20 Homemade Cheap Cleaning Products

20 Homemade Cheap Cleaning Products

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Keeping your home clean and in order is as equally important as preserving your health and the environment. Reaching both these goals simultaneously and saving money on top seems like an impossible mission, right? Not necessarily. There is a solution that serves all these purposes, and that is homemade cleaners.

The recipes below contain inexpensive ingredients found in most kitchen cabinets, and take no more than five minutes to prepare. You’ll realize that white vinegar and baking soda are the magical items used in virtually all home-prepared cleaning products. Cheap, nontoxic, and multi-purpose, the ideal combination!

Is Using Homemade Cleaning Products Smart?

Yes, of course. You just need to use them appropriately and carefully. These are tips that proved successful for lots of people. Not all of them, however, may work for you. So, before you apply some of the products directly on your sofa, test it on a small part that’s not easily visible.

The same goes for cleaning shirts with products you aren’t sure what effect will have. More importantly, if you clean appliances, make sure they aren’t plugged in. Also, double-check whether your type of appliance can be cleaned with the recommended product. In some cases, using vinegar, for example, may damage the appliance, and you definitely want to avoid that.

Other than that, homemade cleaning products are the perfect solution to your dirty problems. Moreover, this strategy is one of the fun and easy ways to save money in your home.

Multi-Surface Cleaner

Doesn’t a multi-practical cleaner sound surreal? Well, it exists and can be the end of your home cleaning nightmares. If you wonder what this unique recipe includes, we’ll assure you it’s just vinegar and lemon. Apart from cleaning, lemons fight bacteria and shine hard surfaces.

To prepare the mixture, place a lemon skin in a jar of distilled white vinegar to pickle for two days. Then, pour the concoction into a spray bottle, and it’s ready for use. This mixture can remove grease, whiten surfaces, and eliminate strong smells like fish from your chopping board.

However, some kitchen surfaces can’t stand the acidity and might get etched away. Hence, avoid applying vinegar on porous surfaces like marble and granite. Also, resist the temptation of pouring vinegar on electronic appliances such as your iron. A little bit of distraction can damage the internal parts of the iron for good.

Oven Cleaner

Baking soda is a unique ingredient that can transform your oven into a shiny cooking spot. The solution will remove any stuck-on gunk on the oven surfaces, as well as the burned bits inside it. To begin the process, you’ll need a decent amount of baking soda to make a paste. Add water as much as you need to clean the area you planned.

Apply the baking soda paste on all oven areas and leave it overnight. This step is an essential one if you want to remove tough stains and burnt bits. The following day, use a non-scratching sponge to remove the gunk.

We suggest you carry on cleaning with the non-scratching sponge for both the inside and outside stove areas. For tricky spots, use a firmer sponge but test it in an inconspicuous place in the furnace. Even a hard-edged spatula can come handy for stuck food residue, but again, make sure you don’t damage any oven surface.

Dishwasher Or Washing Machine Cleaner

Fed up of your freshly washed clothes smelling awful? In case your clothes, dishes, or the machine itself smells terrible, it undoubtedly needs a simple cleanup. Surprise, surprise, the magical product is once again vinegar. Apart from not being toxic, white vinegar is beneficial for your clothes, too.

What you need to carry out is a relatively straightforward and quick procedure. Pour a plastic cup of vinegar into the dishwasher or the washing machine drum and run it. Run the hottest cycle so that the combination of vinegar and hot water breaks away any mildew or mold. Your clothes will be grateful to you, and the smell you’ll eventually get is one of fresh and clean apparel.

Microwave Cleaner

If you haven’t heard before, we’re going to share an old but gold tip on how to clean your microwave. Take a lemon, chop it into quarters, and put it in a heat-proof bowl of water. Place the bowl inside the microwave and allow it to sit at a high temperature for about three minutes. The lemon will give your cooking device a fresh scent.

The timing can depend on your microwave power, but the steamed glass door is a general indicator that the liquid is evaporating. This way, the lemon juice will reach all corners of the appliance, and the hot water will remove the tough food splatters. Once this step is over, let the solution cool down. Utilize a soft cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave, and you’re ready to go.

Since we mentioned the microwave, did you know that we have over 55 cheap dinner ideas for you, as well?

Chopping Board Cleaner

Your chopping board may be the most frequently used utensil in the kitchen. Naturally, you’d like to keep it clean and odorless. To achieve this, you’ll only need half a lemon to rub the surface with. It’s a miracle how the lemon is powerful enough to eliminate any brutal smell, like that of a fish.

