Type “house cleaners near me” into Google and you’ll likely get pages of options returned. Two you’ll most likely see at the top of the list are Homeaglow and Thumbtack, and for good reason, both offer everything from a one-time deep clean to a regular weekly scrub-down. They’re both also app-based, let you pick from independent cleaning pros, and offer a range of budget friendly options… but that’s where the similarities end. In fact, there are more differences between the two platforms than similarities.

Homeaglow is built specifically around cleaning, and offers a monthly membership that unlocks deeply discounted hourly home cleaning rates. Thumbtack is a more of a contractor marketplace, with home cleaning being one of the many home services you can book through it. That might sound like it makes the choice obvious depending on what you need, but stick with me, because there’s more going on here. 

One platform hands you transparent, locked-in pricing, with fast easy booking options. The other runs on quotes, and takes a little more work on your end to book a cleaner. Both can absolutely help you land a regular home cleaning, or help get your security deposit back before you move out with a one-off deep clean. Which one’s right for you really comes down to your needs, your budget, and how much commitment you’re comfortable with.

Let’s get into it.

Homeaglow vs. Thumbtack (At a Glance)

Homeaglow and Thumbtack take different approaches to home cleaning, and the differences show up in pricing, commitment, and what you’re getting.

How Each Platform Works for Cleaning

Booking a cleaner looks different on each platform, from how you find someone to how the pricing works.

Homeaglow

Homeaglow is a website and app-based platform that connects you with independent cleaning pros in your area. Everything is handled directly through the platform from finding a cleaner, to booking, to payments. This not only makes it easy for you to review and book cleaners in your area, you also know how much you’re paying upfront, so there’s no back-and-forth or negotiating quotes. You get to read reviews, see overall ratings, and since the cleaners set their availability, you may even be able to get someone in the next day or that same week.

Homeaglow advertises a $19 first cleaning, but there’s a catch. To get that first room cleaned for $19, you have to opt into the ForeverClean membership, which runs $59 a month (more on this under Pricing). You’re also locked in for a minimum of six months to avoid an early termination fee. 

The good news is that membership also unlocks deeply discounted hourly cleaning rates that are often up to 50% off standard rates. So if you are looking for regular cleanings, this is an amazing good deal!

If you just need someone to swoop in once because your in-laws are coming and your baseboards have basically disappeared under a layer of dust and kid grime, Homeaglow probably isn’t your best bet.

Thumbtack’s Process

Thumbtack’s platform, while also App and web-based, is more as a marketplace for independent contractors, from cleaners to carpenters to landscapers, plumbers, painters and everything in between. 

The catch? You’ve got to hand over a bunch of info about yourself, your home, and needs before you even get to see a single profile, which is kind of annoying since there’s no guarantee anyone on there actually fits what you need.

The upside? Once you’ve filled everything out, you’ll get matched with cleaner profiles tailored to your needs via an AI process built into the platform. 

The next step is where things really begin to differ from Homeaglow: the platform works on quotes. So once you get matched with a few possible cleaners, you’ll need to “request a quote” to find out just how much those clean baseboards will cost you. 

As for booking, while some of the cleaners offer “Instant Book” rates you can lock in right away, most will send you a custom quote after looking over your request. From there, you can message them directly, compare quotes, and then pick a pro.

There’s no membership required to get started, and you’re not locked into anything until you actually hit book. The tradeoff? It takes more legwork than Homeaglow’s simpler pick-a-profile-and-book approach. This is more of a one-off model than a regular cleaner scheduling plan.

Pricing

The differences between Homeaglow and Thumbtack carry into pricing too. 

Homeaglow’s Pricing

Homeaglow’s $59 a month ForeverClean membership is where you will see the most savings on the platform, and unlocks both the $19 first clean deal and the discounted cleaning rates. But, keep in mind if you bail before those six months are up, that “discounted” first clean gets billed at full price, which usually runs $150 to $200. So that intro deal only stays a deal if you actually stick around. 

Once you’re a member, every cleaning after that gets priced at your cleaner’s hourly rate minus your membership discount, landing somewhere around $18–$22 an hour depending on where you live. There’s also a small booking fee, starting at 5%.

Here’s how pricing works out: 

• Once you opt into the membership deal, you’re paying $59 plus whatever your cleanings cost at the discounted rate. 
• Book biweekly four-hour sessions at an average of $20/hour, and you’re looking at roughly $220 a month for two home cleanings a month with the membership.

Honestly, that’s a good rate for recurring professional cleaning in most places. But it only pays off if you’re actually using it. Paying $59 a month for a service you book once every couple of months, is not so great. Still, $220 for two cleaning is an exceptional deal considering most cleaning companies and independent cleaners will charge that for one cleaning. 

Thumbtack’s Pricing

Thumbtack is free to use: no charge to submit requests, browse cleaners, or collect quotes. That’s the good news. When it comes to rates? That’s where things get a little murky. Rates can vary significantly by location and pro.

A basic clean for a two-bedroom apartment might land around $100–$150; bigger homes or deep cleans will cost more. The upside is you’re seeing real local rates from multiple cleaning companies and independent cleaners, which gives you a better sense of what’s fair in your area.

While there is a Thumbtack Plus membership that runs $49 a year and gets you 20% off on-demand bookings, priority support, and beefed-up property damage protection up to $100,000. At $49 a year, it will only truly be worth it if you’re regularly booking across different service categories, less necessary if cleaning’s the only thing you’re using Thumbtack for. 

Scheduling and Flexibility

Booking, changing, or canceling an appointment shouldn’t be a hassle, and it’s often the part of the experience people overlook until they need it.

Homeaglow’s Flexibility

Homeaglow runs entirely through the website or app, from booking to rescheduling to payments and canceling. All cleaners are fully ID verified and background checked, and come with full reviews and ratings so you know who is coming to your home and what to expect quality-wise.

Rescheduling and canceling are both free up to 6 hours before your appointment. After that window, cancellations aren’t refundable. Since cleaners set their own schedules, so rebooking largely depends on their workload and availability at the time. If your usual cleaner can’t fit you in, you can usually find someone else on short notice.

The bigger issue on flexibility comes with the commitment of the ForeverClean membership: you’re locked in for six months minimum, or pay a hefty early termination fee. After six months, the membership shifts to month-to-month with no cancellation fees. It’s a fair setup once you’re past the initial stretch, but make no mistake, Homeaglow is a commitment going in, not a casual try-it-and-see kind of thing.

Thumbtack’s Flexibility

Thumbtack has zero membership commitment on the consumer side. Use it when you need it, pay nothing when you don’t. Cancellation and rescheduling for individual bookings come down to whatever the pro you hired has set, not Thumbtack itself, so it’s worth double-checking before you book. 

The vetting and background process is a little iffy here since if you are working with a business, the owners are likely the one vetted and background checked, and may not be the actual cleaner coming into your home. 

Booking Consistency

Both platforms can get you the same cleaner every visit, the difference is in how much control you have over making that happen.

Homeaglow’s Rebooking Process

With Homeaglow, you’re fully in the driver’s seat. You pick your cleaner up front, and if you like their work, you can rebook them every single time. After all, once you’ve found someone who gets your home and your preferences, there’s no real reason to switch unless you feel like it.

If your usual cleaner’s booked up on a given week, you can reschedule with them or just browse for someone else. 

Since cleaners are independent and run their own calendars, availability is going to vary person to person. Reading reviews beforehand and just asking your cleaner about their general availability goes a long way here. But keep in mind, the best cleaners are booked up quickly, so you will want to lock them in ASAP. 

Thumbtack’s Consistency

Thumbtack works similarly in theory: find a cleaner you like, message them directly, rebook them whenever. The difference is Thumbtack doesn’t bake recurring bookings into the platform the way Homeaglow does. It’s really built around that initial find-and-hire moment, not the long-term relationship. You can absolutely rebook the same person, but it’s on you to manage that, there’s no dedicated “book my regular cleaner” button waiting for you.

For a one-time or occasional clean, that’s no big deal. But if you want recurring cleaning, Homeaglow’s setup is better designed for keeping the same person on a steady schedule and keeping things organized. 

What Happens When You Have an Issue

How would you resolve a complaint, and how long would it take? These are good things to know before you’re unhappy with a cleaner, not after.

Homeaglow’s Happiness Guarantee

Homeaglow’s Happiness Guarantee plays out in stages. First, you go straight to your cleaner to sort things out: maybe that’s a touch-up visit, a partial refund, whatever feels fair. Can’t reach an agreement? You file a formal support request through your Homeaglow dashboard within 72 hours of the cleaning, and your cleaner has seven days to respond.

If they don’t respond, or they say no, Homeaglow steps in to review the situation themselves. They can land on a full refund, a partial refund, or no refund at all, depending on what happened. It’s a multi-step process, and there’s no guarantee you walk away with cash back, but at least there’s a formal escalation path, which counts for something.

Thumbtack’s Guarantee

Thumbtack’s Guarantee covers property damage — up to $1,000 for regular accounts, up to $10,000 if you’ve got Thumbtack Plus. If a cleaner damages something in your home, you file a claim and Thumbtack reviews it.

For quality issues like a clean that wasn’t really thorough or tasks/spots got missed, you’re going to need to work it out directly with the cleaner. Thumbtack can step in to mediate, but how it ends up really depends on whether the cleaner’s willing to make it right. Like with any marketplace, your experience depends a lot on who you actually hire.

Reading reviews closely before you book is honestly your best line of defense on Thumbtack. 

How to Choose Between Homeaglow and Thumbtack

Here’s the truth, these two platforms are built for different kinds of customers, and picking the wrong one for your situation just creates headaches that don’t need to exist.

Need recurring cleaning on a steady schedule, Homeaglow’s built for exactly that. The membership unlocks rates that make ongoing cleaning noticeably more affordable than booking one-offs elsewhere, and the direct-book flow is just faster than going through a quote request every single time.

Want a single cleaning with zero ongoing commitment? Thumbtack’s the more honest fit. Homeaglow’s intro pricing is only a good deal if you actually follow through on the membership. A one-time clean through Thumbtack costs you nothing in platform fees, and you get to compare local rates before you commit to anyone.

Need other home services, such as plumbing, electrical, landscaping, moving help, or anything else outside of cleaning, Thumbtack’s got it all in one place. Homeaglow’s cleaning-only, full stop. If you’re already on Thumbtack for other stuff, tacking cleaning onto the same account just makes sense.

If keeping costs down for regular use is the goal, Homeaglow’s membership math can really work in your favor. Once you’re past that six-month minimum and using it consistently, those discounted hourly rates are tough to beat per clean and you no longer have to live in fear of the early termination fee. Book twice a month, and the membership pays for itself pretty fast.

My Final Recommendation

How often do you actually need cleaning?

If it’s regularly each month or every other week, Homeaglow just makes sense, financially and logistically. The membership pays for itself in savings if you’re booking consistently, and the streamlined process beats running through quote requests over and over. Just go in with your eyes open about that six-month commitment, and read the membership terms before you hand over your card.

If you need a one-time deep clean or a pre-party wipe down, Thumbtack’s the better call. No membership, no commitment, real local quotes, and you can handle every other home service need in the same place while you’re at it.

Neither platform is bad. They’re just built to solve different problems.

The post Homeaglow vs. Thumbtack for Home Cleaning  appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Recently, some moms in my play group (and not the ones that are usually on a crunchy tangent) started raving about “silver sheets” that are supposedly much better for you. I was perfectly fine with my cheap Target sheets, so I wasn’t easily convinced. But curiosity ultimately got the best of me, and, determined to find the flaws in their claims, I decided to do some research. 

As it turns out, silver sheets aren’t magic, but there is actual science behind their antimicrobial claim, and the cooling benefits do amount to more than just marketing fluff. 

So, which brand of silver sheets are actually worth the money? This category of sheets is growing quickly, and the ads can make these sheets sound similar. Here is what I found when I dug past the Instagram copy.

At a Glance: Miracle vs Silvery vs Rest sheets

Which Brand Is Right For You?

Miracle Brand

Miracle Brand has received more than 420,000 orders and accumulated more than 10,000 five-star reviews since launching in 2019. They were one of the first companies to introduce silver sheets. 
Their sheets are made from 100% cotton with a 300-thread count sateen weave, and they use a Swiss-engineered silver finish that the brand says reduces up to 99.7% of odor-causing bacteria. The cotton carries OEKO-TEX certification, meaning it’s been independently tested and verified free of harmful substances. 

Rest

Rest launched in 2021 and their Evercool Cooling Comforter won Good Housekeeping’s Best Bedding Award in both 2023 and 2024. Their sheets are a nylon and spandex blend with what they call IONIC+ silver yarn woven in.

Silvery

Founded in 2024, Silvery is a newer brand that began selling in 2025. At the time of writing, they’ve been on the market for roughly a year and have just 17 customer reviews on Trustpilot. Their sheets are made from a bamboo-derived viscose with a 400-thread count sateen weave that is treated with a proprietary silver treatment. 

With little independent buyer history, you’re largely taking the company’s word for it. But, their generous 100-night trial offsets that risk. 

Let’s Talk Price

The brands diverge most drastically in their pricing. Silvery’s queen set is the obvious budget pick as they run $160, the lowest entry point of the three. 

Rest’s full four-piece queen set is $299, making it the most expensive of the three. 

Miracle Brand sits right in the middle at $224 for a queen set. 

While the price spread might have you leaning towards the most cost-effective option, it’s important to factor in the materials. 

What are Silver Sheets and Do They Actually Work? 

Silver has well-documented antimicrobial properties. When woven or infused into the fabric, it disrupts the cell function of odor-causing bacteria by interfering with their ability to reproduce and survive on the fabric surface.

The result is a sheet that actively resists the bacterial buildup that makes regular sheets smell stale, not by merely masking odor, but by addressing it at the source. Most brands in this category claim their sheets stay fresh up to three times longer than standard sheets, a claim  grounded in science, not just marketing copy. 

Here’s why it matters: your sheets are one of the dirtiest areas in your home, even when they look clean. Dead skin cells, body oils, and pet dander accumulate fast, and warm, moist fabric is exactly the environment bacteria thrive in. 

The average person sweats out about a liter of fluid overnight, most of which goes straight into your bedding. Standard sheets can harbor millions of bacteria after just a few days of use, which is why most recommendations suggest washing them weekly. Silver-treated fabric disrupts that bacterial growth cycle at the source, so the buildup happens significantly more slowly. 

Beyond odor control, silver’s antimicrobial properties have a meaningful skin benefit that doesn’t get talked about enough. Bacteria on your sheets don’t just cause smell, they can also contribute to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation, especially for anyone with acne-prone or sensitive skin. If you’ve ever noticed your skin acting up and couldn’t figure out why, your bedding might be part of the picture. Silver-treated sheets reduce that bacterial load significantly, which means what’s pressing against your face and body for eight hours a night is genuinely cleaner. 

There’s also a practical argument for anyone managing allergies or asthma in the household. Reduced bacterial and microbial activity in bedding means fewer allergens building up between washes, which can make a real difference for kids or adults who are sensitive to dust mites and the byproducts bacteria leave behind. 

The practical payoff for most households is fewer wash cycles per month. For a busy mom who’s already running behind on laundry, this is a major win and we will put some real numbers on what that actually saves in a little bit. 

Natural Cotton vs. Engineered Synthetics: The Important Difference

Rest’s sheets are made from nylon and spandex. The nylon delivers the cool-to-the-touch effect and moisture wicking, while the spandex gives the fabric stretch for fit and washability. For a hot sleeper, these are great features. Rest’s Evercool fabric has a Qmax rating of 0.40, compared to 0.11 for cotton and 0.19 for silk. Qmax measures how quickly a fabric pulls heat away from your skin. The higher the score, the cooler you will be. But at $299 for a queen set, it’s the most expensive option. 

If you’re reaching for a silver sheet set due to health benefits, you may not want to go with a synthetic fabric as that’s essentially a plastic fiber. Synthetic fabrics often contain chemicals that can act as endocrine disruptors and traditionally trap sweat and oil, leading to clogged pores and acne. The long-term health picture on microplastics is still being studied but it is becoming more of a hot button issue, especially for holistic-minded mamas. 

Synthetic fabrics are also known for trapping heat, so the initial touch may feel cold but through the course of the night, temperature regulation may fail due to its lack of breathability. Cotton by contrast is free from endocrine disruptors and other chemicals, is breathable, and relatively good at wicking moisture. Four sleep medicine doctors unanimously picked cotton as their top sleep recommendation, “because body temperature and thermal comfort strongly influence sleep onset and maintenance, fabrics [like cotton] that let heat dissipate tend to support deeper sleep and fewer night awakenings.” 

Miracle Brand’s 100% cotton is the most straightforward material of the three. Cotton has natural gaps between the fibers that let air flow freely, and unlike most fabrics that get worse with every wash, cotton gets softer with time. And while all three carry an OEKO-TEX certification, because their base is cotton and not a petroleum-derived synthetic, you’re starting from a cleaner place.  

Silvery’s bamboo viscose sits somewhere in between. It’s soft and breathable, and bamboo-derived fabrics have a decent reputation for moisture management. But viscose from bamboo is still a chemically processed material and carries some of the same uncertainty around long-term chemical exposure and effects – just to a lesser degree than fully synthetic fabrics like nylon. 

Customer Support: The Boring Detail That Matters 

This is not the glamorous part, but it’s nice to know, especially when you’re spending $100+ on something.

Rest and Silvery both route support primarily through digital channels, which isn’t a deal breaker, but just know you won’t be able to call with questions. Miracle Brand has a U.S.-based phone number with Monday-Friday business hours. 

If you’ve ever spent 45 minutes in an email thread waiting for someone to respond so you can sort out a missing or damaged package, you’ll appreciate knowing a phone option exists in a pinch. 

The Payoff 

The antibacterial benefit in practice means sheets that don’t start smelling stale after a few nights. If you sweat during sleep, have pets who share the bed, or just don’t get to do laundry as often as you’d like, this is the feature that earns its price most concretely. All three brands deliver some version of this benefit.

Most of us wash sheets weekly, which adds up to roughly 52 loads a year just on your bedding. If silver-treated sheets genuinely stretch that to every two to three weeks, you’re looking at 17 to 26 loads annually, cutting your sheet laundry by as much as half. Factor in the cost of water, electricity, and detergent per load, and that’s a meaningful amount of money back in your pocket over the life of the sheets, on top of the hours saved. For a penny pinchin’ household, that math matters. 

Rest’s nylon fabric feels the most dramatically cool right away. Whether that sensation holds through a full night depends on how your body responds to synthetic fabric, and that varies person to person.

Silvery’s bamboo viscose is very soft and relatively cool, but there aren’t enough reviews yet to know how this performs after a year of washing. 

Miracle Brand’s cotton may not feel very cold to the touch the moment you climb into bed, but they breathe and regulate over a full night’s sleep. For $224, you’re getting a natural material with a proven track record, plus the benefits of the silver technology. 

Final Thoughts

All three brands are doing really cool things with their products, but they are not interchangeable, and the “right” pick varies from person to person based on what you’re looking for. 

If maximum cool-to-the-touch sensation is your single priority and the higher price tag doesn’t faze you, then Rest is a great pick. 

If you want the lowest upfront cost and you’re willing to be an early adopter on a newer brand, Silvery gets you in the door and the 100-night trial gives you plenty of time to test it out. 

If you want the health benefits, modest cost and a trusted customer base, I’d recommend going with Miracle Brand. Their natural cotton, actual phone support and tons of positive reviews make it a solid option. 

My play group friends weren’t wrong; I just needed to do my own research first. 

The post Are Silver Sheets Worth the Hype? Comparing 3 Top Brands: Miracle vs Silvery vs Rest sheets appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

A no-nonsense comparison for working parents who need clean homes, not headaches.

Life gets messy. Especially when you’ve got two kids, a full time job, a calendar that somehow magically keeps refilling itself, and a kitchen floor that hasn’t been properly mopped since last quarter. The idea of hiring a cleaning service sounds obvious, maybe even overdue. 

Standing between you and a clean house are two very different options: Homeaglow, an app-based marketplace dangling a first time clean for only $19, and Merry Maids, a franchise giant that’s been scrubbing America’s homes since 1979. Let’s compare these two contenders: Homeaglow vs Merry Maids

What are these services, exactly?

Homeaglow: The App-Based Marketplace

Homeaglow launched in 2010 with a simple premise: build an Uber-style platform for home cleaning. Rather than employing cleaners directly, it connects homeowners and renters with independent cleaning professionals in their area.

You browse profiles, read reviews, check rates, and book entirely online, at any hour, without even having to make a phone call. The cleaners on the app are competing for your business, which (in theory) keeps prices sharp and quality high. Cleaners are background checked and provide their own cleaning supplies.

It’s a modern, relatively straightforward experience. You can sign up on a Sunday night while half watching a show and match with a cleaner within minutes.

Merry Maids: The Established Franchise

Merry Maids operates on the other end of the spectrum. Founded in 1979 and now part of the ServiceMaster family of brands, it runs through more than 900 franchise locations across the United States.

Their cleaners are employees, not contractors: background checked, formally trained, and covered by company insurance. You get a standardized service, a professional team of two, and the backing of a well-established corporate entity if anything goes wrong.

It’s the more traditional choice: less flexible, less tech-forward, and noticeably more expensive. But for some families, that structure is exactly what they’re paying for.

The Price Tag: what you’ll actually pay

Homeaglow’s $19 introductory offer gets a lot of attention, and let’s be clear: it is a real deal. A first-time, three-hour cleaning for $19 is genuinely cheap. But the important part is what happens after that first clean.

The offer is tied to the company’s ForeverClean membership, which Homeaglow lists at $59 per month. The six-month-minimum-membership gives customers access to discounted hourly rates for future cleanings, but it is not the same thing as a one-time $19 cleaning with no strings attached.

That distinction is important; if you only want one emergency cleaning because your in-laws are coming and your baseboards have entered witness protection, Homeaglow may not be the cleanest fit unless you are fully comfortable with the membership terms. If you want recurring help, though, the math becomes more enticing. The membership cost can make sense when you are booking regular cleanings and using the discounted rates often enough to offset the monthly fee.

Merry Maids is harder to price from the outside because it does not lead with a single national flat rate. Pricing is usually quote-based and depends on your home, location, cleaning frequency, and what kind of service you need. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean you may have to request an estimate before you can make a true apples-to-apples comparison.

In plain English: Homeaglow is more transparent up front, but the membership needs explaining. Merry Maids is less transparent online, but the quote process is more conventional.

Service quality: who is actually cleaning your house?

With Homeaglow, quality depends heavily on the specific cleaner you choose. That can be a strength. You can read reviews, compare profiles, choose someone who seems like a fit, and keep booking the same cleaner if they do good work. The marketplace model gives you more control than a traditional cleaning company, and for people who like managing their own vendors, that is genuinely useful.

The flip side is that more control means more responsibility. You may need to spend time reading reviews, checking availability, clarifying expectations, and communicating what matters most. If you are the kind of person who already has a mental ranking system for which kid’s mess is “sticky,” “crunchy,” or “mysteriously damp,” you may be fine with that. But if the whole point of hiring help is to think about cleaning less, Homeaglow can feel a little more hands-on.

Merry Maids is built around a more standardized service experience. Instead of picking an individual cleaner from a marketplace, you are hiring a local franchise location to send a trained cleaning team. That can make the experience feel a little more consistent, especially if you want someone else to handle staffing, scheduling, and service protocols. If someone is sick or unavailable, the company may have more ability to send another team member without you having to start over.

Flexibility and scheduling

This is where Homeaglow has a clear advantage. App-based booking is convenient, especially for families whose schedules change constantly. You can browse availability, book online, and make decisions without a phone call. For working parents, that matters. The best customer service experience is often the one that does not require talking to another human while a child is yelling about socks in the background.

Merry Maids can still be convenient, especially once you are set up on a recurring schedule, but it is usually a more traditional process. You request a quote, talk through your needs, and work with the local office. That can be helpful if your house has specific requirements or you want a clearer service plan. It can also feel slower if you just want to book something quickly and move on with your life.

Trust, accountability, and the fine print

This is a category where Merry Maids earns a lot of its premium. A traditional cleaning company generally gives you a clearer chain of accountability. If something is missed, damaged, or not handled the way you expected, you have a local office and company process to go through. For some households, especially those nervous about letting someone into their home, that added structure is reassuring.

Homeaglow has trust signals too, including reviews and cleaner profiles, but the marketplace model is inherently different. You are not hiring a company employee in the same way; you are booking an independent cleaner through a platform. That does not mean the cleaner will be less professional. Many independent cleaners are excellent. It just means the responsibility is distributed differently.

The biggest thing with Homeaglow is reading the terms before you book. The $19 offer is compelling, but the membership commitment is the piece customers need to understand. If you go in expecting a one-and-done bargain clean, you may feel annoyed later. If you go in knowing it is designed for recurring service, the offer makes a lot more sense.

So, which one is better for working parents?

For most working parents, the best cleaning service is not the one with the fanciest brand promise. It is the one that actually removes friction from your week.

If your main problem is that the house needs regular maintenance cleaning and you are trying to keep costs under control, Homeaglow is likely the stronger option. The ability to choose a cleaner, book online, and access lower recurring rates is very hard to ignore.

If your main problem is decision fatigue, Merry Maids may be worth the higher price. You are paying for a more managed experience, not just the cleaning itself. You do not have to compare profiles or think as much about the marketplace mechanics. You request a plan, schedule the service, and let the company handle the rest. For a household already running on fumes, that simplicity has real value.

