Georgine Kaczmarek has loads of cleaning products in her cabinets that promise to add sparkle and shine to every room in her home.

"Everything and anything," she said. "I have a use for each one."

But Sue Perry from Consumer Reports ShopSmart says cutting back on cleaning products can save you money.

"We found you don't need a whole army of cleaners to get a clean home," Perry says.

"For instance, you don't need cleaners' labeled antibacterial for the most part. And over-using these cleaners can contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria."

What's essential?

An all-purpose cleaner, like ammonia, works well -- just be sure to dilute it according to the instructions. You can keep it in a squirt bottle for everyday cleaning jobs around the house.

For safety:

  • Never mix with bleach
  • Wear gloves and goggles
  • If you don't like the smell use a pine oil cleaner

Ammonia is inexpensive and you can use it throughout the house.

You see lots of bathroom cleaners on store shelves but you can save there, too.

"You can skip a separate toilet bowl cleaner," Perry says. "A little all-purpose cleaner in the bowl works just fine."

As for the rest of the bathroom, Consumer Reports tests shows Scratch-free Comet disinfectant with bleach works wonders on shower-scum -- and on sinks and counters throughout the house.

For stainless steel, a little undiluted liquid dish detergent cleans as well as special stainless-steel cleaners.

"When it comes to your kitchen floor, you need to buy something that's formulated for the type of floor you need to clean," Perry says. "But if you have a wooden floor, hot water and a slightly damp mop is all you need."

For a safe and effective drain cleaner all you need is baking soda and vinegar.

Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain, then a cup of vinegar right after. It'll foam up quickly. Leave it for 15 minutes then pour down a kettle of hot water

And the next time you are out for a walk on a nice day beside a stream a lake or the ocean, remember that this is where all your cleaning products end up.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen