Did you rush out and purchase one of the new-fangled duster/mops, not thinking about the costs of the disposable dusting and mopping pads? A lot of us did. But, I've realized that this wasteful addiction to disposable cleaning items was needlessly hacking away at my budget. These tips can save you money and help you live more environmentally friendly.
I own the original floor duster, the broom vacuum and the push-button mop. But I was constantly running out of the disposable pads and specialty cleaner. Not only that, but it's incredibly wasteful (in more ways than one). There are many reusable things that can be used in place of their disposable counterparts. Here are some of them.
If you use the floor duster, you can replace your disposable dusting cloth with a waffle weave dishcloth. You will receive similar results. For the push button mopper, replace the mopping pad with an old handtowel, bathroom washcloth or fragment of an old bath towel. It soaks up the water/cleaner, just like the mopping pad.
If you're feeling crafty, or looking for something with awesome scrubbing power, you can crochet a cotton scrubbing pad that will really impress you. The crochet pattern is simple and detailed, so that any beginner can whip one up. It's reversible, so once you've soiled one side, you can turn it inside out and use the other side. When you're done, wash it off in your sink or even throw it in the washer. Find the "Biffer Shrug" crochet pattern here.
I went a step further in greening my push-button mop and had my husband remove the top of the "refill cleaner," that's supposed to be attached to the mop. I filled it with warm water and a quarter cup of vinegar. The mixture works very well in combination with the crochet scrubber. So well, in fact, that I had to share this with other homemakers. Looking to save money on other cleaners in your home? Take a look at this list of recipes for household cleaners.
Forget all those so-called "hot toy" lists. Real moms experts put gifts and gear to the test, including many handcrafted by real moms, with our official Type-A Mom Gift Guide. Find:
Two Type-A Moms are hitting Walt Disney World for the holidays. We will
be liveblogging, including posting real-time pictures, video, audio and
blog posts.
Mom Topics 
push button mopper, replace the mopping pad with an old handtowel, bathroom washcloth or fragment of an old bath towel. It soaks up the water/cleaner, just like the mopping pad.
Two Type-A Moms are hitting Walt Disney World for the holidays. We will
be liveblogging, including posting real-time pictures, video, audio and
blog posts.
It is really not necessary to explain...
I am totally relate to your article. ...
I turned 30 three years ago and while...
These look like fun! I want to do the...