Money-Saving Spring Cleaning Hacks for Indoors and Outdoors

In fact, the average Canadian family spends over $800 a year on cleaning supplies​. The good news is that with a little DIY effort and smart strategy, you can save money while still getting your home sparkling clean. Below are eight actionable spring cleaning hacks (for both indoors and outdoors) that will cut costs, use less energy, and even save you time. Each hack explains what it is, how it saves money compared to common alternatives, why it’s effective (with any trade-offs noted), and a recommended product to help you get started.
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1. DIY Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner (Skip the Expensive Sprays)

What it is: A simple solution of white distilled vinegar and water used as an all-purpose cleaner. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle to clean glass, counters, sinks, and more. You can add a few drops of dish soap or lemon juice for extra cleaning power or a fresher scent.

How it saves money: Using a vinegar solution replaces a whole cabinet of commercial cleaners. A gallon of white vinegar costs just a few dollars and can make many spray bottles of cleaner. By contrast, brand-name all-purpose or glass cleaners cost around $3–$5 per bottle. For example, a homemade glass cleaner costs under $0.50 to mix, saving over $2 compared to a $2.50-$3 store-bought cleaner​ each time you refill your bottle. Those savings add up over a year of cleaning.

Why it’s effective: Vinegar contains acetic acid, which dissolves grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits from hard water​. It also neutralizes many odors. While not a hospital-grade disinfectant, 5% distilled vinegar can kill about 90% of bacteria and some viruses on surfaces​ – plenty for everyday cleaning. It’s a natural, non-toxic cleaner safe for kitchens and around kids or pets. Trade-offs: The vinegar smell is strong for a few minutes (though it dissipates as it dries). Also, avoid using vinegar on porous stone surfaces like marble or granite, since acids can etch those​. For most other surfaces, it’s a budget-friendly miracle worker.

Recommended Product: Chef's Quality White Distilled Vinegar Gallon (1 Gallon) – This affordable gallon of 5% distilled white vinegar is perfect for mixing your own cleaners. It provides enough vinegar to last through dozens of cleaning sessions. It’s a food-grade vinegar that doubles as a cleaning agent, giving you great value for a single product.

2. Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains and Odors (Your All-in-One Scrubber)

What it is: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and deodorizer that can be used for many cleaning tasks. You can sprinkle it on surfaces or make a paste with water. Common spring-cleaning uses include scrubbing sinks and tubs, cleaning inside the oven, freshening carpets and upholstery, and unclogging minor drains (when combined with vinegar and hot water).

How it saves money: Baking soda is inexpensive and multi-purpose, replacing several single-use cleaning products. A large box or bag costs only a dollar or two, yet serves as a oven cleaner, scouring powder, air freshener, and more. Instead of buying a $5-$6 can of oven cleaner (plus wearing a mask to use it), you can clean your oven with a baking soda paste for pennies​. It’s also far cheaper than specialty carpet deodorizing powders or drain cleaners. Overall, you spend less by using one ingredient for many jobs – and you probably already have some in your pantry.

Why it’s effective: Baking soda is mildly alkaline and abrasive, which means it can break down acidic grime (like baked-on food in ovens) and physically scour off dirt without scratching surfaces​. It neutralizes odors by reacting with odor-causing acids, which is why an open box absorbs smells in the fridge. In ovens, a baking soda paste softens grease and food residues so they wipe away with less scrubbing​. It’s also safe to use on most materials and doesn’t produce harsh fumes. Trade-offs: Cleaning with baking soda sometimes requires a bit more elbow grease or time (for example, letting it sit on a stain overnight) compared to harsher chemical cleaners. And while it’s great for deodorizing and cleaning, it’s not a disinfectant. For heavy-duty germ removal, you might pair it with a bit of vinegar or follow up with a sanitizer if needed.