Who should choose Homeaglow?

Choose Homeaglow if:

• You want to browse cleaner profiles, choose your own person, and build an ongoing relationship with someone whose work you trust.
• You prefer to book online without a phone call, and need the flexibility to adjust or reschedule on your own time.
• You plan to book regularly and want to keep recurring costs lower – the membership math works in your favor over time.

Tl;dr: Homeaglow is a great fit for people who utilize regular cleanings, like app based services, and will benefit from the lower cost cleanings that come with the membership.

Who should choose Merry Maids?

Choose Merry Maids if:

• You want to work with a local franchise rather than independent cleaners.
• You prefer a managed, predictable experience: no comparing profiles, no marketplace mechanics, just a scheduled service you can count on.
• You need a larger scope of cleaning or a customized plan, and want a formal quote process before committing.

Tl;dr: Merry Maids is a great fit for those wanting a traditional cleaning company with established franchises or need formal quotes for cleaning services.

Final Recommendation

Homeaglow and Merry Maids are not really fighting for the exact same customer. Homeaglow is trying to make home cleaning more accessible, more flexible, and more affordable through a marketplace model. Merry Maids is selling a more traditional version of trust: trained teams, company oversight, and decades of brand recognition.

If you are a working parent trying to get regular help without blowing up the household budget, start with Homeaglow, but read the membership terms carefully and choose your cleaner thoughtfully. If you want the least DIY version of hiring cleaning help and do not mind paying more for structure, Merry Maids is the safer traditional bet.

Either way, the real win is not having a spotless house forever. Let’s be serious. You live there. The win is walking into the kitchen after work and not immediately feeling like the room is personally attacking you. That, frankly, is worth considering.

The post Homeaglow vs Merry Maids appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Kitchen utensil sets generally fall into three price categories: budget ($10–$30), mid-range ($40–$80), and premium ($90–$130+). But when you’re standing in a store comparing a $25 set to a $110 set, it can honestly feel a little ridiculous. 

How different could they really be? The answer is: not always very different at first.

That’s what makes utensil sets deceptively difficult to shop for. The meaningful differences usually don’t show up immediately. They show up slowly, through repeated cooking, heat exposure, dishwasher cycles, and use over time. 

That’s the point when some utensils start to soften around the edges, stain permanently, separate at the seams, or develop that slightly greasy texture that never fully feels clean again. Gross.

Here’s a quick breakdown: 

• Budget sets work well for occasional use
• Mid-range sets offer most people the best balance of durability and price
• Premium sets deliver better long-term performance and higher-quality materials

What You’re Actually Paying for in a Utensil Set 

Most utensil sets look similar at first, but the differences show up in how they hold up over time. The biggest factors are material quality, construction, heat resistance, and how long they last before starting to break down. 

Material Quality and Heat Resistance

Lower-cost sets often use thinner silicone or mixed plastic materials that are labeled heat-resistant, but do not always perform well with repeated high heat cooking. 

You might notice edges getting soft or slightly melted, especially around spatula tips. Some tools start to pick up stains from things like tomato sauce or turmeric. Others begin to hold onto odors or develop small cracks where the handle meets the head. 

Higher-quality sets use denser, more stable materials like platinum-grade silicone or reinforced composites. A solid spatula stays firm when you press it down on food in a hot pan. A spoon feels more stable when stirring thicker sauces. Tongs do not flex or wobble when you pick up heavier items. Even scraping the bottom of a pan feels cleaner and more controlled. 

It is less about having “fancy” tools and more about having tools that stay consistent every time you cook. 

Construction Quality

Construction is one of the most overlooked parts of utensil shopping, but it has a big impact on how long a set actually lasts. 

Many cheaper utensils are made in separate pieces. The silicone head is attached to a handle using glue, inserts, or small internal connectors. That connection point takes most of the pressure during cooking, which makes it the most common failure point. Over time, the head can loosen, snap off during use, or shift slightly out of place. In some cases, water can also get trapped where the pieces meet, which makes cleaning harder and can lead to buildup inside the handle. 

This is why one-piececonstruction is often used in higher-quality sets. The utensil is molded as a single piece instead of being assembled from multiple parts. That removes the weak point where things usually break. 

It also makes day-to-day cleaning easier. With fewer seams and joints, there are fewer places for oil, food, or moisture to collect over time. 

Longevity

A $20 utensil set can work fine at first. If you cook occasionally, it might last a long time without any issues. But lower-cost sets tend to wear down one piece at a time. A spatula might start peeling at the edge, a spoon can soften or warp slightly from heat, and a whisk handle might loosen.

Replacing one tool does not seem expensive in the moment. But over a few years, that cycle of replacing individual utensils adds up more than most people expect. 

That is why frequent cooks often stop thinking only about the upfront price. The better question becomes how long a set will stay reliable before it needs replacing. For many people, that is where spending more upfront starts to make more sense.

1. Budget Utensil Sets ($10–$30): Fine for Now, Not Forever

Most people start here, and it makes sense. Budget utensil sets are common for first apartments, dorm kitchens, temporary setups, or light cooking. There is nothing wrong with using them if your cooking needs are simple and occasional. 

A basic starter set from a big-box store, like this OXO 17pc Culinary and Utensil Set from Target, will absolutely handle simple cooking tasks. If you cook once or twice a week, you may not notice major issues for quite a while. But if you think about it, 17 tools for $59.99 means that each piece is worth about $3.50, which leaves me skeptical about the quality.

The tradeoff comes down to what they are made of and how they are built. In general, if you see a set that says “silicone and nylon” the odds of there being high-quality silicone is small, and the majority is probably made of nylon which is known for melting super easily and warping, creating more cracks for food and bacteria to collect. 

Of course it is possible to keep these sets clean and maintained and for a low-heat, occasional cook, it makes sense in my opinion.  Think someone who does mostly food prep once a week, like assembling salads, chopping vegetables, and maybe light utensil-use, stirring and cooking in pans – like ground turkey.

Another issue is inconsistency. In the same set, one or two pieces might hold up reasonably well while others wear out much faster. That is usually a result of manufacturers prioritizing cost over long-term durability. 

You will often see thinner materials, more seams, and multi-piece construction in this tier. These are all signs that the set is designed to be affordable first and long-lasting second. 

Safety and Material Considerations

Some lower-cost plastic-heavy sets may include materials that households prefer to avoid, depending on manufacturing standards and certifications. This is one reason many buyers eventually move toward higher-quality silicone or stainless steel options.

None of this means budget sets are unusable. They are best thought of as short- to medium-term tools. If you cook occasionally, they can work fine. If you cook often, they tend to feel more temporary than permanent.

2. Mid-Range Utensil Sets ($40–$80): Where Most People Actually Land

This is the range where utensil sets start to feel noticeably better in day-to-day use. 

The first thing most people notice is sturdiness. The tools feel more solid in your hand, the silicone holds its shape better under heat, and the handles do not flex as much during cooking. Overall, everything just feels more stable and reliable when you are actually using it on a regular basis. 

For most households, this ends up being the practical sweet spot. You are not paying premium prices, but you are also not dealing with utensils that warp, crack, or feel like they need to be replaced every year or two. At this point, utensils stop feeling like disposable items and start feeling like long-term kitchen tools. 

On the lower end of this range, you will find sets like this 5-piece DI ORO Silicone Spatula Set that runs for $39.99 on Amazon. One of the key features here is seamless construction, which means there are no glued joints or separate parts. GIR brand calls this a “unibody” design, which basically means the utensil is made as one continuous piece. That matters because fewer seams usually means fewer places for food, moisture, or bacteria to get trapped. 

On the higher end, sets like the GIR  5-Piece Ultimate Tool Set  ($69.95) are a strong example of what this tier does well. Realistically, this is where most people probably should be looking. 

If you cook a few days a week, maybe for a few people or a family, I would go with the GIR option.  It’s kind of the best of both worlds, still falling in the mid-range (upper), but includes the luxury quality.  For the price, you get super high-quality silicone and a variety of tools, including a ladle, a few different spatulas and a basting spoon. 

With GIR the quality feels relatively consistent across the entire lineup rather than having one or two standout pieces surrounded by weaker accessories.  Quality over quantity as they say.

That consistency is really what you are paying for in this range. It is less about extra accessories and more about materials that hold up better and construction that stays reliable over time. Also, these sets also tend to look cleaner and more intentional if you leave them out on the counter. 

While premium sets absolutely have advantages, mid-range sets already solve most of the frustration points people experience with cheaper options. And usually, there are more options to choose from that fit different kitchen aesthetics, decor styles, and looks, if that is important to you. 

Common Characteristics of Mid-Range Sets

• More solid, sturdy feel during use
• Better heat resistance
• Fewer weak points in construction
• More consistent quality across all pieces
• Better appearance over time
• More comfortable for frequent cooking

3. Premium Utensil Sets ($90–$130+): Where Durability Becomes the Value

Compared to lower tiers, the biggest difference with premium utensils is long-term consistency. A $20 set and a $100 set will both work fine on day one. It’s how they perform after a year of frequent cooking. 

Premium sets are usually built with higher-grade materials like denser silicone, stronger internal cores, and fully seamless construction. They also tend to have more consistent quality control, better resistance to heat damage and staining, and in some cases warranties or guarantees. 

Take something like the Le Crueset Craft Series Utensil Set. Part of what you are paying for is not just the utensils, but extras like a stoneware crock for countertop storage. If you care about having your kitchen look put together, that kind of detail can matter just as much as performance. 

In everyday use, the differences are subtle but noticeable if you cook often. Spatulas tend to have cleaner, more precise edges. Spoons feel more stable when stirring thick foods. The silicone flexes in a more controlled way instead of feeling overly soft or loose. 

Basically, premium utensil sets make the most sense for people who cook frequently and want tools that stay consistent without needing regular replacement. 

So What’s Actually Worth Paying for?

What makes a utensil set “worth it” has less to do with brand names and more to do with how often you cook.

If you only cook occasionally, a budget set will probably work just fine. If you cook a few times a week, mid-range sets usually hit the best balance of price and durability without constant replacements. And if you cook often and want tools you can rely on for years, premium sets start to make more sense because they hold up better over time.

The biggest difference across all tiers usually comes down to your budget, preferences, and how well they hold up after months or years of heat, washing, and daily use.

The post Kitchen Utensil Sets: What’s Actually Worth Paying For (and What’s Not) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Let’s be honest for a second: as much as we like to give ourselves grief for the state of our houses, most of us do a decent job of keeping the house clean. Even so, my husband knows that if he invites anyone over, he needs to give me enough time to do a speedy house clean. Nothing crazy, just enough for someone to shake their head and say “what are you talking about” when I “apologize for the mess” when they arrive. 

On the day-of (with or without visitors), counters get wiped, dishes get done, and the floors get vacuumed (eventually). But when you’re juggling work, kids, dogs, and everyday life, keeping a home perfectly clean feels like a full time gig on its own. Every now and then, though, I look around and realize some parts of the house haven’t been properly cleaned in a very long time. It seems to happen whenever I get five minutes of peace and quiet. Just before the tension eases out my neck and my shoulders start to release, I notice the baseboards. I see the grout out of the corner of my eye. The inside of the oven starts calling my name. That weird sticky spot behind the kitchen faucet that nobody remembers creating is laughing at me. I swear those mystery kitchen messes appear overnight! One day, the sink is fine, the next day there’s a sticky ring under the soap dispenser, and nobody in the house admits responsibility. 

When a cleaning service actually feels worth the cost

Most families, mine included, eventually reach a point where hiring a deep cleaning service starts to sound less like a luxury and more like a survival strategy. It becomes about reclaiming your weekend or getting help with the kind of cleaning jobs that can take hours if you tackle them alone. Because if I’m being honest, spending three hours scrubbing bathroom grout on a Saturday is nobody’s idea of quality family time.

A professional deep clean focuses on the areas that tend to get ignored during weekly tidying. The kind of places we all pretend not to see when we’re doing the quick “company’s coming over” tidy-up. The good news is that many cleaning services now allow you to book online, compare pricing, and choose exactly what type of cleaning you need. That makes it much easier to find something that fits your schedule and your budget.  

If you’re looking for the best value when booking a deep clean, here are several deep cleaning online services worth considering.

1. Homeaglow

Budget-friendly Option with Introductory Pricing

Typical Pricing

• Introductory deals may start very low for new users (sometimes under $20 for the first few hours)
• Ongoing rates can be around $18+ per hour with membership pricing, depending on location and cleaner availability

Homeaglow often comes up when people are searching for affordable cleaning services online. Instead of operating as a traditional cleaning company, the platform connects with homeowners with independent cleaners in their area. 

You can browse available cleaners, read reviews, compare hourly rates, and book directly through the platform. For families who are curious about hiring a cleaner but hesitant about the cost, Homeaglow’s introductory pricing can make it easier to try the service without committing to a large upfront expense.

I’ve used their service before and I’ll admit, I was so darn nervous about letting a stranger in. Despite this, I took the plunge and I ended up with someone fantastic (I loved that I could choose my cleaner). My kitchen was spotless, and I got to sit down with a cup of coffee and daydream about my garden instead of daydreaming about scrubbing. 

One thing to be aware of is that Homeaglow uses a membership model called ForeverClean ($59/month). The lowest hourly rates are tied to that membership, and canceling early (before six paid months) may include a fee based on the initial discount.

For families planning regular cleanings, this can work out to solid value, but it’s worth understanding upfront so there are no surprises.

What’s typically included in a deep clean

• Deep bathroom scrubbing (toilets, sinks, showers)
• Kitchen cleaning, including appliances and surfaces
• Dusting and vacuuming throughout the home
• Floors mopped or vacuumed
• Optional add-ons, such as oven or refrigerator cleaning
• Cleaning high-touch areas like light switches and door handles

Since cleaners are independent, the exact services and level of detail can vary. That’s why it’s a good idea to read reviews and communicate your expectations before booking, so there are no surprises. I’ve learned that the clearer you are upfront, the better the results tend to be.

Value Assessment

Homeaglow can offer good value for families who plan to schedule cleanings regularly and want access to lower hourly rates.

As with many subscription-based services, it’s smart to review the membership and cancellation terms before booking, especially if you’re only looking for a one-time deep clean.

If you’ve just finished a small renovation (like repainting or updating a bathroom), hiring a Homeaglow cleaner for a few hours can get rid of the dust and grime without paying for a full-house deep clean. It’s a way to test the service and save money while still getting great results.

2. TaskRabbit

Best for Flexible Hourly Tasks

Typical pricing:

• Around $30+ per hour, depending on location

TaskRabbit works more like a gig marketplace than a traditional cleaning company. Instead of booking a set cleaning package, you hire individual “Taskers” who offer services ranging from cleaning to furniture assembly.

This flexibility can be quite useful if you don’t need a full-house deep clean. Sometimes it’s just one room that’s driving you crazy (often the kitchen, right?). For me, if someone else wants to tackle the oven and shower grout, I’m not going to argue.

For example, some families hire a Tasker specifically to deep-clean bathrooms and kitchens, which are usually the most time-consuming rooms to tackle. Those two rooms alone can easily eat up an entire afternoon if you’re tackling them yourself. Or let’s say you need to organize your garage aka informal storeroom, I think TaskRabbit would be a good place to go for something like that.

What’s included

• Deep bathroom cleaning
• Kitchen and appliance cleaning
• Laundry or dishes
• Window or surface cleaning
• General tidying and organizing

Value Assessment

TaskRabbit can be a good value option if you only need help with specific cleaning tasks rather than the entire house. Because you choose the Tasker yourself, it’s sometimes possible to find lower hourly rates.

However, quality can vary depending on the individual cleaner, so reading reviews is especially important. A few extra minutes reading the reviews can save a lot of frustration later.

3. Handy

Best for Fast and Simple Booking

Typical Price:

• About $70 – $180 per cleaning visit

I’d never actually heard of this one until I sat down and started doing more in-depth research. I haven’t used them myself, but it looks like Handy focuses on convenience. The platform is set up to help people schedule what is best described as the doordash of cleaning companies. I think most of us have had that moment where we suddenly realize people are coming over, and the house looks like life happened in it.

You enter your home details, select a time slot, and the platform matches you with an available cleaner. That kind of convenience is worth the slightly higher price in my book because the peace of mind that someone’s on their way while I wrangle dinner and homework is priceless.

What’s included

• Kitchen cleaning and surface wiping
• Bathroom scrubbing and sanitizing
• Dusting throughout the home
• Vacuuming and floor cleaning

Value Assessment

Handy can cost a little more than marketplace platforms, and that’s likely because you’re getting an almost instant service. 

4. Molly Maid

Well-known service

Typical Price:

• $75 – $200+ per visit

Molly Maid has been around for decades, and I think they get a lot of love because it operates as a traditional cleaning company rather than a marketplace. Instead of hiring individual cleaners, you get a professional crew that follows a structured cleaning process.

One thing I really like about them is that they are pretty strong on the consistency factor. You know exactly what kind of service to expect each time.

Knowing Molly Maid crews follow the same steps every time means I could schedule a Saturday morning for my own errands without worrying that something will be missed.

What services may include:

• Detailed kitchen cleaning
• Bathroom scrubbing and sanitizing
• Dusting surfaces and furniture
• Vacuuming carpets and rugs
• Mopping hard floors

Value Assessment

The price may be higher than hiring an independent cleaner, but the benefit is consistency. For families who prefer working with a company that manages its staff and processes, that reliability can be worth the extra cost. It removes some of the guesswork that can come with marketplace platforms.

5. Merry Maids

Best for Detailed Cleaning Checklists

Typical Pricing:

• $150 – $300+ per visit

Merry Maids is another long-established cleaning company known for its detailed cleaning system. Their teams follow structured checklists that help ensure every room is cleaned thoroughly.

If you’re the kind of person who loves a good checklist, this approach can feel very reassuring.

Watching them tick off that long checklist was oddly satisfying. I found myself smiling in a way I hadn’t expected to with a deep clean situation. Like, finally, every little corner that usually drives me crazy was being handled. 

What services may be included:

• Deep kitchen cleaning
• Bathroom disinfecting
• Dusting baseboards and surfaces
• Vacuuming carpets
• Mopping floors

Value Assessment

This option tends to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but some households prefer the peace of mind that comes with a very systematic cleaning process. If you want a detailed cleaning process rather than a flexible hourly service, this can be a solid choice.

6. MaidPro

Best for Personalized Cleaning Plans

Typical Pricing:

• About $100 – $275 per visit

MaidPro focuses on personalized cleaning plans. Instead of treating every home the same, their service allows you to prioritize certain rooms or tasks. That flexibility can make a big difference if your cleaning priorities don’t match a standard checklist.

This can be helpful if your goal is to focus the cleaning budget on the areas that matter most.

What services may include:

• Kitchen deep cleaning
• Bathroom sanitation
• Dusting and surface cleaning
• Vacuuming and floor care
• Targeted attention to specific rooms

Value Assessment

MaidPro sits somewhere in the middle in terms of price. Families who want a customized cleaning plan often find this approach useful because it allows them to control where their budget goes. Especially if certain rooms in the house tend to need more attention than others.

Quick Comparison Table

Now that you’ve seen the details on each service, here’s a simple way to look at all of them side by side. Some platforms are great if you want to try a cleaner for the first time without a huge upfront cost, while others shine when you value reliability, thorough checklists, or quick scheduling. Think about what matters most for your household: do you just need one room tackled, or are you going for a full-house deep clean?

This table breaks down typical pricing, booking style, what each service does best, and a little real-world tip for stretching your cleaning dollars. Consider it a neat little cheat sheet for busy parents trying to make smart, money-savvy decisions and reclaim their weekends.

How Much Does A Deep Cleaning Normally Cost?

Across the industry, deep cleaning services typically range from $200 to $400 for a one-time visit, depending on the size of the home and the amount of work required. I know that at first glance, that number can feel a little surprising, especially if you’re used to doing the cleaning yourself.

Hourly rates for cleaners generally range from about $25 and $50 per hour, depending on location, home size, and the level of cleaning required, with professional companies sometimes charging even more. Anyone who has attempted a full deep clean on their own, like me, knows how quickly a “quick job” turns into an entire afternoon. I remember thinking it would take an hour, and three hours later, I was still scrubbing grout and negotiating with my dog who thought the mop was a toy.

That’s why budget-focused platforms or introductory offers can make a noticeable difference for families trying to keep costs under control. For families trying to stretch the household budget, those kinds of offers give them a way to test the service before deciding whether it’s something they want to use regularly.

When It Makes Financial Sense to Book a Deep Cleaning

Most families don’t book deep cleaning services regularly. Usually, it happens when the house reaches that point where catching up feels overwhelming.

In my house, the decision usually happens when I look around and realize the “quick clean” routine hasn’t been cutting it for a while.

Good times to book a deep cleaning

• Moving into or out of a home
• After a renovation project
• Seasonal cleaning (spring or fall)
• Preparing for guests or holidays

These situations usually involve more work than regular weekly cleaning can realistically handle.

Tips to Get the Most Value From a Deep Cleaning Service

If you’re paying for a deep clean, a little preparation can help you get much more out of the time the cleaner spends in your home.

1. Declutter before the cleaner arrives

Cleaners can work faster and more thoroughly when the counters and floors are clear; otherwise, they spend half the time moving toys, mail piles, and random kitchen gadgets instead of actually cleaning.

2. Focus on high-impact rooms

Kitchens and bathrooms usually deliver the biggest visual improvement. If your budget is limited, prioritizing these rooms often makes the whole house feel cleaner, even if other areas only get a lighter touch.

3. Book enough hours

Underbooking time can lead to unfinished work. Deep cleaning takes longer than most you’d expect, especially in homes that haven’t had a professional clean in a while. I’ve learned that what looks like two hours on paper often turns into four once you factor in hidden messes and random distractions. 

4. Combine deep cleaning with seasonal tasks

A deep clean is the perfect opportunity to tackle those jobs most of us tend to put off during the regular weekly cleanup.

For example:

• Inside the fridge
• Oven cleaning
• Baseboards
• Window tracks

Those small details might not seem urgent day to day, but once they’re done, the whole house tends to feel noticeably fresher.

Other handy tips:

• Keep kids and pets occupied or in another room while cleaners are working. Fewer interruptions mean more thorough cleaning.
• Gather your cleaning supplies if you plan to do small add-ons yourself; it can save time and reduce the cost.
• Schedule strategically: right after school pickup or during nap time often works best for families

A little planning ahead of time can help you get the most out of the service you’re paying for.

The Bottom Line

Deep cleaning services can feel pricey, but they don’t have to be out of reach for families trying to stay within a budget, especially when you know where to look. Online booking platforms make it easy to compare prices, read reviews, and choose the type of service that fits your needs.

For families focused on value, options like Homeaglow give you a low-risk way to try professional cleaning without feeling like you’re breaking the bank. And sometimes the biggest payoff isn’t just a shiny sink or dust-free shelves, it’s the peace of mind that comes with it.

There’s something almost magical about walking into a kitchen where the counters shine, the bathrooms smell fresh, and even the floors look like they could be in a magazine. I’ll never forget the time I booked a Tasker for just the bathroom while I sat on the couch with a cup of coffee. No grout scrubbing, no mop wrestling. Just a few quiet hours of sanity. That’s the kind of relief every busy parent deserves.

Deep cleaning isn’t just about a tidy house; it’s about reclaiming your time, your sanity, and maybe even a little bit of your weekend. For families juggling work, kids, and life’s chaos, sometimes getting a few hours of professional help is the smartest investment you can make.

So yes, the house gets cleaner, but the real win in my books? You get your Saturday (or Sunday) back. And that’s priceless.

The post Best Deep Cleaning Services You Can Book Online appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

There are a few things that can ruin your shower more than the cringeworthy experience of reaching for your towel, and it smelling…off. Even if you make a practice of diligently washing your towels regularly, they can still develop dreadful musty odors, stay damp for far too long, or just start to feel less clean. This is because traditional towels are really good at trapping moisture, bacteria, and mildew. 

Antibacterial bath towels, however, are specifically designed to solve this exact issue, helping to slow bacterial growth, keeping towels fresh longer, drying faster, and requiring fewer washes over time. Below, I have rounded up the best antibacterial towels worth considering, whether you’re on a budget, looking to splurge, or somewhere in between.

Why do towels smell, and what can be done about it?

Before we get into the best antibacterial bath towels, let’s talk about why they smell. The answer is simple: towels are the perfect hangout spot for mildew and bacteria. When you use a towel, it stays warm and damp. If it doesn’t dry quickly or completely, bacteria will feed on the leftover moisture. Even skin cells. Over time, that growth creates the musty odor we all know so well. Gross, no?

What helps most effectively combat this is washing towels more thoroughly and improving your drying habits. Experts recommend washing towels in warm or hot water with a good detergent, while skipping fabric softener. You also want to ensure towels stay fully dry between uses and are spread out on a rack to promote airflow. Additionally, towels made with antimicrobial materials, such as silver-infused fabrics, can help slow and prevent bacterial growth, which helps keep odors from developing as quickly. Below, I’ve rounded up what I’ve found to be the best antibacterial towels. 

Best Antibacterial Bath Towels

• Best overall: Miracle Made Bath Towel
• Best bamboo: Misona Zero Twist Bamboo Towels
• Best “smart”: Mizu Smart Bath Towel 
• Best Supima Cotton: SÖMN Company Antimicrobial Bath Towel
• Best budget: Threshold Total Fresh Antimicrobial Bath Towel

Best Overall: Miracle Made Bath Towel

Miracle Made takes the title of the best overall because of its combination of exceptional antibacterial properties, high absorbency, and softness. The towel is infused with silver, which helps prevent up to 99.7% of bacterial growth, keeping it fresher for longer than regular towels. That means you won’t have to deal with the dreaded musty smell that towels develop. It absorbs moisture and dries in half the time, which I appreciate, as my usual towels tend to stay damp for far too long.

