Keep Your Cleaning Project on Budget

Performing a thorough house cleaning might seem overpowering, but that doesn't mean it has to cost you a lot. Whether you choose a DIY approach, hire a licensed cleaning company, or combine the two, you need to set up a budget to keep your cleaning project on track. Planning it ahead of time will help you layout the right budget for the services, materials and labor.

The budget can be impacted by a few different decisions you will make when it comes to your home cleaning. Maybe you're selling your house and need to clean it before moving out. Or maybe you want to learn more and find out what is included in the service, before hiring a house cleaner.

Whether you choose to DIY or hire experts for the job, having a set plan for your cleaning project can involve the supplies you choose, service you hire and the size of the area being cleaned.

• Needed Equipment and Supplies

If any component of your cleaning project is going to be DIY, purchasing supplies and equipment will have an impact on your budget. There are many easy DIY eco-friendly cleaning solutions, but in most cases an all-purpose cleaner is best to start with. It's usually designed to clean most of the hard non-wood surfaces in your house, such as tile, linoleum, and stone. Use caution in applying cleaning supplies too generally, as some surfaces may not react well. Cleaning products can be damaging and abrasive to certain kinds of surfaces. If there is any doubt, use a little of the product in question on a small area to test it out and see if it'll damage the surface.

It can be tempting to run out and buy a product for each area you want to clean. For instance, buy one specifically designed for the living room coffee table, and another one for the dining room table. In many cases you don't need a separate product for each of them. There are plenty of multi-purpose solutions out there that can help you on budget. Keep it simple and use a few products on multiple surfaces. Thus, you'll not only save money, but you'll also save time.

In addition to the actual cleaning products, other great supplies to have on hand are a vacuum cleaner, bucket, dust cloth, a few rags, and a scrub rush. You'll also want a separate scrub brush to use in the toilet bowl.

• Store Bought Products

Using store brand cleaning supplies can be a good way to save money, as most all-purpose products are formulated similarly. However, you may find that having the right cleaning product for the job can make a big difference in the results. It's usually the case with special jobs like hardwood floors, BBQs, or ovens. But beware of products marked with over-priced and over-hyped cleaning technology. Manufacturers often try to get your attention by introducing new gimmicks, which are usually most effective at filling your closet than actually cleaning.

• Hiring Professional Cleaners

If you think hiring someone to help with your cleaning is out of your reach, you might be surprised. You will find that the cost of an experienced cleaner is well worth the time you save than DIY. Scheduling a cleaning service to do all the work has the advantage of leaving all the supply considerations to them. This might be especially important if you're considering to purchase expensive equipment like a steam cleaner or a vacuum cleaner. Licensed cleaning companies generally have access to better supplies at wholesale prices you would never be able to buy yourself. Also, they tend to work very efficiently within someone's home. Perhaps even more efficiently that you would with a DIY cleaning job.

When you decide to hire a professional for your regular cleaning, search around to find the right contractor at the right price. Saving just a few dollars per session can add up to a lot of money saved over time. Your budget will vary on the level of service you hire and the number of people involved. Some companies will offer you just one-time cleaning job for an event or a holiday. When you're looking for a more long-term commitment, where maids come to your house once a week or month, you'll need to make sure you can afford it in your overall budget.

Having a clean house can be most cost effective when you weigh your choices, plan ahead, and stay focused on keeping the costs under control.

Hello, my name is Martin. I work as a project management consultant for different companies all over the US. Living at the moment in Atlanta, I like to help its residents writing about my personal experience.