Instead of buying expensive household cleaners, using these common and inexpensive household products can be an effective and frugal way to cut your cleaning expenses. These are my favorite alternate products to have on hand to take care of almost every household cleaning need.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural substance that neutralizes both acids and bases, so it eliminates odors rather than just covering them up. In cooking, baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, and this causes cookies, breads or cakes to rise. Baking soda can also act as an abrasive cleaner perfect for removing stains from sinks, counter tops and even fine china.More »

2. White Vinegar

Vinegar is an inexpensive cleaner, good for removing hard water deposits, shining glass, windows and most metal surfaces. It can also remove stains and mildew. Use in your coffeemaker to keep it brewing quickly.More »

3. Bleach

Bleach is best known as a fabric whitener. It also disinfects bathrooms and kitchens, and kills mildew and mold. (Warning: Do NOT mix with ammonia-based products.)More »

4. Borax

Borax is also known as a laundry booster; add a handful to your washer to help your detergent work better. Also deodorizes garbage pails and disposers, cleans and whitens walls and floors, and cleans cookware.More »

5. WD-40

WD-40, a petroleum-based lubricant and cleaner, has many household uses beyond the garage. Among the many household uses for WD-40 are crayon and adhesive removal, grease and grime cleaning and lubricating metal parts throughout your house. Here are my favorite household uses for WD-40.More »