The Secret to Saving Hundreds on Household Supplies? It’s DIY.
Hey there! I have a confession—I used to stock up on every fancy cleaner, air freshener, and laundry product I could find. My cabinets looked like an aisle from a cleaning superstore, and my budget? Well, that was another story. Over time, I realized I was spending way too much on something that literally washes down the drain. That’s when I decided to go the DIY route, and honestly, I've never looked back!
If you’ve been searching for ways to save money, reduce chemicals, and simplify your home, you’re in the right place. I’m here to share my favorite DIY household supply solutions that are easy, budget-friendly, and give you full control over what goes into your home. Bonus? They're also better for the environment. Here’s everything you need to know:
The Perks of Going DIY
If you’re on the fence about making your own household products, I get it. I was skeptical too. But trust me, the benefits are worth it.
1. Cost Savings
The first time I tallied up what I was spending on commercial products, I nearly choked on my latte. Fancy big-brand packaging and pre-mixed formulations can really drive up the cost. With DIY options, you use affordable staples like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
- Save on Containers: One of my favorite things is reusing plastic spray bottles and glass jars. I’ll even admit to hoarding cute olive oil bottles to repurpose as soap dispensers. It saves cash and cuts waste!
- Bulk Buys: I buy staples like baking soda in bulk from warehouse stores, and it’s great knowing I’m stocked up for months without spending a fortune.
2. Health Benefits
I first started dabbling in DIY because my youngest, Henry, had sensitive skin. I’d buy chemical-free cleaners, but geez, those prices! Making my own gave me control over the ingredients and eased my constant worry about irritants.
- Goodbye Harsh Chemicals: Many store-bought products are full of unpronounceable chemicals. My DIY cleaners use natural ingredients, and my house smells fresh without the fake lavender cloud.
- Safe for Little Ones: With kids and pets running around, I love knowing my cleaning supplies won’t harm them—even if someone (ahem, the dog) sneaks a lick off the floor.
3. Help the Environment
I’ve always felt a little guilty about all the single-use plastic I was tossing. Switching to DIY has been a game-changer.
- Reuse Containers: Seriously, I haven’t bought a new spray bottle in years.
- Choose Eco-Friendly Ingredients: Baking soda and vinegar are natural, biodegradable gems, unlike harsh chemicals that can harm waterways.
Okay, now for the good stuff—I’m talking recipes!
DIY Cleaning Supplies
There’s something empowering about whipping up your own cleaners. It’s simple, satisfying, and effective. According to Homecourt's insights, plant-based cleaners not only reduce environmental impact but also minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, offering a safer and more sustainable cleaning solution for households. And the best part? With DIY recipes, you can take that control into your own hands!
"Making your own cleaners isn’t just satisfying—it’s a powerful way to create a healthier home, cut chemicals, and embrace sustainability, all with a few simple ingredients."
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
This beauty is my ride-or-die. It’s great for just about everything and leaves my surfaces sparkling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 15-20 drops essential oil (lemon’s my favorite!)
- Optional citrus peel for extra scent
Instructions:
- Shake everything together in a spray bottle.
- Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.
Emma’s Tip: I avoid using vinegar on my granite countertops. For those, I mix rubbing alcohol and water instead. Works like a charm!
2. Glass Cleaner
Do your mirrors give you streaky grief? Been there. This simple DIY totally changed my window-cleaning game.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra shine)
Instructions:
- Combine in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Use with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper for a flawless finish.
3. Carpet Deodorizer
Here’s a confession: My house is cozy, but it’s not always fresh (especially thanks to my dog, Max). This DIY carpet powder is a lifesaver.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 15 drops essential oil (lavender!)
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients and sprinkle over your carpets.
- Wait 20 minutes, then vacuum.
DIY Laundry Products
Laundry used to be one of my biggest wallet-drainers. Between detergent, fabric softener, and stain removers, it added up quickly. That all changed when I started making these at home.
Laundry Detergent
This powder recipe is easy to make, gentle on clothes, and powerful on stains.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar castile soap (grated)
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
Instructions:
- Mix everything in an airtight container.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
Emma’s Tip: I toss in a splash of vinegar as a fabric softener alternative and add a few essential oil drops directly to the wash for fragrance.
Fabric Softener
Super simple and makes clothes feel so soft!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops essential oil
Instructions:
- Add directly to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. Voila!
DIY Personal Care Products
Switching to homemade personal care products felt a bit scary. But y’all, these recipes are game-changers.
Foaming Hand Soap
It’s easy, gentle, and basically foolproof.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1 cup water
- Essential oils
Instructions:
- Add it all to a foaming pump bottle, give it a good shake, and you’re good to go.
Deodorant
This was my first DIY venture, and I haven’t gone back to store-bought in years.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch/arrowroot powder
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients until smooth.
- Apply under your arms as needed.
DIY Air Fresheners
Finally, let's end with my favorite way to keep my home smelling lovely without pricey or overpowering commercial products.
Room Spray
This spray is quick to make and completely natural.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 20 drops essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake and spray!
Baking Soda Odor Absorber
Perfect for closets and bathrooms where odors tend to linger.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix everything and place in an open jar or dish.
Emma’s Tip: I sneak one of these into every shoe closet in our house. Game changer.
Bonus Tips for Big Savings
- Buy Wholesale: Scout your local warehouse clubs for bulk deals on staples like vinegar or baking soda.
- Label Everything: I have a mini labeler that ensures I know which spray bottle is which.
- Mix Scents: Combine essential oils to create custom blends.
Savvy Picks!
Here are five quick ways you can get started today on your DIY household supply adventure:
- Start Small: Try one cleaner, like the all-purpose spray, to ease into DIY.
- Reuse and Save: Repurpose spray bottles and jars to cut costs.
- Scour Bulk Stores: Stock up on essentials like baking soda and castile soap.
- Experiment: Play with essential oil mixtures to find your favorite combos.
- Stay Organized: Label your DIYs to keep everything neat and clear.
Take Control of Your Home, One DIY at a Time!
Making your own household supplies isn’t just a way to save money; it’s a step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable home. With simple, natural ingredients, you can create products that work just as well (if not better!) while cutting costs and reducing waste. Take it one recipe at a time, and you’ll see how these small changes can lead to big results—for your budget, your home, and the planet.
