10 DIY cleaners that work just as well as the store-bought stuff

10 DIY cleaners that work just as well as the store-bought stuff

You don't have to load your cabinets with brand-name cleaners to get a clean house. In a lot of cases, you can mix up something at home with things you probably already have-like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap-and it'll get the job done just as well.

These DIY cleaners are affordable, effective, and don't come with a long list of ingredients you can't pronounce. I've used every one of these myself, and once you get used to them, it's hard to go back to spending money on the store-bought stuff.

All-Purpose Surface Spray

A mix of white vinegar, water, and a squirt of dish soap makes an easy go-to cleaner for counters, appliances, and high-touch spots. The vinegar cuts through grime and kills off most bacteria on contact, while the soap helps lift grease and sticky messes.

Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water and add a teaspoon of dish soap to a spray bottle. Shake it up, and you've got a cleaner that works in the kitchen, bathroom, and just about everywhere else. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you want to cut the vinegar smell.

Glass and Mirror Cleaner

For streak-free mirrors and windows, skip the blue stuff and mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It evaporates fast and doesn't leave behind any residue, which is usually what causes those annoying smears.

Wipe it with a microfiber cloth or coffee filter to keep lint off your glass. If your mirrors have buildup, you can add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the mix for extra degreasing power. It's cheap, fast, and just as effective as anything you'll find on a store shelf.

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Pour about a half cup of baking soda directly into the bowl, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush. It helps break down stains and deodorize without harsh bleach fumes.

You can also keep a small jar of baking soda nearby and sprinkle it into the bowl once or twice a week to stay ahead of mineral rings and smells. It's safe for septic systems, and you're not exposing your bathroom to extra chemicals.

Grease-Cutting Kitchen Spray

To break up grease on stovetops, range hoods, and cabinets, mix 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a teaspoon of dish soap. Spray it on the greasy surface, let it sit for a minute, then wipe with a warm cloth.

This works especially well after frying or cooking something that spatters. It cuts the oil without smearing it around like some all-purpose sprays can. If the mess is stubborn, add a splash of vinegar or use warm water to help lift it faster.

Carpet Deodorizer

Baking soda makes a great dry deodorizer for carpets and rugs. Sprinkle it over the area, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum it up. It absorbs odors from pets, spills, and everyday foot traffic without covering them up with heavy scents.

You can add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda in a jar, shake it up, and use a shaker lid to apply it evenly. It's an easy, safe way to freshen up a room without buying extra products for each type of flooring.

Microwave Steam Cleaner

To loosen up cooked-on food in the microwave, fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar. Microwave it for 5 minutes, then let it sit another 2-3 minutes before opening the door.

The steam will soften all the gunk inside, making it easy to wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel. No scrubbing, no fancy products. This trick works especially well if your microwave gets a lot of use and hasn't been cleaned in a while.

Grout Cleaner Paste

Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for cleaning grout. Use an old toothbrush to scrub it into the lines, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or rinse with warm water.

This combo lifts dirt and whitens grout without bleach. It's great for showers, backsplashes, or any place that has tile and needs a refresh. It doesn't damage the grout, and you don't have to worry about harsh fumes in small bathrooms.

DIY Floor Cleaner

For tile or vinyl floors, mix ½ cup white vinegar with a gallon of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Mop as usual, and let it air dry. It cuts dirt and residue without leaving streaks behind.

Skip this one if you have real hardwood-vinegar isn't great for those. But for most hard flooring, this mix does the job without needing a specialty cleaner for every surface. If the vinegar smell bothers you, add lemon juice or a drop of lavender oil.

Stainless Steel Polish

Put a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth and rub it into stainless steel appliances following the grain. Then wipe it clean with a dry microfiber cloth. It removes smudges and leaves a nice, natural-looking shine.

If there's grime or buildup beforehand, wipe it down first with a vinegar-dampened cloth, then polish with oil. This combo has kept my fridge and dishwasher looking clean without needing a $6 bottle of stainless spray.

DIY Disinfecting Spray

Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (at least 70%) with 1 cup of water and a few drops of essential oil if you want scent. This makes a fast-drying disinfectant you can use on door handles, phones, and light switches.

It's not meant to replace deep cleaning, but for everyday use, it helps kill germs and dry fast without damaging surfaces. Store it in a labeled spray bottle and keep it out of reach of kids-rubbing alcohol works well, but it's not safe for little hands.

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