8 spring cleaning hacks that will save you money
Snow may be on the ground, but spring is in the air and ‘tis the season to scrub, scour, refresh, reorganize and remove winter’s icky residue.
Spring cleaning can be rewarding. Who doesn’t love a spiffy clean space? It can also save you money. In some cases, decluttering and deep cleaning may even help you earn some extra cash. Here are some moneysaving spring cleaning hacks.
1. Replace furnace and AC filters: Filters used on heating and cooling units keep dust and debris out of the air we breathe. Hold up your furnace or air conditioning filter to a light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to change it. HVAC experts recommend cleaning or replacing your furnace filters once every couple of months for maximum efficiency. As for the AC, you should swap out that filter once or twice a season here in the Northeast.
How you’ll save: A clean heating and cooling system will run more efficiently, use less energy and save you money.
2. Concoct your own cleaning products: You can easily create natural cleaning products out of common pantry items, no degree in chemistry required. A natural disinfectant and deodorizer, white vinegar can be used as an all-purpose cleaner to shine countertops, cut grease and remove stains. Dilute vinegar with equal parts water and pour it into a spray bottle for an affordable and environmentally friendly cleanser. Lemon juice can be used on cooking surfaces to remove germs.
How you’ll save:
Simple: You’re not spending money on costly chemicals and instead creating healthier alternatives with items you likely have on hand.
3. Clear out cluttered closets: When was the last time you combed through your closets, seriously cleared out, and set aside anything you no longer need or use? What you uncover could surprise you and you may be able to cash in on your castoffs. You can easily post items to sell on Facebook Marketplace or take advantage of digital marketplaces like Poshmark, ThredUp, Tradesy and Mercari that will sell your cast-aside clothing for a commission fee. ThredUp will even send you a free Clean Out Kit with a prepaid shipping label, sell the clothing and donate the proceeds to charity.
How you’ll save: Selling items you no longer need or use puts cash in your pocket.
4. Organize your kitchen pantry: Every kitchen’s abyss, pantries can somehow easily conceal food and other staples. It will only take an hour or so, but pull out everything you’ve stashed away. Donate what you don’t want, reorganize what you do what and create something scrumptious with the ingredients you unearthed.
How you’ll save: If you have a clean, organized pantry you’ll avoid spending money on items you already have on hand.
5. Clean floor and wall registers, baseboard heaters and radiators: Make sure they are clear of dust and debris and not blocked by furniture or window treatments. Floor and wall register vent covers can easily be removed with a screwdriver. Use your vacuum’s hose to clean the ducts and soak the covers to remove any stubborn gunk.
How you’ll save: Similar to heating and cooling filters, dusting these devices will improve air quality and help hot and cold air to flow more efficiently which will save you money.
6. Dust fixtures with dryer sheets: There’s no need to spring for pricey microfiber or electrostatic dusting cloths. Save your money and use everyday dryer sheets. Dust from the top down to avoid having to swipe surfaces more than one.
How you’ll save: You’re already saving on the dust cloths, but removing all those pesky dust particles will improve air quality and reduce allergens. You will improve comfort and may eliminate the need for pricey air filters or costly overthe-counter allergy medicines.
7. Unclog drains with baking soda and vinegar: If your shower or sink drains slowly, there’s a simple, all-natural solution: Baking soda and vinegar. To start, pour boiling water with a dash of dish soap down the drain. Wait a moment for the dish soap to dissolve lingering grease and then dump in a half cup of baking soda, followed by a half cup of vinegar. This little chemistry experiment will get fizzy quick. To finish, dump another cup or two of hot water down the drain. This caustic combo can clear even the most sluggish drains (but it will not work on clogs caused by grease).
How you’ll save: Water will be able to move freely and effectively through your home’s pipes and you’ll avoid unnecessary calls to a costly plumber.
8. Flip and freshen your mattress: Flip or rotate your mattress over to prevent sagging and excessive wear. While you’re at it, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, massage it in, let it sit for an hour and then brush or vacuum the excess off.
How you’ll save: You’ll extend the life of your mattress, which means you can prolong purchasing a new one.