While it is possible to get cleaners for pretty cheap using coupons and sales, harsh cleaners are not always the best choice. Read these tips to learn how to use items you already have to clean your house!

1. Who needs a Magic Eraser??
You can use a new tennis ball to erase scuffs from walls and floors- even wood and painted surfaces! You can also remove crayon and marker from walls quite easily. Spray hairspray on marker immediately and then wipe away. For crayon, use toothpaste and a crayon or baking soda and a microfiber cloth!

2. Laundry Tips
Cut a potato in half and then rub it over a muddy spot on clothes. Soak it in cool water and then wash normally. You can also use vinegar instead of fabric softener- it won't make your clothes stink, and it WILL work just as well! Use 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar. (there are so many laundry tips that I will save them for my next Frugal Tips post!)

3. Vinegar!
There are many, MANY uses for vinegar, and it is super cheap! Use it to cut grease on dishes; clean chrome and stainless steel;  (disinfect fridges, counters, etc. (use full-strength); deodorize the kitchen drain (pour down the drain and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing); clean your dishwasher, iron (use with water in the water reservoir on the steam setting), and even your washing machine; clean windows and glass (dilute with water, and add lemon juice for a refreshing smell); use to remove stains on laundry; and you can even spray it on plants as an insecticide!

4. Baking Soda!
Baking soda is even MORE versatile! You can use it with vinegar to unclog drains (1 cup baking soda and one cup of vinegar, let sit for a bit); eliminate odors in fridges and freezers; eliminate odors from carpets (sprinkle all over and let sit), use it to clean your house (mix 1/4 cup with 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle); use in the bottom of your trashcan to eliminate odors; remove burnt-on food (sprinkle on pan, fill with hot water, and soak overnight); and remove grease stains from clothes by adding to the wash or soaking the clothes!

5. Lemons!
As well as being great for cooking, lemon has amazing disinfectant and cleaning properties. Use them to deodorize your garbage disposal; remove stains from a countertop (squeeze over the stain and let sit, then scrub with baking soda); use them as a bleaching agent on white clothes (pour over white clothes and dry in the sun); use in bathrooms to dissolve soap scum! You can also use lemon Kool-Aid to clean your dishwasher- use in detergent dispenser and run without dishes!

Got a frugal tip? Let us know- it could appear in our Frugal Tips for Everyday Living blog (with full credit to you, of course!) and you will be helping out our Fab Steals
 
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