10 things you can use in your cleaning routine that cost less than $1

10 things you can use in your cleaning routine that cost less than $1

You don't need a cart full of overpriced cleaners to keep your house looking clean. Some of the most effective products cost next to nothing-literally under a dollar-and they work better than the stuff with fancy labels.

Whether you're spot-treating stains, wiping counters, or freshening up the bathroom, there are plenty of cheap options that actually pull their weight. If you’re trying to stretch your budget but still want a clean home, these low-cost staples are worth keeping in reach.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most versatile cleaning ingredients you can buy, and you can usually get a box for under $1. It scrubs, deodorizes, lifts stains, and cuts through grime without scratching surfaces.

Sprinkle it on sinks, stovetops, or inside smelly shoes. Add it to laundry, mix it with vinegar for drains, or use it as a paste on stubborn messes. It's safe to use all over the house and won't leave behind harsh smells or chemical residue.

White Vinegar

You can often find small bottles of white vinegar for under a dollar, especially at discount stores. It's a powerhouse for dissolving buildup, removing odors, and cutting through grease.

Use it to clean glass, disinfect surfaces, freshen laundry, or descale your coffee maker. Just don't use it on natural stone, since the acidity can damage it. For everything else, it's a reliable and affordable go-to.

Microfiber Cloths

Some dollar stores sell single microfiber cloths for under a dollar, and they're worth picking up. They clean better than paper towels and don't leave lint behind.

Use them dry for dusting or damp for wiping down mirrors, windows, and stainless steel. They grab dirt without needing much cleaner, and you can wash and reuse them over and over, which saves even more money long-term.

Toothbrush

An old toothbrush or even a new one from the dollar store (often sold in packs) can be a secret weapon for getting into corners and crevices. They're perfect for grout lines, sink drains, and around faucets.

Use them with baking soda, dish soap, or vinegar to scrub areas that larger brushes can't reach. Keep one under the sink for detailed cleaning without needing special tools.

Dish Soap

You can usually grab a small bottle of off-brand dish soap for under $1, and it does more than clean dishes. It cuts grease, lifts stains, and even works on some carpet or fabric spots.

Mix it with water in a spray bottle to wipe down counters, cabinets, or bathroom surfaces. It's gentle but effective, and a little goes a long way when you're spot cleaning around the house.

Rubbing Alcohol

Travel-size bottles of rubbing alcohol often sell for under a dollar and work great for disinfecting, streak-free glass cleaning, and sticky residue removal.

You can wipe electronics, sanitize remotes, or clean mirrors without leaving smudges. It evaporates quickly and doesn't leave watermarks, which makes it ideal for things you don't want soaked.

Lemon

One lemon, even at regular price, usually costs less than a buck-and it's got natural cleaning power built right in. The acid breaks down grime, cuts odor, and adds a clean scent.

Use lemon slices to scrub cutting boards, deodorize your garbage disposal, or remove hard water spots. Pair it with salt for a scrub that smells fresh and actually works.

Salt

Plain table salt can be bought for cents and works surprisingly well as a mild abrasive. It's great for scouring cast iron, cleaning cutting boards, or lifting sticky messes.

You can mix it with vinegar or lemon juice to make a paste, or sprinkle it on greasy pans before scrubbing. It won't scratch up your surfaces, but it gives enough grit to get the job done.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Small bottles of hydrogen peroxide are often less than a dollar and are useful for disinfecting, whitening, and deodorizing. It's especially good for bathrooms and laundry.

You can spray it on moldy grout, use it to brighten dingy whites, or disinfect cutting boards. Keep it in a dark bottle since light breaks it down, but for the price, it's one of the best deals in cleaning.

Dryer Sheets (Used Ones Work Too)

If you already use dryer sheets, don't toss them after one run. Used ones can still dust baseboards, wipe off soap scum, or pick up pet hair.

Even fresh ones are often sold in small quantities under a dollar. They're great for deodorizing shoes or drawers, and their anti-static cling makes them surprisingly good at grabbing dust and hair from odd surfaces.

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