This month I’m challenging you to do one thing every day. It doesn’t seem like much if you look at it on a daily basis, but a continued focus on doing one thing will lead to amazing results.

Read the labels. Look at the first ingredient in your cleaning chemicals, switch to this item and save money. A while ago, I started reading labels on my cleaning supplies. I noticed many of them touted “Made with Vinegar! Made with Lemon! Made with Bleach!” And I wondered why I was buying this more expensive item.  So I switched to the main ingredient and have been impressed with the results and the savings to my pocketbook.

Make your own stuff. I love Pinterest!  It’s a great place to find recipes for homemade products and you can see what people recommend before you test your own recipes.  My favorite have been my homemade natural laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, citrus cleaner and bath salts.  These options are usually cheaper and safer for your family and the environment.

Start with the easiest option.  While I really like cleaning and organizing, I want to be fast and efficient with everything I do:

• I love my dishwasher and I put everything in there to clean.  I mean everything.  Trash can lids, baby high chair (disassembled), organizing bins.  If it fits, it washes.
• I also always use water to clean something first, if that doesn’t do it then I use a diluted solution of cleaner and keep upping the concentration.  Usually water does the job.
• And you’ll want to pre-plan to make cleaning easier later.  Think about what you’re getting ready to do, put items in oven on a large baking sheet to save spilling in bottom of oven (and you cleaning the oven later).  Then you can put the baking sheet in the dishwasher to clean it!

You can make cleaning easier and save yourself money.  With a little planning and using these clever ideas, you’ll be surprised!