Commercial cleaning products can be expensive and packed with harsh chemicals. By making DIY household cleaners to save money, you can take control of what goes into your home, cutting costs and creating a healthier environment at the same time.
Learning how to DIY household cleaners to save money isn’t just great for your wallet, it also reduces waste, limits chemical exposure, and puts you in control of what goes into your home.
1. Why Make Your Own Cleaners?
Here’s why so many people are switching to homemade solutions:
- Cost Savings: You can make gallons of cleaner for the price of one store-bought bottle.
- Less Waste: Fewer plastic bottles = less environmental impact.
- Customizable Scents: Add essential oils like lavender or lemon for a natural fragrance.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Control what touches your surfaces, air, and skin.
Making your own cleaners supports a healthier home while helping you stick to your budget.
Want to know what’s really in your store-bought sprays? The Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Safer Cleaning Products is a great resource for comparing ingredients and learning what to avoid.
2. Must-Have Ingredients for DIY Cleaning
All you need to get started with DIY household cleaners to save money are a few common ingredients:
- White vinegar – A natural disinfectant and deodorizer
- Baking soda – Gently abrasive for scrubbing
- Castile soap – Plant-based, non-toxic soap
- Lemon juice – Cuts through grease and adds freshness
- Essential oils – Tea tree, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus for scent and mild antibacterial properties
- Hydrogen peroxide – For sanitizing surfaces
- Empty spray bottles and jars – Reuse what you already have
Stock these basics and you’ll be ready to mix up a wide range of effective cleaners. To stretch your dollars even more, consider how to buy in bulk to save money when shopping for ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, or Castile soap.
3. All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
This easy recipe works for countertops, tiles, and most hard surfaces.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (lemon or lavender work well)
Instructions:
• Combine in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray on surfaces.
• Wipe with a cloth or sponge.
Note: Avoid using vinegar-based solutions on marble or granite, as it may damage the stone.
4. Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Skip the ammonia and use this streak-free solution:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
• Shake until fully combined, spray on glass, and wipe with newspaper or a microfiber cloth.
This is a great example of how DIY household cleaners to save money can outperform store-bought versions without harsh smells or chemicals.
5. Bathroom Scrub for Tubs and Tiles
Ingredients:
• ½ cup baking soda
• A few tablespoons of Castile soap
• Optional: a few drops of tea tree oil
Instructions:
• Mix into a paste, apply to surfaces with a cloth or sponge, and rinse clean.
It lifts grime and soap scum without the fumes from bleach-based products.
The Savings Goal Tracker makes it easy to see how small DIY savings add up toward bigger financial goals.
6. Floor Cleaner for Wood or Tile
For wood floors:
• 1 gallon warm water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• A few drops of essential oil (optional)
For tile floors:
Add a squirt of dish soap for extra cleaning power.
Mop as usual and let air dry.
7. Air Freshener Spray
Ditch artificial air fresheners and make your own.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol
• 10–20 drops of essential oil
Instructions:
• Mix in a spray bottle and spritz throughout your home.
This eliminates odors naturally and gives your space a personalized scent – another reason why DIY household cleaners to save money without sacrificing freshness.
Turning DIY savings into long-term wins is easier when you track them.
The Savings Goal Tracker helps you:
Allocate everyday savings into specific goals
Stay motivated with progress charts
Reach milestones faster with visual reminders
8. Disinfectant Spray
Ingredients:
• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
• 1 cup distilled water
• 20 drops tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions:
• Mix and use on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and remotes.
Note: Let sit for 30 seconds before wiping for maximum effectiveness.
9. Laundry Booster and Deodorizer
Ingredients:
• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup white vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
• Add directly to your washing machine drum before adding clothes.
• Helps remove odors and leaves clothes fresher.
10. DIY Dishwashing Liquid for Everyday Use
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 10 drops lemon or orange essential oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, for degreasing)
Instructions:
• Mix ingredients in a reused dish soap bottle or squeeze container.
• Shake before each use to combine. Use like any standard dish soap.
This gentle but effective cleaner tackles everyday dish messes and leaves a fresh scent. It’s perfect for cutting down on plastic bottle purchases while keeping your kitchen clean and eco-friendly.
Conclusion
DIY household cleaners are a simple way to cut costs while creating a healthier home environment. By replacing expensive commercial products with affordable, natural alternatives, you can reduce your spending without sacrificing cleanliness.
When you pair these habits with a tool like the Savings Goal Tracker, the money you save on cleaners can be directed toward more meaningful financial goals. Small changes really do add up, and with consistency, they can help you build a more secure financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are homemade cleaners as effective as store-bought ones?
Yes. For most everyday cleaning tasks, DIY solutions are just as effective especially when using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. They may not kill 99.9% of bacteria like industrial-grade disinfectants, but they work well for typical household messes.
Are DIY cleaners safe for kids and pets?
Generally yes, especially since they use fewer harsh chemicals. Still, store ingredients like essential oils and hydrogen peroxide safely, and test small areas before widespread use.
Can I use vinegar on all surfaces?
No. Avoid vinegar on natural stone like granite, marble, or travertine, as it can damage the finish. For these surfaces, stick to a Castile soap-and-water mix.
Do I need special equipment to make DIY cleaners?
Not at all. You’ll just need some empty spray bottles, jars, a funnel, and basic measuring tools. Reusing old containers helps reduce waste and cost.
How much can I save by switching to DIY cleaners?
Most people save $100-$300 annually, depending on the number of store-bought products they replace with DIY versions. Plus, bulk ingredients last longer and can be used across multiple recipes.