You can either purchase one towel for $45, or choose a set of two (or four). There is also a full set available that includes two bath towels, two washcloths, and two hand towels. The towel comes in three colors: grey, white, and sky blue. However, I have noticed they are out of stock frequently, so if you’re able to purchase while they’re available, I believe this is a great choice if you’re looking for a towel that feels luxurious, absorbs moisture quickly, dries in half the time, and reduces the frequency of your laundry. 

Pros

• Available in three colors
• Highly absorbent
• Available in a full set
• Free USA shipping
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Unavailable for delivery in certain locations

Best Bamboo: Misona Zero Twist Bamboo Towels

If you’re unable to get ahold of Miracle Made, bamboo is a great alternate material. If you’re in the market for a towel that is naturally resistant to odor, mold, mildew, and allergens, this towel from Misona is ultrasoft, highly absorbent, and quick-drying. Bamboo is considered 3 to 4 times more absorbent than 100% cotton towels (this towel is 65% cotton, 35% bamboo).  Not only is it hypoallergenic and antibacterial, but I love that it is biodegradable thanks to the natural cellulose fiber. 

Zero Twist isn’t just a fancy name either – it refers to the method of binding cotton fibers that creates extra softness. So rather than spinning and twisting the cotton fibers together in a traditional way, Zero Twist towels are bound using a water-soluble fiber that dissolves during fabric finishing. This towel is available in three basic colors: grey, green, and white.

Pros

• Available in three colors
• Full set available for purchase
• Free 30-day returns
• Towels are biodegradable

Cons

• Free shipping only available over $100

Best “Smart:” Mizu Smart Bath Towel

If most of your home products are “smart,” you might be delighted to know that your bath towel can also join the elite group! The Mize Smart Bath Towel is infused with natural pure silver fibers that help prevent up to 99% of bacterial growth. They also feature proprietary technology that dries towels 3x faster than average towels, reducing wash cycles. But that’s not where the true smartness lies. 

This towel features unique color-changing strips that indicate when it is dirty. They are lined with solvatochromic dye strips that shift from blue to red, helping you determine when it’s ready for a wash. When the strip is blue, it’s all clean. It will transition to purple when it’s approaching needing a wash, and to red when it’s dirty. This eliminates guesswork and helps your towel stay fresh more often.

Pros

• Pure silver threads eliminate 99% of bacteria
• Available in three colors
• Color-changing strips detect dirt
• Absorbs up to 5x its weight in water

Cons

• $100 for one towel when not on sale

Best Supima Cotton: SÖMN Company Antimicrobial Bath Towel

This towel from SÖMN features MICRO-FRESH® antimicrobial treatment to help ensure it remains fresh and hygienic between washes. It is made from 100% Supima Cotton, a highly breathable material that provides excellent airflow and moisture management thanks to its fine fibers. It’s natural, lightweight, and even hypoallergenic, preventing moisture buildup. I love that the towel gets softer with every wash and that it is available in a set of two. I also found it interesting that the wash instructions state to machine wash cold, but towels should be washed in hot water to prevent bacterial growth. This towel is available in six colors, but it doesn’t include matching hand towels or washcloths. 

Pros

• Available in six colors
• Comes in a set of two
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified
• Made with 100% Supima cotton

Cons

• Doesn’t come with matching hand towels or wash cloths

Best Budget: Threshold Total Fresh Antimicrobial Bath Towel

If you’re looking for an antimicrobial towel but are working with a tight budget, the Threshold bath towel is a great choice. This towel is made of 100% cotton with a terry construction that helps promote breathability. It’s heavyweight, but it’s soft and absorbent. I love that it is available in 11 colors, so you can find one that matches your bathroom decor. At under $10, this is a simple, no-frills choice that offers slightly better antimicrobial protection than a basic towel. 

Pros

• Budget-friendly at under $10
• Available in 11 colors
• Matching hand towel and washcloth available
• Made in Green by OEKO-TEX®

Cons

• Some users report excessive shedding in the wash

Final Thoughts

If you’re constantly battling musty towels despite frequent washing or dealing with slow-drying times, switching to an antibacterial bath towel can make a noticeable difference. These towels won’t replace good laundry habits, but they will help slow or prevent bacterial growth between washes, resulting in less odor, fewer washes, and fresher towels. 

The best choice comes down to what you value most. Silver-infused options like Miracle Made or Mizu are ideal if odor control is your top priority. Bamboo and Supima cotton towels offer a more natural approach with breathable, moisture-resistant fibers, while budget-friendly options like Threshold provide a simple upgrade without a big investment. Prioritizing faster drying, improved airflow, and antimicrobial properties can go a long way toward keeping your towels cleaner and softer day after day.

The post Best Antibacterial Bath Towels appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

If you’ve ever kicked your duvet off at 2 a.m. because it suddenly felt like a heat trap, you already understand why people start looking for linen alternatives. It’s not that we’re trying to overhaul our bedding; we just want to stop waking up sweaty, tangled, or irritated by our own bed.

Unfortunately, while some linen feels airy and comfortable right away, others feel stiff, wrinkle aggressively, or cost so much that they make you question your life choices. The goal is finding something that breathes, softens with use, and holds up to real laundry routines.

So today, I’m sharing the best linen duvet covers that actually hold up across budgets, sleep styles, and real-life use so that you can upgrade your bed without overthinking it.

At a Glance

Why Should You Use a Linen Duvet Cover?

Linen is made from flax, so it behaves very differently from cotton. It doesn’t trap heat the same way, it handles moisture better, and it has a natural texture that makes wrinkles look intentional instead of messy. 

Of course, if you want bedding that looks pristine 24/7, linen might annoy you. But if you want bedding that lives with you, linen is hard to beat.

A linen duvet cover:

• Breathes better for warm or mixed sleepers
• Regulates temperature across seasons
• Looks styled even when you didn’t try
• Handles frequent washing without falling apart

It’s not magic, but it is a noticeable upgrade.

How to Choose a Linen Duvet Cover

Before you drop real money on linen, here’s what actually matters:

• Fabric weight (GSM): Lighter linen (around 155 GSM) feels airier; heavier linen (175–190 GSM) feels more substantial. Lighter linen suits hot sleepers and warmer rooms, while heavier linen works better if you like a cozier, more anchored feel — especially in cooler climates or heavily air-conditioned bedrooms.
• Interior ties: These keep your duvet insert from bunching or sliding, which means less nightly adjusting and fewer moments of rage at bedtime.
• Closure type: Buttons are classic but can pop open, snaps are quick and tidy, and zippers are rare but efficient if you like everything sealed and secure.
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX matters if you have sensitive skin or allergies, since it confirms the fabric was tested for harmful substances.
• Care reality: Linen wrinkles, and that’s part of the charm. If you want perfectly crisp bedding, linen will test your patience.

The Best Linen Duvet Covers

If you’re ready to stop waking up sweaty, tangled, or mildly annoyed at your bedding, linen is a smart upgrade. 

Below are the best linen duvet covers worth buying:

1. Parachute Linen Duvet Cover

Best overall linen you’ll keep for years

Parachute’s linen duvet cover is the kind that immediately feels reassuring. It’s substantial in a way that feels like a real grown-up purchase.

Their updated linen comes in at 175 GSM, which hits that sweet spot between breathable and durable. It feels cool when you first get into bed, and then it settles without turning heavy. The garment washing gives it a lived-in softness right away, rather than having to wait for another five washes.

This is the duvet cover I reach for when I want my bed to feel calm and pulled together, even if the rest of the room is chaos. 

• 175 GSM linen for added durability
• 100% European flax, made in Portugal
• Twill ties in all four corners
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified
• Machine washable (initial linting is normal and fades)

Best for: Those who want a top-tier linen duvet cover that works year-round and doesn’t feel disposable or unnecessarily trendy.

2. Quince European Linen Duvet Cover

Best value linen without sacrificing quality

Quince’s cover feels like luxury linen without the sticker shock.

It’s woven from 100% European flax, garment-washed, and finished with interior ties and a button closure — all the functional stuff you want. It’s lighter than Parachute but still feels like real linen, not a thin imitation.

This is the one I’d recommend to anyone wanting to try linen without spending extra. It breathes well, softens quickly, and doesn’t make you feel reckless for buying it.

• 100% European flax linen
• Interior ties and button closure
• Available in 20 solid colors and 10 patterned ones
• OEKO-TEX® certified
• Made in China and India
• Machine washable, gentle cycle recommended

Best for: Practical sleepers who want quality linen at a genuinely reasonable price.

Specs to know:

3. Brooklinen Washed European Linen Duvet Cover

Best for polished, mainstream linen with a softer feel

Brooklinen’s linen leans smooth and approachable. Their updated fabric clocks in at 155 GSM — lighter than Parachute but engineered for improved tensile strength. It’s garment-washed and noticeably soft straight out of the package.

It’s the linen you want if you’re looking for the benefits of linen without too much texture. It’s breathable, relaxed, and easy to like, especially if you’re easing into linen from cotton.

• 155 GSM European Flax linen
• Garment washed for softness
• OEKO-TEX® and European Flax certified
• Interior duvet ties
• Made in Portugal

Best for: You want a safe, reliable upgrade that feels familiar but better.

4. MagicLinen Duvet Cover

Best for that artisan feel and color variety

MagicLinen’s cover goes heavier, with midweight linen around 190 GSM… and you can feel it. This duvet cover has presence. It drapes beautifully and feels substantial without being stuffy. The stone washing gives it softness without weakening the fibers, and the color range is excellent if neutrals bore you.

This is the duvet cover that makes your bed look intentional even when nothing else is. It feels cozy in winter, breathable in summer, and quietly elevated. 

• ~190 GSM midweight linen
• 100% European flax
• Coconut button closure and interior ties
• OEKO-TEX certified
• Handmade in Lithuania

Best for: People who care about texture, weight, and craftsmanship.

5. so linen! Linen Duvet Cover

Best for custom sizing and closure options

so linen! shines where big brands don’t: customization. You can choose your closure (including buttons, ties, envelopes, and zippers) and request specific sizes.

The linen is stonewashed European flax, preshrunk, breathable, and handmade in Poland with a seamless design. It’s especially satisfying if you’ve ever wrestled a duvet that never sat right.

• 100% European stonewashed linen
• Multiple closure options
• Handmade in Poland
• Medium-weight linen for bedding
• 30-day returns accepted

Best for: People with specific needs or non-standard sizes.

6. Piglet in Bed 100% Linen Duvet Cover

Best for color lovers and cozy charm

Piglet in Bed does linen with personality. Their 100% linen duvet covers are woven in Portugal from European flax and prewashed for softness, with coconut shell buttons and interior ties.

This is the duvet cover that makes your bedroom feel warmer and more inviting without sacrificing breathability. It’s cheerful without being loud.

• 100% European flax linen
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified
• Made in Portugal
• Prewashed for softness
• Interior ties and coconut shell buttons

Best for: You want linen that feels joyful, not austere.

7. Simple & Opulence Washed Linen Duvet Cover Set

Best budget linen set

Simple & Opulence delivers a lot for the price: a 3-piece set, stonewashed European flax linen, embroidery details, and corner ties. And at 160 g/m², it sits comfortably in the lightweight-to-midweight range.

It’s breathable, softens nicely, and looks far more expensive than it is, especially after a few washes.

• 100% European flax linen
• 160 g/m² fabric weight
• Corner ties and hidden button closures
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified
• Includes duvet cover and two pillow shams

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who still want real linen.

8. Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Duvet Cover

Best for organic luxury and sensitive skin

Coyuchi’s covers are unapologetically premium. These organic linen covers are woven in Portugal from flax grown in France, garment-washed, and dyed with low-impact dyes. It feels weighty, soft, and deeply considered.

This is linen for people who keep bedding for a decade and care deeply about materials. It’s not casual, but it is comforting.

• Organic flax grown in France
• Woven in Portugal
• Interior ties and coconut shell buttons
• Made Safe Certified
• Machine washable with gentle care

Best for: Eco-minded shoppers willing to invest.

9. Buffy Belgian Linen Duvet Cover

Best for lightweight, airy linen

Buffy’s linen is light by design: 155 GSM, made from Belgian and French flax. It’s airy, fast-drying, and ideal if you sleep warm. The seven-night trial period is a standout bonus.

This is the duvet cover I’d grab in summer or for a naturally warm sleeper since it doesn’t smother.

• 155 GSM linen
• Four corner ties
• Olive wood buttons and envelope closure
• OEKO-TEX® certified
• Seven-night free trial and 50-night returns policy

Best for: Hot sleepers who want linen without weight.

10. H&M Home Linen Duvet Cover Set

Best for a trendy refresh at a lower price

H&M’s Premium Selection linen set is surprisingly solid. It’s 100% linen, washed for softness, and finished with concealed snap fasteners.

This is about looks and comfort, not heirloom quality. But it sleeps cool, feels relaxed, and costs far less than boutique brands.

• 100% linen
• Thread count 104
• Concealed metal snap fasteners
• Includes duvet cover and two pillowcases
• Designed for hot sleepers

Best for: Style-first shoppers who want linen benefits on a budget.

FAQs 

The Linen Duvet Covers I’d Actually Buy

If you want the safest, most versatile upgrade, Parachute is the best overall; it’s durable, breathable, and beautifully balanced. 

For value without compromise, Quince punches far above its price. And if lightweight, airy linen is your priority, Buffy is hard to beat.

The right linen duvet cover won’t change your life, but it will make your bed a place you actually look forward to crawling into. And honestly, that counts for a lot.

The post The Best Linen Duvet Covers for Cozy, Breathable Sleep (and Fewer Sweaty Nights) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

You know that moment when you slide into bed and the sheets feel… clingy? Like they’re trying to become one with your legs? That was me the summer I realized my “soft” sheets were also the reason I woke up annoyed at 3:30 a.m., kicking everything into a tangled heap.

Percale is the fix when you want that clean, cool hotel bed without needing to redo your entire life. It’s crisp, breathable, and the opposite of sweaty. 

And if you’re the type who loves a fresh-laundry bed that’s worth the money, percale is one of those small upgrades that pays you back every single night.

With that in mind, here are the best percale sheets for those who run hot, wash their sheets constantly, or just want their bed to feel better without turning it into a whole project.

At a Glance

What Is Percale?

Percale is a weave: a classic one-over-one-under pattern (usually made with cotton) that creates that crisp, matte finish people associate with fresh hotel sheets. It also allows air to move more freely, which helps the sheets feel lighter and more breathable. 

It feels cool to the touch, doesn’t cling, and tends to hold up well to frequent washing. Some percale starts off a bit crisp, then softens over time. Other versions (especially “washed” percale) show up already feeling lived-in, like they’ve done a few laundry cycles and learned to behave.

It’s a great “mom-life” fabric because percale can take a beating. If you’re washing sheets often (kids, pets, snack crumbs you swear you didn’t eat in bed), percale tends to keep its structure and crispness. And because it has that classic matte look, it doesn’t scream high maintenance, and it looks tidy even when your philosophy to laundry is basically “fold it later.”

If sateen is the drapey, silky robe of the sheet world, percale is the clean button-down. It’s great for anyone who’s tired of waking up overheated or feeling like their bedding is just… too much. 

One more perk: Percale is usually a safer bet if you hate overly warm bedding. Several of the sets below are specifically positioned as cool-sleeping options for warm sleepers.

How to Choose the Best Percale Sheets

Here’s what I’d pay attention to if you want percale sheets you’ll actually love (not just tolerate because you already opened the package).

• Decide how crisp you want to go: Some percale is very classic and structured at first, then softens over time. If you want it to be soft out of the bag, look for sets described as washed or garment-washed. 
• Don’t get hypnotized by thread count: Percale doesn’t need a sky-high thread count to feel good. In fact, some brands intentionally stick to a lower thread count to keep airflow and cooling strong. 
• Check fitted-sheet specs, especially pocket depth: If your mattress is taller, you need a fitted sheet that can handle it. 
• Look for certifications if necessary: If you have sensitive skin or if you’re picky about chemicals, certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or organic standards like GOTS can help you feel more confident about what’s touching you for 8+ hours.

My Top 11 Picks for the Best Percale Sheets

These are the percale sheets I’d actually recommend to a friend. Each pick includes who it’s best for, what it does well (and where it doesn’t), and the details that matter once you’ve washed them a few times and slept on them like a normal human.

1. Parachute Percale Sheet Set

Best for hot sleepers who want crisp, classic percale that gets better over time

If you want that classic feeling of a cool hotel bed, this is the one I’d start with. Parachute’s percale is made from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, and it’s designed to feel lightweight, durable, and crisp. 

This is the set that feels instantly cooler when you slide in, like flipping your pillow to the cold side. It’s crisp without feeling stiff, and after a few washes, it starts to feel more relaxed while still keeping that clean-sheet structure. 

If you love the feeling of a freshly made bed, this scratches the itch.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• Made in Portugal
• Set includes one top sheet, one fitted sheet, and one pillowcase set
• Pillowcases feature a back envelope closure or side open style

2. Brooklinen Washed Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

Best for people who want percale cooling with a softer, lived-in feel from day one

Brooklinen’s Washed Classic Percale is basically percale for people who don’t want to wait six washes for it to feel comfy. It’s still cool and breathable, but it’s soft out of the box with a casual, relaxed look.

This feels like the percale version of your favorite worn-in tee, but for your bed. It’s the set I’d pick if you like the idea of crisp sheets but you don’t want that super-structured, freshly-pressed vibe every night. 

The practical details are solid here: envelope closures and side tags on the fitted sheet that make bed-making slightly less annoying.

• 100% long-staple cotton, 270 thread count
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• Made in India
• Fitted sheet has “Long” and “Short” side tags for easier bed-making

3. Red Land Cotton Basic Sheet Set

Best for “made in USA” shoppers who want crisp, cool percale with heirloom energy

Red Land Cotton is a different vibe in the best way. Their cotton is grown on their family farm in North Alabama, and the sheets are made entirely in the USA. The percale here is described as crisp and cool, and the thread count is 140 (inspired by 1920s design), with thicker yarn and a more open weave for breathability.

These feel like the sheets your grandma would have called “good cotton,” and she would have been right. They’re crisp without feeling precious. 

And if you choose the Natural color, you may see little flecks from the cotton plant at first (they fade with washing). I kind of love that because it doesn’t feel like it was manufactured in a plant.

• 100% cotton grown on Red Land Farms in North Alabama
• Fitted sheet pockets: 14″ (Twin), 16″ (all other sizes)
• Natural fabric has a charming, authentic look

4. Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheet Set

Best for organic shoppers who want lightweight percale with a casual, crinkled texture

Coyuchi’s Organic Crinkled Percale is for people who like their bedding to look effortless, not ironed. It’s made from 100% GOTS-Certified organic cotton, and the crinkled texture gives it that relaxed, naturally lived-in look. It’s also ultra-lightweight and cool to the touch, which is exactly what you want from percale.

The texture also hides wrinkles, which means you can wash it, dry it, throw it on the bed, and still feel like you have your life together. It’s breezy in warm weather and doesn’t feel heavy.

This is the set I’d grab when I want my bed to look styled without trying. 

• Fitted sheet has a deep 17” pocket
• Grown and woven in India
• 100% GOTS-Certified organic cotton
• Comes in a matching organic fabric bag

5. H by Frette Percale Standard Bed Bundle

Best for a boutique-hotel refresh in one purchase (bundle people, this is for you)

The H by Frette Percale Standard Bed Bundle is designed to give you that simple, modern, boutique hotel feel, and it includes a percale pillowcase set, a fitted sheet, and a duvet cover with button closure. The fabric is 100% long-staple cotton, and it’s recommended for warm sleepers.

I like it for anyone who’s sick of mix-and-match bedding that never quite looks intentional. The crisp percale vibe also makes it feel particularly fresh.

• Made in India
• Designed for a cool and crisp feel
• Made of 100% long-staple cotton

6. Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set

Best for budget-friendly organic percale that still feels crisp and cooling

Quince is for when you want the good stuff without breaking the bank. Their Classic Organic Percale fits mattresses up to 16″, is made from 100% organic long-staple cotton, and woven into a percale that’s cool, crisp, and breathable for hot sleepers. 

It’s also certified in accordance with OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and the “top” and “bottom” labels on the fitted sheet are a godsend if you’ve ever done the fitted-sheet wrestling match while half-asleep.

This is one of those sets that makes you rethink spending a fortune on sheets. 

• 100% organic long-staple cotton
• 270 thread count cotton percale
• Made using green production practices

7. L.L.Bean Premium Egyptian Percale Sheet Collection

Best for a smoother, more luxurious percale with a high thread count

L.L.Bean positions these sheets as their most luxurious percale, made from 100% Egyptian cotton percale. They’re meant to get softer with every wash, and they’re also noted as being tested for harmful substances. 

This is the set I’d choose if you like percale but you want it to lean smoother and more upscale. It’s still percale, so it’s crisp and breathable, but it comes off as more polished than rustic.

If your idea of self-care is a bed that feels expensive, this fits.

• 400 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton percale
• Fitted sheet pocket depth: 15″
• Machine wash and dry

8. Peacock Alley Chloe Floral Percale Sheet Set

Best for luxury cooling sheets with a gorgeous pattern

This is the luxury option, and it’s honestly adorable. The Peacock Alley Chloe Floral Percale Sheet Set is sprigged with colorful wildflowers and made in Portugal from smooth, long-staple cotton percale. It’s also lightweight, breathable, and cool to the touch. 

The fitted sheet has a 17” gusset and fits mattresses up to 21″, which is a big deal if you’re dealing with a taller mattress.

But what I really love is the pattern here. It looks almost too pretty to sleep on, like you should be drinking tea near it instead of passing out with wet hair. It’s also genuinely comfy and cool, so it’s not just an aesthetic pick. 

• 100% long-staple cotton percale
• Made in Portugal
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 
• Flat sheet and pillowcases have white satin-stitch embroidery and a 4″ cuff

9. Petite Plume Luxe Premium Percale Bed Sheets

Best for five-star hotel percale with classic prints

Petite Plume calls these “the sheets dreams are made of,” and while that’s some bold marketing, the fundamentals are solid here: 100% long-staple cotton, percale weave, crisp and breathable, cool to the touch. 

However, they also claim that these sheets keep you warm in cooler weather and cool in warmer temperatures — which just made me laugh because Percale can do a lot, but it’s not a thermostat. 

Still, the overall promise is “hotel percale,” so if you want that crisp, tucked-in feeling and you also want your bed to look charming, this is a fun pick. It’s the kind that makes your bedroom feel styled.

• Made from 100% long-staple cotton
• Has that hotel-bed crispness
• All sets include 1 flat, 1 fitted, and 2 pillowcases

10. Saatva Percale Sheet Set

Best for crisp, cooling percale with a deliberately breathable thread count

Saatva goes all-in on the idea that thread count shouldn’t be inflated just to sound fancy. That’s why their long-staple cotton percale is marketed as especially breathable, moisture-wicking, and cool to the touch with a matte finish. It fits mattresses up to 16″ and meets OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

I like this for anyone who sleeps hot and wants a percale that stays true to the point of percale: airflow. 

It feels crisp and clean, like your bed got a reset button. 

• 200 thread count long-staple cotton
• Machine wash cold (gentle), tumble dry low
• Designed for a crisp, cool, matte finish

11. West Elm Organic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Best for soft percale that still sleeps cool (and holds up well)

West Elm’s Organic Washed Cotton Percale is for people who like percale’s coolness but want it to feel more relaxed, less crisp-stiff. It also has “Contract Grade” status, meaning it’s manufactured to meet commercial-use demands as well as residential. The fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 16″, and it’s listed as GOTS-certified.

This is the set I’d choose if you want a percale that feels friendly. It’s soft and garment-washed yet cool to the touch, and it doesn’t feel like it needs to be broken in before it stops acting brand new. 

It’s also a nice pick for guest rooms because it feels universally comfortable and low-fuss.

• 100% organic cotton
• 200 thread count
• GOTS-certified by Intertek and listed as Contract Grade

Percale Sheets: The Small Upgrade That Changes Everything

Percale is one of those upgrades that quietly improves your nights without demanding much in return. 

If you want a reliable, classic pick, Parachute’s Percale delivers crisp, cool comfort that holds up beautifully over time. 

For a budget-friendly option that still checks the organic and cooling boxes, Quince’s Classic Organic Percale is hard to beat. And if you’re ready to splurge on something gorgeous that still sleeps cool, Peacock’s Alley Chloe Floral Percale brings beauty and performance. 

Choose based on how you sleep, how much structure you like, and how often you wash — and enjoy the cool side of the sheet every night.

The post Best Percale Sheets: The Cooling Upgrade You’ll Use Every Single Night  appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

One morning, while getting my kids ready for school, I picked up our bathroom spray and actually read the warning label. “Use in well-ventilated areas,” “Keep away from children,” “Avoid eye contact” – my heart sank. With three kids running around our house all day, these chemical warnings made me uncomfortable. Commercial sprays cost $10 or more per bottle, and now I wasn’t even sure I wanted them in our home.

Why Natural Matters

Most store-bought bathroom sprays fill our homes with artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals. These chemicals, including phthalates and benzene, don’t just disappear after spraying – they linger in the air, especially in small spaces like bathrooms. For families spending time in these spaces multiple times a day, that’s a lot of chemical exposure.

