Store-Bought vs DIY: Which Household Items Actually Save You Money?
DIY projects are everywhere these days—but when it comes to household essentials, does making it yourself actually save money?
Are DIY Swaps Always Worth It?
The short answer: Sometimes. But you have to know where the real savings are hiding.
Today we’re breaking down the swaps that are worth your time—and which ones might not be.
When DIY Wins (Big Time)
Some DIY household swaps are a no-brainer for saving money and cutting down on chemicals.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
- 👉 Store-bought: $3–5 per bottle
- 👉 DIY: ~$0.50 per bottle
DIY Recipe: Vinegar + water + a little dish soap + optional essential oils.
Savings: Up to 85% every bottle—plus fewer synthetic ingredients in your home!
2. Foaming Hand Soap
- 👉 Store-bought: $4–6 per bottle
- 👉 DIY: ~$0.25 per bottle
DIY Recipe: 1 tablespoon Castile soap + 1 cup distilled water in a foaming soap dispenser.
Savings: Major—especially if you have kids who love “extra” pumps.
3. Laundry Tablets
- 👉 Store-bought: $0.25–0.40 per load
- 👉 DIY: ~$0.05–0.10 per load
DIY Recipe: Grated soap, washing soda, Borax, and vinegar pressed into tablets.
Savings: Adds up fast for big families or heavy laundry days.
When Store-Bought Might Make More Sense
DIY isn’t always cheaper—especially if ingredients are hard to find or if you rarely use the product.
Examples:
- Specialty beauty products (some DIY versions spoil quickly)
- High-end air purifiers (a DIY filter probably won’t cut it)
- Certain stain removers (targeted enzymes are tough to DIY)
The key? Focus on everyday, high-use items—that’s where the savings pile up.
Smart Essentials for Your DIY Kit
If you’re getting serious about DIY savings, these staples are worth keeping around:
Want a Quick-Start Guide to Smart DIY Swaps?
Budget-Friendly Home Hacks Cheat Sheet ⬆️
Want All the DIY Essentials in One Place?
Grab the full Home Essentials DIY Kit—packed with:
- Easy DIY recipes
- Printable labels
- Cheat sheets
- Practical swaps that save real money
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- Ditch Air Freshener Sprays: Try This 3-Ingredient DIY Instead
- Stop Buying These Household Items—You Can Make Them Better for Less
Final Thoughts
DIY can absolutely save you money—especially on the everyday essentials you use most.
Focus on smart swaps like cleaners, soaps, and laundry products, and you’ll cut costs without cutting corners.
👋 Have you tried swapping out any store-bought products for DIY? Share your wins in the comments!
