Consumers spend an estimated $40-$60 monthly on average on household cleaning supplies. Certain cleaning products are essential for maintaining a healthy and tidy home.
Value Packs Of Everyday Cleaning Supplies: What Are the Most Common Recurring Cleaning Expenses?
Surface cleaners and disinfectants are among the most frequently repurchased household items, with an estimated monthly cost of $15-$25. Other common recurring cleaning expenses include laundry and dish soap, which are estimated to cost $10-$20 per month, and bathroom cleaners and toilet bowl cleaner, which are estimated to cost $10-$15 per month.
Toilet paper and paper towels aren't included in the above cleaning supply estimates. As most households go through about one roll of toilet paper per week - it can add up. When shopping for TP, purchasing in bulk typically yields the cheapest cost per square foot.
Best Buy Options for Shop Vacs and Cleaning Products
The CRAFTSMAN 20-Gallon Shop Vac stands out as the best option for those who need a unit that can handle wet and dry messes of all types. This model comes equipped with a 20-gallon tank and 6.5 HP motor for exceptional suction power. The design includes two wheels for easy mobility, as well as a telescopic wands and multiple attachments.
If your needs are less demanding, the Armor All Shop Vac is our top pick for a more affordable model. This portable shop vac is best suited to smaller household tasks, such as picking up fine sand or sucking up a gallon of water. It features a handy brush attachment for quick cleanup on hardwood or tile floors.
For a truly portable unit - we recommend checking out the DEWALT Portable Shop Vac. Weighing just 4.5 pounds, this cordless battery-powered model is lightweight and easy to move between rooms. It comes with a handy utility tool and multi-brush accessory for versatile cleaning options.
Our favorite budget spray cleaner is the Germ-X Advanced Disinfectant Cleaner. Available at most retailers, this cleaner offers powerful stain-lifting action along with disinfecting properties. The active ingredient in Germ-X Advanced is proven effective against more than 70 types of germs, including MRSA.
Available in a variety of scents, including spring fresh - citrus, and unscented, Lysol Disinfecting Wipes offer convenient cleanup for surfaces throughout the home. Wipes come in large packs, making them perfect for families who go through wipes quickly. Lysol Disinfecting Wipes are rated as being EPA Safer Choice.
How To Save Money on Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
When it comes to saving money on TP, buying in bulk is the best option. In a recent nationally representative survey conducted by Consumer Reports - 81% of Americans who belong to a membership-based retailer said they buy toilet paper there. Bulk paper towels are also generally cheaper.
Buying in bulk is the best way to save money, but shoppers should also look for sales and stock up.
Toilet paper comes in various grades. While higher grades may be more durable, that doesn't necessarily make them better. For example, some consumers prefer softer lower-grade papers.
As with toilet paper, preferences for paper towels vary. Some consumers prefer a thicker - stronger towel that can stand up to messy spills. Others opt for a thinner towel that provides more sheets per roll. How much a household spends on paper towels depends in part on how many rolls are used each month, as well as the brand and price of the paper towels purchased.
Smart Home Devices That Make Cleaning Easier
Several smart home devices can assist with keeping a home tidy. They include smart lawnmowers, smart window coverings, and smart air quality monitors. A smart lawnmower can help with yard work by allowing users to set boundaries and let the mower operate autonomously.
Smart window treatments can be programmed to open or close using a remote, voice activation - phone, or other smart product. In addition to opening and closing, some smart blinds and shades can be adjusted to allow more or less light into a room. And smart air quality monitors can detect airborne contaminants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens - and also monitor humidity levels.
Tips for Reducing Exposure to Toxic Chemicals While Cleaning
Use natural cleaners whenever possible. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be surprisingly effective at cutting grease, eliminating odors, and removing stains. Avoid air fresheners - which are often laden with toxic chemicals.
Instead, opt for natural scents like vinegar and lemon, or safely diffuse essential oils. When using chemical-based cleaners, be sure the area is well ventilated. Open windows and doors to allow cleaner fumes to escape.
And be sure to wear shoes before entering the house to avoid bringing in toxins and debris from outside. A small rug at each doorworks well for wiping feet upon entry.
References
- $40 - consumerreports.org
- can help with yard work - thisoldhouse.com