When I learned about making a natural version for just a few dollars using basic ingredients, it made perfect sense. Not only would we save money, but we’d also create a safer environment for our children. Plus, this natural solution actually prevents odors instead of just masking them with artificial scents.

Understanding How Natural Beats Chemical

Commercial sprays typically work by overwhelming your nose with strong scents or using chemicals that numb your sense of smell. Neither option addresses the actual problem. This DIY poo pourri spray works differently – they create a physical barrier on the water’s surface that traps odors underneath.

Think of it like putting a lid on a pot – the steam can’t escape. Essential oils create a similar invisible “lid” on the toilet water. This natural barrier prevents unpleasant odors from rising into the air in the first place. No harsh chemicals needed.

A note about bathroom science: tiny water particles spread through the air whenever you flush with the toilet lid open. By combining this natural spray with closing the lid before flushing, you create two layers of protection for your bathroom air.

Also See: How to Keep your Home Smelling Good All the Time

What You Need

• 4-6 oz spray bottle
• Essential oil (orange essential oil works beautifully, but choose your favorite scent, such as peppermint essential oil around Christmas)
• Rubbing alcohol or dish soap/hand soap
• Water (distilled water works best, but tap water works too)
• Optional: food coloring (blue or green show up best in water)

Finding supplies doesn’t require special trips to expensive stores. Many dollar stores carry spray bottles. Essential oils appear regularly in Walmart and Target sales circulars. The generic rubbing alcohol from any pharmacy works perfectly.

Creating Your Spray

1. Fill the spray bottle with 4-6 oz of water
2. Add 10+ drops of essential oil
3. Add 2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol OR dish soap/hand soap
4. Optional: 2-3 drops of food coloring to see coverage area
5. Shake well before each use

Making It Last: Storage Matters

Proper storage affects how long your spray remains effective. Essential oils break down when exposed to light and heat, so storing your bottle in a cool, dark place preserves its power. Under the sink or in a cabinet works well.

Seasonal changes also impact your spray. During humid summer months, the mixture might need refreshing more often. In winter’s dry air, it typically lasts the full 2-3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

My early experiments with making this spray taught me several lessons:

• 1. Using Too Little Essential Oil – The spray needs enough oil to create that protective barrier. If you use too few drops, odors might escape.
• 2. Skipping the Alcohol or Soap – Without this ingredient, the oil floats separately on top of the water instead of mixing properly.
• 3. Using Hot Water – Hot water can make the essential oils evaporate more quickly, reducing effectiveness.
• 4. Storing in Direct Sunlight – Light and heat break down the essential oils faster, shortening your spray’s lifespan.

Using Your Spray Effectively

Spray 6-10 pumps directly onto the toilet water before use. If you added food coloring, the water changes color – showing you’ve created enough coverage. Close the lid before flushing to maintain the barrier’s effectiveness.

Cost and Health Benefits

Commercial bathroom sprays often cost $10 or more per bottle. This homemade version costs about $2-3 to make, using supplies you might already have. The spray bottle lasts indefinitely, making future batches even more affordable.

Beyond the money saved, this natural solution eliminates unnecessary chemical exposure for your family. No more worrying about what your children might breathe in during their daily routines.

Scent Suggestions

• Orange: creates a bright, fresh atmosphere
• Lemon: brings a clean, crisp feeling
• Lavender: adds a calming presence
• Peppermint: provides an invigorating environment

Daily Use Tips

Label your bottle with the creation date to track freshness. Start a new batch every 2-3 months. Between batches, clean the bottle thoroughly with warm, soapy water. A quick shake before spraying ensures even distribution of the oils.

Making our own bathroom spray started as a way to save money while protecting my family from harsh chemicals. Now, it’s become such a natural part of our routine that my kids use it without reminders – they understand it’s safe and effective.

This switch to natural bathroom spray might seem small, but it adds up to real savings while creating a healthier home environment. Sometimes the smartest solutions are also the most natural ones.

The post DIY Poo Spray: 3-Ingredient Toilet Spray That Actually Works appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I started coughing the second I sprayed a well-known brand of disinfectant on my kitchen counter. And that hit me hard – if these cleaning products made me cough, what were they doing to my kids? The artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, and warning labels suddenly felt completely wrong in our home.

You’re probably spending $7-8 on each bottle of store-bought cleaner right now – I know I was. But what if I told you that you could make your own natural disinfectant spray for less than half the cost? One that works just as well, without making anyone cough or your eyes water? I’ve got a simple solution that can save the average home $44 each year, and I’m about to show you exactly how to do it, too.

Also See: How To Keep Your House Smelling Good All The Time

What Store-Bought Cleaners Really Cost You:

• Bleach: $4-5 per bottle
• Commercial disinfectant spray: $7-8 per bottle
• Natural cleaners from the store: $8-12 per bottle

My DIY Natural Disinfectant Spray:

• Cost per bottle: $3-4
• Works on bacteria and germs
• No harmful chemicals
• Safe around kids and pets

The Real Money Math:

Store-bought cleaning supplies for spring cleaning and year-round use:

• Commercial cleaners: $84/year
• “Natural” store brands: $144/year
• My homemade version: $36-48/year

That’s up to $108 back in your budget every year!

Also See: All Natural Window Cleaner

Why Make the Switch from Bleach?

1. Money savings
2. No more breathing harmful chemicals
3. Works just as well on germs
4. Safe for all surfaces
5. No white stains on clothes

Your Shopping List (With Smart Savings Tips):

High-proof alcohol (70% or higher)

• Kills bacteria effectively
• Budget tip: Choose 70% rubbing alcohol over pricier options

Distilled white vinegar

• Natural disinfectant properties
• Budget tip: Buy store brand in bulk

Hydrogen peroxide (.5%)

• EPA-approved germ fighter
• Budget tip: Dollar store prices beat drugstores

Essential oils

• Natural antibacterial properties
• Budget tip: Start with tea tree oil – most bang for your buck

Quick Natural Disinfectant Recipe:

1. 1 cup high-proof alcohol
2. 1 cup distilled white vinegar
3. 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
4. 30 drops essential oils
5. Top off with distilled water

Spring Cleaning Money-Saving Guide:

• Replace bleach with this spray
• Use on counters, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces
• Safe for kitchen use
• Perfect for daily disinfecting
• Great for spring cleaning deep disinfection

How It Fights Germs (Without Breaking Your Budget):

• Alcohol kills bacteria on contact
• Vinegar’s acidity fights germs
• Hydrogen peroxide adds extra germ-fighting power
• Essential oils provide natural antibacterial properties

Where to Use Your Natural Disinfectant Spray:

• Kitchen counters
• Bathroom surfaces
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Kids’ toys
• Pet areas
• High-touch surfaces

Also See: Homemade Carpet Cleaner

Comparing Germ-Fighting Power:

Bleach:

• Kills germs ✓
• Harmful fumes ✗
• Stains clothes ✗
• Safe around food ✗
• Cost-effective ✗

Commercial Disinfectants:

• Kills germs ✓
• Harsh chemicals ✗
• Expensive ✗
• Strong artificial scents ✗

My DIY Natural Spray:

• Kills germs ✓
• No harmful chemicals ✓
• Budget-friendly ✓
• Safe everywhere ✓
• Natural scent ✓

Storage Tips:

• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Label with the date
• Make fresh batches as needed
• Store cleaning recipes in your phone

Common Questions:

Q: Does it really kill germs like bleach?
A: Yes! The alcohol and hydrogen peroxide combination is EPA-approved for disinfecting.

Q: How much can I really save?
A: Most families save $50-100 per year just by switching to this spray.

Q: Is it safe for all surfaces?
A: Yes! Unlike bleach, it won’t damage or discolor surfaces.

Making this switch isn’t just about saving $100 a year, though that money adds up fast. It’s about taking control of what goes into your cleaning supplies and onto your surfaces. I used to worry about my kids touching the counters right after I cleaned them. Now? I watch them help me clean without holding my breath or rushing to wash their hands.

Your next bottle of cleaner is a choice. You can spend $8 on something that makes you cough, or spend $3 on ingredients you trust. Start with one batch – that’s all it takes to see the difference in your budget and your home. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever spent so much on store-bought sprays in the first place.

The post Make This DIY Disinfectant Spray For Half The Cost appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Are you a coffee-lover who’s always looking for ways to stretch your budget and reduce waste? Well, hold onto your mug, because those used coffee grounds you’ve been tossing might just be the secret weapon you didn’t know you had. That’s right – the humble coffee grounds you brew every morning are packed with potential, waiting to be unleashed in ways you’ve never imagined.

Why should you care about reusing coffee grounds? It’s simple: they’re a versatile, eco-friendly resource that can help you save money, reduce your environmental impact, and even tackle some common household challenges. From gardening hacks to beauty treatments, pest control to odor elimination, coffee grounds are the unsung hero of your kitchen. Plus, finding new uses for something you’d normally throw away is a great way to teach your kids about sustainability and resourcefulness.

In this article, we’ll explore 20 surprising and practical ways to put those used coffee grounds to work.

In the Garden

Fertilizer: This one you probably already know about, but you can’t have a top uses for coffee grounds without talking about how they help in growing an amazing garden. But wait – don’t just start dumping them on your precious petunias becuase if used wrong, fresh coffee grounds can actually do more harm than good. The reason is that coffee grounds absorb nitrogen from your soil and not all plants need that. Some plants, like blueberries and roses, thrive in acidic soil.

Also See: Easy, Expert Gardening Tips for Beginners

Something else to keep in mind when using spent coffee grounds in the garden is that moderation is key, as too much can actually “burn” your plants. The key to using leftover coffee grounds in the garden is patience, so before using them, let those grounds sit for a couple of months. Once they’ve settled for a bit, they’re ready to work their magic. Another tip is that balance is important, so mix those coffee grounds with some crushed eggshells and coffee grounds should make up no more than 1/3 of your potting soil.

Beauty and Personal Care

Body Scrub: Mix coffee grounds with coconut oil for an effective exfoliator. It’s gentle on your skin but gets the job done. Plus, it smells good – like your favorite coffee shop. This simple DIY can save you money on expensive store-bought scrubs.

Cellulite Fighter: Let’s talk about those “motherhood mementos” we all love to hate. We all have cellulite and those coffee grounds might help. The caffeine can tighten skin and potentially reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s a natural option worth trying. Remember, every small step counts when it comes to self-care and confidence.

Hair Revitalizer: If your hair needs a boost, try a coffee ground rinse. It can add shine and may even promote hair growth. As an added benefit, it might help cover up some gray hairs between color treatments. Just be careful if you have light-colored hair – you don’t want to end up with unexpected darker streaks.

Something important to keep in mind: your skin absorbs caffeine. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or trying to cut back, be cautious about using coffee grounds on large areas of your body. You might want to stick to using them on less absorbent areas. It’s always better to be safe when trying new things.

Around the House

Move over, vinegar and baking soda. There’s a new cleaning superhero in town, and it comes from your coffee pot.

Natural Deodorizer: If your fridge has some unwanted odors, try placing a bowl of coffee grounds inside. It works as a natural air freshener without any artificial scents. This method is effective for trash cans too. It’s a simple, science-based solution that costs less than store-bought odor absorbers.

Also See: How To Keep Your House Smelling Good All the Time

Gentle Abrasive for Tough Stains: Coffee grounds can be useful for tackling stubborn stains on pots, pans, or even clothing. The grounds act as a gentle abrasive, similar to a scrub brush. This can be especially helpful for those set-in stains that seem impossible to remove. Before you consider replacing stained items, give this method a try.

Furniture Touch-Up: Here’s an unexpected use: coffee grounds can help conceal scratches on dark wood furniture. It’s a quick fix that can work in a pinch. Simply rub a small amount of grounds into the scratch to help blend it with the surrounding wood. This trick can help extend the life of your wooden furniture and delay costly replacements or repairs.

For the Kids

Let’s look at some ways to use coffee grounds for educational activities with your children. These ideas can provide learning opportunities while making use of something you’d usually throw away.

Sensory Play: Create a simple sensory bin using coffee grounds. Add some scoops, cups, and small toys to encourage exploration. This activity can help develop fine motor skills and introduce concepts like texture and measurement. It’s a low-cost alternative to store-bought sensory materials.

Natural Dye for Art Projects: Coffee grounds can be used as a natural dye for painting projects. This introduces children to the concept of natural pigments and can be a good way to talk about colors. Since coffee is non-toxic, you don’t need to worry if younger children accidentally put it in their mouths.

Science Experiments: Use coffee grounds in growing experiments to teach kids about plant life cycles and composting. This can be a practical way to introduce concepts like recycling and environmental responsibility. It also helps children develop patience as they wait for plants to grow.

In the Kitchen

Alright, let’s head back to where it all began – the kitchen. Your coffee grounds aren’t done working their magic just because you’ve had your morning cup (or pot, no judgment here).

Meat Tenderizer: Coffee grounds can be used as a meat tenderizer, particularly for game meats like venison. The acids in coffee can help break down tough fibers in meat, making it more tender. It can also add a subtle depth of flavor and reduce gamey tastes in wild meats. This can be a cost-effective alternative to store-bought tenderizers.

Baking Helper: In baking, coffee grounds can serve multiple purposes. Sprinkling a small amount in your cake pan before adding batter can help prevent sticking. For chocolate cakes, adding some grounds to the batter can enhance the flavor, giving it a mocha-like taste. This is a simple way to add complexity to your baking without buying additional ingredients.

Garbage Disposal Cleaner: Coffee grounds can help clean and deodorize your garbage disposal. The abrasive texture of the grounds can help scrub away built-up residue, while the coffee scent can help neutralize odors. This is a natural and inexpensive alternative to chemical cleaners.

Natural Food Coloring: You can use coffee grounds as a natural brown food coloring. This works well for items like frosting or homemade playdough. It’s a safe, non-toxic option that can replace artificial food colors, which can be expensive and contain chemicals some families prefer to avoid.

These kitchen uses for coffee grounds show how a little creativity can help you save money and find natural solutions to common kitchen tasks. By repurposing what you already have, you can reduce waste and potentially avoid buying additional products.

Pet-Friendly Uses

Now, let’s talk about the furry members of our family. Turns out, coffee grounds can be great for pets too – with a few important caveats.

Natural Flea Repellent: Coffee grounds can serve as a natural flea repellent. During bath time, you can gently rub some grounds into your pet’s fur. The strong scent can help deter fleas without using chemical-based products. This can be a cost-effective alternative to expensive flea treatments, but it’s always best to consult with your vet first.

Odor Neutralizer for Pet Bedding: To help manage pet odors, sprinkle some coffee grounds on pet bedding, let it sit for a while, then vacuum it up. The grounds can help absorb and neutralize unpleasant smells. This method can be a budget-friendly way to keep your home smelling fresh between pet bed washes.

Important Safety Precautions: While coffee grounds can be useful externally, they can be dangerous if ingested by pets. Caffeine is toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Always keep coffee grounds out of reach of your pets. If you’re using grounds on your pet or their belongings, make sure they can’t lick or eat them.

These uses for coffee grounds can provide natural, cost-effective solutions for some common pet care issues. However, the safety of your pets should always be the top priority. By being cautious and informed, and even consulting with your veterinarian, you can potentially save money on pet care while keeping your furry friends safe and healthy.

Seasonal Uses

One of the best things about coffee grounds is that they’re useful all year round. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen waste.

Winter: Eco-Friendly Ice Melt: In winter, mix coffee grounds with sand for an alternative ice melt. This mixture can provide traction on icy surfaces and is less harmful to plants than many chemical de-icers. It’s a cost-effective option that can help you avoid buying expensive de-icing products.

Spring: Seed Starting Medium: As planting season begins, coffee grounds can be mixed with soil to create a nutrient-rich medium for starting seeds. This can be a budget-friendly way to give your garden a head start without purchasing special seed-starting mixes.

Summer: Natural Insect Repellent: During the warmer months, sprinkle coffee grounds around outdoor seating areas to help deter insects. The strong scent can help keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay. This natural method can be a cost-effective alternative to commercial insect repellents.

Fall: Autumn-Scented Crafts: In fall, coffee grounds can be used in seasonal crafts. For example, mix them with cinnamon and cloves to make autumn-scented playdough. This provides a sensory activity for children and can naturally scent your home without the need for expensive seasonal candles or air fresheners.

Coffee Ground Safety and Storage Tips

Before you go off on your coffee ground adventures, a few quick safety tips:

1. Make sure to dry out your grounds before storing them. Wet grounds can grow mold faster than your kids outgrow their shoes.
2. Store them in an airtight container. A mason jar works great, and it looks pretty cute on your counter too.
3. If you notice any weird smells or colors, toss ’em. Better safe than sorry.
4. Remember, while coffee grounds are generally safe, some people can be allergic. Always do a patch test before slathering them all over your skin.
5. And finally, when in doubt, throw it out. Coffee grounds are great, but they’re not worth risking your family’s health over.

The post 20 Surprising Uses for Coffee Grounds You Might Not Know appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Hey there, fellow kitchen warriors! Let’s talk about something we all dread but rarely discuss – those stinky kitchen washcloths. You know the ones I’m talking about. You reach for them, hoping to quickly wipe up a spill, and BAM! You’re hit with that funky, sour smell that makes you wonder if you’re cleaning or just spreading around yesterday’s spaghetti sauce.

As a mom who’s constantly battling sticky counters, messy dishes, and the never-ending parade of spills and splatters, I’ve been on a mission. A mission to find the best kitchen washcloths that don’t smell. Because let’s face it, we’ve got enough on our plates without worrying about whether our cleaning tools are actually, well, clean.

Why does this matter so much? It’s not just about avoiding embarrassment when guests catch a whiff of your not-so-fresh rags. Using a smelly washcloth can actually spread bacteria around your kitchen, potentially contaminating the very surfaces you’re trying to clean. That’s right – your well-intentioned cleaning routine might be doing more harm than good.

So, what’s a busy mom to do? Give up and resort to using a mountain of paper towels? Not on my watch! After countless loads of laundry, numerous sniff tests, and more kitchen messes than I care to admit, I’ve discovered some game-changing washcloths that stay fresh, no matter what your kitchen throws at them. Ready to say goodbye to stinky washcloths and hello to a fresher, cleaner kitchen? Let’s dive in and discover the washcloths that work as hard as you do!

Also See: How To Keep Dishrags from Smelling

What Makes a Washcloth Smell-Resistant?

Now that we know the enemy, let’s talk about our weapons. What turns a regular washcloth into an odor-fighting superhero?

First up, material matters. Different fabrics have unique properties that contribute to odor resistance. Cotton, for example, is naturally breathable but can hold onto moisture if not dried properly. Microfiber, on the other hand, dries quickly and resists bacterial growth. Some innovative materials even incorporate antimicrobial technology. These bad boys are designed to give bacteria less time to throw a stink party.

Last, pay attention to the weave and texture. Waffle weaves, for example, help prevent food particles from getting trapped (ew, right?).

Also See: Natural Homemade Cleaners

Top 5 Odor-Fighting Kitchen Washcloths

Alright, drumroll, please! Here are my top 5 picks for washcloths that’ll keep your kitchen (and your nose) happy:

1. Homaxy Cotton Waffle Weave Dish Cloths: These 100% cotton champs are absorbent superstars! The waffle weave isn’t just pretty – it’s what makes these cloths quick-drying and odor-resistant. They’re soft on hands but tough on messes. Just be prepared for a bit of lint in the first wash or two.  Cotton is a great eco-friendly choice, as it’s biodegradable and renewable.
2. T-fal Waffle Dish Cloths: Not your average kitchen helper! These waffle-textured wonders are absorbent, quick-drying, and surprisingly lint-free. They’re a bit on the thin side, but don’t let that fool you – these cloths can handle everything from drying dishes to wiping down counters. The thinness actually helps them dry faster, giving bacteria less time to grow.
3. Swedish Dishcloths: These Scandinavian superstars can hold 20 times their weight in water! They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and come in lots of designs. They do need a bit of TLC to keep them fresh, but it’s worth it for their amazing performance. Here’s a pro tip: to clean these, either toss them in the dishwasher (top rack) or microwave them damp for 30 seconds to zap any lingering bacteria.
   
   One big question about Swedish dishcloths is whether they can be put in the dryer. And the answer is… it depends! Some brands say it’s a no-no, while others give the green light. My advice? Air-drying is your safest bet. These super-absorbent cloths usually dry so fast you won’t even miss the dryer. But if you’re in a pinch, a quick tumble on low heat won’t hurt most of them. Just check the care instructions to be sure!
4. Miracle Made Bath Towels: Now, I know what you’re thinking – bath towels in the kitchen? But hear me out! These are infused with silver ions that fight off bacteria like tiny knights in shining armor. They’re super absorbent, quick-drying, and stay fresh longer than your average cloth. Yes, they’re expensive, but can you really put a price on a stink-free kitchen? Just keep in mind that while antimicrobial cloths are great, they’re not a substitute for regular washing – think of them as an extra line of defense, not a cleaning cure-all.
5. MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: Don’t let the name fool you – these little wonders aren’t just for your glasses! These versatile cloths are like the Swiss Army knife of the cleaning world. They’re lint-free and gentle enough for your delicate surfaces, but tough enough to tackle kitchen messes. 

I’ve put these through the wringer (pun intended!), and they’ve all passed the sniff test with flying colors. No more holding your nose while wiping the counter!

Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about why your washcloths are turning into smell factories. Even with regular washing, these little cleaning champs can build up bacteria, food particles, and detergent residue. This nasty cocktail leads to that sour smell we all dread. And let’s be honest, who wants to clean with something that smells worse than the mess you’re trying to tackle?

Also See: How to Make Old Towels Smell Good Again

Care Tips for Longer-Lasting Washcloths

Now, even the best washcloths need a little TLC to stay fresh. Here’s how to keep your new odor-fighting friends in tip-top shape:

1. Rinse and wring out after each use. Don’t let those food particles stick around!
2. Hang to dry between uses. A damp cloth is a stinky cloth’s best friend.
3. Wash regularly in hot water. 
4. Skip the fabric softener. It creates a buildup that traps odors.
5. Add a splash of white vinegar to the wash for extra freshness.

The post A Mom’s Guide To The Best Kitchen Washcloths That Don’t Smell appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

As a working mom, keeping a realistic cleaning schedule for your home is the only way to go. Yes, you might feel like you can do it all in one weekend, but trust me when I tell you, that isn’t the best of plans.

For one thing, your house will remain a complete mess until the weekend arrives, then go back to being a complete mess come Tuesday, and the cycle starts all over again.

Another thing is that the weekends are supposed to be your rest days. Filling them up with house chores leaves you with nothing to look forward to after a long week of hard work.

So, moms, please don’t leave all the house chores for the weekend. Instead, you can create a realistic cleaning checklist and schedule that incorporates all the days of the week.

Nothing too crazy; a little wiping here, a little sweeping there, maybe some decluttering sprinkled in… you know, break those house chores down to simple daily tasks that can easily be done consistently, and you will have a clean house without necessarily breaking your back or wasting your weekend.

As a working mom, here’s what my realistic cleaning schedule looks like!

Every Day Can be a Cleaning Day

“Cleanliness is not next to godliness; it is godliness.” – Mahatma Gandhi

That’s the motto around my house. I have implemented a chore chart that includes everyone in the family, and every day is a cleaning day.

Monday: Declutter

Being the day right after the weekend, there’s going to be stuff lying around the house. So this day is for decluttering, and it’s an all-hands-on-deck affair at my house.

• Rooms: Everyone starts by decluttering their rooms first before we assemble in the common rooms, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
• 10-minute Tidy-up Rule: I have this thing in my house where we all take 10 minutes at the end of our days to tidy up our personal spaces, and this is done every day. Being that the weekend gets very busy with the kids playing and running around, the previous 10 minutes are often not enough to get everything done, so that spills over to Mondays.

The idea here is to keep the spaces as clutter-free as possible. After that, people can go about their business.

Also See: The 4 Rules I Use to Declutter Toys in My Kid’s Room

Tuesday: Dust and Shine Day

Dusting is a necessary part of the house cleaning process. So much so that if I weren’t a working, busy mom, I think I might dust the house daily. Not that it’s that much fun, but because it serves the following main purposes:

• It keeps the house looking spick-and-span
• Improves the air quality

When it comes to dusting, the trick is to start with the highest points and slowly but methodically work your way down. Since dust tends to settle, starting at the bottom would be a waste of time; you’ll have to redo those spaces after you are done with the higher ones.

Wednesdays: Kitchen

At my house, everyone does the dirty dishes in turns, so that’s never really an issue. However, there are more than just dishes in the kitchen, and on Wednesdays, I like to focus on those other things.

• Appliances: Every appliance needs to be wiped down properly. I like to give each child their own appliance to focus on. From the toaster to the microwave and coffee maker, each child is responsible for making sure that their appliance(s) are clean. I usually take on the oven because I’m quite particular about that one, and I don’t fully trust those adorable little rascals to get that one right!
• Surfaces: Whoever’s not doing the dishes on that day helps with wiping down the countertops and other surfaces, as well as organizing the cabinets. We also clean the fridge out before every trash day. We don’t want last week’s tuna casserole living in the back of the fridge for another week, do we?

Thursday: Bathrooms

I can tell you this right now: not very many people are going to want to help with cleaning the bathrooms, but they have to be done. If you have more than one bathroom in the house, divide and conquer. Split the labor force evenly.