Recommended Product: Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (5 lb Bulk) – A large 5-pound bag of baking soda is extremely cost-effective and will cover dozens of cleaning projects. This pure baking soda is a trusted brand for cleaning. Use what you need for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and ovens, and still have plenty left to deodorize your fridge, garbage bins, and carpets.
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3. Swap Paper Towels for Microfiber Cloths (Reusable Cleaning Tools)

What it is: Instead of tearing through rolls of disposable paper towels or costly cleaning wipes, use microfiber cleaning cloths and other reusable cloths for dusting and wiping. Microfiber cloths are soft, washable fabric cloths made of fine fibers that excel at picking up dust and grime. You can use them dry or with a bit of water/cleaner on just about any surface – counters, glass, floors, you name it. After cleaning, toss the cloths in the laundry and use them again next time. Old t-shirts or rags can also be repurposed for many cleaning tasks (for free), but microfiber has the advantage in how well it traps dirt.

How it saves money: Reusable cloths can save hundreds of dollars per year versus disposable paper products. One blogger calculated her family was spending nearly $400 a year on paper towels​ for cleaning and everyday use until switching to cloth. With microfiber, you buy a set once (perhaps $10–$20 upfront for a multi-pack) and reuse them hundreds of times. In the long run, the cost per use of a microfiber cloth is just a few cents or less, whereas paper towels are literally throwing money in the trash after each use. You’ll also reduce waste, which is a nice bonus for the environment.

Why it’s effective: Microfiber cloths are extremely efficient at cleaning. The tiny fibers grab and hold dust and bacteria; in fact, a good microfiber can often remove dirt and germs with just water and no chemicals. They are very absorbent for spills and can buff surfaces to a shine without lint residue. A single high-quality microfiber cloth can be washed and reused up to 500 times before it might wear out​, making it a durable investment. Trade-offs: You do have to wash the dirty cloths, so there’s a small effort and laundry cost involved in reusing them (wash without fabric softener, as softener can reduce the microfiber’s effectiveness). There’s also a modest upfront cost to buy the cloths. However, even factoring those in, the savings from not buying disposable wipes or paper towels regularly are substantial. Plus, microfiber doesn’t scratch surfaces and can reach into nooks that paper towels can’t, making your cleaning more effective.

Recommended Product: Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-Pack) – This budget-friendly pack of 24 microfiber cloths equips you with plenty of rags for the whole house. They are soft, lint-free, and highly absorbent. Use the different colors to designate cloths for different areas (kitchen, bathroom, windows, etc.). After use, just throw them in the washing machine and they’re ready to use again. Over time, these reusable cloths will pay for themselves many times over in money saved on paper towel purchases.

4. Clean Top-to-Bottom and Plan Tasks Smartly (Save Time and Supplies)

What it is: A time-saving strategy: clean in a logical order (typically top-to-bottom, and one area at a time) to avoid having to redo work. Also, consolidate your cleaning tasks so you don’t waste steps or cleaning product. For example, when cleaning a room, dust all the ceiling fans, moldings, and shelves before vacuuming the floor – so you’re not dropping dust onto a freshly vacuumed carpet. Likewise, if you’re cleaning the whole house, carry a caddy of all your supplies with you to avoid extra trips, and consider “batching” similar tasks (like wiping windows in all rooms) together. The idea is to work smarter, not harder, by reordering or structuring tasks efficiently.

How it saves money: An efficient game plan can save you time – and time is money, especially if it prevents the temptation to hire a cleaning service. More concretely, cleaning systematically can reduce the amount of cleaning product you use. For instance, if you don’t have to re-spray and re-wipe surfaces that got dirty again from falling dust, you’ll use fewer wipes and less solution overall​. According to the American Cleaning Institute, cleaning “haphazardly” can waste both time and materials, whereas a systemized approach takes less time and uses less cleaning material​. By not jumping back and forth, you also avoid accidental over-cleaning or redundant scrubbing of the same spot. All of this means you get the job done with minimal supplies and effort.

