The other day I was asked one of the most common questions that people ask me: "Where do I start if I want to get out of debt?" After telling me of her huge credit card debt and how they eat out almost every night, the lady took a deep breath and said, "How do I save on laundry detergent and cleaning supplies?" Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.
Even though saving money on cleaning supplies does help and should be part of your plan, that usually isn’t where the biggest problem with the debt lies. This woman never once thought to ask me how to stop eating out so much. Most people don’t want to face the real causes of their debt because their biggest problems are the things they like the most. Going out to eat is one of the top five causes of debt.
Get those dirty dishes out of the sink!!
We go out to eat because we can’t face a dirty kitchen. Keeping your kitchen empty of dirty dishes is the key to saving money. This is probably the #1 way to start getting out of debt. Most people are so overwhelmed with piled counter tops and dirty dishes that they would rather go out to eat than face a dirty kitchen.
Do the dishes after every meal and keep hot soapy water in the sink while you are baking or cooking. Clean as you go. If your sink is empty and the dishes are washed, your kitchen always looks good. This helps you save money because you have the time and space to cook.
To get in and out of the kitchen quickly, try these easy steps:
- Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and put the hand washables in it to soak.
- Wipe off counter tops and tables with hot soapy water. (This way, if you have unexpected company, at least your table and counters will be clean.)
- Sweep the floor and shake throw rugs if needed.
- Wash the dishes that have been soaking.
- Wipe down the faucets and dry with a towel. (Be sure to wipe any sticky appliances, too.)
- Put out a clean dish rag and towel.
- Take out the trash.
These simple steps can help you start climbing your way out of debt. You will be amazed how much better you will feel just having the kitchen clean.
For more easy tips and tricks to help you get in and out of the kitchen faster, check out Groceries On A Dime.
I am more likely to cook a hot breakfast for my kiddos, which they love, if the kitchen is clean from the night before. If the counter and sink are dirty, it is probably a cereal morning. Cereal is easier on me but not the budget, even with coupons! I like showing that little bit of extra love by cooking for them since they like it so much, too.
My mother used to tell me that the key to good homemaking is a clean kitchen and beds made. What is more inviting to cook something creative and yummy than a fresh, clean kitchen. At night an unwrinkled bed is a luxurious treat for the body. I think she had it right!
I totally agree Linda. I learned the same thing. I was watching a show the other day where they were saying you should spend a bunch of money and buy some very expensive linens for your bed so it will be relaxing for you at night. I love nice bed linens myself but having a nice and neatly made bed can do almost the same thing even if you don’t have an expensive comforter or bedspread.
I have a couple of laundry tips that I would like to share that saves my family money and alleviates some of the procrastination of cleaning. I make my own liquid laundry soap [(shave a bar of Fels Naptha soap and melt it in a sauce pan of appx 4 cups water; in a 5-gal bucket 1/2 full of hot water add the sauce pan of melted soap, 1 cup of Borax, and 1 cup of washing soda; stir; fill up the bucket with hot water; let it sit overnight; stir and funnel into liquid laundry containers (1/2 soap, 1/2 warm water). Use 1 cup per load and remember it will not have suds like the store bought kind.] I use to spend about $25/mo on laundry detergent and now I spend less than a dollar per month!! When I do laundry I make a conscious effort to put away each load as they come out of the dryer so I don’t end up with an overwhelming pile. Also, I leave the towels til the end…after they are added to the washer I use a rag to wipe down the washer and dryer, so that I can just throw the rag in with the towel load.
For stuck-on food in a frying pan, I fill it 1/2 full of water and then heat it on the stove til boiling. While it is boiling I use a rubber or wooden utensil to scrape the pan…be careful not to slop the hot, greasy water on you! This makes cleaning the pans quicker, easier, and you use less soap.
Hi Lana, I started making this laundry soap in January and at 40 cents a gallon I think its the best I have ever used. I get everything I need at Walmart or BiLo Grocery if you have them. You can also find it on the web at Lehmans.com (they have the recipe, kit, ingredients and bucket.) Its cheaper to find it on your own. My family loves this soap and many of my friends and family members are now making it too. BTW – it works WONDERS in the dishwasher too. For Energy Efficient front loading washing machines – use 1/3 to 1/2 cup.
I guess this may be a dumb question, but what is washing soda and where would you get it and the Fels Naptha soap?
Tena,
You can find Arm & Hammer Washing soda at select grocery stores. I went to 5 different stores looking for it before I finally started calling local stores. Interesting enough, the store that was less than a minute away from me carried it. It is a big yellow box called Arm & Hammer Washing soda (not to be confused with baking soda). You can usually find Fels Naptha in the Hygiene aisle of the grocery store where you find Washing soda… but I have found fels naptha at Walmart too! Good luck!
[...] have been eating out a lot again and that hits us financially. I recently read an article on how Dirty Dishes Causes Debt on one of my new favorite blogs Living on a Dime. I found this article so true. I highly [...]
I don’t have a dishwasher and I have two little kids that are home all day, so this is a constant thing for me. I have had to learn to pace myself and enjoy the dishes. I have to enjoy things like soaking my hands in nice warm, soapy water, and being able to look out my kitchen window while I do the dishes. If I don’t have this attitude I will go crazy because my dishes are constant. Someday I hope I will have a dishwasher, but for now, I have to make do with what I have. Also, I am trying to cut down on dishes by having everyone have their own special cup, spoon and bowl, and teaching my kids and hubby to use them all day. It is helping.
We figured it out, even if we ate off the $ menu for every meal, it is still more cost effective to prepare your own meals at home.We pack a snack bag when we go out for the day, with drinks & crackers, etc., it really saves the $$$.
The health cost of fast food, no matter how cheap, is very high. Price out having your aorta and femoral arteries replaced due to placque blockage and you’ll see even more savings for healthy home cooked meals!
You can also use any other bar soap for the homemade laundry soap, ivory and dial work well too. Did not know you could use it in the dishwasher too, I make it for my mother-in-laws personal care home. Works great for stains and smells of all kinds.
If you don’t like the smell of the soap, you can add essential oils to the laundry detergent after you have everything mixed together. It doesn’t take much – 1/2 – 1 oz. per 5 gal. bucket, depending on how strong you like the scent. You can also just choose a soap that you enjoy the scent. I personally don’t like the scent of Ivory, but do like the naturalness of the soap. Last week I found Ivory with Aloe so tried it in my laundry detergent. The smell is delightful. I think I have found a new favorite.
Thanks for the tip about the dishwasher. I’ll be trying that tomorrow.