Make your own cleaning products

Q: The two most expensive cleaning products I buy are drain cleaner and produce cleaner. Both are on the pricey side. Are there ways I could potentially cut back on the cost?

A: The good news is there are always ways to save money when it comes to cleaners. Knowing this, always make it a rule to never pay full price. There are several tips you can keep in mind that can save you a great deal of money in the long run.

The first tip: Purchase these products when they are on sale, and with a coupon if possible. The key is purchasing several, so that it lasts you until it goes on sale again. You might not need four bottles in one purchase, but just keep in mind that the product might not go on sale again for six months. So buy enough at the discounted price so that you have enough to last until it goes on sale again.

The second tip is a fun one: Make your own cleaning products. It doesn't take a science degree to do this. With just a few simple household ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cleaner that is comparable to store brands but only costs you pennies on the dollar.

To make your own produce cleaner, you will need:

1 cup of water

1 cup distilled white vinegar (optional)

1/2 lemon, juiced

Combine all the ingredients in a clean spray bottle (new is best since you are dealing with food). Thoroughly spray your fruit or produce, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, scrub and rinse your produce in clean water and set aside on a clean towel to dry. Your produce is now clean and ready to eat.

To make your own drain cleaner you will need:

1 box baking soda

1 small bottle of vinegar