Christy M. writes: The next time (if there is one) that you can stand to do an article on cleaning, kid chores or when to spend a bit more - here are my comments, take them or leave them :)

My son has disabilities that include attention span and fine motor skills. We decided it was far more important to make sure he learned some skills around the house as well as feeling like a useful member of the family, than to worry about saving a few dollars. I buy the wipes in a container and use regular wet Swiffer cloths and the Clorox Ready Mop. Those are items he can manipulate himself for cleaning the bathroom and mopping the hardwood floors, and I don't have to worry about toxic chemicals or bleach getting sloshed around. Also, we are on a septic system, and using the disposables limits the harsh liquids going into the septic tank, extending the period between pumpings. Yes, of course I realize that they ARE going into the garbage.

Again, this is what WORKS FOR US. I generally stock up on these cleaners at the warehouse store when they are running a coupon special. I tried using the wet Swiffer type wipes from the dollar store but didn't care for the performance. Generally we wet Swiffer a couple of times a week and then my daughter or I do a "good old" sponge mop job with Spic n Span or similar, about once a week. If the floors are very grubby in between, we'll touch up with the Ready Mop. Our bathrooms are small, so half a dozen wipes and one wet Swiffer cloth for the bathrooms does it for the week.

Just another example of how thriftiness doesn't have to be "all or nothing."

Christy

Tawra: Hi Christy, Thank you for this great reminder that the goal is not always to save the most money, but rather to make the best decision for your family. For all of us, there will be times when it is worth spending a little more to make it work for you and your family.