Coupon cutter: Clean-up on fall cleaning supplies

If you clean house in a proactive way, you’ll be surprised how much labor you save in the long run.

Why wait for the bathroom or kitchen to get really dirty before starting? A little bit of cleaning here and there will lessen the amount of time spent on chores.

For instance, pour 1/4 cup of bleach into the toilet bowl before you leave for work, close the lid and it will be clean by the time you get home at night. Once a week, pour 1 cup of vinegar into the tank and let it sit overnight to prevent a ring from forming.

A little olive oil on a soft cloth will clean stainless steel appliances and sinks, and reduce smudges and fingerprints.

Right after you’ve finished showering, take a few minutes to scrub walls, floors and fixtures when dirt and soap scum are easier to remove. Leave a bleach-soaked paper towel lying directly on mildew in the tub or shower — it removes mold in minutes.

Here are this week’s coupon savings in cleaning products:

• Save $1.50 on any Fantastik all-purpose cleaner or wipes or any OxyPower multipurpose cleaner. Expires Nov. 12.

• Windex offers a 40-cent coupon on any glass or multitask cleaner or wipes. Expires Nov. 12.

• Pledge has a $1 coupon on any Grab-It dry cloths pack and a 75-cent coupon on any wood floor cleaner. Expires Nov. 12.

• Save 75 cents on any Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush starter kit and 55 cents on any refill pack. Expires Nov. 12.

• Pledge also has a $1 coupon on any furniture-care spray or wipes. Expires Nov. 5.

• Lysol offers a 50-cent coupon on any of its disinfectant sprays. Expires Oct. 31.

• Save $1.50 on any Woolite carpet or upholstery cleaner. Expires Oct. 31.