Why it’s effective: When you clean top-to-bottom and in a planned order, each task complements the next. Dusting high surfaces first means you’re knocking dirt down to the floor, which you’ll clean last – leaving the room truly clean. Working around a room in one direction ensures you don’t miss spots or double back. This method is effective because it prevents the common cleaning mistake of undoing some of your own work. Trade-offs: There aren’t many downsides, except that it requires a bit of forethought. Some people are used to cleaning in a random fashion, but once you get in the habit of a structured routine, it actually feels easier. Another tip: start with tasks that benefit from “soaking” time (like spraying cleaner in the shower to sit) and do other chores while you wait – multi-tasking makes the whole process faster​. The only investment here is a few minutes to plan your attack and possibly a cleaning caddy to tote your supplies around.

Recommended Product: Casabella Cleaning Storage Caddy with Handle – A sturdy plastic caddy is a great tool to organize your cleaners, brushes, and cloths in one portable tote. This one has a convenient handle and fits most spray bottles. By having all your essential supplies at your side, you can move through the house more quickly and avoid wasting time searching for that misplaced glass cleaner or roll of paper towels. It’s an inexpensive accessory that can make your cleaning routine more efficient and hassle-free.

5. Replace or Clean HVAC Air Filters (Improve Efficiency)

What it is: Changing your furnace/air conditioner filter as part of spring cleaning. The HVAC filter traps dust and particles to keep your air (and the system’s components) clean. Over the winter, it likely became dirty. Replacing it with a fresh filter (or washing it, if you have a reusable filter) is a quick task that homeowners can do themselves. Most filters are located behind an intake vent or in the HVAC unit and simply slide or snap out. Spring is an ideal time to swap in a new one.

How it saves money: A dirty HVAC filter makes your heating/cooling system work much harder, which drives up energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a clogged filter can cause 15% more energy usage by your furnace or AC​. Considering heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s energy costs​, that 15% inefficiency could be costing you a significant chunk of money each month. By spending a few dollars on a new filter, you potentially save that back (and more) in lower electricity or gas bills. Additionally, keeping the filter clean can prevent dust from accumulating on HVAC components, reducing wear and avoiding costly maintenance or repairs​. In short, it’s a preventive hack that saves on utilities and prolongs the life of your HVAC system (which saves money on repairs).

Why it’s effective: A fresh filter allows air to flow freely through your system, so the blower fan and motor don’t strain. This maintains efficient airflow and heating/cooling performance, meaning your HVAC doesn’t run longer than necessary. You’ll not only save energy, but you’ll likely notice better air quality and more even airflow in your home as well. Trade-offs: The only real “catch” is remembering to do it regularly. Most disposable filters should be replaced every 3 months (or every month in peak use seasons), and reusable filters should be washed on a similar schedule. Mark your calendar or set reminders, because it’s easy to forget – but the cost of a pack of filters and a minute of installation is tiny compared to the savings. Also, choose the right filter size and rating for your system; very high MERV filters can slightly impede airflow if your system isn’t designed for them, so a mid-range filter changed frequently is usually a safe bet.

Recommended Product: Filtrete 16x25x1 AC Furnace Air Filters (MPR 1500, 2-Pack) – These pleated Filtrete filters are a popular size (16x25x1) and offer a good balance of filtration and airflow. The two-pack gives you one to install now and a spare for your next change. They capture a wide range of dust, pollen, and pet dander, which keeps your system efficient and your indoor air cleaner. Check your current filter’s dimensions to order the correct size. Replacing your filter with a quality product like this can immediately take strain off your HVAC system and contribute to lower energy usage.

6. Vacuum Refrigerator Coils (Cut Fridge Energy Use)

What it is: A quick appliance tune-up: cleaning the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator. Over time, dust and pet hair coat the coils, making the fridge work harder to release heat. To do this hack, unplug your fridge and pull it a bit away from the wall. Locate the coils (on older models they’re a grid on the back; on newer ones they may be underneath behind a kick plate). Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a special coil brush to gently remove the dust bunnies clinging to the coils. This task only takes 15 minutes but is often overlooked in routine cleaning.