In case you come across some stubborn stains that you cannot remove, or the smell is persistent, there is an additional hint. Before using the lemon, rub or throw a pinch of baking soda on the board and then proceed with the lemon.

Pot And Pan Cleaner

Do you enjoy cooking a healthy homemade dish for your family but can’t stand the scrubbing job afterward? In that case, we have an efficient solution to tackle all your battles with stuck-on grease and gunk on pots and pans.

Fill the offending pan with tap water and add some white vinegar. Bring it to a boil over a stove and then remove it. Add a spoon of baking soda and leave it for several seconds. After it cools down a bit, wipe the mixture from the pan, and there you go! Clean as new!

Another useful tip we’d like to share is to fill the pan with coke to cover the burnt area. When the coke starts boiling, pour it away. Wash the pan with lukewarm water and soap, and you’ll see that all burnt parts come out quite easily. Use a spatula as a last resort tool to remove stubborn layers.

photo 2020 11 26 09 10 08
Photo by Matilda Wormwood

Kettle Descaler

Hate to see some calcium floating in your cups of coffee or tea? Stop worrying because we got you covered for this problematic kitchen issue. All you need is mix some lemon juice and hot water.

To begin with, fill the kettle with water and add several chunks of lemon. Bring the mixture to a boil and leave it overnight. Use the water for your plants in the morning and give the kettle a thorough rinse. Ensure you also scrub the inside to remove any persistent flakes and treat yourself with a hot scale-free cup of tea.

Another efficient way to get rid of limescale is by an equal mixture of water and white vinegar. Again, let the solution boil and leave it for at least an hour. Rinse the appliance with tap water and wipe it with a damp cloth. Your kettle is clean and ready to use!

Window Cleaner

Nothing spoils a well-maintained home more than window smears. You probably can’t stand the spots on your mirrors, either. To take care of the shiny surfaces at all times, follow the simple recipe below.

To mix the perfect solution, you’ll need a quarter-cup of vinegar and the same amount of rubbing alcohol. Add a little cornstarch and then two cups of lukewarm water. Shake it well in a spray bottle and also shake it before each use. In case you don’t have all the ingredients, a simple mixture of white distilled vinegar and water will achieve the same effect.

Spray any shining surface that you wish to clean and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. Instead of microfiber, you can use the old newspaper trick that does wonders with mirrors and windows. However, a scrunched newspaper might not be suitable for faucets and handles.

Shower Head Descaler

A scaly shower head is the worst nightmare of people living in areas with a high level of limescale water. Often, the water can’t even flow appropriately due to buildup, and you get forced to catch single-jet drizzles.

The soothing news is that there is a magical ingredient that successfully battles limescale. Stop buying pricey cleaning products and solve the issue with vinegar only. Detach the showerhead or unhook it from the wall and soak it thoroughly in a bowl of white distilled vinegar. If you want to use less vinegar, put a plastic bag around the showerhead to disinfect and remove bacteria.

For best effect, leave it soaked for a couple of hours or even overnight. When you remove the showerhead from the vinegar, scrub it with a toothbrush. As the warm water flows over the head, you’ll see how flakes come off like clockwork.

Carpet Stains Remover

Don’t worry if you have yellow stains set in your old, but gold carpet. We have the right solution for your concern that is both eco-friendly and inexpensive. You’ll need a few ingredients and some patience for the mixture to do its job.

First, cover the carpet stains with a thick coat of baking soda. Make a half-half mix of water and white vinegar and spray the stained area over the baking soda layer. You’ll see it foam, so let it sit for about three hours. Once this period is over, use a gentle brush to rub the cleaning mix into the carpet.

The affected area should get dry until the next morning, and you’ll see the difference. If you find a chalky residue, clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a clean cloth. You’ll be surprised at the sight that no other hefty cleaner can treat you with.

Mold Remover

Mold is your bathroom’s worst and most persistent enemy. Luckily, we have a way around this home issue that involves a few simple steps and certainly, won’t break the bank.

To make the paste that removes any buildup of mold and mildew, you’ll need equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the affected areas across the tiles and pay more attention to the moldiest sections.

For the best result, leave the paste for a couple of hours to do its work and then rinse off. If you still see some tough spots, clean them with an old toothbrush. Instead of the paste, you can eventually use a mixture of white vinegar and tea tree oil for extra mold killing properties. Again, spray the affected bits and then, after some time, wash it with warm water.

