5 Tips to Save and Make Money Spring Cleaning

Spring has sprung and with it longer days turn into well lit rooms, that well, for many of us, may highlight a winter’s worth of muddy paw prints, hidden cobwebs and piles of clutter – making this the perfect time to tackle your spring cleaning before sunnier skies beckon. And while you’re at it, why not save and make money cleaning house. Check out these 5 tips to help you get started:

Spring Cleaning Tip No. 1 – Cleaning Concoctions

Save money when you use everyday household items to clean and disinfect, such as baby oil to clean stainless steel, vinegar to wash floors and remove grease, old t-shirts or dryer sheets to dust and baking soda, lemons and charcoal briquettes to absorb smelly odors.

Spring Cleaning Tip No. 2 – Clear Clutter

Make money, in some instances lots of money, with a concerted effort to rid closets, cabinets, playrooms and the garage of items that no longer fit, are out of style or are just plain collecting dust. Take gently used items to consignment and resale shops, donate others to charity (tax deduction), hold a garage sale or even better sell it online.

Spring Cleaning Tip No. 3 – Bust Dust

While you’re dusting the mantle, bookshelves and end tables don’t forget to dust your refrigerator coils, air ducts and dryer vents. These forgotten culprits zap your wallet by making your appliances work harder – causing energy bills to surge. You’ll also save trips to the doctor by getting rid of bacteria, pet dander, dust and dirt which like to hang around where you can’t see them.

One other tip, by cleaning your dryer vent you can help prevent house fires. Nearly 3,000 occur annually due to dirty dryer vents.

Spring Cleaning Tip No. 4 – Freezer Burn

Get rid of moldy and smelly foods, all while making room for air to circulate in your refrigerator by cleaning it from top to bottom. Toss condiments, dairy products and other items that have expired, as well as produce that has seen better days. And don’t forget to clean the freezer too – tossing expired microwaveable dinners and freezer-burned meats that are only taking up space. You might be surprised at how much money you will save on your energy bill

Spring Cleaning Tip No. 5  – Cha-Ching!

As you clean your home, you’re bound to find loose change tucked between the sofa cushions, in the dryer vent, underneath a book on the nightstand…. And before putting away winter clothes and handbags, comb through pockets and compartments looking for loose change – you might be surprised to find a spare $20 tucked away.

Bonus Spring Cleaning Tip

Don’t forget to give your vehicle a good, detailed cleaning to remove the salt, grime and muck that Illinois’ winters bring. Plus, you might even find a few dollars in change hidden beneath the seats.

After you’ve finished cleaning your home and car you might consider opening a Special Savings Account. With all the money you may discover by spring cleaning, you could save it for a rainy day, a Bucket List trip or for a much needed trip to the spa to work out the kinks from a good spring cleaning.

Do you have Spring Cleaning Tips that help save or make money? Please share, we’d love to hear them.