch and so could you!
8. Make your own
Where possible I like to use natural, non-toxic, plant based cleaning products. I love Method cleaning products for this reason. This has become especially important since Thrifty Bubba came along and I need to make her highchair and toys clean yet safe for little hands and mouths. You can make your own cleaning products using household goods such as white vinegar, water, baking soda, lemons and essential oils. This can be cheaper than spending money on lots of different chemicals.
9. Cleaning burns calories
It’s true! Cleaning will get your heart rate up and often you’ll be so focused on the job in hand that you’ll forget you’re exercising too. Try putting your FitBit or pedometer on whilst working on the house and you’ll soon see just how busy you’ve been. Do remember to be careful when lifting heavy objects, hoovering the stairs or bending over to scrub the bath. It’s important to stay hydrated too so keep a water bottle nearby.
10. Try to enjoy your chores
Cleaning can be therapeutic and I always enjoy seeing instant results. You can clearly see the difference you have made when cleaning. To make it more enjoyable listen to the radio, play an audio book or pop on a podcast. Make sure you treat yourself afterwards too – cleaning always goes quickly for me if I know I am doing something lovely later on.
Thank you for reading – I hope these handy hacks help you next time you clean.
Do you have any cleaning hints and tips of your own? Comment below and let me know.
I am also thinking of filming a speed clean video for my YouTube channel so let me know if this is something you would like to see.
Love, Thrifty Mumma X
I kindly received a free sample of Scrub Daddy from their UK supplier however, as always, all opinions are my own.
You may also enjoy this similar blog post: Top 10 tips for a clean home on a budget
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