Toilet Cleaner

Toilets are every homeowner’s worry number one when it comes to home cleaning. Corrosive chemicals like hydrochloric acid and chlorine bleach are the main ingredients of commercial cleaners and are incredibly harmful. These ingredients pose a threat to your respiratory tract, your throat, lungs, and skin.

If you want to go the natural way and deep-clean your toilet, consider the following recipe. Begin by mixing a cup of vinegar and a spoon of essential oil to deodorize your bathroom. Use a regular spray bottle to spread the mixture over the toilet seat, lid, and then in the bowl. Sprinkle some baking soda around the toilet bowl and then use a scrubbing brush.

In case there are stubborn mineral deposits, use a pumice stone to remove them. Always check the stone before use as it might damage the toilet material. Last, clean the toilet surfaces with paper towels or a cloth.

Garbage Disposal Cleaner

The awful smell of your garbage disposal is the worst thing that can happen to your lovely home. Indeed, you don’t even want to think about it. Therefore, prevent the potential stink on time with a few ingredients that clean and disinfect the drain.

Before you start cleaning, remove the drain catch and sprinkle some baking soda down the drain. Then, pour white vinegar and wait until you hear the mixture fizz. Leave it for a couple of minutes and, in the meantime, bring some tap water to a boil. Pour the boiling water down the drain.

The second part of the procedure involves ice, and you need to fill the drain with it. Finally, add a cup of salt on top. Run some cold faucet water and turn the garbage disposal at the same time. Let it work until all the ice and salt get removed. For a fresh smell, cut a lemon in several pieces and add it to the garbage disposal while the tap is still running.

cleaning wooden floor with mop

Sweat Stain Remover For White Clothes

Do yellowing underarms bother you so much that you start throwing t-shirts after several turns of wear? Well, the time for yellow stain worries has come to an end. Before anything, stop blaming sweat, as stubborn yellow stains come from deodorant ingredients.

To begin the procedure, soak your white clothing in a bucket filled with a cup of vinegar and two cups of water. Leave it in the bucket for half an hour. In the meantime, prepare the stain-removing paste. Combine half a cup of baking soda, a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and one of salt. Mix the paste well and lay out a towel on a flat surface.

Apply the paste over the stains in a thick layer and let it sit for another half-hour. Finally, wash the t-shirt in the washing machine as usual. If armpit stains are still there after washing, do not dry the clothes, but repeat the paste process.

Water Stain Remover For Faucets

Hate seeing water stains on your faucets? Have you already started damaging the exterior of your taps by using abrasive cleaners? No need to despair as there is a simple solution to your concern. The answer is white vinegar again.

Vinegar not only kills bacteria on faucets, but it also polishes them and eliminates any hard water stains. You need to soak some paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around the affected surface. Leave it like that for approximately an hour.

Surprisingly, white wine can also wash away hard water residue off your bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Spritz some wine over the affected areas and let it sit for about ten minutes. This trick helps disintegrate the stubborn scum, and you can finish the procedure with a nonabrasive cloth and a quick rinse.

Tile Cleaner

If you thought you needed professional cleaning products for every surface in your home, think twice. When it comes to tile and sealed wood floors, it’s essential to run the vacuuming phase first. Then, you can prepare the solution for a sparkling new look of your flooring.

As simple as it can be, combine one part white vinegar and two parts lukewarm water in a container or bucket. You’ll also need a rag or a mop to scrub the flooring. Apart from being cheap and easy to prepare, this solution doesn’t require rinsing off.

The solution can get used later if you make too much of it. Also, if the acidic smell bothers you, add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil like lavender or vanilla. Be careful not to over-saturate wooden floors and be aware of slippery surfaces after cleaning.

Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner

Stainless steel gives the impression of a clean and shiny home. However, fingertip marks seem to be its greatest enemy. To keep your steel surfaces always clean and spotless, you need a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol.

For instance, for a shiny stainless fridge, add a few olive oil drops and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Moreover, you can spread a thin layer of car wax to the steel surface and then use a cloth to clean it.

If you want to shine and deodorize your kitchen appliances, make a baking soda and water paste. For the best effect, apply it with a damp cloth and after rubbing, rinse the surfaces, and buff dry.

Clean A Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets have been around since forever as they are affordable and practically indestructible cooking utensils. However, they require care before you can throw yourself on preparing your favorite steak.

To season a new skillet, wash it with soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Rub the entire iron cast skillet with a cloth soaked in vegetable oil. Place it in the oven upside down and leave it for an hour at the maximum temperature.