• Clear the surfaces: Make sure that all the items in the bathroom are neatly tucked away in the cabinets or in their rightful place. This leaves you with clutter-free surfaces that you can dust and wipe down.
• Scrub the bowls: From the bathroom sink to the bathtub and shower, you need to thoroughly scrub these bowls and surfaces with the right cleaning supplies. This isn’t something you are doing for the sake of doing it. Bathrooms can be a hotbed for bacteria and fungi. Using a powerful disinfectant is always advisable.

Friday: Floors

On Friday, I like to have all the floors cleaned and vacuumed. Done weekly, this cleaning becomes straightforward.

• Vacuum and Sweep: The trick is to focus on the often neglected spaces, such as under the furniture and corners. You’ll find lots of pet hair and dust gathered in these places throughout the week.
• Clean and Mop: Once you are done with the sweeping and vacuuming, you can mop up the areas in the house where the floors need to shine a bit. You know your house best; make sure that each floor material gets cleaned with its own specifically unique cleaning material and method.

Also see: Weekly cleaning checklist printable

Saturday: Laundry Day

Saturday is laundry day. Everyone brings out their dirty clothes from the week. After tossing them in the washer, everyone pitches in to iron and fold and put them away.

It’s that simple. In my house, you are responsible for your own laundry. Mom isn’t going to put your socks and underwear away for you!

Of course, I take on the lion’s share of the cleaning routine, but involving the family makes things much easier and lighter. I like to leave Sunday free.

It’s the one day we hardly do anything except light chores like cooking and washing dishes. On this day, I like to review the progress we made during the past week and tweak whatever needs tweaking to make sure that the coming week is even more efficient.

I find that this is a realistic cleaning routine and schedule that my family and I can stick to despite our busy lives. Now and again, I hire a professional cleaning service to get to those places we don’t usually get to, but that’s about it. My house is almost always spick and span. Almost!

The post A Realistic Cleaning Schedule Working Parents Can Stick To appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I’m a working mom, and I can categorically tell you that the “cleaning schedule for working moms” that I have tends to change quite a bit depending on how much help I have around the house and how much time I need to spend away from my home due to work.

My kids help quite a bit, actually. Ever since I created a family chore chart, everybody but the family dog pitches in and does their part.

Despite all this, however, the bulk of the responsibility falls on my shoulders. Imagine juggling all that: work, homework, soccer, and karate practice on the weekends, as well as trying to have a semblance of a social life. It can, quite frankly, be a little overwhelming.

Look who I’m telling! You probably go through the same thing or even more!

I mean, they don’t call us superhuman for nothing.

Anyway, enough about our special skills. Let’s take a quick look at how you can create an efficient cleaning schedule for working moms that works for you!

Assess Your Home

Each family’s home is different. Small family homes (three to four members) aren’t going to need as much cleaning attention as big family (five and above) homes. Just as families with toddlers will need a different kind of attention than families with teenagers or young adults.

So start by assessing your unique family cleaning needs. This is what I do:

• Pay close attention to the places that get the most traffic, like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room.
• Give a realistic assessment of how often those spaces need cleaning (both regular and deep cleaning).
• Find little, simple cleaning tasks that can be done on the fly every day.

The idea here is to get a big picture of your cleaning needs so you can organize and prioritize certain aspects of them daily.

Create an Organized Chore Chart

“For every minute spent on organizing, an hour is earned.”— Benjamin Franklin

I’ve already told you about my family chart; I can’t express how important that chart has been to my sanity!

Keeping your house clean is like taking on any other project, except this one requires you to put in some work daily. You need to break it all down to bite sizes because you are probably going to be exhausted on most days. What with work and all those people (read: adorable family) depending on you?

Start by breaking down the tasks into daily, weekly, and, finally, monthly segments.

Daily Tasks

These should include essential chores that help keep your home tidy.

• Making the bed: everyone should make their bed when they wake up
• Doing dishes: create a chart for people to take turns—whoever cooks doesn’t do the dishes
• Picking up after themselves

Weekly Tasks

These should cover some heavy-duty cleaning chores, such as:

• Vacuuming the living area and anywhere that has a rug
• Mopping the floors and wiping down most surfaces
• Thoroughly cleaning the bathrooms and the mirrors

Also see: Weekly cleaning checklist template

Monthly Tasks

These should include things like:

• Decluttering your home from the kitchen to the bedrooms and even the toys.
• Organizing various storage spaces such as your kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and garage.
• Deep cleaning of the home and various appliances, such as your refrigerator and oven.

Also see: The Essential List of Household Chores

Find Ways to Save Time

I think you’ll agree with me that the biggest issue here is time. You need time for everything, including work, rest, and spending quality time with your family.

Since we all have 24 hours in a day, as a supermom, it’s your job to find ways to save as much of that time as possible, which means using it efficiently. Here’s one trick I use with my family: The 10-minute Tidy-Up Rule.

It’s quite simple: every day, before we go to bed (9 pm), everyone takes 10 minutes to tidy up the house. Just quick chores like putting their toys away, straightening up the common areas, folding the laundry, and such.

I’ve found that over time, this daily cleaning schedule helps to keep the house neat.

Another nice trick is to use multi-purpose cleaning detergents or products. This way, I don’t have to keep switching between different solutions during my cleaning routine.

Tips on How to Make Cleaning Easier for Working Moms

While creating a weekly cleaning schedule is important and does work for me, the simple truth is that sometimes I’m just too knackered, and all I want to do is lay down and take a quick nap (which often ends up sweeping me through half the night).

So, I came up with some ways to make the entire cleaning process a bit lighter these days.

Get Everyone Involved

Since there’s already a set schedule, everyone is already involved in the cleaning routine. However, we have an addendum to this family constitution: whenever a family member is unable to complete their daily task, they can either leave it for tomorrow (no later than) or ask another family member to take it over, and in return, they’ll take over that family member’s cleaning task for the next day.

Be Flexible

There are going to be days when you just can’t get all the house cleaning done. That’s okay. You can skip those days and take it all up again tomorrow.

The beauty of it is that with the 10-minute Tidy-Up Rule, the house is mostly clean anyway. At some point, it’s just about maintenance, which makes it easier to keep a clean home, even with a busy schedule.

Get Professional Help

Yes, sometimes we hire professional cleaners (mostly on the weekends) because of the busy schedule we often keep. However, this is done with the consent of the entire family, as the cost is shared with everyone.

And trust me, my little rascals would give up their lunch money or allowance to have someone else do their chores for them.

Also see: 11 Lifestyle Tips from Organized Moms

There you have it, my tricks for creating an efficient cleaning schedule for working moms! What are some of the tasks on your weekly cleaning checklist?

The post Realistic Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms (Free Printable) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

There was a time when the entire list of household chores was designated as mine. No longer! I have since learned that you can conscript your entire family into this service, and everyone will be fine with it, albeit with some grumbling here and there.

Nowadays, I have free printable creative chore lists for you that not only make the entire process seamless but also fun. Would you believe that?

Also see: Simplified Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms

The Importance of Having a Household Chore Schedule

Who doesn’t want to live in a clean home? For those of us with children, especially toddlers and young children, maintaining a clean house can seem like something straight out of a science fiction movie.

From the laundry constantly piling up to the dirty dishes that never seem to vacate the kitchen sink, sometimes even having a clean mirror in the house can seem like a tall order. No matter how tiresome it is, keeping a clean house is absolutely necessary.

As a parent of a child who has a best friend with asthma, I’ve found firsthand that a clean home can significantly reduce allergens and asthma triggers. Research by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has also shown that maintaining cleanliness can reduce the chances of falling ill. This isn’t just about appearance; it’s about health. In my own experience, having a clean home means I’m always ready for impromptu guests, and I don’t have to scramble around or apologize for any mess when someone shows up unexpectedly.

However, a clean home and everything that comes with it can prove difficult to maintain if you find yourself doing it all alone. I highly recommend getting everyone on a military-like regimen when it comes to cleaning and other household chores. It’s easier on your back and psyche and rewards you with a clean and hygienic home.

Also See: How to Make a Family Chore Chart that Works

Breaking Down House Chores

In my years of managing a household with children of various ages, I’ve learned that assigning age-appropriate chores is crucial. Trust me, your six-year-old might swear they can clean the gutters, but it’s best to leave that to the adults or older teens. When I create our family’s list of household chores, I break them down into different categories based on age and ability. Here’s a method I’ve developed, backed by experts in child development, to ensure that chores are not only suitable but also contribute to individual growth and family teamwork.

Here’s what I do:

Create Individual Lists

This will allow you to give age-appropriate chores to each family member. If done correctly, there won’t be any undue pressure or perceived unfairness on any one child. However, your teenage daughter will probably still complain, but it is a rite of passage and often expected.

Personalize Household Tasks

The idea here is to play to everyone’s strengths. If you have a child who particularly likes or, at the very least, doesn’t mind washing the dishes, assign that to them. The same goes for sweeping the house, washing the car, mowing the lawn, or even grocery shopping. This way, the appropriately assigned household tasks stand a chance of being done with TLC.

Make the List Amendable

Family members can swap chores, provided everyone knows who’s taking on which chore on behalf of whom. This way, if your teenage daughter has a date on Friday night, she can ask her brother to do the dishes for her, and she can do the laundry for him, and so on. I have found that this ensures that things get done without any excuses.

If you are ready to draft your family members into this service, here’s a comprehensive list of household chores that might help you get started.

Daily Household Chores

Household chores need to be done daily, like washing dishes. After a while, they become part of the routine and hardly feel like a chore at all. These household chores often revolve around cleaning the living spaces and may include:

• Making the bed (everyone should make their own bed every day in the morning; no exceptions)
• Washing the dishes
• Sweeping the house (living room, kitchen floor, and other living areas)
• Cooking meals
• Walking the dog
• Taking out the trash
• Wiping down the kitchen cabinets, dining table, and bathroom sinks
• Vacuuming the carpet or rug

While some of these chores are more personal and should be assigned to the individual, others are more general and can be rotated amongst family members on a daily or weekly basis.

Daily chores become routine and easier the more they are done. If you wipe down the kitchen counter every day, there will be less dust or dirt to clean after a couple of days, making it a breeze for whoever’s on duty.

Weekly Household Chores

Apart from the daily chores, weekly chores call for a bit more care. These include:

• Deep cleaning the house (rugs, seats, carpets, floors, and so on)
• Deep cleaning the bathroom (scrubbing the toilet bowl, sinks, bathtub, and even the wall tiles)
• Washing and changing all the bedding, curtains, and towels
• Meal planning
• Deep-cleaning dirty clothes
• Mowing the lawn

This is where most outdoor chores fall. Things like cleaning the gutters, weeding the flowers, and trimming the hedges are all weekly chores. In many cases, I find it more efficient to include the entire family in these chores. You can make it a fun weekend activity or offer a special reward to get it all done.

Every weekend or so, have the whole gang deep clean and tackle outdoor chores together. It makes for an excellent bonding opportunity for the family.

Also see: Tips from working moms on decluttering your kid’s room

Monthly Household Chores

Monthly chores are mostly heavy-duty tasks. These include:

• Defrosting and cleaning out the freezer
• Deep cleaning the windows and seals
• Deep cleaning all your kitchen appliances
• Cleaning or replacing air conditioner filters
• Deep cleaning furniture

If you have pets, this is when they need to be bathed and groomed.

Miscellaneous Household Chores

Other family chores might not fall under these categories for one reason or another. In many cases, you will find that these are things you only need to do once every so often, maybe even yearly. These should fall under miscellaneous and may not necessarily be assigned to any one person.

You can have the entire family help out, including the younger kids (depending on the chore in question), or you can do what I do and bribe someone to do it.

Admittedly, I use the “I’ll increase your allowance for one week” card way more than I should.

Some of these miscellaneous household chores include:

• Organizing the garage or attic
• Decluttering the house
• Pruning trees

I keep saying that every family is different. As such, this list of household chores will differ from family to family. It’s up to you to customize your own list. The fundamentals should remain the same, though. Assign tasks to individuals who already like doing them and try to make things as fair as possible.

The good thing about all this is that once you create a culture of cleanliness and personal responsibility in your home, it begins to work like clockwork. Adding additional chores to the cleaning schedule or household chore checklist will often go unnoticed or, at the very least, won’t ignite a fight or argument among the siblings when chore time comes around.

The post Master Household Chore List: Daily, Weekly & Monthly (Printable) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

These are some of the best bathroom cleaning products that work wonders for my home. Try them out and see if they work for you too.

It’s really difficult to nail down the best bathroom cleaning products. With every brand or product claiming to be the best at getting rid of germs or stubborn stains, finding one that really works for you and your bathroom can be a headache.

As a mom, I don’t need to tell you that I spend a large amount of time cleaning bathroom surfaces. Goodness knows if I don’t do it properly, my little ones won’t, despite it being on their chore list.

While you could use an all-purpose cleaner for everything, including the glass shower door, the shower walls, the toilet bowl, and the sink, it’s often best to find dedicated cleaners that will really get in there and make these spaces as germ- and scum-free as possible.

That’s why I have this list.

I can’t say that it’s a list of the best bathroom cleaning products ever, but it is a list of the best bathroom cleaning products that I have found to work wonders around my home. Maybe they will do the same for you too.

Best Overall: Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer Disinfecting Spray

• Form: Liquid
• Scent: Rain shower
• Disinfectant: Yes

I find that this Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer Disinfecting Spray is as close to an all-purpose bathroom cleaner as I can get while still having something that’s specifically designed for specific areas.

This Scrubbing Bubbles spray does wonders on a host of surfaces, but it’s particularly good on shower walls, tubs, shower doors, tile, countertops, sinks, and vinyl shower curtains.

If you have been looking for a soap scum remover that goes the extra mile when it comes to dissolving all that gunk and glazing ceramic tile, fiberglass, stainless steel, and even porcelain, try this Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer Disinfecting Spray.

What I Like

• Excellent for deep cleaning
• Sweet, fresh scent
• Tough on bathroom grime
• Removes soap scum completely
• Spray bottle is easy to use

What I Don’t Like

• The scent can be too mild for some people

Also See: Make This DIY Disinfectant Spray For Half The Cost

Best for Toilet Bowls: Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach

• Form: Gel
• Scent: Rain clean
• Disinfectant: Yes

Toilet bowls need a bit more TLC than most of the bathroom for reasons well-known to all of us. I find that this Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach works wonders for my toilet bowls.

Bleach is one of the ingredients that make up this toilet bowl cleaner, meaning it can kill up to 99.99% of germs. I also find that it’s fairly easy to use and doesn’t need me to really put my back into the scrubbing. Just a little goes a very long way.

While the angled nozzle makes it easy enough to target those hidden spots under the toilet bowl rim, the one thing I don’t entirely like about this Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach is that it has a very light color.

That makes it blend in with the white toilet bowl, and if you aren’t keen, you won’t see which spots have the solution on them and which don’t. Since the manufacturer recommends letting it sit for about 10 minutes for best results, not knowing which spots have the solution and which don’t is a bit of an issue.

What I Like

• Easy to use
• Doesn’t require much scrubbing
• Has bleach and kills 99.99% of germs
• Angled nozzle

What I Don’t Like

• Very light color

Best Bathroom Glass Cleaner: Method Daily Shower Cleaner Refill 

• Form: Spray
• Scent: Mint and Eucalyptus
• Disinfectant: No

I particularly like this Method Daily Shower Cleaner Refill, because it’s like an all-purpose cleaner rolled up in a nice, easy-to-use mint-scented refill bottle. Designed to help prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and soap scum, this Method Daily Shower Cleaner Refill works as a daily cleaning agent for when you simply want to wipe down bathroom surfaces and mirrors without necessarily deep cleaning the entire place.

Another thing I really like about it is that the mint and eucalyptus scent is neither too mild nor too overpowering. It’s just right.

While this Method Daily Shower Cleaner Refill works wonders when it comes to keeping your windows and glass bathroom doors clean, it doesn’t contain any disinfectants. This, unfortunately, means that germs get a free pass.

What I Like

• Easy to use
• It’s a refill
• The scent is just perfect for me
• Great daily bathroom cleaning agent

What I Don’t Like

• Has no disinfectant

Best Bathroom Scrubber: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 

• Form: Sponge
• Scent: None
• Disinfectant: No

You simply cannot create a list of the best bathroom cleaners without mentioning Mr. Clean. This Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is the ideal scrubber.

What I like the most about this Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is that it doesn’t need to be paired with any other bathroom cleaner on this list. While it isn’t a detergent in its own right, it does have built-in soap, making it the ideal scrubber to thoroughly clean your bathroom. This Magic Eraser works well on tubs, tiles, and bathroom glass shower doors.

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has microscrubbers just like the original. All you have to do is wet it and then squeeze while scrubbing. The one thing I don’t like about it is that once you’ve wetted and used it, you might have a difficult time finding the right space to store it.

What I Like

• Easy to use
• Doesn’t need to be paired with a bathroom cleaner
• Doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals
• Can be used anywhere around the house, not just in the bathroom

What I Don’t Like

• Difficult to store

As I said, these are just some of the best bathroom cleaning products that work for me. Try them out. They just might work for you too.

What to Look for When Buying Bathroom Cleaners

We are all different, and I am sure you have your own criteria for things you look for when shopping. It took me a while to nail down this list of the best bathroom cleaning products. Here’s how I did it and what I look for when I think of trying out a new one.

Type of Cleaner

I have nothing against all-purpose cleaners. They work perfectly well when cleaning bathroom counters and floors. However, whenever I want to clean the mirrors, get the toilet bowls sparkling clean, the tub, or the shower walls, I go for a dedicated cleaner. These are often specifically formulated to clean those particular surfaces. 

A dedicated cleaner like the Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach mentioned above has the ingredients to power through and eliminate germs or grime commonly found on those particular surfaces.

The Bathroom Surface to Be Cleaned

Some products don’t go with some surfaces. For example, if you use a cleaner specifically designed for porcelain toilets on a stainless steel bathroom surface, you will quickly discover it’s a bad idea. 

These cleaners are too strong for such surfaces and tend to damage them over time. Some are too mild to make any difference. The idea is to carefully read through the instructions of each bathroom cleaning product and only use those that are safe to use on the bathroom surface you intend to clean.

Disinfectants

Disinfectants are always a great idea when dealing with the bathroom area. This is a space everyone shares in the home, and as such, it tends to accumulate the most germs and grime. Using a bathroom cleaner that can kill these germs is always an excellent idea. 

Just make sure that the claims can be substantiated. I often refer to the EPA register before I buy any disinfectant claiming to kill 110% of all the germs in my home.

FAQs

How often should I clean my bathroom?

Personally, I clean and disinfect the entire bathroom at least once every two weeks. But I clean and disinfect the toilet bowl and sinks at least once a week since they are high-traffic zones.

Can I mix bathroom cleaning products?

I have found this to be a bad idea! Most, if not all, cleaning products are made using harsh chemicals, and mixing them could cause a reaction that might produce harmful fumes. It’s best not to mix them at all. Just use them individually.

Where should I store my bathroom cleaning products?

Although every product has its own instructions on where to store it, I find that storing it in a cool, dark place away from children is always a great idea.

The post 7 Best Bathroom Cleaning Products Busy Moms Swear By (2026) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

How clean is clean? When was the last time you inspected your kitchen? And I mean, really inspected it? Did you know that using the wrong cleaning products can leave your kitchen open to contamination because they just aren’t getting the job done right? 

You also have to be careful making your own cleaners because mixing certain chemicals can cause reactions that can create toxicity. No, I am not here to scare you! I am here to help you by sharing my list of the top kitchen cleaning products that actually work. 

Keeping a list of the best cleaning products around the house makes it easy for me, and it just makes sense.   

Here’s my list of different categories of kitchen cleaning products and how they get the cleaning job done. With my suggestions, you should be able to customize your own cleaning supply list to suit your cleaning process and needs. 

We will explore ways to remove dirt from food preparation surfaces in the kitchen, like counters, dishes, pans, pots, cutting boards, knives, utensils, pots and pans.

Here are some cleaning products I feel you must include in your cleaning kit to maintain a clean and healthy kitchen.

1. Degreaser

If you are anything like me, you love a greasy snack here and there. Grease solidifies, enabling the build-up of grime and dirt on cookware, bakeware, and worktops.

A degreaser makes getting rid of this build-up easier as it can lift grease from these kitchen surfaces. A good degreaser can easily remove fingerprints, oils and fluids that might be corrosive to your kitchen utensils and surfaces. Some degreasers even have deodorizing and disinfecting properties for safe and hospitable kitchens.

Natural degreasers can be made using common household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is a sanitizer capable of removing stains and grease, while baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps remove stubborn stains and deodorizes. A mixture of the two makes the ideal degreaser for your kitchen surfaces. Bonus? It is even safe for your kids to use, so no more excuses for leaving the mess for mom to clean! 

2. Kitchen Sanitizing Products

The right kitchen sanitizing products kill viruses and bacteria from kitchen sinks, countertops, and floors. The aim here is to reduce the concentration of bacteria and other pathogens on food-contact surfaces to a safe level that minimizes the chances of contamination. 

Sanitizers kill living organisms, so the ideal sanitizing frequency depends on the kitchen’s exposure to these microbes. 

Sanitizers are typically cleaning chemical agents like chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide that can be packaged in a spray bottle so that they reach hidden spots to facilitate deep cleaning. These detergents are corrosive and produce harsh fumes, so they should be wiped off once their work is done.

Distilled vinegar has sanitizing properties and should be included in your kitchen cleaning product list as a natural cleaning solution.

3. Dishwasher Detergents

Dishwasher detergents are essential cleaning products because, let’s face it — none of us likes scrubbing, washing, and drying dishes by hand after savoring our favorite meal. Dishwasher performance is highly dependent on your dish soap. 

You don’t want to deal with soap scum, cloudy glasses, and foods that stick on after a wash cycle because you decided to go for low-quality cleaning supplies. The detergents clean the gunk off your dirty dishes so that you don’t have to hand wash them.

Dishwasher detergents come in the form of tablets and powder or liquid forms. These multipurpose house cleaning supplies are designed to leave your silverware shiny as new and remove dirty spots. They should make up a good part of your cleaning checklist if you have a dishwasher.

4. Rinse Aid

The right rinse aid is a cleaning tool that acts as a surfactant or a foaming agent that lowers the surface tension of water so that it easily slides off dishes in the dishwasher. It quickens the drying process while making it harder for water spots to form, especially where there is hard water. 

The all-purpose cleaner prevents water streaking and spotting while ensuring there is no scale build-up on the cutlery. It is dispensed as a drying agent at the end of the rinsing cycle.

You can even make your own rinse aids from natural products many of us already have stocked up in the home, like white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or citric acid powder. That way, you can keep your money in your pocket but still have a clean kitchen! 

Even with this homemade version of a rinse aid, your kitchen and utensils won’t smell, streak or mark. They come in handy, especially when you are dealing with hard water.

5. All–Purpose Kitchen Cleaning Products

All-in-one tablets function as dishwasher detergents, sanitizers and rinsing aids. They make it so you don’t need to use separate products to clean the kitchen. 

An all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean kitchens and bathrooms. They can be applied to floors, furniture, surfaces, and walls, handling any home cleaning task thrown at them.

6. Hand Soap

Your hands perform a ton of activities in the kitchen, from slicing onions, kneading dough, and handling spices to scrubbing grimy pots and grease. Hand soaps are essential cleaning supplies for the kitchen, and you should find brands that can get rid of the unpleasant odors from pungent foods without being harsh on the skin. 

Some handwashes have additives that are not food safe, so it’s important to look at the ingredients before purchasing handwash. They are kept close to the kitchen sink for easy access.

They are different from dish soap because they are formulated to have the optimal pH for the skin and have conditioning agents to keep the skin soft.

7. Kitchen Floor Cleaner

Kitchen floors are diverse, ranging from tiles, linoleum, wood and laminate, so it is important to know which cleaning solution will be most appropriate for your type of floor. Regardless of the floor type, it should be cleaned daily to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime. They are vulnerable to crumbs, pet hair and a lot of dirt tracked in by dirty shoes. And if you have a little one at home, you don’t want them crawling through gunk leftover on the kitchen floor. 

Use a brush with soft bristles to scrub between floor tiles and along grout lines. A nonabrasive cleaning product should be enough to clean the kitchen floor. Small doses of vinegar and water also do the trick. You can apply the solution using a damp cleaning cloth to not scratch the surface or leave any markings.

Where the scum is too much, you can remove it using a microfiber cloth and baking soda paste.

8. Microfiber Cloth Cleaner

These cleaning cloths have very thin fibers, which make them quite absorbent. They are great for wiping spills and pulling up dirt and grease. They can be used to wipe appliances and countertops, remove grime and grease, and polish or shine surfaces. 

I have found that these microfiber cloths are safe for stainless steel surfaces because their soft nature ensures they don’t scratch them. Microfiber cloths are also great in a pinch if you need to reach for something to clean up spilled orange juice in the morning but want something more sustainable than paper towels. 

Identifying Functional Kitchen Cleaning Products

Now that you know what is important, it is good to be in a position to select the best kitchen cleaning products to suit your family’s needs. These are some considerations you should keep in mind.

They Should Serve the Intended Purpose

While an all-purpose cleaner will care for most of your kitchen needs, some surfaces and appliances need special attention. You can introduce kitchen cleaning products that serve specific purposes as the need arises.

Consider the type of surfaces you have and their endurance level against wear and tear as you pick your cleaning products. With the right products, you might also be able to cut down on some of the elbow grease you would need for stuck-on messes because specific products are made to tackle any mess in your kitchen. 

