Cheap and Natural Housekeeping

I've spent years trying to save money on cleaning products by not cleaning. I wouldn't advise it. Living in squalor is a chore.

Conventional cleaning products are toxic substances. How they manage to remain legal baffles me. Most are derived from petroleum (um, don't we depend on that substance far too much?) and can burn skin, lungs and eyes. In the name of germ phobia, manufacturers developed an army of cleaners, killing "dangerous" germs, leaving a trail of toxic waste in their wake.

Thankfully, it's easy kick petroleum dependency and leave the toxic wasteland behind. It's simple to make all-natural cleaners from your pantry. There are also dozens of companies that offer biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning supplies.

Super Cheap and Super Green: Make it Yourself

You only need five ingredients to clean at home-water, vinegar, lemon juice, oil and baking soda.

1. Water and vinegar. Make an all-purpose cleaner by combining equal parts water and vinegar in a squirt bottle. Straight vinegar is too acidic for most surfaces (it can be used full strength in the toilet to get rid of rings) and shouldn't be used at all on marble. Clean the kitchen, bathrooms and floors with this mixture. Don't worry about the smell; it disappears once it's dry.

Adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle will work as a fabric softener for laundry. It also helps to break down detergents, which is helpful for folks with sensitive skin.

2. Lemon juice and oil. Combine 1 cup of olive oil with 1/2 cup of lemon juice to create a wood furniture polish. A little goes a long way with this mixture, so use sparingly.

Lemon juice can be used to dissolve hard water deposits and soap scum. It's also perfect for cleaning and shining brass and copper. Combine it with baking soda or vinegar to make a cleaning paste. You can also run the peel through the garbage disposal to freshen up the sink.

3. Baking soda. There should be a hall of fame for this multi-use product. Sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming to get rid of odors. Leave a box open in the fridge to eat odors there as well. Apply directly to surfaces (sinks, tubs, pots and pans) that need a good scrubbing.

If you're worried about how these natural substances might affect surfaces, use them on a small portion and watch for any reaction.

Not so Cheap but Nicely Green: Store Bought Cleaners

Most retailers sell eco-friendly cleaning products. Fortunately, the cost is relatively comparable to their toxic cousins. For the health of your family and the planet, the small added expense is worth it. But if you're really pinching those pennies and trying to cut down on unnecessary waste, use homemade cleaners.

1. Eco-Mall has a comprehensive listing of au-natural cleaning products and some interesting facts about the dangers of conventional items.

2. You can also find cleaning products and other household items at Eco-Products, Shaklee (there are several websites for Shaklee products, as they are independently distributed. They're pricier than the average bear, but do offer a comprehensive package for the cleaning product spendthrift junkies out there), Planet Natural, and Simple. Pure. Clean.

3. The most commonly distributed lines I've seen are Seventh Generation and Method, which are now sold at Target stores.

Seventh Generation offers coupons over the 'net and will mail them if you don't have a printer.

If you are not inclined to make your own cleaners, don't be afraid to contact the company of your choice and ask for coupons or samples. Ultimately, the cheapest option is to make your own. Keep in mind that many of the products offered by these companies are absolutely unnecessary. We don't need disposable facial tissues, paper towels, napkins or 14 different products to clean one thing. But buying non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners derived from plants instead of conventional products is a sound option for a Consciously Frugal lifestyle.