I feel like I'm constantly buying cleaning products and it's getting expensive. I've been trying to find DIY cleaning hacks inexpensive enough to actually save money, but some of the recipes I've found online require ingredients that cost more than just buying the commercial product!
What are your go to DIY cleaning solutions that actually work and don't break the bank? I'm talking about things like vinegar and baking soda combos, homemade laundry detergent, or natural surface cleaners.
I'm especially interested in solutions for tough problems like hard water stains, greasy kitchen surfaces, or musty smells. Bonus if they're environmentally friendly too. Has anyone found a truly effective DIY cleaning hacks inexpensive approach that replaced most of your store bought cleaners?
Vinegar and water in a spray bottle is my go to for most surfaces. Add some lemon peel for scent if you want. For tougher jobs, baking soda paste works wonders on stains.
My favorite DIY cleaning hacks inexpensive discovery was using dishwasher detergent for laundry stains. Just make a paste with a little water, rub it on the stain, let it sit, then wash as normal. Works better than most stain removers I've bought.
Also, those dryer balls can be made from aluminum foil. Just roll it into balls and throw them in the dryer. Helps with static and drying time. Not as good as wool ones but basically free.
For greasy kitchen surfaces, I use a mix of vinegar, water, and a little dish soap. Cuts through grease better than most commercial cleaners and costs pennies.
Hard water stains come off with vinegar soaked paper towels. Just stick them to the stained area, leave for an hour or so, then scrub. Works on shower heads too.
My favorite DIY cleaning hacks inexpensive trick is using old toothbrushes for detail cleaning. Keep a few designated for cleaning instead of throwing them out. Great for grout, around faucets, etc.
Musty smells in towels or clothes come out with vinegar in the wash. Just add a cup to the rinse cycle. Also works for removing mildew smell from workout clothes.
For carpet stains, club soda works surprisingly well. Pour it on, blot, repeat. The bubbles help lift the stain.
One of my best DIY cleaning hacks inexpensive finds was using coffee filters to clean glass and mirrors. They don't leave lint like paper towels and are cheap in bulk. Just spray with your vinegar solution and wipe.
For oven cleaning, baking soda and water paste left overnight works almost as well as the harsh chemical cleaners. Just spread it on, leave it, then scrub off in the morning.
Drain cleaner is just baking soda followed by vinegar, then hot water. Do it monthly to prevent clogs.
My favorite DIY cleaning hacks inexpensive discovery was using vodka in a spray bottle as a fabric freshener and disinfectant. Sounds weird but it kills odors without leaving a scent and evaporates quickly. Much cheaper than commercial fabric sprays.