They Should Be Food Safe

A great number of foods are eaten raw, so if your cleaning product has chemical properties that can leach into the food, it might cause health problems. Check out the ingredients and determine if any part of the cleaner is not food-safe before you use it in your kitchen.

Sanitizing Capacity

The kitchen is exposed to microbes like E. coli, salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. Cleaning products can dislodge them from food, surfaces and dirty hands so your family is safe from illnesses. Many cleaning agents will sanitize using bleach, but others use natural sanitizers like nitric acid salt and vinegar solutions.

Versatility

All-purpose cleaners can significantly reduce the number of items on your cleaning supplies list, making it easy to assemble. The more work you can get from a single product, the less you spend on kitchen cleaning products, and the faster you can get the job done.

That being said, some situations demand specific cleaning products designed to handle specific functions.

Surface Friendliness

Read the instructions on the package to confirm the product can be applied to the surface you want to clean. Some chemicals are too strong for the intended surface, while others are too abrasive and might damage your wooden cabinets, walls and floors, so they are replaced with better-suited cleaners.

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the home and is constantly exposed to ever-present contamination and pathogens such as E. coli spores. Add this to the looming possibility of spillage, grease, and messes as you prepare meals, and you will realize the need to clean the kitchen repeatedly.

The cleaning process is impossible without kitchen cleaning products that enable you to disinfect surfaces that come into contact with food, like the worktop, kitchen oven, cutlery, and food prep accessories. Once you have the right tools, the cleaning process becomes easy and seamless. And who knows? Maybe with the right tools, you can convince your kids to lend extra hands to help you clean up the messes.  

The post Sparkling Clean: The Top Kitchen Cleaning Products That Work appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

When adulting, there are certain things you find yourself doing. One of those things is making lists. This is especially true if you are running a busy household and tend to forget details between appointments, school functions, and other errands. 

If you are a practical person like me, a cleaning supplies list is not just ideal; rather, it’s essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home and keeping life a bit more organized. This is true whether you are doing regular house cleaning or thinking about the occasional spring cleaning process every year to purge your home of germs and the occasional stray board game with missing pieces. 

Having a checklist of your house cleaning supplies helps make the cleaning process more seamless and sets you up for attaining an impeccably immaculate home without having to make extra trips to the store because you forgot this cleaner or that one. 

While every household is different, a few house cleaning supplies should make it onto every house cleaning checklist. With that in mind, here is my checklist for essential cleaning supplies for both regular and deep cleaning. 

Also See: The Essential List of Household Chores

My Top Cleaning Supplies List

This is a list of the cleaning supplies I always keep in my house. Of course, some cleaning tasks will not call for all of them, but having them around the house is always good.

So, for that reason, I have categorized this list into what you will need for specific areas of the home. This way, you can stay more organized and, hopefully, on task. 

Cleaning Supplies List for Your Floors

• Cleaning apron
• Vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning cloths
• Cleaning solution
• Bucket

Why did I list a cleaning apron first on my extensive cleaning supplies list? Well, a cleaning apron is necessary for cleaning every inch of your home. This is especially true so you don’t ruin your favorite t-shirt as you scrub the day away. 

The cleaning solution you use in this category will depend on the kind of floors you have in your house. If you have hardwood floors sealed with polyurethane, simply adding a tablespoon or two of dish soap to every 5 gallons of warm cleaning water should work wonders. This solution works on other types of floors, including tile and linoleum.

You will need to use your vacuum cleaner before you start cleaning. This is necessary to remove dust, pet fur, crumbs, dirt, and even lint from your floors and carpets.

• Pro Tip: Avoid soaking the grout lines with dirty cleaning water if your floor is tiled. This leads to distasteful discoloration in the long run. Trust me; it will be something that draws your eye every time you walk by, so only use clean water. 

Cleaning Supplies List for Your Bathroom

• All-purpose cleaner
• Grout brush
• Grout and tile cleaner
• Toilet brush
• Toilet bowl cleaner

You will need a dedicated cleaning kit and an all-purpose cleaner for your bathroom. A dedicated toilet brush is essential for containing germs that could easily spread from the bathroom to the rest of the house. 

The all-purpose cleaner is designed for hard surfaces such as bathroom sinks and bathtubs. However, this wonderful cleaning agent shouldn’t be limited to being just a bathroom cleaner. True to its name, an all-purpose cleaner can be used on almost all surfaces, including:

• Tabletops
• Countertops
• Car interiors
• Appliances
• Windows

A good multi-surface cleaner should definitely make its way onto your list of bathroom cleaning supplies, especially if you are like me and don’t want to clutter up your space with a ton of cleaning products. When you try to store too many products, things get pushed to the back of closets, cabinets, and drawers, making them harder to find when needed. 

A multi-surface cleaner condenses a bunch of products into one that can be stored easily and neatly without all the hassle and headache of digging around for the right bottle. 

You should also consider getting a toilet bowl cleaner to scrub those toilet bowls thoroughly. This keeps them looking spic and span. And guess what? It is easy to teach the kids how to use this cleaner too! It is a scrub-and-go option even the busiest teenager can’t find an excuse out of. 

Since most bathrooms are tiled, you might also want to add a grout cleaner, tile cleaner, and grout brush to your cleaning supplies list to cover all your bases. 

Also See: Spring cleaning checklists

Cleaning Supplies List for Your Bedroom and Living Areas

• Lint roller
• Glass cleaner
• Vacuum
• Extendable duster

If you have pets, you can relate to how much fur these lovable creatures leave around the house. One of the best cleaning tools to use here is a lint roller. This works well on delicate surfaces like your seat cushions and pillows. And all it takes is a few quick swipes of the lint roller a day to keep the fur at a minimum. 

The vacuum is perfect for carpet cleaning, and the extendable duster works well for those hard-to-reach spaces, such as the ceiling fan and even the dust that has begun to settle on your curtains and window sills. 

Cleaning Supplies List for Your Kitchen

• All-purpose cleaner
• Scrubbing sponges
• Scrub brush
• Stainless steel cleaner (for those with stainless steel kitchen utensils and appliances)
• Oven cleaner
• White vinegar
• Microfiber cloths
• Baking soda
• Lemons
• Old toothbrush

A lot goes into cleaning a kitchen properly, depending on the kind of kitchen you have at home. For messy countertops and hard surfaces, you can use an all-purpose cleaner like Simple Green. If you prefer to not use chemicals, you can make your own natural homemade cleaners.

Combining a reliable cleaner with good-quality scrubbing sponges should help you get clean surfaces. You could also use paper towels for small cleaning jobs like spilled milk or pancake batter. 

However, when it comes to heavy-duty cleaning, there are some surfaces where a scrubbing sponge is not good enough.

Caked-on soap scum, food, grease, and other kitchen grime will probably require a heavy-duty scrub brush and some extra elbow grease. Choose one with stiff and solid bristles, which can effectively remove all the muck from these surfaces. 

Getting a set of scrub brushes with ergonomic handles that are easy to use will make your kitchen cleaning easier and more effective.

There are, however, some spaces where a scrub brush is just too big to get to. These spaces are not unique to the kitchen and can also be found in the bathroom and the living room.

In this case, you should consider using an old toothbrush you would otherwise throw away. These old toothbrushes are quite effective and work wonders as tiny scrub brushes. You can use them for smaller and more detailed cleaning tasks like:

• Cleaning grout
• Cleaning sink edges
• Cleaning vents

Combining the old toothbrush with an all-purpose cleaner is the perfect cleaning duo for often inaccessible spaces.

When cleaning your kitchen sink, if it’s stainless steel, consider rubbing in baking soda using the scrubbing sponge. After that, use a spray bottle to spray the surface with white vinegar. Wait for the foam to dissipate, then thoroughly rinse the sink with cool water and give it time to air dry. This cleaning solution is good when you have little ones around and want to limit your use of chemicals while cleaning. 

If you have a garbage disposal, cut a lemon into two halves and put them down the disposal, then run it. This will leave your sink smelling fresh and clean. 

Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions when dealing with specialized appliances like ovens. If the instructions call for specific stainless steel cleaners or oven cleaners, be sure to use the exact ones, or at the very least, call the manufacturer to find out if there are acceptable alternatives.

• Pro Tip: The lemon slices can also be used to clean the surfaces of your cutting boards to keep them from smelling and accumulating slime. Just rub half a lemon on any food stains before rinsing the cutting boards.

Other Important Home Cleaning Products

We have covered most major home areas that often need simple and deep cleaning. Of course, this cleaning supplies list isn’t complete, as we all have different homes with different features.

As such, there are some cleaning products that I might need but you don’t, and vice versa. With that in mind, here are some extra home cleaning products to consider having on your cleaning supplies list.

Disinfectant

This is particularly important for all germ-prone areas in the house, including your kitchen and bathroom. These areas require something a bit more heavy-duty than an all-purpose cleaner. A reliable disinfectant will target germs and bacteria, kill them, and help keep your home environment healthy. 

Using disinfectants is quite easy. Just spray a bit onto the surface of the area you want to clean and wipe it down using a paper towel, rag, or sponge. Be careful when using disinfectants in the kitchen, especially around food. They can be toxic. 

Duster

You will want to keep dusters handy, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean, by carrying out a quick dusting here and there. This helps to keep dust accumulation on surfaces like window sills, blinds, and tabletops to a minimum.

Glass Cleaner

Glass cleaners are an absolute necessity around the home. You can use them to clean your window panes and mirrors. They are often very easy to use and come in handy spray bottles. 

Glass cleaner is a great way to remove all those tiny fingerprints and handprints from these surfaces, especially when you have a glass-top coffee table or TV stand you regret buying with little kids around. In addition to glass cleaner sprays, there are also glass cleaner wipes that are good for quick cleanups and wipe-downs before the company comes over. 

Squeegee

Squeegees are handy when cleaning bathtubs or showers. You can use the squeegee’s rubber blade to keep these surfaces sparkling clean.

Detergent

Use mild detergent to wipe down your cushions or clean and deodorize the carpets. Be sure not to leave too much water on your rug or carpet; otherwise, it will remain damp and may begin to smell if it isn’t dried properly.

While this cleaning supplies list is good enough to help you maintain a clean and healthy home, it’s quite possible that you simply might not have the time to do a deep clean as is required from time to time. In this case, hiring a professional cleaning service is often advisable. I do it every six months or so. It makes daily cleaning easier and leaves my house much cleaner in between.

The post Cleaning Supplies List – Stocking Up on Must-Have Cleaning Supplies appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

If you’re anything like me, the amount of laundry within your household can be extreme. The huge mounds of dirty laundry littering your laundry room floor can come to resemble something like Everest’s base camp on any given Tuesday! Which in turn, means the amount of laundry detergent us moms use on a monthly basis can rise to massive proportions.

With all those detergent fumes running wild and consistent throughout your household; amongst your pets, and cherished little ones, you may very well start to look for a cleaner alternative then just the regular old detergents and laundry bleach that you’re normally used to. And I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you did!

So what is oxygen bleach? If you’re not familiar with it, oxygen bleach is widely considered the more natural alternative to chlorine bleach, and can be used as a promising laundry detergent. It’s usually found in fine powder form. It kills any bacteria on clothes or fabric, just like its counterpart does, and has been known to brighten, lighten, and whiten your clothes. When the oxygenated bleach gets exposed to warm or hot water during your rinse cycle, it releases oxygen, which makes for a versatile stain remover to keep your fabrics looking great.

Oxygen bleach’s technical name is sodium percarbonate, and it’s derived from plants. It’s made from sodium carbonate, as well as hydrogen peroxide. It’s very similar to chlorine bleach, meaning it’s mostly used as a laundry detergent, or cleaning product, and it certainly does its job well, but what makes it different is the very important fact that it’s without the drawbacks of the harmful chemicals used in traditional bleach. It’s completely non-toxic as it contains natural ingredients of salt, water, and chalk.

This means, at the very least, you don’t have to worry about damaging your household surfaces, or burning small patches of your skin, like how you sometimes do when your bleach goes haywire as you pour it out, and small drops of it find a new home on any exposed patch of skin! It’s free of that utterly unpleasant chemical smell that we associate our regular liquid bleach with, as well. (I don’t know about you, but that, in and of itself, was enough for me to start using it!)

Laundry

There are quite a few advantages to oxygen bleach, over the traditional laundry that we use on a weekly, sometimes even daily, basis. The first of which, is when held up against almost any other laundry detergent, or modern cleaning agent that we use around our households, it usually always comes out as the winner of what is simply safer for your health! Think of traditional chlorine bleach. Even something as simple as innocently inhaling some of the fumes, which you certainly can’t help but doing as you’re working with it, can end up causing respiratory issues in the long run. With oxygen bleach, that concern isn’t present at all.

Another rather simple, but nonetheless, important advantage of oxygen bleach is that it has a much better shelf stability than the liquid hydrogen peroxide products we’re familiar with. Meaning, it can sit cozily on your laundry room shelf without expiring or turning rancid, quite a bit longer than other traditional laundry detergents. You definitely get more bang for your buck with this product!

Perhaps my favorite advantage of oxygen bleach is that, when washed on your clothes, it acts as a disinfectant against both bacteria and viruses that you may have encountered out in the world, or may still be lingering in your home. As a mom with toddlers, who as everyone knows, pick up every sort of sickness that they come into a football field’s length of, the fact that this product can lift stains, and disinfect any germs that are still lingering on my little one’s clothes, is a huge thumbs up from me!

Oxygen bleach does take a little longer to dissolve in water, therefore it takes longer to do its job than the normal laundry products, so if you’re wanting a really quick load of laundry done, then you might want to rethink using it for that particular wash. However, remember it’s extremely effective for lifting stains, dirt, or just about anything else your family can grace their clothes with! It just depends on what you’re after. Also, note that oxygen bleach is safe for almost all types of washable whites and colored fabrics, it isn’t well suited for some of the finer cuts of cloth. Delicate fabrics like silk or wool should have a different plan of action for getting clean.

Stain Removal

The way I use oxygen bleach for tough stain removal on clothes, is to mix one tablespoon of oxygen bleach in a glass of warm water and pour it directly onto the stained fabric. If it’s a light stain and I’m in a rush, soaking for at least one hour will often do, but for tough stains, I’ll let them soak overnight. After soaking, throw it in with the rest of the laundry in the washing machine.

If you have stains on your carpets and upholstery, oxygen bleach is amazing too! Take your same oxygen bleach solution from above and dip a white cloth in and apply it to the stain. Wait about 5 minutes, and then rinse the area with a fresh, wet cloth.

Of course, as with everything, there are a few disadvantages, or things to keep in mind with oxygen bleach. The products can cost a little more to use than the standard laundry detergents or cleaning agents. (But don’t forget that oxygen bleach lasts significantly longer, so in terms of that, the fact that it costs a bit more seems fair to me!)

Household Cleaning

Among the many benefits of using oxygen bleach as your laundry detergent, is the numerous uses it has, and the number of other things you can do with this diversified product. Not the least of which is cleaning other surfaces of your home!

Also see: How to keep your house smelling good all the time

There are so many ways to use oxygen bleach to clean around the house.

It’s extremely effective for cleaning those otherwise hard to clean surfaces in the bathroom, including the toilet, sink, shower, and even as a glass cleaner!

My favorite use as a bathroom cleaner is to clean and disinfect the inside of toilets. To do so, I add 2 tablespoons of the oxygen bleach to one gallon of hot water and mix it thoroughly until it’s fully dissolved. Pour it into your toilet bowl and leave it for at least 30 minutes. For  heavier stains, this oxygenated bleach and water mixture can be left overnight inside the toilet bowl to soak and take the brush to out anything remaining out! (And if you’d like a bit of a fresher smell to your mixture as it soaks, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil!)

Also see: Spring cleaning checklist for the bathroom

Another, lesser-known use, is the ability it has to make any decking and patio spaces sparkle like new. Because oxygen bleach is so incredibly effective at making any type of bacteria, mold, mildew, algae, or fungi meet their premeditated demise, it’s a wonderful cleaning agent for your outdoor spaces! All you need is your oxygen bleach, hot water, and a bucket and mop heads. You and your family will be ready to make some lifelong memories on that shimmering, clean, outdoor patio deck for sure!

Also, if you have any grout in your house that needs cleaning, oxygen bleach is the way to go. It’s an extremely quick and easy way to get rid of any moldy sections of your grout by stretching its clean, powdery fingers deep into the porous grout and removing any mold or mildew that may be hiding inside it.

All that to say, oxygen bleach can be a wonderful, natural alternative to any other laundry detergent out there, and an amazing cleaning agent for any of your household needs. The next time you reach for that toxic laundry detergent, or cleaning agent, remember that oxygen bleach can be a safer, healthier, better environmental choice than anything else out there you can find. And don’t stress those huge mounds of laundry; with the incredible cleaning power of oxygen bleach, they won’t be around for long!

The post Why I’m Using Oxygen Bleach  appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

There are a multitude of reasons that someone may want to keep their house smelling fresh all the time. Usually, kids, dogs, husbands, and/or dirty laundry have something to do with it, but as a stay-at-home mom of two amazing boys, with a husband who works away from home a lot, and a large dog…. We make messes. We are the epitome of messes. But in the midst of the chaos and the smells, I continually strive to make our house “homier.”

Have you been scouring the earth for ways to get allllll the smells from your house? Food, diapers, toilet, sweaty clothes, dirty clothes, dog, any smell you can imagine, I tackle on a daily basis. So over time, I do believe that I have found the good, the bad, and the cheap, using mostly basic household ingredients.

First things first, we need to talk about the sources of the day-to-day smells in our house before we can address them. Each unique smell can require a different tool in our arsenal.

Spouse 

We begin with the top of the food chain, the spouse. The biggest source of love, friendship, and stink in our lives. Let’s be honest here, ladies, this is a raw topic. We’re talking about a stink like skunk outside the door, not apple pie on a soft fall morning. My husband probably toots as much as he kisses me each day. The first thing he does in the evening when he gets home (after kissing his lovely wife and amazing sons) is drop his sweaty gym clothes on the floor. Living in a camper means he’s leaving his gym sweats in our kitchen/living/dining room/bedroom…)

Kids

Next, we work our way down to the mini men (or mini beards, as I like to call them). Beard one is four, the perfect age for making mud pies and having tractor pulls in his bed with his new friend, the stink bug. Beard two is almost a year old, and now that he has transitioned to mostly solid foods, he has made a habit of daily blowouts and throwing food.

Pets

Finally, we will move on to the miscellaneous category. The dog, the bugs that get into anyone and everyone’s house. The old food you didn’t know was in the back of your pantry. They can’t open the windows to freshen up the house. Everything else you can think of. Smells are all around us, and I am here to tell you, just like my husband told me…. Forty dollar candles are not the fix.

Also see: A Realistic Cleaning Schedule Working Parents Can Stick To

Tools For Getting Rid of Bad Smells

Baking Soda

A primary weapon in the battle to make your house smell good is baking soda. Using baking soda is one of the easiest, safest, and most effective ways you can use to make your house smell better. For example, sprinkling some baking soda in the corners of each room creates a fresher aroma without any harsh chemicals. You can also make cleaning solutions with baking soda that will absorb odors and help them disappear quickly.

You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of baking soda to hot water and use it to mop your floors every few weeks – it not only cleans but also deodorizes pleasantly.

Finally, consider placing an open box of baking soda in strategic places like the kitchen, laundry, or bathroom to reduce unpleasant smells over time.

Also See: Make This DIY Disinfectant Spray For Half The Cost

Vinegar

Vinegar is like that friend who’s always there to help out in a pinch! This versatile liquid can be used to make homemade cleaning products that are a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Use by itself, or sprinkle in some baking soda, and you’re ready to tackle any mess with a chemical-free and affordable tool.

Essential Oil Diffuser

This option may cost a small amount upfront but will last a long time and has the least amount of prep. My personal essential oil diffuser was bought on Amazon, and it is small enough to sit on a shelf and in the boys’ small rooms. I fill it once every few days with some purified water and add three to five drops of thieves oil. From there, I press the power button, and my house smells like cinnamon and clove or lavender all day long. ( if you can’t tell from these suggestions, I love fall).

Also See: Non-Toxic DIY “Poo-Pourri” & Stinky Spray

Apple Cider

I am a huge proponent of making apple cider, and if you never have before, don’t panic, it’s super simple, and I personally guarantee that not only will your house smell great for days, but your family will thank you for the delicious treat.

Making your home smell better with apple cider is both cost-efficient and easy. Start by filling a pot with water and adding one cup of apple cider vinegar. Simmer the mix on low heat on the stovetop for several hours to release the pleasant aroma of tart apples into the air. Apple cider can also be used in an aroma diffuser, sprayed in your home, or even heated up in a bowl if you don’t have a stovetop. No matter how you choose to use it, enjoy the scents of sweet autumn apples as they linger in your home’s atmosphere.

Fresh Herbs

Keeping your house smelling fresh and fragrant can be a lot of work! Air fresheners and other chemical-laden sprays are sometimes too overwhelming, making it difficult to mask bad odors. That’s why using fresh herbs is a great alternative way to keep the air in your home smelling light and pleasant.

Whether you tuck them in a potpourri bowl or tie them together and hang it in the window, adding fresh herbs throughout your living area will uplift the energy and give off an invigorating scent. Not to mention, with this method, there’s the added bonus of looking misty-eyed at your fancy herb decorations like you’ve just been invited into an 18th-century French palace (it happens!).

Fresh Cut Flowers

In the summer months, this is my ABSOLUTE favorite way to keep my house smelling great. I am a fresh-cut flower junkie. Now, no, we’re not rich. No, I do not require my husband to go buy me fresh flowers once a week. I have come up with two ways to get flowers fairly cheap.

First, I plant a small flower garden each summer. At our home base, where we will eventually build, I actually have an antique truck that I have converted into a flower garden. I grow the flowers each spring with the idea of having them in the house by the end of summer. Secondly, and lucky for me, you-pick flower gardens are ALL the rage right now. I would say that within the last three years, at least five have popped up within twenty miles of our house. I can typically run down the street to a flower farm, fill my own mason jars( they discount them if I bring my own containers), and get about three popping bouquets for about 10-15$. Your home will smell like the outdoors in no time.

Plants and flowers like Jasmine, Chrysanthemum, and Eucalyptus are great fragrances, but plants like Bamboo Palms, Dragon Trees, English Ivy, Spider plants, and others are effective at absorbing odors from the home. See plants that make great indoor air purifiers.

Baking

At 31 years old, I have sold three houses already and helped friends sell theirs too. I do LOVE to organize, but the visual is not always what seals the deal. When people shop, anyone in marketing will tell you that all the senses matter. When people buy a home, they want to feel at home. The only thing better than walking in and seeing a decluttered house with clean, neutral colors is smelling fresh baked goods. Breads, cookies, pies, ALL proven winners. Whether you buy, take, and bake or go to the trouble of making whatever you decide to make from scratch, Baking is a sure winner. Show me anyone who doesn’t love the smell (and taste) of freshly baked cookies, and I’ll show you a liar.

Another way to use your stove to get good smells moving through the house is to turn the oven on low, and then put a couple of teaspoons of ground cinnamon, or cinnamon sticks, and cloves on a baking sheet.

Air Purifier

The least affordable solution, but one that is effective and doesn’t take a lot of work on my part is an air purifier.  Air purifiers assist with bad smells by circulating clean air throughout the entire home, trapping bad smell particles and releasing fresh air.

Not only do they make your home smell good, but they also help reduce allergies and enhance our overall health. Who knew a device could keep you so clean and healthy? So next time you’re trying to beat bad odor – bring in an air purifier to the rescue!

I got this little beast of an air purifier from Amazon, and I love it.

Scented Candles

Have you ever been feeling confident that your home smells great, only to realize foul odors were somehow lingering in the air? Usually, that’s when company is coming over, and you don’t have enough time to properly clean. It this case, a scented candle can be your saving grace! They are an easy, affordable solution for filling any room with delightful scents and leaving foul odors nowhere to be found.

Common Places Where Bad Odors Hide

First and foremost, keeping a tidy house will help keep your home smelling fresh. Is this the end all be all? No friend, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Honestly though, small things like making sure you take out the trash daily and taking out those extra smelly bits like dirty diapers right away can make a HUGE difference. I would also like to note here that cleaning your garbage cans on the regular will go a LONG way here.

Ok, so we have surpassed the obvious: clean up the mess. But how do we keep the house smelling nice instead of smelling like nothing? If you have nothing but time and energy, I suggest baking fresh sourdough bread daily….but if you’re like me and chasing kids, doing housework, writing lists, and planning three meals a day already, you probably don’t have time for that. Therefore I compiled a list of suggestions that won’t break the bank or take more than a few minutes of your time to set up and clean up.

Kitchen

Let’s talk about the heart of the home – and sometimes, unfortunately, the heart of household odors! The kitchen is like a symphony of smells, from last night’s fish dinner to that dishrag that’s been sitting just a little too long in the sink. Speaking of smelly dishrags (you know the ones I’m talking about), they can quickly become a science experiment if we’re not careful. That sour smell that makes you wrinkle your nose? That’s bacteria having a party on your wet dishcloth!

Also See: How to Keep Dishrags from Smelling

But let’s not forget about other kitchen culprits – like that splash of soup that somehow made its way behind the stove, or the mysterious sticky spot under the microwave that’s been there since… well, let’s not talk about that! Regular wipe-downs of all surfaces, including the inside of the microwave (because we’ve all had that soup explosion), can prevent those sneaky odors from taking hold.

Fridge

To combat odors in the fridge and freezer, the first trick is to make sure there isn’t any food causing the smell. Take time every now and then to toss out anything that’s gone south—there’s nothing worse than your fridge turning into its own compost bin.