Clean cast iron skillets right after cooking and never leave them in water to prevent rust building up. Also, avoid using metal scouring pads and dishwashers. Instead, use dish soap and a soft dish brush to wash it. Then, place it on the stove for some time or until the residue water starts to evaporate. Finally, rub a few drops of vegetable oil on the inside and absorb the remaining moisture with a paper towel.

cleaning windows
Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Electronics Cleaner

Electronics must get handled with the utmost care due to their sensitivity to certain chemicals. Avoid harmful solutions like ethyl alcohol, ammonia, acetone, ethyl acid, and methyl chloride. These chemicals are harsh and might damage your IT equipment. Also, refrain from using paper products and spraying directly on the screen of devices.

To clean the keyboard, pour white vinegar on a microfiber cloth and start scrubbing gently. Areas that need more attention can get cleaned with a cotton swab soaked in vinegar. Maintain your IT screens by wiping them with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.

Moreover, use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and distilled water for screens. It’s a simple, no-chemical, and affordable DIY cleaning solution. However, avoid it for plastic-cased electronics as alcohol leaves yellow marks over time. Last, never spray the alcohol on surfaces directly, but pour it over the cloth.

Common Household Stains Remover 

Domestic accidents can strike both in the kitchen and around the house. Yet, this ultimate stain remover will come to the rescue and save the day. Mix a quarter cup of white vinegar and the same amount of bicarb soda. Add a little bit of liquid soap or Castile and two cups of water. Store the prepared mixture in a spray bottle and use it whenever you face tough stains on your clothes, furniture, or carpets.

Even if you don’t have the mixture ready, there’s no need to panic. Sprinkle the stain with washing soda, and then sprinkle it with a water and vinegar mixture. Leave the paste for approximately 20 minutes and then wash the clothing as usual. You can achieve the same effect by soaking the stained item in 3% hydrogen peroxide.

With our last piece of advice, we’ll teach you how to remove pen ink stains. What you need is rubbing alcohol to apply over the inked area, regardless of whether it’s a cotton or a sturdy fabric. For soft materials, use a cotton ball, and for sturdier ones, rub the alcohol with a toothbrush. Blot it for some time until it’s no longer visible. Use mineral spirits as a last resort for stubborn stains.

Bottom Line

Home cleaning, disinfecting, scenting, and stain removing doesn’t have to be an expensive, burdensome process. With a couple of household ingredients and some elbow effort, clean anything for a fraction of the cost of commercially available cleaners. Once you’re done, you can always use our cheap home restyling tips to give your place a fresh look.

What about you? Do you have secret cleaning hacks that tackle domestic matters fast and efficiently? Share your favorite and proven homemade cleaners in the comment box below. Last, don’t forget to register for our ProMoneySavings Newsletter to read even more low-cost ideas around the house.

FAQ

What is the best homemade cleaning solution?

The best doesn’t necessarily have to mean the most expensive cleaners out of your financial reach. The most efficient cleaning products are already in your kitchen cabinets and ready to put in use. One cleaning mixture that we recommend is white vinegar and water, which can get used almost everywhere around the house. Baking soda and water is another magical paste that does wonders for your home.

Is it cheaper to make your own cleaning products?

Not only are homemade cleaning products cheaper, but they’re also healthier for you and the environment. Home-prepared cleaners don’t pose a risk to your health and contain natural ingredients. Most DIY cleaners cost less than a dollar to procure, too. On top of that, the mixtures suggested above don’t take longer than five minutes to prepare.

How do I make my own cleaning products?

If you want to avoid the harsh and toxic miracle cleaning items, it’s time to prepare your own. Use coconut oil for cleaning leather, chopping boards, and greasy marks on walls. Vinegar is a wonder cleaner, and you can use it for bleaching clothes, removing grease, and fighting mold. Moreover, the combination of bicarb and vinegar or lemon is even more efficient. Use if for stubborn stains, unblocking drains, and cleaning food residue on cooking utensils.

How do you make homemade spray cleaner?

If you’re looking for a homemade all-purpose surface cleaner, you’re at the right spot. As for ingredients, you’ll need castile soap, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, water, and essential oils of your choice. Mix the ingredients and then store them in a spray bottle to use when needed. This mixture both disinfects and deodorizes your home without harming your health or damaging gentle surfaces.


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    Emily

    33 thoughts on “20 Homemade Cheap Cleaning Products

    1. Elisa says:

      I have white vinegar and baking soda always at home. These two things are essential for any good cleaning.

    2. Helge says:

      If you want to clean the limescale from the electric heater, just put vinegar and water and let it boil. Leave it for a couple of minutes and the heater is new.