How it saves money: A refrigerator with clean coils runs much more efficiently, directly saving on electricity. Tests have shown that dirty coils can increase fridge energy consumption significantly – by up to 30% more energy use in some cases​. Considering your fridge runs 24/7 and is one of the top energy-consuming appliances in the home, that’s wasted money. By cleaning the coils, you could see your fridge use up to one-third less power​, which might translate to noticeable savings on your electric bill over the course of a year. Additionally, reducing strain on the fridge’s compressor can help prevent breakdowns. You save money by not having to call a repair technician or replace the fridge prematurely due to an overworked compressor.

Why it’s effective: The coils are where your fridge dumps the heat it removes from inside. If they’re blanketed in dust, the heat can’t dissipate well, so the fridge’s compressor runs longer and hotter to compensate. Cleaning them removes that insulating layer of dust​, allowing the fridge to cool efficiently. Many people report their refrigerator motor runs less often after a coil cleaning, and the appliance may even last longer. Trade-offs: You will need to move the fridge, which can be heavy – so get help if needed and be careful not to damage floors. Some newer fridges have coils in tricky spots (underneath with only a small front access). You might need to remove a front grill to reach them, or use a slim coil brush to get under there. It can be a slightly dusty job (wear a mask if you’re dust-sensitive), but you only need to do it once or twice a year. The money saved on energy and potential repairs is well worth the minor hassle.

Recommended Product: GE Refrigerator Coil Cleaning Brush – This long-handled coil cleaning brush helps you sweep out dust from refrigerator (and freezer or A/C) coils, especially in tight spaces a vacuum might miss. Its bristles are designed to dislodge lint and debris without damaging the coils. Using a tool like this makes coil cleaning quick and effective. For under $10, it can pay for itself by boosting your fridge’s efficiency and longevity. Just a few swipes with the brush and a follow-up vacuum of the debris, and your fridge will breathe easier (and use less electricity).

7. DIY Gutter Cleaning Tool (Save on Professional Help)

What it is: An outdoor spring cleaning task: clearing out your rain gutters by yourself using inexpensive tools, instead of hiring a gutter cleaning service. Over autumn and winter, gutters fill up with leaves, twigs, and debris. Rather than paying a contractor, you can use a sturdy ladder and a gutter scoop (or even make one by cutting a plastic jug) to remove debris by hand. For single-story homes or accessible gutters, this is a very doable DIY chore. Safety first: ensure your ladder is secure and consider having someone hold it. Scoop out the leaves into a bucket or tarp. After debris is removed, flush the gutter with a garden hose to clear out dirt and check that downspouts flow freely.

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How it saves money: The cost of professional gutter cleaning averages around $150 (often ranging from $119 to $228 for most homes) for a one-time service​. Doing it yourself essentially saves you that entire fee. Even if you need to buy a scoop or an attachment, those tools typically cost under $20. By DIY-ing your gutter maintenance once or twice a year, you’re saving those professional fees – which could be a few hundred dollars annually. Clogged gutters can also lead to expensive damage (overflow can rot wood trim or cause leaks), so keeping them clean avoids repair costs down the line. In short, a bit of elbow grease each spring keeps your home in good shape and your wallet intact.

Why it’s effective: Gutters perform best when they’re clear; cleaning them ensures rainwater flows properly off your roof and away from your foundation. A simple scoop tool makes it easy to remove built-up muck by hand. You’ll be able to see any issues (like sagging sections or loose brackets) early, potentially fixing them yourself cheaply before they worsen. Trade-offs: Gutter cleaning can be messy and does involve climbing a ladder, which not everyone is comfortable with. Safety is paramount – if you have a very tall house or mobility issues, this might be a task to still hire out or get a handy friend to help. However, many homeowners with single-story or even two-story homes do their own gutter cleaning successfully. Take precautions: use work gloves (wet leaves can be yucky and have sharp twigs) and sturdy shoes. The money saved is significant, but only attempt what you feel safe doing. If you’re uneasy on a ladder, consider a gutter cleaning wand that lets you spray out gutters from the ground.

