7 Ways to Spring Clean for Less

4. Use Chemical-free Detergent
Conserve your washing costs and save the planet with Free & Clear, 2x Ultra concentrated vegetable-based laundry detergent from Seventh Generation. It’s easy on the wallet ($10 for 50 ounces, check seventhgeneration.com for locations to buy) and even easier on the environment.

5. Get an All-in-one Mopper
If you have to clean hard floors, we say do it with the least amount of personal effort possible. We love Hoover’s FloorMate Hard Floor Cleaner which vacuums, washes and dries floors (even cleans spills in seconds) in one lightweight machine. All you have to do is push it. Cost: $130. The reduction in back pain and mopping hassle? Priceless!

6. Consider Longer-lasting Sponges
Sponges have a reputation for breeding bacteria (and falling apart fast), but SOAKER sponges remove the disgust factor. They’re machine washable and have a three-year life expectancy. Each sponge starts at around a $1 — that’s a slighter higher price than dollar-store varieties, but you get your money's worth in longevity and cleanliness.

7. Dust Bust
 Maximum your work-life balance with the Swiffer extended handle, 360-degree duster, which can be locked into four different angle positions, so you can clean just about anything within three feet. A starter kit and three duster heads is $15 at amazon.com (Stock Quote: AMZN ).