The tasty product that could save you a ton of green

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When you think about it, cleaning can be pretty expensive. If you buy specialty cleaning products for your floors, carpets, windows, bathroom, kitchen and more, it can really add up.

But there's a product you likely already have (especially if you like French fries) that can do all the work of regular household cleaners, but leave a ton of money in your wallet and keep the Earth a little greener, too. With these tips from the WiseBread blog, you'll have a squeaky-clean house thanks to deliciously simple white vinegar!

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
Pine-Sol: 41 cents/100mL
Vinegar Solution: 12 cents/100mL
A solution of two parts vinegar to one part water will clean virtually every surface of your home, and the vinegar's acidity will kill most mold, bacteria and germs. For extra-dirty spots, scour fi rst with baking soda, then spray with vinegar solution and wipe clean.

AIR FRESHENER
Febreeze: $1.04/100mL
Vinegar: 18 cents/100mL
Add a fragrant spice like cardamom to a bowl of vinegar stored in a warm corner of the room.

FLOOR CLEANER
Mop & Glo: 89 cents/100mL
Vinegar Solution: less than 1 cents/100mL
For vinyl floors, mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 3.5 litres water, spray the solution on the floor and mop up. It will keep floors nice and shiny, and will also kill dust mites (perfect for those with allergies).

For ceramic tile floors, first wipe the tile with a solution of one cup of vinegar to 3.5 litres of water. Towel the floor dry, then wipe again with water.

CARPET STAIN REMOVER
Resolve: 81 cents/100mL
Vinegar Solution: 9 cents/100mL
If you have pets (or a lot of wild parties), then this simple mixture is your best friend. Blot the stain and flush it with water. Apply a solution of equal parts vinegar and cool water, then blot up, rinse again and let it dry. Not only will this clear the stain, it will eliminate odors as well.

FABRIC SOFTENER
Snuggle: 53 cents/100mL
Vinegar: 18 cents/100mL
During the final rinse cycle, add a half-cup of vinegar to your wash to keep clothes soft and lint-free. As a bonus, the vinegar can help to keep the washing machine running smoothly.

CLOTHING STAIN REMOVER
Resolve Spray and Wash: 61 cents/100mL
Vinegar Solution: 9 cents/100mL
Defeat stubborn fruit, coffee, mustard and sweat stains by spraying them with a half-water half-vinegar solution before popping the clothes into the wash.

BATHROOM CLEANER
Vim Cream: 76 cents/100mL
Vinegar: 18 cents/100mL
Destroy soap scum without harsh chemicals by wiping the area with vinegar and rinsing with water. For extra-stubborn scum, scrub with baking soda after wiping with vinegar and rinse with water.

TOILET CLEANER
Toilet Duck: 46 cents/100mL
Vinegar: 18 cents/100mL
Pour a little vinegar into your toilet bowl, swish it around with a toilet brush, and let sit overnight for a throne fit for a king or queen.

WINDOW CLEANER
Windex: 42 cents/100mL
Vinegar Solution: 9 cents/100mL
A half-vinegar half-water solution makes a great window cleaner. Be extra green and use old newspapers instead of a disposable cloth or paper towel, and you'll have even clearer windows.

(Based on ValuMart and Loblaw's prices. Vinegar cost is based on 1-litre jug for $1.79.)

For even more tips on how to use this versatile product, check out wisebread.com and vinegartips.com.