Clean More, Pay Less – Saving On Services
Let’s face it, we all like an easy life. Most of us wouldn’t say no to a little help with the dull but necessary day to day chores. It’s tempting to outsource these less attractive jobs to free up some time in our busy lives for more pleasurable activities; seeing friends, having some downtime, spending more time with the children. However, these services are costly extras which can add up to a sizeable increase in our monthly outgoings. Those who are trying to reduce spending (and maybe even save a little) could benefit financially from saving on services; taking a little extra time to get down and dirty with the scrubbing brush!
Model Those Marigolds!
Hands up anyone who enjoys cleaning? Do you relish donning the marigolds and tackling the crusty scum around the taps, the less than fragrant toilet, or the lampshades that haven’t been dusted for what seems like centuries. If so, you may be in the minority! For not much more than the price of a takeaway, it’s very tempting to pay for some fabulous feather-duster-festooned angel to work their weekly magic while you’re at work; degriming every nook and cranny until your home looks and smells like a show home. Yet, when you’re looking at £100-200 a month, can you justify that expense for a little more time spent getting friendly with the bleach!
The Price of Pressing
Ironing is an art – one that I have never mastered. Or even wanted to. And why would you when there are marvellous businesses that can iron your clothes to perfection? They can even collect your clothes and deliver them back to your door beautifully folded and crease-free. Yet this wonderful but perhaps unnecessary service may set you back £1-£4 per item. That soon adds up for a family of four. Instead, why not arm yourself with a glass of wine (white, in case you spill it!), put on a great movie, and spend a few hours making your best attempt at pressing those work shirts. I’m sure your partner won’t notice a few creases and will be delighted with the money saved.
Overhaul That Oven
Ovens are a vital piece of kitchen equipment, unless we want to live on salads and smoothies. Or takeaways. All of which have their merits, but none of which appeal for any length of time. Yet, the constant use of our cookers, coping with spitting roasts and bubbling sauces, can lead to a build up of grime and grease that may resist even the most zealous of elbow grease. Having your oven cleaned can easily set you back £50 (or £80 for a range or double oven). The likes of Mr Muscle and Oven Pride can achieve an effective clean, especially if used regularly, for a fraction of the price.
Freshen Up Your Floors
Carpets are downtrodden (get it??) They suffer the daily trudge of mucky (sometimes smelly) feet. The slow build up of grime and dirt can result in an unsavoury odour and a grubby appearance. There is no doubt that having your carpets professionally steam cleaned brings back their original bright colour and leaves them fresh and smelling beautiful. Yet there are products available in our supermarkets which can perform a similar miracle. Used regularly, products like Vanish or 1001 will refresh your flooring and bring back the as-new look for just a few pounds.
Window Wizardry
If you have a fear of heights, hiring someone to clean your windows may be the best option. Dangling out of an upstairs window, hanging on for dear life with one hand while you reach across to clean that bird mess off the furthest point may fill you (and anyone watching) with dread. But if you’re feeling brave (and keep the safety catches on the windows!) a little effort and inexpensive cleaning products will achieve the same results. You can have the sun sparkling through smear free glass once more, all for the cost of some Windowlene!
In essence, saving on services is a no-brainer. Putting aside a few hours each week to tackle the less appealing jobs will free up some of your hard earned cash which you can then use to reward yourself and your family for all your hard work.
