10 DIY cleaners that cost me $3 or less to make

10 DIY cleaners that cost me $3 or less to make

Most store-bought cleaners are way overpriced for what's actually in them-especially when you realize how easy and cheap it is to make your own. With a few basic ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol, you can mix up everything from a glass spray to a shower scrub that works better than what you'd find at the store.

Every cleaner on this list cost me $3 or less to make (most were under $1), and I use them all regularly.

All-Purpose Vinegar Spray

Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and a few drops of dish soap. Add essential oil if you want it to smell better. This spray works great on counters, sinks, and bathroom surfaces.

It cuts grease, clears away grime, and doesn't leave buildup behind. You can reuse the same spray bottle over and over, and a gallon of vinegar stretches a long way. It's the cheapest all-purpose cleaner I've ever used.

Rubbing Alcohol Glass Cleaner

Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. This mix gives you streak-free glass with no cloudy residue.

It evaporates fast, which makes it perfect for windows, mirrors, and even chrome fixtures. Rubbing alcohol is cheap and lasts a while. I haven't bought a name-brand glass cleaner in years.

Baking Soda Sink Scrub

Dump about ¼ cup of baking soda into a small container and add enough dish soap to make a thick paste. Scrub it into your sink or tub with a sponge.

It's a great alternative to abrasive powders and way gentler on your surfaces. It pulls up stains and scum without scratching, and it costs pennies to make. You can even add lemon juice if you want some extra grime-fighting power.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Castile Soap

Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of vinegar and a squirt of castile soap. Pour it into the bowl, let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub with your toilet brush.

This combo helps break down stains and freshen up the bowl without the bleach smell. A little castile soap goes a long way, and baking soda and vinegar are about as budget-friendly as it gets.

Degreasing Spray for the Kitchen

In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Shake until it dissolves. This works well on stovetops, cabinets, and appliances.

It cuts through cooking grease without damaging surfaces. You can make a full bottle for less than 50 cents if you're using ingredients you already have on hand. I use it weekly in the kitchen.

Microwave Steam Cleaner

Add 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 5 minutes, then wipe everything down with a rag.

The steam loosens splatters and buildup so you don't have to scrub. It's basically free if you already have vinegar in the pantry, and it works better than most store-bought degreasers.

Lemon Garbage Disposal Freshener

Toss a handful of ice cubes and a few lemon peels into your garbage disposal. Run cold water and flip the switch. The ice sharpens the blades while the lemon freshens the smell.

You don't need special pods or cleaner packs. This trick costs nothing if you're already using lemons for something else, and it actually works.

Grout Cleaner with Peroxide

Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Spread it on grout lines, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Hydrogen peroxide lifts stains and kills bacteria, while baking soda helps scrub everything clean. You can do your whole bathroom with less than $1 worth of ingredients.

Floor Cleaner for Hard Surfaces

In a bucket, combine 1 gallon of warm water with ½ cup of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. This works for tile, vinyl, and sealed wood.

It cuts through dirt and leaves floors clean without a sticky film. You don't need a fancy mop solution or those overpriced refill pads. I've used this for years and haven't found anything better under $1.

DIY Air Freshener Spray

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and 10-15 drops of essential oil. Shake before each use and spritz around the house.

The rubbing alcohol helps it evaporate faster and keeps the scent from going stale. One small bottle of essential oil will last through dozens of batches. Way cheaper-and cleaner-than store-bought sprays.

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