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Spotless Homes for the Budget-Conscious

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(NewsUSA) - With budgets stretched tight, many consumers are looking to cut back on expenses. And while skipping that afternoon latte or lunch out will certainly help, many Americans can find hidden value by taking a hard look at their cleaning budgets.

Clean homes mean healthy and happy inhabitants, but professional cleaning services can be pricey. What many people fail to realize is that a little elbow grease can go a long way. By donning some rubber gloves and following these simple tips, you can cut costs without sacrificing quality:

- Create a cleaning schedule for each room in the house. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, which need cleaning more often than other parts of the home.

A one-time cleaning from a professional service -; including basic tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing sinks, floors and countertops -; can cost $200 to $300. That's more than enough money to buy multiple months' worth of cleaning supplies.

- Try cleaning your own carpets. Professional carpet cleaners typically clean 5 to 7 rooms (or 1,000 square feet) for approximately $300. But each year, nearly 6 million people rent a Rug Doctor and often claim their results are equal to, or even better than, hiring a professional.

Renting a Rug Doctor and buying the necessary cleaning supplies will cost around $40. If you prefer to own rather than rent, the machines cost $600 to $700. When compared to professional cleaning prices, the machine pays for itself in only two uses. For added value, the Rug Doctor can also be used to clean upholstery, furniture and stairs with a hand tool attachment. The Floor Doctor attachment cleans hard floors, ceramic tile and even garage floors. Visit http://www.rugdoctor.com for information on where to find Rug Doctor products.

- Invest in a squeegee. It is recommended that most windows be cleaned twice a year, but with professional services charging up to $7 per window pane, homeowners can quickly find themselves strapped for cash. Instead of spending $150 to $200 -; which doesn't include extra charges for cleaning screens, glass doors or third- and fourth-story windows or removing mineral deposits -; purchase an 18-inch Golden Clip professional squeegee for about $10, a complete Ettore Product Company window cleaning kit for $35 or a Pro Window cleaning kit for $70. A high-quality squeegee, dish soap and an extendable window scrubber should be more than enough for the task.