10 cleaning swaps that cut my supply cost in half

10 cleaning swaps that cut my supply cost in half

Cleaning supplies aren't cheap, and if you're not careful, they can eat up a big chunk of your budget every month. The truth is, a lot of store-bought products are overpriced or unnecessary when you can swap them for cheaper alternatives that work just as well.

By making a few changes, you can keep your home clean while cutting your supply costs in half. These swaps are practical, affordable, and easy to work into your routine.

Vinegar Instead of Glass Cleaner

A bottle of vinegar costs far less than brand-name glass cleaner, and it does the job just as well. Mix it with water in a spray bottle, and you'll have streak-free mirrors and windows in minutes.

You can also use vinegar to shine faucets and stainless steel, which makes it one of the most versatile swaps. Buying it in bulk saves even more money and keeps you stocked up for months.

Baking Soda for Scrubbing

Instead of buying expensive scrubbing powders, baking soda gets the job done for pennies. It's gentle enough to use on sinks, tubs, and even stovetops without scratching surfaces.

It also works as a deodorizer, so you can sprinkle it in trash cans or carpets before vacuuming. One box costs a fraction of specialty cleaners and stretches much further.

Microfiber Cloths Instead of Paper Towels

Paper towels add up quickly, especially if you reach for them multiple times a day. Microfiber cloths are washable and reusable, making them a smarter long-term investment.

They pick up dust and dirt better than paper towels and can handle tough messes with just water. After a quick wash, they're ready to go again, saving you money every single week.

Refillable Spray Bottles Instead of Multipacks

Buying cleaning sprays in multipacks gets expensive fast. Refillable bottles let you mix your own solutions with vinegar, baking soda, or even dish soap.

Once you make the switch, you only pay for the ingredients instead of brand packaging. It cuts down on waste and keeps your cabinets from overflowing with half-used bottles.

Dish Soap for Multipurpose Cleaning

A single bottle of dish soap can replace multiple specialized cleaners. Mixed with water, it works on counters, floors, and even greasy stovetops.

It's concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Instead of paying for products labeled for every room in the house, you can stick with one inexpensive bottle and stretch it for weeks.

Old T-Shirts Instead of Disposable Rags

Instead of buying cleaning rags, cut up old t-shirts or towels. They work just as well and can be tossed in the wash when you're done.

This saves money and reduces waste while giving new life to things you might've thrown away. It's an easy swap that makes sense and keeps your supply costs down.

Lemon Juice Instead of Specialty Sprays

Bottled lemon juice is cheap and works as a natural cleaner. It cuts through grease, removes hard water spots, and leaves surfaces smelling fresh.

You can mix it with vinegar or baking soda for an extra boost. It's a budget-friendly alternative to pricey citrus-based sprays that claim to do the same thing.

Mop Pads You Wash Instead of Toss

Disposable mop pads are convenient, but buying refills adds up fast. Washable mop pads can be used again and again, saving you money every month.

They're easy to toss in the laundry, and many fit the same handles as the disposable kind. You'll cut down on costs while keeping your floors just as clean.

A Steam Mop Instead of Harsh Floor Cleaners

If you invest once in a steam mop, you can clean floors with plain water instead of buying chemical solutions. It sanitizes surfaces without the added expense of floor sprays.

While the upfront cost is higher, it pays for itself quickly by cutting your supply list in half. You'll notice the savings after just a few months of not buying bottles of floor cleaner.

Diluting Concentrates Instead of Buying Ready-to-Use

Buying concentrated cleaners and diluting them yourself costs far less than purchasing premixed bottles. One jug of concentrate can last months when mixed correctly.

It takes only a minute to measure and mix, and the results are just as effective. This one habit alone can cut your cleaning costs dramatically without sacrificing results.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.