These 3 DIY Cleaning Swaps Save Money & Actually Work (Unlike the Ones You’ve Tried)

Ever tried a DIY cleaner that sounded amazing but ended up feeling like a waste of time? Maybe it left streaks, smelled weird, or just didn’t clean as well as the store-bought stuff.

Not all DIY cleaning hacks are created equal. But the good news? Some actually work—and they save a ton of money, too.

3 DIY Cleaning Swaps

These three simple swaps replace pricey store-bought cleaners, cut out unnecessary chemicals, and actually get the job done.

1. Ditch Glass Cleaner for This Streak-Free Window Spray

The Problem: Store-bought glass cleaners claim to be streak-free, but many leave residue or contain unnecessary dyes and fragrances.

The Fix: A simple, two-ingredient DIY glass cleaner that works better and costs pennies.

🧴 What You Need:
✔ 1 cup white vinegar
✔ 1 cup distilled water

How to Use It:
🔹 Mix in a spray bottle and shake well.
🔹 Spray onto glass, mirrors, or windows.
🔹 Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

💡 Why It Works: Vinegar cuts through grease, fingerprints, and grime without leaving behind streaks. Distilled water prevents mineral buildup from tap water.

🚫 What to Avoid: Many DIY recipes add dish soap or essential oils—but these can leave streaks behind! Stick to just vinegar and water for the best results.

2. Replace Disinfecting Wipes with This All-Purpose Cleaner

The Problem: Disinfecting wipes are convenient but expensive. Plus, most commercial sprays are packed with harsh chemicals that aren’t great for skin or surfaces.

The Fix: A DIY all-purpose cleaner that’s just as effective but way cheaper.

🧼 What You Need:
✔ 2 cups distilled water
✔ 1 tablespoon Castile soap or dish soap
✔ 10–15 drops tea tree oil (optional for extra disinfecting power)

How to Use It:
🔹 Mix everything in a spray bottle and shake.
🔹 Spray on countertops, tables, sinks, and other surfaces.
🔹 Wipe clean with a cloth or sponge.

💡 Why It Works: Castile soap lifts dirt and grease, while tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties. It’s gentle but effective on most household surfaces.

🚫 What to Avoid: Skip vinegar in this mix—it can damage stone countertops and certain finishes!

3. Swap Laundry Detergent for This DIY Powder (That Actually Cleans)

The Problem: Store-bought laundry detergents are full of fillers, and many DIY recipes leave clothes feeling dingy.

The Fix: A three-ingredient DIY detergent that works even better than the commercial stuff.

🧺 What You Need:
✔ 1 cup washing soda
✔ 1 cup baking soda
✔ 1 bar grated Castile or Fels-Naptha soap

How to Use It:
🔹 Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container.
🔹 Use 1–2 tablespoons per load.

💡 Why It Works: Washing soda breaks down stains, baking soda softens water, and soap lifts dirt and oils.

🚫 What to Avoid: Many DIY laundry detergent recipes don’t work well in hard water—this formula helps prevent residue buildup.

Looking for an easy-to-make laundry tablet recipe?
All it takes is some grated soap, washing soda, and Borax in equal amounts. Mix them up, then slowly add white vinegar (about half to three-quarters of a cup). Want them to smell amazing? Add a few drops of essential oil—lavender, peppermint, and citrus are all great picks.

Mix until the texture is like wet sand. Press into molds, let them dry overnight, and pop them into a jar. They store well for weeks and work like a charm in your laundry routine.

💡 Love these recipes? They’re just a taste of what’s inside the Home Essentials DIY Kit—our complete printable bundle packed with cleaning swaps, laundry recipes, spice blends, labels, and quick-reference cheat sheets to help you clean smarter and save more.

🎁 Or if you’re just getting started, you can:

Final Thoughts: DIY That Actually Works

DIY cleaning products don’t have to be complicated or ineffective.

These swaps are:

✔ Easy to make (no complicated steps or weird ingredients)
✔ Cost-effective (literally pennies per use)
✔ As good—if not better—than store-bought

If you’ve been burned by bad DIY cleaning hacks before, these will restore your faith.

📌 Have a favorite DIY cleaner that actually works? Drop it in the comments!