If you’re still finding weird smells lurking about, try wiping down all the surfaces, inside and out with soapy water or a vinegar solution, to destroy any bacteria that are contributing to the smell. Then use activated charcoal, baking soda, or coffee grounds in open containers to absorb any remaining stench.

After that’s done, feel free to stock up on all the yummy snacks and more smelly cheeses your heart desires – just don’t forget to give it all another cleanse every once in a while, because you don’t want any suspicious fumes coming out of there if company stops by.

Soft Surfaces

Clean upholstery is essential for families with kids and/or pets, not only from a hygiene standpoint but also because it prevents your couch or chair from becoming a repository for all sorts of peculiar smells. Take it from someone who knows – kids and pets have ways of making messes that you’d never expect! Keeping the fabric clean can help all family members breathe easy and spend time in the living room without feeling like ‘something’ is in the air.

Getting rid of pet odors from soft surfaces can be a smelly job, but thankfully it’s made easier with a simple spritz from a spray bottle! To make a homemade deodorizer, all you need is a spray bottle and your favorite essential oil. Dilute the oil in water and give your furry friend’s sleeping and living areas a quick misting for instant pet odor-fighting power.

Don’t forget to check those hard-to-reach places like behind the couch and the cat tree! For extra odor elimination, throw in some baking soda to really get things smelling fresh. Your pet won’t know what hit them (literally!) when they find their favorite spots smelling great.

Carpet

Carpet is great for providing a soft, comfortable surface to walk on and giving your house a cozy feel, but it can also trap odors that linger for too long. Unfortunately, this often causes your house to smell musty or stale, especially if you’re living in a humid climate or if there’s been a lot of foot traffic in the area. Luckily, regular vacuuming can help trap the smells and make sure your carpet stays smelling fresh.

If you’re looking for a way to make your carpet smell better, there are some easy steps you can take. Start by doing a thorough vacuuming of the area – this will help remove trapped particles as well as any dirt and debris that may be causing odor.

In addition to vacuuming, mixing up an all-natural solution of white vinegar and baking soda is an effective way to absorb musty odors while also helping to clean the fibers of your carpet. Simply sprinkle it on the area (avoiding any fabric furniture), allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, then vacuum it off. These two simple steps can help keep your carpets smelling fresh and clean!

For really funky carpeting, you can put a cotton ball with a couple of drops of essential oils into the vacuum bag.

Curtains

After taking care of the carpeting, don’t overlook the curtains, drapes, and blinds. Cleaning your curtains should not be a chore, but it is an absolute must! Beyond just being visually pleasing, curtains are huge absorbers of bad smells throughout the home but are often overlooked.

You don’t want to dread sitting in sofas surrounded by dirty fabric, right? Plus, any germs or other allergens that find their way onto your curtains can be incrementally detrimental to everyone’s health. So pull them down, pop them into the wash, and ring them out – all while keeping allergies at bay and breathing in sweet filtered air. That’s why clean curtains are essential.

Shower

Have you ever uttered the words, “how did it get so dirty?” or maybe “who let this happen?!” (and we really know who it was) when faced with a shower that looks like it hasn’t seen a sponge since you moved in?

The truth is, daily cleanliness can be hard to keep up with, but in order to maintain a spotless shower, and keeping away smells of mildew, daily cleaning is essential. With just minutes of your time each day and a few common supplies, your daily shower could go from looking like an HGTV rustic farmhouse all the way to a 5-star hotel level of clean – all without needing to call in a mariachi band to help you scrub those corners!

Also, you can try hanging some eucalyptus from the showerhead and when you take a shower, the steam release the oils of the eucalyptus and release its scent throughout the bathroom.

Also See: How to Make Old Towels Smell Good Again

Garbage Disposal

One unmistakable sign that something’s not quite right in your kitchen is a smelly garbage disposal. It’s one of the last experiences you want to encounter when you enter your own cooking domain – but rest assured, you don’t have to summon an exorcist just yet. More likely than not, the smell is caused by mold or mildew coming from months-old food that remains stuck after rinsing down the sink drain.

There are simple, effective approaches you can take to get rid of this unpleasant smell and restore order in the “kitchen jungle,” so you don’t need to build up your immune resistance against it anymore!

Try throwing some lemon or citrus peels down the drain and turn on the disposal since the citrusy scent of lemons will neutralize bad odors and leave behind a pleasant smell. For something even more invigorating, try tossing in a handful of baking soda and turning on the running water for a few seconds. Not only will this freshen things up, but you’ll have an energizing citrusy-soda aroma around your kitchen! Last, if the smell is bad and you don’t have any of these ingredients, squeeze some lemon-scented dish shop down the drain and run the water and disposal.

Furnace Filter

This one may not sound like it will do much, but it’s all too easy to forget to change the heating and air conditioning unit filter. Let me tell you that if you leave one in too long, that dust and dander will blow back through your house, bringing household smells along.

The cheaper filters should be replaced every 30 days, and nicer ones that last longer can be spent extra on. The additional benefit of replacing your filters on time is that your unit will operate more efficiently, saving you some money in electric bills.

One of my tips to make changing your filter even more appealing is using a spray air freshener like Febreeze, or even a few drops of essential oils on the filter and it will slowly release great smells throughout the house every time the unit kicks on.

Trash Cans

Keeping a trash can clean isn’t just the polite thing to do for your guests; it’s also the humane thing to do for your nose. Whenever your bin starts to get full, you’ve got to empty before it morphs into some kind of gelatinous creature and starts emitting dangerous gasses that’ll melt your face off. You don’t want any of that now, do you?

While taking the trash out is all well and good, well, life happens and it may sit out a bit longer than it should. So one of my tips is to put a dryer sheet in the trash can, so those smells are at least hidden until I can get to it.
Besides taking out the trash, be sure to remember to periodically clean and wipe out the can, especially to clean up the kids splatters…

Keeping our homes tidy, has a lot to do with keeping our homes smelling good on the constant. They truly do go hand in hand. But it’s always a good idea to have an extra ace in the hole when it comes to making your house go above and beyond with the smells. Next time you want to venture outside of the old candle and spray deodorants give one of these a try and watch your house come alive! Bonus points for baking!

Tools For Getting Rid of Bad Smells

Baking Soda

A primary weapon in the battle to make your house smell good is baking soda. Using baking soda is one of the easiest, safest, and most effective ways you can use to make your house smell better. For example, sprinkling some baking soda in the corners of each room creates a fresher aroma without any harsh chemicals. You can also make cleaning solutions with baking soda that will absorb odors and help them disappear quickly.

You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of baking soda to hot water and use it to mop your floors every few weeks – it not only cleans but also deodorizes pleasantly.

Finally, consider placing an open box of baking soda in strategic places like the kitchen, laundry, or bathroom to reduce unpleasant smells over time.

Vinegar

Vinegar is like that friend who’s always there to help out in a pinch! This versatile liquid can be used to make homemade cleaning products that are a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Use by itself, or sprinkle in some baking soda, and you’re ready to tackle any mess with a chemical-free and affordable tool.

Essential Oil Diffuser

This option may cost a small amount up front but will last a long time and has the least amount of prep. My personal essential oil diffuser was bought on amazon and is small enough to sit on a shelf and in the boys’ small rooms. I fill it once every few days with some purified water and add three to five drops of thieves oil. From there, I press the power button, and my house smells like cinnamon and clove or lavender all day long. ( if you can’t tell from these suggestions, I love fall).

Apple Cider

I am a huge proponent of making apple cider, and if you never have before, don’t panic, it’s super simple, and I personally guarantee that not only will your house smell great for days, but your family will thank you for the delicious treat.

Making your home smell better with apple cider is both cost-efficient and easy. Start by filling a pot with water and adding one cup of apple cider vinegar. Simmer the mix on low heat on the stovetop for several hours to release the pleasant aroma of tart apples into the air. Apple cider can also be used in an aroma diffuser, sprayed in your home, or even heated up in a bowl if you don’t have a stovetop. No matter how you chose to use it, enjoy the scents of sweet autumn apples as it lingers in your home’s atmosphere.

Fresh Herbs

Keeping your house smelling fresh and fragrant can be a lot of work! Air fresheners and other chemical-laden sprays are sometimes too overwhelming, making it difficult to mask bad odors. That’s why using fresh herbs is a great alternative way to keep the air in your home smelling light and pleasant.

Whether you tuck them in a potpourri bowl or tie them together and hang it in the window, adding fresh herbs throughout your living area will uplift the energy and give off an invigorating scent. Not to mention, with this method, there’s the added bonus of looking misty-eyed at your fancy herb decorations like you’ve just been invited into an 18th-century French palace (it happens!).

Fresh Cut Flowers

In the summer months, this is my ABSOLUTE favorite way to keep my house smelling great. I am a fresh cut flower junkie. Now no, we’re not rich. No, I do not require my husband to go buy me fresh flowers once a week. I have come up with two ways to get flowers fairly cheap.

First, I plant a small flower garden each summer. At our home base, where we will eventually build I actually have an antique truck that I have converted into a flower garden. I grow the flowers each spring with the idea to have them in the house by the end of summer. Secondly, and lucky for me, you-pick flower gardens are ALL the rage right now. I would say that within the last three years, at least five have popped up within twenty miles of our house. I can typically run down the street to a flower farm, fill my own mason jars( they discount them if I bring my own containers), and get about three popping bouquets for about 10-15$. Your home will smell like the outdoors in no time.

Plants and flowers like Jasmine, Chrysanthemum, and Eucalyptus are great fragrances, but plants like Bamboo Palms, Dragon Trees, English Ivy, Spider plants, and other are effective at absorbing odors from the home. See plants that make great indoor air purifiers.

Baking

At 31 years old, I have sold three houses already and helped friends sell theirs too. I do LOVE to organize, but the visual is not always what seals the deal. When people shop, anyone in marketing will tell you that all the senses matter. When people buy a home, they want to feel at home. And the only thing better than walking in and seeing a decluttered house with clean neutral colors, is smelling fresh baked goods. Breads, cookies, pies, ALL proven winners. Whether you buy take and bake or go to the trouble of making whatever you decide to make from scratch, Baking is a sure winner. Show me anyone who doesn’t love the smell (and taste) of fresh baked cookies and I’ll show you a liar.

Another way to use your stove to get good smells moving through the house is to turn the oven on low, and then put a couple of teaspoons of ground cinnamon, or cinnamon sticks, and cloves on a baking sheet.

Air Purifier

The least affordable solution, but one that is effective and doesn’t take a lot of work on my part is an air purifier.  Air purifiers assist with bad smells by circulating clean air throughout the entire home, trapping bad smell particles and releasing fresh air.

Not only do they make your home smell good, but they also help reduce allergies and enhance our overall health. Who knew a device could keep you so clean and healthy? So next time you’re trying to beat bad odor – bring in an air purifier to the rescue!

I got this little beast of an air purifier from Amazon, and I love it.

Scented Candles

Have you ever been feeling confident that your home smells great, only to realize foul odors were somehow lingering in the air? Usually, that’s when company is coming over, and you don’t have enough time to properly clean. It this case, a scented candle can be your saving grace! They are an easy, affordable solution for filling any room with delightful scents and leaving foul odors nowhere to be found.

Common Places Where Bad Odors Hide

First and foremost, keeping a tidy house will help keep your home smelling fresh. Is this the end all be all? No friend, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Honestly though, small things like making sure you take out the trash daily and taking out those extra smelly bits like dirty diapers right away can make a HUGE difference. I would also like to note here that cleaning your garbage cans on the regular will go a LONG way here.

Ok, so we have surpassed the obvious, clean up the mess. But how do we keep the house smelling nice instead of smelling like nothing? If you have nothing but time and energy, I suggest baking fresh sourdough bread daily….but if you’re like me and chasing kids, doing housework, writing lists, and planning three meals a day already, you probably don’t have time for that. Therefore I compiled a list of suggestions that won’t break the bank or take more than a few minutes of your time to set up and clean up.

Fridge

To combat odors in the fridge and freezer, the first trick is to make sure there isn’t any food causing the smell. Take time every now and then to toss out anything that’s gone south—there’s nothing worse than your fridge turning into its own compost bin.

If you’re still finding weird smells lurking about, try wiping down all the surfaces, inside and out with soapy water or a vinegar solution, to destroy any bacteria that are contributing to the smell. Then use activated charcoal, baking soda, or coffee grounds in open containers to absorb any remaining stench.

After that’s done, feel free to stock up on all the yummy snacks and more smelly cheeses your heart desires – just don’t forget to give it all another cleanse every once in a while, because you don’t want any suspicious fumes coming out of there if company stops by.

Soft Surfaces

Clean upholstery is essential for families with kids and/or pets, not only from a hygiene standpoint but also because it prevents your couch or chair from becoming a repository for all sorts of peculiar smells. Take it from someone who knows – kids and pets have ways of making messes that you’d never expect! Keeping the fabric clean can help all family members breathe easy and spend time in the living room without feeling like ‘something’ is in the air.

Getting rid of pet odors from soft surfaces can be a smelly job, but thankfully it’s made easier with a simple spritz from a spray bottle! To make a homemade deodorizer, all you need is a spray bottle and your favorite essential oil. Dilute the oil in water and give your furry friend’s sleeping and living areas a quick misting for instant pet odor-fighting power.

Don’t forget to check those hard-to-reach places like behind the couch and the cat tree! For extra odor elimination, throw in some baking soda to really get things smelling fresh. Your pet won’t know what hit them (literally!) when they find their favorite spots smelling great.

Carpet

Carpet is great for providing a soft, comfortable surface to walk on and giving your house a cozy feel, but it can also trap odors that linger for too long. Unfortunately, this often causes your house to smell musty or stale, especially if you’re living in a humid climate or if there’s been a lot of foot traffic in the area. Luckily, regular vacuuming can help trap the smells and make sure your carpet stays smelling fresh.

If you’re looking for a way to make your carpet smell better, there are some easy steps you can take. Start by doing a thorough vacuuming of the area – this will help remove trapped particles as well as any dirt and debris that may be causing odor.

In addition to vacuuming, mixing up an all-natural solution of white vinegar and baking soda is an effective way to absorb musty odors while also helping to clean the fibers of your carpet. Simply sprinkle it on the area (avoiding any fabric furniture), allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, then vacuum it off. These two simple steps can help keep your carpets smelling fresh and clean!

For really funky carpeting, you can put a cotton ball with a couple of drops of essential oils into the vacuum bag.

Curtains

After taking care of the carpeting, don’t overlook the curtains, drapes, and blinds. Cleaning your curtains should not be a chore, but it is an absolute must! Beyond just being visually pleasing, curtains are huge absorbers of bad smells throughout the home, but are often overlooked.

You don’t want to dread sitting in sofas surrounded by dirty fabric, right? Plus, any germs or other allergens that find their way onto your curtains can be incrementally detrimental to everyone’s health. So pull them down, pop them into the wash, and ring them out – all while keeping allergies at bay and breathing in sweet filtered air. That’s why clean curtains are essential.

Shower

Have you ever uttered the words, “how did it get so dirty?” or maybe “who let this happen?!” (and we really know who it was) when faced with a shower that looks like it hasn’t seen a sponge since you moved in?

The truth is, daily cleanliness can be hard to keep up with, but in order to maintain a spotless shower, and keeping away smells of mildew, daily cleaning is essential. With just minutes of your time each day and a few common supplies, your daily shower could go from looking like an HGTV rustic farmhouse all the way to a 5-star hotel level of clean – all without needing to call in a mariachi band to help you scrub those corners!

Also, you can try hanging some eucalyptus from the showerhead and when you take a shower, the steam release the oils of the eucalyptus and release its scent throughout the bathroom.

Garbage Disposal

One unmistakable sign that something’s not quite right in your kitchen is a smelly garbage disposal. It’s one of the last experiences you want to encounter when you enter your own cooking domain – but rest assured, you don’t have to summon an exorcist just yet. More likely than not, the smell is caused by mold or mildew coming from months-old food that remains stuck after rinsing down the sink drain.

There are simple, effective approaches you can take to get rid of this unpleasant smell and restore order in the “kitchen jungle,” so you don’t need to build up your immune resistance against it anymore!

Try throwing some lemon or citrus peels down the drain the turn on the disposal, since the citrusy scent of lemons will neutralize bad odors and leave behind a pleasant smell. For something even more invigorating, try tossing in a handful of baking soda and turning on the running water for a few seconds. Not only will this freshen things up, but you’ll have an energizing citrusy-soda aroma around your kitchen! Last, if the smell is bad and you don’t have any of these ingredients, squeeze some lemon-scented dish shop down the drain and run the water and disposal and water.

Furnace Filter

This one may not sound like it will do much, but it’s all too easy to forget to change the heating and air conditioning unit filter. Let me tell you that if you leave one in too long, that dust and dander will blow back through your house, bringing household smells along.

The cheaper filters should be replaced every 30 days, and there are nicer ones that you can spend extra on that last longer. The additional benefit of replacing your filters on time is that your unit will operate more efficiently, saving you some money in electric bills.

One of my tips to make changing your filter even more appealing is to use a spray air freshener like Febreeze, or even a few drops of essential oils on the filter, and it will slowly release great smells throughout the house every time the unit kicks on.

Trash Cans

Keeping a trash can clean isn’t just the polite thing to do for your guests, it’s also the humane thing to do for your nose. Whenever your bin starts to get full, you’ve got to empty before it morphs into some kind of gelatinous creature and starts emitting dangerous gasses that’ll melt your face off. You don’t want any of that now, do you?

While taking the trash out is all well and good, well, life happens, and it may sit out a bit longer than it should. So one of my tips is to put a dryer sheet in the trash can, so those smells are at least hidden until I can get to it. Also, besides taking out the trash, be sure to remember to periodically clean and wipe out the can, especially to clean up the kid’s splatters…

Wrapping Up

Keeping your home smelling fresh doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task or require expensive solutions. From natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar to simple pleasures like fresh flowers and baking, there are countless ways to maintain a pleasant-smelling home that fits your lifestyle and budget. The key is establishing good habits – regular cleaning of problem areas, addressing odors at their source, and implementing preventive measures like changing furnace filters and cleaning trash cans.

After all, a home that smells good is more than just pleasant – it’s a space where your family can truly relax and where guests feel instantly welcome. So pick the methods that work best for your household, make them part of your regular routine, and enjoy the fresh, clean atmosphere you create.

The post 11 Ways to Keep Your House Smelling Amazing (All Day Long) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

It is finally here!  Spring has arrived!  Everything outside is new, clean and fresh.  We are all opening our windows to let the fresh air in so the house feels clean!  But, what about those cobwebs in the corner and the dust on the mopboards?  Now is the time of year when many of us would love to clean our house (as in a deep clean).

I actually LOVE it when I spring clean my house.  The house feels clean and fresh and I get a chance to get rid of those things I no longer need or use! For many of you, this may seem like a daunting task.  You may be thinking that it takes too much time and/or you don’t even know where to start.  I am here to help!

I’ve created several spring cleaning checklists to help you tackle every room in your home:  Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living/Family Room.

SPRING CLEANING TIPS

TACKLE ONE ROOM AT A TIME

There is no rule that says you must clean everything in a single weekend.  Take the time to clean each room as you can fit it into your schedule. One room may take you two days to clean and another a week.  Spend as much time as you need to ensure each room is properly cleaned.

DECLUTTER WHILE YOU CLEAN

As you clean your spaces, it is the time of year to get rid of things you don’t need.  Once you clean out the clutter, you will feel less stress and have fewer things taking up space.

START HIGH AND WORK DOWN

Begin by cleaning the cobwebs from the corners of your room. Doing so forces all of the dirt down to the floor, and you won’t have to dust baseboards or furniture twice because of the dust that gathered when wiping down the cobwebs along the ceiling.

DON’T FORGET THE WALLS AND WINDOWS

Believe it or not, your walls are dusty.  When you clean, don’t forget to wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or smudges.  And when it comes to your windows, you can use the same cloth to clean your blinds and screen to remove any dirt and grime.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE SAFE

Some of the chemicals you may use to clean might be toxic.  Make sure you wear gloves and masks as may be needed when cleaning.  Always double-check the labels and never, ever mix chemicals together as you could end up creating gases that could be harmful or even fatal.

CHANGE YOUR FILTERS

It is important to clean the filters in your HVAC unit a couple of times a year.  A great time to remember to do so is when you spring clean the house.  You are getting rid of dust and dirt in your home, so you want to make sure the air quality is also improved.  No need to do the work if you will still breathe the dusty air.

Make sure you check out some of our other helpful cleaning posts:

• How to Keep Your Home Clean Enough
• Natural Cleaners to Use in Your Home
• Simplified Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms

The post How To Spring Clean Your Home appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

When you need to clean your windows, you usually grab the chemical filled bottle in the cabinet. UGH! What if I could share a way to make an all natural window cleaner with you instead? Wouldn’t that be awesome!?!

Natural Window Cleaner

Keeping your house clean can seriously stink! Literally! I don’t know how many times I have had to open windows to air out the house from all of the nasty chemicals making me feel dizzy. That’s why I started doing research on ways to make my own household cleaners that are more natural, chemical free, and way CHEAPER to make!

I no longer use the blue bottle to clean my windows.  Instead, I now use my all-natural (aka chemical-free) cleaner, and it works JUST as well as the stuff from the store!

Make sure you check out some of our other awesome cleaning tips and tricks!

Also See: Homemade Disinfectant Spray

SUPPLIES

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 cups warm water
10-15 drops of essential oils (optional – just masks scent)
Empty spray bottle

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix all ingredients in the order given.
2. Pour into a clean, empty spray bottle.
3. Spray the area and wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

The post All Natural Window Cleaner appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

The toilet. It is more than likely the one thing your home you hate to clean the most but is the area that requires the most cleaning.  And, it is not only important to clean your toile, but you need to also disinfect it as well.  But, who wants to use harsh chemicals that burn your eyes?  It is possible to clean your toilet naturally.

I don’t know about you, but I hate using chemicals.  First off, they smell awful and secondly, they tend to give me a headache! I also despise the fact that they are near my kids. I would much rather use something natural, if possible.

There are countless products available that say they are chemical free.  But, even the greenest cleaning products still use chemicals.  And, if you don’t want to use them, I don’t blame you.

It is simple to clean your toilet naturally, using three ingredients.  And, chances are, you probably have them sitting in your pantry right now!

Make sure you also check out these natural cleaning ideas:

• All Natural Window Cleaner
• Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaners
• 16 Natural Cleaners You Can Use In Your Home

Make sure you also follow my Natural Cleaners board on Pinterest too!

HOMEMADE NATURAL TOILET BOWL CLEANER

SUPPLIES

Vinegar
Baking Soda
Toilet Brush

DIRECTIONS

To begin, pour around 1/2 – 3/4 a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl.  Allow it to sit for 3 – 5 minutes. Next, add in around 1/2 cup of baking soda.  You will see it start to fizz and bubble (this is the natural chemical reaction of these products interacting).  Allow to bubble and fizz for around 10 minutes.

Repeat these steps to allow more fizzing and “self-cleaning.”  Once the fizzing has stopped, use the toilet brush and clean under the rim and inside the bowl.

Finally, flush and you are done!  You’ve not only cleaned but also disinfected your toilet bowl with natural products!

The post How To Clean Your Toilet Naturally appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of BusyKid. All opinions are my own.

I’ve got three kids. It seems that there one of them is always wanting money for one thing or another. But, the thing is, the “Bank of Mom and Dad” does not like to just give them cash for just anything. They have to earn it.

There is a lot of controversy over whether or not parents should pay their kids for doing chores. For many parents, tasks such as cleaning your room, setting the table, mowing the lawn, or taking out the trash are just part of what you need to do as a member of the family.

It makes sense. However, in what ways to kids earn money? Is it a weekly allowance, or are there other ways that your kids earn money?

In our family, our kids do not get paid for doing the things that we tell them to. They each have weekly chores for which they are responsible. Those will earn you nothing more than a “the kitchen looks nice” after you do the dishes.

Our kids can earn money but only when they do the things that are above and beyond what is asked of them. Decide to pick up the family room without being told? Earn money! See that the kitchen is messy and clean it up? Earn more money!

But tracking these on old school chore charts no longer works for them. They are just too old. And, even some of the other creative chore chart options just don’t work. Our kids are growing up, and that also means so does the way we track and pay them for doing things around the house.

My husband and I found BusyKid and decided to give it a try.

My BusyKid App Review

What is BusyKid?

BusyKid is a chore system app. But, it is more than that. The app allows parents to allocate the money the kids earn into three different buckets — give, earn and spend.

It is an app that helps you kick start money conversations with your child. Financial literacy starts at a very young age, so as a parent if there is a way to do that which is easy for me to maintain, I’m all over it!

I made a lot of money mistakes and did not want my children to ever go through that. Ever. My husband and I are big on teaching our kids how to be responsible with their money. The app meshes perfectly with our money views. The idea that we need to make sure children have a healthy relationship with money sets them up to be financially-wise adults.

What better gift can you give to your child?

How does BusyKid work?

It is super easy to use. You create your account and connect it to your bank (all encrypted, so it is safe). Then, you add your child’s information as needed. Assign them tasks. When they complete them, they get the money allocated to their account.

But, the kicker is that they don’t get the full payment given to them. Nope. They will be given only a certain percentage to spend. The other money they earn is split between save and give.

The app teaches your kids not only how to make money but how the importance of saving. It starts the skills of saving a little from each paycheck, so they can first pay themselves.

