15 Money-Saving DIY Recipes for Everyday Cleaning Products

Did you know that the average American household spends about $659 on cleaning supplies and services each year? That’s a hefty chunk of change that could be better spent elsewhere. But what if I told you that you could slash that budget dramatically by whipping up your own cleaning products right in your kitchen? As someone who’s been experimenting with homemade cleaners for years, I can assure you it’s not only possible but also surprisingly easy and effective.

Let’s dive into a treasure trove of DIY recipes for everyday cleaning products that will have your home sparkling clean without breaking the bank. These concoctions aren’t just wallet-friendly; they’re also kinder to the environment and often gentler on your skin. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get mixing!

1. The All-Purpose Wonder Cleaner

Every household needs a reliable all-purpose cleaner, and this DIY version is a powerhouse that can tackle everything from countertops to bathroom tiles.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 10 drops of tea tree, lavender, or lemon essential oil
• Water

Instructions:

1. In a 12 oz spray bottle, combine the vinegar and baking soda. (Watch out for the fizz!)
2. Add your chosen essential oil.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well to mix.

Cost Savings: This cleaner costs about $0.50 per bottle compared to $3-$5 for store-bought alternatives.

2. The Grime-Busting Soft Scrub

For those tough cleaning jobs that need a bit more elbow grease, this homemade soft scrub is your new best friend.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups baking soda
• ½ cup environmentally safe liquid laundry soap
• 10 drops of essential oil (I love using lemon for its fresh scent)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until you have a paste-like consistency.
2. Store in an airtight container.

Cost Savings: This scrub costs around $1 to make, compared to $3-$6 for commercial soft scrubs.

3. DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfectant wipes are handy, but they can be expensive and wasteful. This homemade version is just as effective and much more eco-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 24 drops of essential oils (try a mix of lavender and tea tree for their antibacterial properties)
• Cloth squares or old t-shirt pieces

Instructions:

1. Mix the water, vinegar, and essential oils in a container.
2. Add the cloth squares and let them soak up the mixture.
3. Store in an airtight container and use as needed.

Cost Savings: These wipes cost about $0.10 per use, compared to $0.15-$0.25 for store-bought wipes.

4. Powerful DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Say goodbye to expensive dishwasher pods with this simple yet effective homemade detergent.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups baking soda
• 2 cups Borax
• 1 cup Lemi-Shine (or citric acid)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. Use 2 tablespoons per dishwasher load.

Cost Savings: This detergent costs about $0.10 per load, compared to $0.20-$0.30 for commercial detergents.

5. Natural Oven Cleaner

Oven cleaners are notoriously harsh, but this natural version gets the job done without the chemical fumes.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup baking soda
• 2-3 tablespoons water
• White vinegar (for cleaning)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda with water to form a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements.
3. Let it sit overnight.
4. The next day, wipe off the dried paste with a damp cloth.
5. Spray any remaining residue with vinegar and wipe clean.

Cost Savings: This cleaner costs less than $1 to make, compared to $5-$8 for commercial oven cleaners.

6. Eco-Friendly Liquid Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is a significant expense for many households. This homemade version is gentle on clothes and tough on stains.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Borax
• ½ cup washing soda
• ½ cup Dawn dish soap
• 4 cups hot water

Instructions:

1. In a gallon jug, mix all ingredients with the hot water.
2. Fill the rest of the jug with cold water and shake well.
3. Use about ¼ cup per load, shaking before each use.

Cost Savings: This detergent costs about $0.05 per load, compared to $0.20-$0.30 for name-brand detergents.

7. Streak-Free Window Cleaner

Get your windows sparkling clean without leaving any streaks or residue.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup water
• A pinch of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol (optional, for faster drying)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spray on windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Cost Savings: This cleaner costs about $0.30 per bottle, compared to $3-$5 for commercial window cleaners.

8. Lemon-Fresh Dusting Spray

Keep your furniture dust-free and smelling amazing with this easy-to-make dusting spray.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon castile soap
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spray onto a microfiber cloth and dust away!

Cost Savings: This dusting spray costs about $0.50 to make, compared to $4-$6 for store-bought versions.

9. Natural Wood Polishing Spray

Keep your wood furniture looking its best with this nourishing homemade polish.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 30 drops essential oil (lemon or orange work great for wood)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spray onto a soft cloth and polish your wood surfaces.

Cost Savings: This polish costs about $1 to make, compared to $6-$10 for commercial wood polishes.

10. Powerful Grease-Cutting Cleaner

For those tough, greasy messes in the kitchen, this homemade cleaner is a game-changer.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sudsy ammonia
• Water

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, combine the sudsy ammonia with enough water to fill the bottle.
2. Shake well before use.
3. Spray on greasy surfaces and wipe clean.

Cost Savings: This cleaner costs about $0.25 per bottle, compared to $3-$5 for commercial degreasers.

11. Refreshing Air Freshener Spray

Ditch those artificial air fresheners and make your own natural version that’s free from harmful chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 5-6 drops essential oil of your choice
• Water

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, dissolve the baking soda in a small amount of water.
2. Add the essential oil drops.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well.

Cost Savings: This air freshener costs about $0.20 to make, compared to $3-$5 for store-bought sprays.

12. Carpet Stain Remover

Tackle those pesky carpet stains with this simple yet effective homemade solution.

Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon liquid dish soap
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray directly on the carpet stain.
3. Blot with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.
4. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Cost Savings: This stain remover costs less than $0.10 to make, compared to $5-$8 for commercial carpet cleaners.

13. Citrus-Infused All-Purpose Cleaner

This zesty cleaner not only cleans effectively but also leaves your home smelling fresh and citrusy.

Ingredients:

• One part white vinegar
• One part water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary sprigs

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Let the mixture infuse for a week before using.
3. Shake well before each use.

Cost Savings: This infused cleaner costs about $0.50 to make, compared to $3-$5 for scented commercial cleaners.

14. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Keep your toilet sparkling clean with this powerful yet natural cleaner.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the baking soda into the toilet bowl.
2. Add the vinegar and essential oil.
3. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush.
4. Flush to rinse.

Cost Savings: This cleaner costs about $0.50 per use, compared to $3-$5 for commercial toilet bowl cleaners.

15. Reusable Dusting Cloths

Say goodbye to disposable dusting wipes with these eco-friendly, reusable cloths.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons jojoba or olive oil
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 cup hot water
• Old t-shirt squares or cotton cloths

Instructions:

1. Mix the oil, essential oil, and hot water in a container.
2. Add the cloth squares and let them soak up the mixture.
3. Wring out excess liquid and store in an airtight container.

Cost Savings: These reusable cloths cost about $0.05 per use, compared to $0.15-$0.20 for disposable dusting wipes.

Making your own cleaning products isn’t just about saving money (though that’s a big plus). It’s about taking control of what you’re using in your home, reducing your environmental impact, and often getting better results than with store-bought products. I’ve been using these recipes for years, and I can honestly say my home has never been cleaner or smelled fresher.

Remember, when making your own cleaners, always label your containers clearly and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Also, avoid mixing bleach with other chemicals, and test any new cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.

With these 15 DIY recipes, you’re well-equipped to tackle just about any cleaning task in your home. Not only will you save a significant amount of money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in the products you’re using. So go ahead, give these a try, and enjoy a cleaner, greener, and more budget-friendly home!