How to Save Water During Cleaning Projects

collaborative guest post

Ever notice how water feels unlimited when it’s streaming from the tap, but somehow disappears the second there’s a drought warning on the news? In Australia, that supply isn’t guaranteed, so it makes sense to treat every drop like the precious resource it actually is.

Whether you’re scrubbing the shower, mopping up a spill, or going full spring-clean mode, there are loads of ways to keep things sparkling without wasting half your tank.

So, if you’re ready to clean like a pro without pouring litres of water down the drain, here’s how to do it right.

Switch to Sustainable Tools

If you want to save water, your tools are your secret weapon, and no, we don’t mean that old mop that smells suspicious.

Take microfibre cloths and flat-head mops, for example. These clever little tools are basically the gold standard. They trap dirt and grime with barely any liquid, so you can ditch the dripping bucket and still get a proper clean. Plus, they’ll last for ages if you look after them.

Compare that to the classic string mop, which needs constant dunking, wringing, and a small puddle just to get started, and the winner is clear.

If you’re feeling fancy, look for locally made options. They’re often better quality and save you money on shipping. It’s a small choice with a big impact, and let’s be honest, supporting Aussie-made products always feels good.

With the right kit, you’ll slash your water use and still end up with a sparkling home.

Use Concentrated Formulas

If you’re still lugging around big, watery cleaning products and using half the bottle to see results, it’s time for an upgrade.

Instead, go for concentrated cleaning solutions. These little powerhouses pack all the punch of a full-sized product, just without all the unnecessary filler.

You only need a capful here or a drizzle there, and you’ll have a potent mix ready to tackle the toughest patches.

Better yet, using concentrates doesn’t just save water during cleaning. It cuts waste across the board.

You’ll be using less product, which means less rinsing, fewer plastic bottles, and fewer delivery emissions from shipping watered-down formulas across the country.

Some sustainable formulas even come in refill pouches or dissolvable tablets, which means your cupboard won’t end up looking like a mini supermarket.

If you’re buying in bulk, which you absolutely should if you’ve got the space, keep things labelled and stored safely. That way, when cleaning day rolls around, you can just top up your spray bottle and make your place shine.

Clean Without Running Water

It’s entirely possible to clean well without having the tap constantly flowing. You just need a slightly different technique that doesn’t involve dumping litres down the drain.

Using less doesn’t mean accepting worse results. It just means using what you have more mindfully. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use buckets. Instead of letting the tap run, fill a bucket or basin once and use that as your rinse station. It’s old-school, sure, but it works. You’ll use a fraction of the water and still get everything gleaming.

• Soak sponges and cloths. Giving your cloths a good soak ahead of time means they’ll be primed to tackle grime. You’ll lift stubborn bits without having to reach for more water every few minutes.

• Rethink ‘water-heavy’ chores. Not every cleaning job needs water in the first place. For dusting shelves or wiping mirrors, a microfibre cloth will pick up dirt with a light misting. If you’re dealing with fingerprints or smudges, one spray is plenty.

If you use regular house cleaning services, you should ask whether they follow water-saving practices. Many professional cleaners now use microfibre systems, spray bottles, and eco-friendly products designed to work with minimal water.

A quick chat can make a big difference, and it’s one more way to keep your household running efficiently.

Invest in High-Efficiency Appliances

If your appliances are older than a decade, chances are they’re guzzling water like nobody’s business.

Modern dishwashers and washing machines use way less water without compromising on cleaning power. So, look for energy and water efficiency ratings when it’s time to upgrade.

That said, even with the most efficient appliance, the trick is how you use it. Running half-empty loads is a fast way to undo all that efficiency magic. Instead, wait until you’ve got a full batch before hitting start, and you’ll stretch every drop further.

Optimise Your Cleaning Schedule

Your tools are sorted, your products are efficient, and your appliances aren’t draining the tap dry, so let’s talk about timing. Saving water isn’t just about the tools you clean with but about how often and how smartly you do it.

Instead of tackling random jobs here and there, try grouping similar tasks together. Wipe down all your surfaces in one go, or do the bathrooms back-to-back while your cleaning mojo is strong.

You’ll reuse your clothes and tools more efficiently and avoid constantly rinsing, refilling, or re-spraying things.

Timing can make a bigger difference than you think as well. Cleaning in cooler parts of the day, like morning or evening, slows evaporation, which means the water you use will actually stick around long enough to do its job.

It’s also a lot nicer than sweating it out mid-arvo while your floor dries faster than you can mop it.

Reuse Your Cleaning Water

Reusing cleaning water might sound a bit odd at first (no one’s saying you should hoard murky mop buckets). But with a bit of common sense, you’ll find that it’s a simple, effective way to make every drop count.

Think of it like recycling but for chores. You’ve already put the water to work once, so why not give it a second job before it goes down the drain?

If you’ve got a bucket of mop water that’s not too dirty, you can reuse it for low-risk tasks, like cleaning outdoor surfaces, garage floors, or even rinsing down outdoor bins.

Not every batch is worth saving, though. Anything that’s touched the toilet, heavy grease, or harsh chemicals should be disposed of immediately.

Educate Others on Water Conservation

By now, you’ve probably realised that saving water while cleaning isn’t rocket science. And once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s hard not to notice how much water everyone else is wasting.

That’s your cue to spread the word. A quick chat with a neighbour, a casual mention in your family group chat, or even a social post about your new cleaning setup can spark ideas for others. Most folks want to do the right thing; they just don’t always know where to start.

If you’re part of a community group, a workplace, or a local club, you can even take it a step further. Print out a quick checklist or make a small ‘water-wise cleaning tips’ flyer.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, saving water while cleaning doesn’t have to involve grand gestures. Just switch the tap off, reach for better products, and build a routine that doesn’t waste a drop.

You’ll waste less time, save a bit of cash, and do something genuinely good for the planet. Not bad for a few tweaks to your cleaning kit, right?