Poor economy forces people to scrub creatively

The bad economy has impacted everything Americans do, from eating out to buying clothes and cars.

Now it has left the equivalent of a giant greasy thumbprint on that time-honored tradition of spring cleaning.

More than two-thirds of Americans plan to clean up around the house this spring, but they're looking for cheaper ways to do it, according to a recent survey conducted for the Soap and Detergent Association.

The trade group found that 78 percent of those surveyed say the economy has influenced their cleaning habits, with many of them -- 60 percent -- forgoing cleaning services to do it themselves. Four in 10 are buying cheaper cleaning products and a third are buying fewer of them, says Brian Sansoni, spokesman for the association.

But there are ways to save money without sacrificing cleanliness, Sansoni says.

"With wallets a little lighter this year, we're advising that you can get more bang for your buck using the right product and right amount of product," Sansoni says.

First, look for multipurpose cleaners. Some jobs, such as cleaning granite countertops, require a specific kind of product, but many others can be tackled with the same cleanser. Check the labels, Sansoni says. Some products will clean glass, tile, Formica and other surfaces.

It might seem obvious to suggest using the right amount of a product, but some think "more equals cleaner." That is not the case, Sansoni says.

Many products are available in concentrated formulas, requiring less to get the job done. Detergents and dish soaps are both examples of products that come in concentrated form. Consumers may be skeptical that a smaller amount of something can produce the same results, but it is true, Sansoni says. Companies conduct numerous tests to ensure that their cleansers actually clean, he adds.

Another tip is to fill up on the refillable products. You start with one bottle and purchase larger refill bottles as needed.

If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, Sansoni says it's possible to make your own cleaning products out of ordinary household items. Twenty-two percent of those surveyed said they make their own cleansers.

Vinegar diluted with water can be an all-purpose cleaner, notes Dave Dorris, operations manager for Absolutely Spotless, a local cleaning service.

"You can go online and in a lot of cases find ways to mix your own cleaners," Dorris says.

The Soap and Detergent Association offers cleaning tips at cleaning101.com while recipes for cleaners can be found at momsbudget.com/cleaners and eartheasy.com.