How to Save Money on Spring Cleaning Supplies

The first warm weekend arrives, and suddenly the whole house needs a deep clean.

Windows, closets, baseboards, carpets, the garage, and the oven that has been ignored all winter. It is also the time of year when store aisles fill with new sprays, gadgets, and special sets that promise to make the job easier. It is easy to spend a lot on supplies, and to end up with a cupboard full of half-used products.

A seasonal deep clean does not need to be expensive. With a plan, you can do it for far less than most people spend. This guide shows you how to take stock of what you have, make a short supply list, use simple and safe cleaners, borrow or rent the big equipment, and set a budget for each room. Start with one room, and build from there.

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Start with an inventory of what you already have

Before you buy anything, look through your cleaning cupboard, under the sink, in the garage, and in the laundry room. Pull out every product, cloth, brush, and tool. Check what is nearly empty, what is dried out, and what you forgot you owned. If you like the idea of making your money go further in general, my money saving ideas that help you grow your savings may inspire you.

Write down what you have, and use up the half-empty bottles first. Many homes have enough supplies to do most of a deep clean without buying anything.

Throw out anything that is expired, leaking, or unlabeled, and dispose of hazardous products safely according to local rules.

Gather every cleaning product and tool in one place, and write a list of what you have.

Make a short list of only what is missing

Now plan your clean by room. For each room, write down the main jobs, such as washing windows, wiping baseboards, cleaning the oven, or shampooing the carpet. Then match each job to a product or tool you already own.

What is left is your shopping list. It is often much shorter than people expect. Write exact items, with a price limit.

Keep the list with you when you shop, and skip the seasonal displays.

Write the main jobs for each room, match them to what you own, and list only what is missing.

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Set a budget for the whole clean, and for each room

Decide how much you are willing to spend on supplies, and write it at the top of your list. Divide it among your rooms, or put a small amount in for each category. A limit keeps spending in check. If you want a gentle way to plan your money around seasonal costs, these saving money ideas for people who want a better financial plan may help.

For many households, a small amount is enough, especially if you use what you have. If you find yourself going over, return to your list, and look for a cheaper option.

Keep your receipts, and track your total as you go.

Set a total supplies budget, and divide it among the rooms you plan to clean.

“A deep clean costs far less when you shop your own cupboard first.”

Use simple, low-cost cleaners, and use them safely

Many cleaning jobs can be done with a few basics. Warm water with a little dish soap cleans many surfaces. Baking soda works as a gentle scrub for sinks and tubs. A mix of water and white vinegar can clean glass and some hard surfaces, though vinegar should not be used on natural stone, like granite and marble, or on some finishes.

Please be careful. Never mix bleach with ammonia, or bleach with vinegar or other acids, because they can create dangerous fumes. Use one product at a time, rinse between products, and open windows. Read labels, and keep all cleaners away from children and pets.

If you need to disinfect, follow the directions on a product made for that purpose.

Pick two or three simple cleaners for your clean, and write down the surfaces each is safe for.

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Choose reusable cloths and tools over disposables

Washable cloths cost a little at first and save money over time. Cut up old t-shirts, towels, and worn sheets into rags for free. Use microfiber cloths for glass and dusting, and wash them after each use. A sturdy scrub brush and a good mop last for years.

Skip single-use items like disposable dusters, wipes, and mop pads, which cost more over time. Keep a basket for used rags, and wash them with your laundry.

A small kit of reusable tools can handle nearly every job in the house.

Make a rag bag from old textiles, and set aside two or three reusable tools for your clean.

Borrow or rent the big equipment, and do not buy it

Carpet cleaners, pressure washers, steam cleaners, and ladders are costly, and you may use them once a year. Ask a friend or neighbor whether you can borrow one. Many communities have tool libraries, and some hardware or grocery stores rent equipment by the day. Compare the rental price with the cost of hiring a professional, and with the cost of buying. For help thinking through bigger spending, my list of money saving strategies that help you reach your financial goals can be a useful guide.

Check the rental terms, and return equipment on time to avoid extra fees. Read the instructions and safety information before you use it.

Borrowing or renting is almost always cheaper than buying for a once-a-year job.

Make a list of the big equipment you need, and find out who could lend it, or where you could rent it for a day.

Declutter as you clean, and turn extras into cash

A deep clean is a perfect time to sort through what you own. Clean the closet, and notice what you do not wear. Clean the garage, and see what you no longer use. Sell items in good condition, donate others, and recycle what you can.

Putting a few things up for sale can pay for your supplies, or more. Decluttering also makes cleaning faster, since there is less to move.

Check your local rules for the safe disposal of paint, chemicals, batteries, and electronics.

Set aside one box of items to sell or donate during your clean, and decide where the money will go.

Buy only what you need, at the best prices, and make it last

If you do need to buy something, compare prices, and choose store brands where they work well. Buy concentrates or refills when they are cheaper per use. Buy in larger sizes only for products you use often. Skip the new gadget unless it replaces something you use. For help keeping your spending relaxed and steady, these personal finance tips for people who want less money stress can help.

After the clean, store supplies properly, sealed and out of reach of children, so they last until next time. Keep a short list of what is left.

Next time, you will know exactly what you have and what you need.

Compare the cost per use of one product you plan to buy, and choose the cheaper option that meets your need.

Ready to Clean Your Whole Home for Less?

The free Money Reset Workbook helps you see your numbers clearly, so every supply you buy is a choice.

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