6 essential money-saving spring cleaning hacks – save as you spruce

Spring cleaning without spending much is entirely possible with a few clever expert hacks.

In fact, many of the most effective tools and products are already hiding in your kitchen cabinets or can be bought once affordably and used time and again, making them economical purchases.

From the wonders of vinegar to the magical powers of mayonnaise, these six money-saving cleaning tips will not only help freshen up your home this spring but also work out cheaper in the long run.

6 money-saving spring cleaning hacks

1. Vinegar for the win

Distilled white vinegar is a cleaning powerhouse. It cuts through grease, removes hard water stains, and even deodorizes – all for a fraction of the price of name-brand sprays.

A single gallon costs just a few dollars and can replace multiple specialty products, from window cleaner to limescale remover.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Cleaning with vinegar is a game-changer. It contains acetic acid, which breaks down grease, grime, and mineral buildup. It also dissolves hard water stains and neutralizes odors '

This means you don't need harsh chemicals to clean.

'Best of all,' Karina adds, 'a gallon of white vinegar costs under $5 and replaces multiple store-bought cleaners costing $4 to $10 per bottle. This eliminates the need for separate degreasers, window cleaners, and odor neutralizers.'

Karina recommends mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, which can then be used around the house, including on windows, countertops, sinks and appliances. This 64 fluid-oz bottle of Great Value Cleaning Vinegar from Walmart will last a long time and can be used again and again for your DIY cleaning solutions.

Will Cotter, owner of DeluxeMaid, also raves about the money-saving wonders of using this pantry staple to clean. He says, 'Perhaps my favourite vinegar cleaning hack is unclogging shower heads. While a bottle of CLR or Bar Keepers might set you back $10-20, you can simply grab a plastic bag and rubber band, pour in two cups of plain distilled white vinegar, tie it around the shower head, and then leave it overnight.

'When you remove the bag, most of the gunk will come off. For anything left, a little scrubbing will take care of it, thanks to the vinegar softening the mineral deposits.'

Consider also adding Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda from Walmart to your cleaning arsenal and mix it with vinegar to create a paste for tougher stains.

2. Dust with dryer sheets

Using cheap dryer sheets to speed clean baseboards instead of pricey disposable dusters is surprisingly effective at lifting dust and pet hair from surfaces, and can be used on blinds, and electronics too.

Unlike paper towels or disposable dusters, dryer sheets leave behind a light anti-static residue that helps repel future dust – saving time between cleans and giving a second life to something you were going to throw away anyway.

Toner says, 'Using cheap dryer sheets reduces dust buildup, minimizing the need for frequent deep cleaning. This extends the time before needing to repaint or touch up baseboards, which can cost $100 or more in paint and supplies.

'Dryer sheets contain anti-static compounds that repel dust for weeks, making it harder for dust to settle. They also leave a light protective layer, which makes future cleaning easier.'

Snuggle Blue Sparkle Fresh Scent Dryer Sheets from Target are very affordable and loved by customers for controlling static, and their other uses.

Cotter adds, 'Another great use for dryer sheets is to polish chrome or stainless steel fixtures, such as your faucets. It removes water spots and leaves them shiny without streaks. Rather than spending money on expensive commercial cleaners that can cost you $5 to $10 a pop, a box of dryer sheets is way more wallet-friendly and lasts a lot longer.'

3. Ditch disposable mop pads

Single-use mop pads may be convenient, but the cost adds up quickly. Reusable microfiber mop pads can be tossed in the washing machine and used again and again, making them far more cost-effective over time.

Floors are among the dirty spots professional cleaners always notice in homes, but reusable mop pads do a better job of trapping dirt and grime without the need for harsh chemicals.

Alex Varela, manager of Dallas Maids, says, 'My favourite spring cleaning hacks involve moving to reusable products. I love flat mops with reusable pads which you can use many, many times. It’s way cheaper than using a disposable sweeper mop, for example – many people like the convenience, but it’s expensive in the long run, and more contaminating.'

4. Mayonnaise magic

Got water rings on your wooden furniture? Instead of buying a special polish or stain remover, dab on a bit of mayonnaise.

Toner says, 'Using mayonnaise prevents the need for refinishing or replacing wood furniture, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Mayonnaise’s oil content rehydrates the wood, helping to lift the trapped moisture from the stain.

'Simply apply a small amount of mayonnaise onto the water ring, let it sit for 30-60 minutes, or overnight for deeper stains, then wipe off the excess with a clean microfiber cloth. This method works on dining tables, coffee tables, nightstands, and wooden desks.'

Using glycerin, available from Amazon also acts as a cheap wood and leather cleaner and hydrator, proving again spring cleaning doesn't have to cost the earth.

5. Steam clean smarter

A small handheld steam cleaner may require a modest up-front investment, but it can be used for years to cheaply and deeply clean tile grout, sinks, upholstery, carpets, and more without chemicals.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'Use steam to your advantage when spring cleaning on a budget, especially to remove grease or grime from tiles, sinks, carpets and upholstery. It saves so much money as you don’t even need to use cleaning products.

'Personally, I love handheld steam cleaners like the Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach, available from Amazon. It's a great brand, and this steam cleaner comes with just enough of a variety of nozzles to reach every nook and cranny that you can think of, but without being too overwhelming.

'It’s really easy to carry around and move up and down. This is a one-time purchase where you will save a lot of money on cleaning products over the long run, for sure.'

6. Switch to easy-to-clean and reusable sponges

Instead of constantly tossing out dirty kitchen sponges, opt for durable, dishwasher-safe alternatives. These sponges are designed to be cleaned and sanitized on the top rack of your dishwasher, which means you can reuse them safely dozens of times before needing a replacement.

The Scrub Daddy Sponge from Walmart is a reliable option that has gentle abrasion under warm water for your regular cleaning but goes hard under cold water when you need to clean tougher kitchen grease.

Toner says, 'Sponges trap bacteria, food particles, and grease. Many people don't realize that a dirty sponge can spread germs instead of cleaning them up!'

Not only do washable sponges cut down on waste, but they also save money in the long run – especially compared to regularly buying multi-packs of disposable sponges. Plus, many reusable sponges are designed to resist odors and bacteria, keeping your kitchen cleaner between washes.

Meet the experts

Karina Toner

With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more home and lifestyle magazines, industry expert Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning, and champions non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning methods.

Will Cotter

Will Cotter is a cleaning expert and digital entrepreneur who owns multiple cleaning companies across the US, including DeluxeMaid, which has cleaned more than 7,500 homes. His expert tips have been featured in top publications like Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and Martha Stewart.

Alex Varela

Alex Varela is the general manager of Dallas Maids, a highly-respected house cleaning service in Dallas, Texas, that believes in creating a clean and healthy home environment for families. Founded more than 30 years ago, Dallas Maids has spruced thousands of happy homes – and counting.

Steve Evans

With over a decade of experience in the house cleaning business, Steve Evans is the owner of Memphis Maids. The award-winning cleaning service – based in Memphis, Tennessee – prides itself on high standards, with only 2% of applicants successfully joining the team.

So there you have it – six essential money-saving spring cleaning hacks. Spring cleaning doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag. By turning to simple, multi-use items and investing in a few smart tools, you can keep your home fresh and clean without constantly refilling your cart.

Next, take a look through the ultimate cleaning supplies checklist for any extra products you might need to keep your home shining through spring.