Kids also learn about giving. Giving to others is very important. BusyKid knows this as well!

Let’s walk through this in detail.

Getting Started with BusyKid

If you are ready to jump in use an app that will not only help with chores and responsibility but also teach financial literacy, then pop over and download the BusyKid app.

Once you do that, you will sign up. One of the first things you will be asked to do is to connect your bank account. That is how you will pay your kids. It moves from your account so it can pay them (I’ll share how that happens a bit later).

After you connect your account, you will add a profile for your child. You can add a picture (if you wish) but will also need to add their name, and birthdate. You will also assign a PIN to their account. If they have a cell phone, you can attach their number to the account as well.

Assigning chores

Once your child’s account is created, it is time to get busy assigning them chores! From the parent dashboard, you can select your child from the profile. Then you will select the Add Chores button.

Here you can assign the chore and attach a value to it. You will even determine the frequency that they need to do the task. For example, taking out the trash may be required only on Monday night whereas set the table is every night of the week. Then you decide how much that is worth.

You can assign and remove tasks as frequently as you would like. As the parent, you are in complete control!

How your kids track their progress

Then, each family member adds the app to his or her device. The login credentials are the same for everyone (as you will share one account). But, the difference is that you can only log into the account that you have the PIN for. That means your kids can only log into their account to track their actions. (Mom and Dad have the pins to access this for anyone).

Once your child has logged into his or her account, they will see a screen that looks like this:

As they do the task, they click the blue I Did It Button. The completed task is recorded on Mom and Dad’s account. You will see that they completed the task on your dashboard:

It is simple to see that your kids are doing what they are supposed to and being responsible enough to track it. If they don’t mark it done, you can’t pay them! It forces them to take ownership as well in making sure they get their money each week.

How do you pay your kids?

I love this the best! You can pay your kids through a pre-paid Visa card on payday, which is Friday of each week. Rather than traditional cash, kids get a card that is loaded with the money they have to spend!!

As a parent, you have full control over the percentage breakdowns as you pay your child. If you want to help them save for a car or college, you can increase the savings percentage to 40%. As the parent, you have complete control over the way your child saves and spends.

Rather than pay them and tell them to put a certain amount towards savings and charity, they get only the amount they can spend loaded onto the card. For instance, if they get paid $10 and you decide 10% should be given to charity and 20% saved, they will only receive $7 on their card.

The reason I love this feature is that it teaches kids about money in the cloud and how to spend with plastic. Even though our family is big on a cash budget, we still understand the importance of our children understanding how to use a debit card.

You get the confidence that your child can learn many financial literacy lessons with a straightforward action.

Teaching your kids about giving

Money is about more than spending. It is also about giving. I mentioned this above, but it is so important that it deserves another mention.

BusyKid believes in helping others. And, they believe that kids need to learn this lesson early in life. If they learn that this is part of making money, then it will be normal for them as they grow. They too will use their money to help others in need.

What a great lesson!

BusyKid has a list of charities that your family can decide to donate too. These include the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Toys for Tots, Special Olympics, and more. There are more than 20 charities that you can choose from. And then, on payday each week, the money will be given the charity of your child’s choice.

Helping kids learn to save

One unique feature about BusyKid is the value the put on saving and investing. They encourage parents to

Common Questions

While I explained how the app works (and why it is so awesome), you may still have a few other questions.

Do I have to link my bank account?

Nope! You can start out without linking your account. But, you will need to do so eventually, or you can’t pay your kids.

Can I use a credit card?

Absolutely. But, you are charged 2.9% of the transaction fee + $0.30. If you don’t want to pay money to pay your kids, you will want to use the bank account (as it is free).

What are you doing with the funds you take from my account?

Excellent question! All money is held in a BusyKid account and an FDIC insured bank for your benefit. BusyKid makes no money on the funds that are held. They are insured on a “pass-through” basis only. That means your balance is protected by FDIC, up to the limits established.

What does it cost?

The fee is $24.99 for the year – for your entire family. That breaks down to a little more than $2 a month.

Is there a trial period?

Yep! You can try it for free for 30 days. At the end of the trial period, you will need to cancel, or you will be charged the annual fee. Don’t worry – they are really good about sending you emails letting you know that you are nearing the end of your trial period. (They don’t want you to pay for something if you find it is not a fit).

My honest thoughts

I am not big on apps (ask my husband). But, there are some that I regularly use – because they work. With three kids who always need to get paid for work around the house, it is a simple solution. There is no more of them asking me for money – they know what they need to do so they can get paid.

Add in the bonus that the app teaches them financial literacy, and it makes me love it any more. My husband and I are doing all we can to make sure our kids have the right financial education. If that means using a tool to help us, we are all about that.

BusyKid is the app that just really does it all. It is affordable. It is educational. It just works.

The post The Trick to Get Kids to Stop Asking You for Money appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Dollar General. 
All opinions are my own and were not influenced by any parties.

Spring is nearly here!  And after the winter we’ve had I am certainly welcoming it with open arms.  Soon the windows will be open letting that fresh air in, pushing out those musty winter smells in our homes.

It is also the time when many of you may be tackling some spring cleaning.  And, if you have not done it before (or perhaps you did not really do it the right way), it is essential to make sure you start with a plan.

PLANNING FOR YOUR SPRING CLEANING PROJECTS

The first thing you need to do is figure out when you will tackle each room.  When it comes to spring cleaning, you don’t have to do the entire house, from top to bottom, in just one or two days.  It can be done over a few weeks.

We are all busy and when it gets nice, we would rather be outside or doing just about anything other than cleaning.  So break up the cleaning tasks and work on a room at a time, but don’t miss out on the gorgeous weather.

Select the days you will clean each room. Make sure you allow for 3 – 4 hours for each one.  While it may not take you that long, having the extra time buffer built in will be helpful, should it take you longer than expected.

Once you have your schedule planned out, it is time to make sure you have everything you need. I’ve built spring cleaning kits for years and this year was no exception.

The only difference was that this year, I was able to save more than 50% on the things I needed — just by shopping at the right place.

BUILDING A SPRING CLEANING KIT

Each year, I make a pilgrimage to a local brick and mortar store and stock up on everything I need to clean the house.  And, that usually means I spend at least $50 – $60.  It’s no fun.

This year, I decided to try something different. I popped into my local Dollar General to see if they could offer what I need and save me money.  You’ll need to read on as I share my grand total for everything I added to my kit — but not until the end of the post!

If shopping at Amazon is more up your alley, check out my must-have list of cleaning supplies.

So, what makes a good kit? I’m sharing my secrets!

Also see: Free Spring Cleaning Checklists

A BUCKET

It is always smart to have a bucket handy. You never know when you will need to fill a pail with water and cleanser.  Rather than find a bowl or rely on trigger sprays, a bucket will keep the water you need, right at your fingertips.

Not only that but even if you don’t need to use it, a bucket is a perfect way to haul your cleaning supplies from room to room.  Just grab the handle, and you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.

SPONGES, SCRUBBERS, AND RAGS

I always have several different products handy to use for scrubbing. Sometimes food or grime is stuck on, so I need a scratch pad.  Other times I need to be gentle cleaning a soft surface so need a sponge.  Then a good rag and towel are a must for any cleaning task.

SUPER ERASER

I’ll be honest; this is one of my favorite cleaning items. These Dollar General Super Erasers are amazing!  You can use it for scuffs, marks, crayon, markers, dirt, soap scum — so many things!  You’ll want to make sure you toss a few of these into your spring cleaning kit.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

When it comes to wiping down baseboards, doorknobs, and light switches, an all-purpose cleaner works great.  I prefer the concentrated bottles that you dilute in water (thus the reason for my bucket).  I just found Passion Fruit scent at my Dollar General — you won’t believe how awesome it smells!

CLEANER WITH BLEACH

There may be surfaces that need extra disinfecting or bleach to remove stubborn stains.  Keep a bottle of cleaner with bleach (or make your own oxygen bleach solution to stay away from chemicals) on hand for these types of jobs (always check color-fast before using).

WINDOW CLEANER

Nothing is better than a window that will let the sunlight stream on through!  Window cleaner is a must for your spring cleaning kit. No reason to pay too much  — it is just $1 at Dollar General!

So there you go!  Everything I have in my spring cleaning kit.

I told you that I’d save the best part for last.  Check out this picture above.  Do you have any guesses as to what I paid for everything?   I spent just around $35 to get everything I needed!!

There’s no reason to break the bank to clean your house.  None at all.

The post Prepare Your Spring Cleaning Kit appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Even with regular washing, kitchen dishcloths can develop an odor.  But there is a simple hack you can use to help you remove those smells!  This is a simple way to save money by cleaning your dishrags rather than replacing them.

I don’t know why it happens, but within a few weeks of using new dishcloths, they start to develop an odor. We always lie them flat to dry and change them every single day, but it still seems that they build up a residue that not only makes them retain a stench but sometimes turns them “hard.”

I wash them in hot water every time they are laundered and never use fabric softener, nor do I let them sit in the machine.  You can use a color-safe bleach, but I’m becoming a bigger fan of oxygen bleach for all of my cleaning becuase there are no harmful chemicals.  But, even so, it doesn’t seem to matter.  After a couple of months, they are almost too disgusting to want to use in my kitchen anymore.

In the past, I had just resolved myself to realize that I had to deal with this, and there was not much I could do.   I tried something new just to see if it would work, and to my surprise – it did!  Here’s how I was able to extend the life of my kitchen rags.

Other helpful ideas:

• 10 Tricks to Keep Your House Clean Enough
• How to Organize Kitchen Counters
• Using the One Touch Rule to Keep Clutter Away
• How To Get Rid of Smelly Towels

Why do kitchen rags smell?

If you can use chlorine bleach on your dishrags, you often never have to worry about a build-up or odor.  However, with the bright vibrant colored cloths that many of us have, this type of cleaning method is not an option.

Even with regular washing, rags can smell due to a build-up of detergent and fabric softeners.  And, if the food is not properly rinsed before washing, even the best detergent can’t remove the smell entirely.

Your rags will smell after time, even after they come out of the washing machine. But there are things you can do to combat this and fix it when it happens.

How to prevent sour-smelling dishcloths

The idea is to stop the smells before they start.  There are a few things you can do to help keep the odors at bay.

Rinse the rag after every use

Yes. This means every time.  After running them through the hot water, a few minutes will flush out the remaining food, which can quickly create a stink.

Never use fabric softener

This can create a build-up that can retain the smell longer.

Launder them often

Replace your rag every morning or night.  Never use one longer than 24 hours.

Use the hottest water setting

The hotter the water, the cleaner the rag.  Check your machine and wash your kitchen rags and towels on your washing machine’s hottest setting.

Don’t allow them to sit in the washing machine once the cycle has run

Odors can re-develop if they sit in a warm machine while still wet.  Toss them directly into the dryer and dry on the hottest setting for at least 30 – 45 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your soap dispenser

A simple bit of white vinegar can help flush out the odors and build up on a regular basis.

Stick to powdered detergent

There are different enzymes that break down and can help to strip the rags clean of stains and odors.

Also See: Best Washcloths That Don’t Smell

How to Remove the Smell from Really Smally Dishrags

Even if you do everything right, you might find your dishcloths just can’t stay clean any longer.  That means you may need to strip them.  This is an easy process that takes around 10 – 15 minutes.

Fill a large pot about 1/2 – 3/4 full of water.  Add in around 1 – 2 tsp of Dawn dish soap and 1/2 cup of vinegar.  Place 2 – 3 rags into the water.  Bring it to a boil for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once you are done, drain off the excess water and lie the rags flat to cool in the sun (if you can).  Launder them as usual in your machine – make sure to use hot water. Once done, they should be as good as new!

The post How To Keep Dishrags from Smelling appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

If you have kids or pets, you know you need a carpet cleaner.  But, with the little hands and feet that walk on your carpets, you want to make sure you use something that is safe but yet effective.

It took some time, but I found a way to make my own DIY carpet cleaner!  There are two different recipes below. The first one is a way to clean your carpet without a machine, using spot cleaning.  The second one listed is a recipe you can use to make homemade carpet cleaning solution for your carpet cleaning machine.

Both of these work amazingly well and are easy to make. I like that they don’t feel like they leave as much residue, while still removing stains.  Best of all, I know what is going into the solution, making it better for my family.

Oh, and make sure you check out these other cleaning tips:

• 16 Homemade Cleaners
• Homemade Laundry Soap
• Organizing Your Linen Closet
• Homemade Disinfectant Spray

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CARPET CLEANER

SUPPLIES

1 Milk-Based Soap Bar or Ivory Soap
2 1/2 gallons of Water (split)
1 cup Borax
1 cup Super Washing Soda
(FYI: This batch makes 2 1/2 gallons, so you will need a large stock pot)

INSTRUCTIONS

First, place the stock pot on the stove, and turn the burner on high. While the pot is heating up, cut up your soap into small pieces. Put the soap in the pot, let it start to melt.

Pour in 1 1/2 gallons of very hot water.  This will help ensure the soap continues to melt, rather than slow the process. Gently stir the water, and only keep the pot on the hot burner until all the soap is melted.

Once it’s melted, remove the pot from the heat, and add the borax, and the washing soda. Stir until dissolved completely. For the final step, add one gallon of cold water, and mix well.  Pour your carpet cleaning solution in clean milk jugs (or another method with a screw on cap).  You may want to place a small amount in a fresh spray bottle for in between cleanings.

To use, apply a liberal amount of cleaner to the stain. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or longer. Apply another small amount to the spot, again, and then scrub with a clean, dry rag vigorously. Repeat as necessary.

If you want to clean a larger stain or spot,  fill a bowl with the cleaner and saturate a heavy scrub brush.  Scrub the areas vigorously and allow to dry for at least 12 hours (best to allow to dry overnight).

Keep in a cool, dry place. It should last for several months.  For best results shake before using.

**Note that this solution has not been tested with a cleaning machine, so I cannot recommend that method.

HOW TO HOMEMADE CARPET CLEANER SHAMPOOER

I love this simple recipe for making your own homemade carpet cleaner shampoo that you can use in your carpet cleaning machines.

SUPPLIES

Baking Soda
Vinegar
Water
Essential Oils (if desired, but not necessary)

INSTRUCTIONS

2 Tbsp. Liquid Laundry Detergent (I always use Tide)
1/4 cup of all-purpose cleaner
1 scoop of Oxi-clean (or something comparable)
1 Tbsp. Fabric Softener (I use Downy)
1 gallon hot water

Fill your bucket with the hot water and add all items.  Mix well and then add to your machine.  Clean your carpets according to the machine instructions.

It is very important to read your warranty information as some manufacturers will void the warranty if you use anything other than the recommended products.  If that is the case, make sure yours has passed the warranty period, or stick with the store-bought cleaners to be safe.

The post Homemade Carpet Cleaner appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

We have to clean our homes.  There is no getting around it. Not only is it good for your health, but living in a clean house can make you feel better.

Of course, this can come at a cost as most cleaning products cost a lot of money!  I’ve got some easy things you can do to save money on household cleaners.

Whether you like natural products or opt for the convenience of those you can find in the store, there are ways you can save money on everything you need to clean your house from top to bottom.

Other helpful posts:

• The One Touch Rule for Keeping Clutter Away
• How to Keep Your House Clean Enough
• 15 Habits of People Who Have a Clean Home

SAVE MONEY ON CLEANING PRODUCTS

Ditch the Glass Cleaner

There is no need to pick up a bottle of the blue window cleaner.  In fact, you don’t need to use it at all. Instead, use microfiber cloths.  Wet one and scrub the mirror.  Then, use a dry one to wipe it dry and buff away the streaks.

While this method works in most cases, you may have times where you need a little more cleaning power.  If this happens, skip the store brand and make it yourself for pennies.  You’ll want to try a simple all natural window cleaner recipe to polish your mirrors and windows to a streak-free finish.

Avoid specialty products

If you look at the shelves in your local store, you will find cleaners made for stainless steel, granite, tile, wood and more.  You do not need an individual product for each one.  Instead, opt for a multi-purpose cleaner which can clean several surfaces (make sure yours is listed on the product to avoid damage).

Also see: Why I started using oxygen bleach to clean around the house

Use the store brands

You might have a coupon to use on that name brand product, but many times, the store brand will cost even less than it’s name brand counterpart even after you use your coupon.  What most people do not realize is that store brands are usually the big name brands, just with a different label.

Take a minute and compare the ingredients.  You may be surprised that you’ve been paying so much more than you needed to.

Pair coupons with sales

If you watch drugstore deals, you can usually find great deals.  When you combine store coupons, with manufacturer’s coupons and special offers, you can pay little to nothing for your products.  Watch Walgreens and CVS for some of the best deals.

Make your own

You can skip the store entirely and make cleaners yourself.  Here are some you might want to check out:

• 1001 Uses for Vinegar
• 16 Natural Cleaners
• Simple Non-Toxic Cleaners You Can Make Yourself

Use Vinegar

It is amazing what this inexpensive product can do.   You can make cleaning products and know that it isn’t only safe for the environment, it is safe for your family.

Scouring Cleanser: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup of liquid detergent.  Then, mix in enough vinegar to give it a creamy texture.  Use it to scrub just about anything.

Clean the Dishwasher:  Once a month, pour a cup of distilled vinegar into your dishwasher and run a cycle.  Doing this will remove soap buildup and odors.

Shower Cleaner:  Spray the shower down with full strength vinegar to remove hard water deposits and to remove grime, mildew and soap scum.  Just rinse with plain water after allowing it to soak.

Germ Killer:  Spray doorknobs and other items with full strength vinegar and wipe them down.

Glass Cleaner:  1 Tbs Vinegar, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water.  Mix in this proportion to make a streak-free glass cleaner that is MUCH safer than the blue stuff you buy in the store.

Stainless Steel Cleaner:  Mix 1 part vinegar to one part water.  Spray and wipe down your stainless steel appliances. Use little olive oil on a dry, lint-free cloth and polish until it shines.

Don’t use paper towels

Forget the paper towels. Instead, use reusable items such as microfiber cloths and washable mop covers.  We even recycle our newspapers and use them to polish windows and glass. (Hint – wipe horizontally one side and vertically on the other to find any streaks that might appear).

Make your dryer softener sheets

Purchase inexpensive washcloths at places like your local Dollar Store.  Soak them in your favorite fabric softener for around five minutes.  Wring out the excess liquid and let them air dry.

Toss one into the dryer and reuse a few times and then repeat.  It’s a simple way to remove static cling from your clothes without the added cost of dryer sheets.

Try lemon

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent.  If you have white items with stains, squeeze lemon onto it, let it sit in the sun and allow mother nature work on removing the stain.

If you clean with vinegar, a little squeeze of lemon in the bottle can cut down on the heavy odor vinegar can leave behind.

The post Simple Ways to Save Money on Household Cleaners appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Sometimes, you just don’t have time to do much cleaning, but you need it to look like you did.  That’s where you need to figure out how to fake a clean house, by implementing some simple strategies.

We all know that it is best to clean your house each week.  But, there are times when life gets in the way and you just don’t have time.  However, you would still like it to appear you’ve cleaned.

And then, there are the instances where friends are coming over and you just do not have time to deep clean from top to bottom.  This is the perfect time to quickly clean your house to make it look cleaner than it really is!

Also see: Tips from working moms on decluttering your kid’s room

SPEEDY HOUSE CLEANING TRICKS

If you have just 15 minutes to get the house ready before company arrives,  check out these tricks to quickly fake a clean house!

BATHROOM

The bathroom can be, well, rather disgusting.  It is usually not recommended to fake clean this room of the house, but you can, instead, do a few quick cleaning strategies that will make look like you’ve spent hours cleaning.

1. Wipe it down.  A quick wipe will remove anything that is easily visible and gives your bathroom an instant cleaner feeling.  That means lifting the lid of the toilet and wiping down the seat and rim. You do not want anything disgusting staring up at your guests.

2. Get everything off the counter. If need be, place items into a small basket and put it in the linen closet or beneath the sink.  Leave soap and a few other small things on the counter.

3. Wipe the sink, mirror, and countertop. Use your glass cleaner and wipe it all down.  Wipe the spots off the mirror and faucet so all you see is your smiling face.

4. Shake out the rug.  Fluffing your rug to remove hair and debris. By shaking you’ll also make the fibers stand up again, giving the illusion of a clean space.

5. Fresh toilet paper.  I know it sounds strange, but it works!  When you replace a 1/2 roll with a fresh one, it looks as if you just spent time cleaning and tidying up!

6. Wipe the floor.  A quick wipe of the floor will make lint, makeup and hair disappear.

7. Tidy the towels. Make sure the towels are all hanging neatly on the towel bar. Replace the hand towel with a fresh one from the linen closet.

FAMILY ROOM / LIVING ROOM

In many cases, your guests will gather with you in the living room (or your family room).  A few simple things are all you need to do in order to make it look neat and tidy.

1. Put the remotes away.  Toss the remotes in a drawer or place them by the television.

2. Declutter!  Grab a laundry basket and toss anything that does not belong into the room into it.  The basket can be placed in a closet to be dealt with after your company leaves.

3. Fluff the pillows.  Give the sofa pillows and cushions a little fluffing to so it removes the imprints left by your teenager.

4. Organize books and magazines.  If you have these items on your coffee table, line them up neatly (or hide them).

KITCHEN

While it may seem like the most challenging space to clean, it can be one of the easiest to speed clean before your guests arrive.

1. Use the dishwasher.  Toss all of your dirty dishes in the dishwasher – even if they need to be washed by hand.  After your guests leave, remove those delicate items and run the machine to wash the others. Your sink should have nothing left in it.

2. Wipe the counters and appliances.  Grab a rag and some spray and get busy wiping things down!  Using a homemade cleaner with vinegar and essential oils can make your entire kitchen smell clean and fresh.

3. Take out the trash. There is nothing worse than the scent of last night’s leftovers in the garbage. Take out the trash and put a clean bag into the bin.

4. Sweep the floor.  Get the crumbs and food up off the floor and into the trash can.

5.  Declutter the counters.  Once you finish, declutter the living room by tossing items into the laundry basket, do the same in the kitchen!  Get the papers, pens and other items off the counter and leave only a few appliances and other kitchen items on display.

BEDROOMS

While most of the time guests will not venture into your bedroom, you may still need to clean them.  However, if they must pass by your room to get to the bathroom, they may sneak a peek.

1. Make your bed. I know, I sound like your mother, but it’s true.  Nothing can make a room look cleaner more quickly than a freshly made bed.

2. Pick up the clothes.  Toss the dirty clothes in the laundry hamper.  No one wants to see your dirty socks lying at the foot of the bed.

3. Toss items into the closet.  If there is clutter on your dresser, make use of the closet!  Place items into a bag, bin or even a bucket and place it in your closet.

4. Close the closet doors. You may like them open for convenience, but when people see into your closet, it can make the room appear cluttered.  Close the doors until your company leaves; then you can open them again.

ANY ROOM

There are things you can do in any room to give it an instant clean feel.

1. Vacuum. There is nothing like freshly vacuumed carpet to make your room appear clean.

2. Open the drapes or blinds.  Let the natural light flow into your space, making it bright.

3. Light a candle.  Fill your home with the smell of baked goods or fresh crisp air.

With some quick thinking (and family help), you can fake having a clean home in just a few minutes.

The post Smart Ways You Can Easily Fake a Clean House appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Mirum.  All opinions are my own and were not influenced by any parties.

One thing I pride myself on is keeping a clean home.  Honestly, if my home is not clean I can’t focus.  It just drives me absolutely crazy!

HOW I KEEP MY HOUSE CLEAN DAILY

While I don’t deep clean everything in my house each day, I to take steps to keep it neat and tidy.  Each morning, we all make our beds and pick up our rooms.  I will toss a load of laundry into the machine once the kids are off to school.

Everyone is responsible for putting their breakfast dishes in the dishwasher for me.  You eat?  You can help me clean up!! Then, I take time to sweep the kitchen floor and if needed, will run a quick vacuum over the carpet too. Nothing can make a home look clean like freshly vacuumed carpets! 

In the evening, I ask my family members to all help pick up their own messes before we head off to bed. A quick clean up before we turn in helps us wake to a clean house in the morning.  That always starts the day off on the right foot.

My routine is pretty simple for the most part and I don’t deviate much from it.  Well, that is, unless we are in the midst of cold and flu season!! During this time of year, I add a disinfecting routine to help prevent household germs from spreading.

MY DISINFECTING ROUTINE

Once I get the initial housework done, I grab my disinfectant spray and go to town. Being that I am sensitive to most products, I have to stick with those that use natural ingredients (or I end up with a migraine).  The ones that work best for me are Seventh Generation.

I started out using just their detergent years ago, but keep adding more products – because they are awesome!! I recently tried the Seventh Generation Disinfecting Spray and am in LOVE!  It. Is. Awesome.

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Sprays not only eliminate odors but kill cold and flu viruses* on hard, non-porous surfaces (such as doorknobs and light switches, for example).  Best of all, their formula requires zero rinsing – just spray and allow it to work!

And, the scent?! Ahhh-mazing! I love how fresh and clean it leaves my home smelling.  My favorite is the Fresh Citrus & Thyme.  It just screams clean to me when I use it!

Right now, my daily routine is a bit longer. I disinfect the areas of my home that we all touch frequently.  This includes doorknobs, light switches, and even the remote control.

*Kills over 99.99% of household germs, specifically: Influenza A virus, H1N1, Rhinovirus type 37, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on hard, non-porous surfaces.

The post What I’m Doing to Keep My Home Clean and Germ Free! appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.