    3. Barbara says:

      I clean the windows with an old recipe. In a spray bottle I pout some water and a bit dish soar. I spray the windows and wipe them with a clean cloth. It cleans perfectly and it smells nice.

    4. Marinela says:

      Lemon juice is also good from preventing the spiders and spider net in the corners of your rooms. Just spray a bit and you’ll get rid of them.

    5. Bonnie R says:

      Red vinegar is good for cleaning the plastic things in your kitchen or bathroom. Just leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse. Good as new

    6. Lazarus says:

      Thank you for the wonderful tips. Buying expensive things that contains chemicals is not a smart way to clean the home

    7. Carlo says:

      The cleaning products offered on the market are expensive and full of harmful ingredients. So thank you for the tips. It not only saves money but they are more healthier when prepared at home with natural ingredients.

    8. Simona says:

      I always clean greasy stains from my clothes by putting some dish soap directly on the stain. I let it dry and then wash the clothes regularly in the washing machine. It removes all the stains.

    9. Helen S says:

      You can remove some red wine from a peace of clothes by putting some salt directly on it and let the salt absorb the wine. Then wash it regularly and there is no stain anymore.

    10. Kemal says:

      Putting some boiling water in the kitchen can clean the drains if you do it regularly like once a month. This way you will prevent the smell and the grease to stay in the drains.

    11. Sally says:

      Vinegar and baking soda are the magic items that everybody should use. You can clean the whole home with these two ingredients.

    12. Sarita says:

      I also put some baking soda in my washing machine together with the detergent. It keeps the machine clean and the clothes are whiter when washing them on high temperature.

    13. Charlotte says:

      Most of the cleaning products that we buy in the stores can damage the utilities in the home. They are too abrasive and contains too many chemicals.

    14. Polly says:

      I like to try new receipts especially healthy ones. I will try some of your tips, thank you Promoney.

    15. Christine says:

      I usually spray the wardrobe with a mixture of water, lemon juice and a drop essential lavender oil. I do not apply it directly on the clothes but of the corners of wardrobe. The scent stays for months and it prevent the clothes picking all the other scents.

    16. Candice Dale says:

      I clean the whole bathroom with vinegar and baking soda. It cleans well and it is healthy and the bathroom is always in perfect order.

    17. Lucile says:

      I have problems with the mold in the bathroom. I’ll have to try some of your recipes and to clean it

    18. Manuela says:

      I used a lot of cleaning products to clean the oven and without any result. Maybe I should try this natural one. At least they can not do any harm

    19. Zoran says:

      As we are all trying to save some money on everything maybe these unexpansive products are good for cleaning. Everybody should try them.

    20. Cara says:

      I tried some of these products and they not work for me. Or I don’t know hoe to use them. So I stick to products that I can buy in the stores.

    21. Zoe says:

      My experience with this kind of products is great. They clean perfectly and are less expensive than the regular products from the stores.

    22. Don says:

      Even my grandmother was using vinegar to clean the house. So these recipes are not new but in the modern society we believe more in the products that we buy in stores. I can admit lately when we become aware of the environmental damage, we are trying to switch on products that are free of chemicals.

    23. Ashley says:

      I use vinegar for some cleaning in the kitchen. And I am satisfied with the result.

    24. Gordon says:

      Abrasive cleaning products usually do more damage than good. We should avoid them.

    25. Dustin says:

      Thank you for the beautiful article. There are a lot of tips that we can put in a good use.

    26. Barry says:

      My experience with cleaning products made from vinegar and baking soda are awesome. I will never buy another cleaning product from the store.

    27. Sofia says:

      I make my own cloth softener for the washing machine. And believe it or not it is not that expensive as the one bought in the shops and it is made from natural ingredients.

    28. Drew says:

      I was trying to clean the stains from the mirrors trying whatever I heard of and nothing helped. Then a friend of mine told me about white vinegar. I was stunned with the result.

    29. Belinda says:

      Nice way to save some money and to keep your house clean. And to improve our health avoiding using chemicals in our own home.

    30. Sol D says:

      I will try some of these tips, nice article thank you. You always find some tips about saving money.

    31. Bernardina says:

      I have two small children at home that put everything in their mouths. So I avoid cleaning products with chemicals but definitely I will use some of your tips.

    32. Ashton says:

      Some of the companies switched they products to environmental and healthy products. However vinegar and baking soda are the main ingredients even in the products that we buy from stores.

    33. Severina says:

      I am cleaning my microwave oven with white vinegar. Put in the bowl a cup of vinegar let it heat and leave it about ten minutes. Then clean it with the clean cloth.

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