We know you're on a budget and spring is just around the corner, which is why we've put together a list of our top 10 favorite cleaning hacks. What's especially great about these is that most make use of items you already have laying around. Read on for some seriously effective cleaning techniques designed to save you time, money, and even the environment.

1. Clean a Toilet with Regular Cola

If left for an hour — or better yet, overnight — the carbonic, citric, and phosphoric acids in regular cola break down tough toilet stains. It's one of the easiest and most hands-off cleaning tricks around.

2. Make Your Glass Stovetop Look New with a Magic Eraser

Magic Erasers are useful for a myriad of household cleaning jobs, including getting rid of cooked-on stains. Afterward, use a glass cleaner to remove leftover eraser residue and you'll have a beautiful, shiny stovetop.

3. Use Aluminum Foil as a Dryer Sheet for Up to Six Months

Tightly wrap up to three tennis balls with aluminum foil, toss them in the dryer, and beat static cling for months. You can rinse and repeat once they start to come apart — usually around the six-month mark.

4. Make Finger Paint with Expired Greek Yogurt

For a non-toxic, washable finger paint, add food coloring or Kool Aid to expired Greek yogurt — just make sure it's less than three weeks past its expiration date. Finger paint also works best on thicker material like a plastic tablecloth rather than paper.

5. Use Cardboard Tubes to Get Into Tiny Spaces

To vacuum tiny spaces, attach a cardboard tube to the end of your vacuum hose. This works especially well for getting between couch cushions and into window tracks.

6. Clean Baseboards with a Rag and a Broom

Wrap a rag completely around the end of your broom and keep it in place with a rubber band or two. Now you can clean the baseboards — and even crown molding — without risking a back injury from bending over.

7. Glaze Your Car's Windows with WD-40 to Prevent Snow Buildup

Applying WD-40 to your car windows before a snowstorm will keep snow and ice from sticking, saving you from having to scrape it off the next time you need to go somewhere.

8. Clean Gutters by Attaching a PVC Pipe to Your Leaf Blower

This method lets you clear leaves off your roof and out of your gutters without the potential injury risk of climbing a ladder, and it takes far less time to clean up the exterior of your home.

9. Make Your Own Non-Chemical Floor Cleaner

Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 4–5 tablespoons of white vinegar and a pinch of dish soap, then add warm water for a potent but non-hazardous floor cleaner. Feel free to make it in advance and store for later use.

10. Deep Clean Shower Door Tracks with White Vinegar

Soak some paper towels in vinegar, leave them in the shower track for 30 minutes, then scrub away with a toothbrush. The acidity in white vinegar breaks down soap scum, hard water residue, and other buildup that routinely accumulates in bathroom crevices.

We hope these cleaning hacks help save you time, money, and frustration next time you clean your home. As for your energy needs, let us help you make Kratos the hero of your home by signing up for reliable, affordable energy services. Call or contact us and start saving today.