Recommended Product: Amerimax “Gutter Getter” Scoop – This inexpensive gutter scoop is designed to fit inside standard gutters and easily shovel out leaves and debris. Its ergonomic shape lets you reach under gutter supports and into corners. Users find that it speeds up the cleaning process while keeping their hands a bit cleaner. It’s made of durable plastic and costs only a few dollars. Pair this scoop with a stable ladder and you’ll have your gutters cleared in no time – without paying a pro. (If your gutters are two-story-high, also look into hose attachments or extension tools for gutter cleaning.)

8. Clean Outdoor Furniture with DIY Solutions (Refresh Patio on a Budget)

What it is: A budget-friendly way to clean patio furniture, cushions, and decks using common household cleaners instead of specialty products or power-washers. Over the winter, outdoor furniture can accumulate dirt, pollen, and mildew. A simple cleaning hack is to use warm water, a mild dish soap, and a little white vinegar to wash fabric cushions and hard surfaces. Mix a bucket with about a gallon of warm water, a few squirts of dish soap, and a cup of vinegar. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub patio chair cushions, outdoor umbrellas, plastic or metal furniture, even the deck boards. The vinegar helps inhibit mildew, and the dish soap cuts through grime. Rinse with a hose and let everything air dry in the sun (sunlight also acts as a natural sanitizer and odor eliminator for fabrics).

How it saves money: This hack saves you from having to buy multiple specialty outdoor cleaners (which can be $10+ per bottle) for materials like canvas, wicker, or wood. It also can postpone the need to replace mildewy cushions or rugs – a thorough cleaning can make them look nearly new again. You’re basically using stuff you already have in your kitchen to do a job that some might hire out or buy expensive solutions for. If you were considering renting a pressure washer for deep cleaning, try this gentler DIY wash first; you might find it’s enough to refresh your patio, saving you rental fees. By regularly cleaning and maintaining outdoor items, you extend their life (saving the cost of early replacement).

Why it’s effective: A mix of dish soap and vinegar is a time-tested, effective cleaner for outdoor dirt. Dish soap is formulated to cut grease and clingy grime (think about the grease on dishes – the same formula works on barbecue grill residue or sticky pollen on a table). Vinegar is a mild acid that can kill algae or mildew spores and remove mineral deposits. Lowe’s home improvement experts note that warm water, dish soap, and vinegar make an effective natural cleaner for outdoor fabrics and surfaces​. This combo is gentle on most materials but tough on dirt. Trade-offs: For very delicate outdoor fabrics, you should test a small area first (as vinegar is slightly acidic). Extremely stubborn mildew stains might require a stronger solution (a bit of oxygen bleach in water, for example). Also, scrubbing by hand is more labor-intensive than spraying a chemical and rinsing – but you avoid harsh chemicals on your lawn and skin. Overall, the DIY solution handles typical grime well, and you can always spot-treat any remaining stains.

Recommended Product: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Refill, Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent, 2.64 L – A reliable dish soap like Dawn is perfect for mixing up your outdoor cleaning solution. It’s strong on dirt and grease yet gentle enough for fabrics and finishes. This large 56-ounce bottle is enough to tackle your patio furniture, grill racks, and even outdoor windows. A little goes a long way when mixed with water for a soapy scrub. As a bonus, any leftovers can be used for regular dishwashing and countless other cleaning tasks (it’s great on oily patio messes or even for pretreating laundry stains). Coupled with some white vinegar (from Hack #1) and warm water, this gives you a powerful but inexpensive cleaner for all your outdoor spring cleaning needs.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By using these money-saving hacks – from mixing your own cleaners to optimizing how you tackle chores – you can get your home gleaming for less. Try a few of these tips this season and enjoy the satisfaction of a clean space and extra savings. And remember, when it comes to larger home projects or improvements beyond cleaning, Bidmii can help you even more. With Bidmii’s platform, homeowners can easily find trusted contractors for jobs big and small, and Bidmii holds your funds in trust until the work is completed to your satisfaction. It’s a smart way to ensure you get quality results before your money is released. So whether you’re sprucing up your home yourself or hiring a pro for the heavy lifting, being budget-conscious and quality-minded is easier than ever – happy cleaning!​

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