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Save Money When You Spring Clean

Spring marks a new beginning and gives us the chance to enjoy the fresh outdoors. Many people will also participate in a deep "spring cleaning" to remove all the dust, dirt, germs and clutter that accumulated in their homes during the cold winter months when so much time was spent indoors. With so many areas to clean and a multitude of cleaning supplies to buy, the cost can add up quickly. Fortunately, many items can be repurposed and items you already own can be reused to tidy up.

Start by taking inventory of the cleaning products and accessories you already own. Make use of these items and, if needed, supplement them by purchasing multi-use cleaners. Don't waste your money buying lots of specialty cleaners; you don't need to buy one for each surface you clean.

The cost of purchasing glass, wood, electronics, tub, tile and granite cleaners can be outrageous and unnecessary. A single cleaner can be used on many of these surfaces. Of course, take caution and invest in a special cleaner when it comes to certain items that really do require specific cleaners. When buying any cleaning item, try to find it on sale. Look at weekly ads online or in the newspaper to identify savings opportunities at stores near you. Using grocery coupons can further reduce the cost.

Next, look to household items that can work double duty for you. Rather than purchasing cleaning cloths, use old wash cloths or even an old T-shirt. Instead of purchasing floor cleaning pads for your Swiffer, try using a strong paper towel.

If your spring cleaning requires professional help, search daily deal sites for a voucher on home cleaning services. Typical savings are up to 50 percent off, but read the fine print. The offer may only be offered for first time customers of the cleaning service, and be mindful of the expiration date.

Spring cleaning can be a reminder as to how many belongings you have, and you might be reminded that you need to be better organized. Those who also need to declutter can find a treasure trove of bins, containers and boxes at their local dollar store.

While cleaning out your drawers and closets, you may come across items you no longer need or have space to keep. Rather than throwing these things away, you can sell them. In addition to craigslist.org and eBay, there are many other options. Clothing and accessories can be sold on Poshmark, a virtual consignment shop. Old textbooks can be sold on ecampus.com.

Electronic items like your last phone or MP3 player can be sold on a site such as gazelle.com, buymytronics.com, nextworth.com or buybackworld.com, which purchase gadgets you no longer use. Unwanted gift cards can be sold on a website such as cardpool.com. Without much effort, you could get paid for doing your spring cleaning -- and have fewer items to dust next time!

Jon Lal is the founder of coupons and cash back website BeFrugal.com, which saves shoppers an average of $27 per order thanks to coupons plus an average of 7 percent cash back at more than 3,000 stores.



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