Cleaning Hacks, Tips, and Tricks That Save You Money

Who says you need expensive cleaning products to have a spotless home? The truth is, you can keep your entire house sparkling clean for a fraction of the cost with just a few simple, affordable supplies.

Frugal living isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about cleaning smarter. And the secret? Using multi-purpose products, natural ingredients, and clever hacks that actually work.

Here’s your ultimate frugal living cleaning supply list—plus the best cleaning tips and tricks to get amazing results on a budget in 2025.

🧴 1. White Vinegar – The Multi-Purpose Miracle

White vinegar is the superstar of frugal cleaning. It’s cheap, natural, and incredibly effective at cutting through grease, soap scum, and bacteria.

How to Use It:

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner.
• Use vinegar to remove limescale from faucets and showerheads.
• Add a cup to your laundry rinse cycle for fresher, softer clothes.
• Pour it into your toilet bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing for a deep clean.

Pro Tip: If you don’t like the smell, infuse your vinegar with citrus peels or a few drops of essential oil.

🧂 2. Baking Soda – Nature’s Scrubbing Powder

Baking soda is another must-have for any frugal cleaner. It’s gentle yet powerful, making it perfect for scrubbing surfaces without scratching.

How to Use It:

• Sprinkle on sinks, bathtubs, or stovetops and scrub with a damp sponge.
• Deodorize carpets by sprinkling baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuuming.
• Mix with vinegar to unclog drains naturally.
• Use a small dish of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors.

Why It Works: Baking soda neutralizes odors and acts as a mild abrasive—great for tough grime.

🍋 3. Lemon – The Natural Deodorizer and Disinfectant

Lemons aren’t just for cooking—they’re powerful natural cleaners too. The citric acid cuts through grease and leaves a fresh scent.

How to Use It:

• Rub a cut lemon over faucets and metal surfaces to remove water stains.
• Microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for 2 minutes, then wipe down the inside—no scrubbing needed.
• Mix lemon juice with vinegar for a natural disinfectant spray.
• Use lemon rinds to freshen garbage disposals.

Bonus Tip: Save leftover lemon peels and use them in vinegar infusions for an extra cleaning boost.

🧽 4. Dish Soap – Simple Yet Mighty

A good-quality dish soap is one of the most versatile cleaners you can buy—and it costs next to nothing.

How to Use It:

• Mix a few drops with warm water to clean countertops, floors, and even windows.
• Use it to cut grease from stovetops and range hoods.
• Combine with baking soda to make a homemade “soft scrub” paste.
• Mix with vinegar for an easy DIY shower cleaner.

Frugal Tip: A little goes a long way—don’t overuse it.

🧺 5. Hydrogen Peroxide – A Secret Weapon for Stains and Germs

Hydrogen peroxide is a budget-friendly disinfectant that kills germs and whitens surfaces safely.

How to Use It:

• Use as a bleach alternative for laundry (great for whites!).
• Spray on cutting boards or bathroom surfaces to disinfect.
• Mix with baking soda and dish soap for a powerful grout cleaner.
• Remove stubborn stains from countertops or tile.

Safety Tip: Always store hydrogen peroxide in its dark bottle—light reduces its effectiveness.

🧹 6. Microfiber Cloths – Reusable and Effective

Skip disposable paper towels and invest in a few quality microfiber cloths. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and trap dust better than anything else.

Why They’re Frugal: You’ll save hundreds of dollars over time by not buying paper towels.

How to Use Them:

• Use dry for dusting furniture and electronics.
• Use damp for wiping down mirrors, windows, and countertops.
• Rinse and reuse—they can last for years!

Pro Tip: Wash microfiber separately (no fabric softener) to maintain absorbency.

🧴 7. Rubbing Alcohol – The Quick-Dry Cleaner

Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, making it ideal for cleaning electronics, mirrors, and glass.

How to Use It:

• Clean phone screens, keyboards, and remote controls safely.
• Mix with water for a streak-free glass cleaner.
• Use to disinfect doorknobs, switches, and handles.
• Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.

🧽 8. Old Toothbrushes – The Tiny Detail Cleaners

Before throwing out your old toothbrushes, repurpose them! They’re perfect for scrubbing those small, hard-to-reach areas.

Use Them To:

• Scrub grout lines and tile corners.
• Clean faucet bases, drains, and window tracks.
• Remove dirt from shoes or reusable water bottles.

Hack: Label one for “bathroom” and one for “kitchen” to keep things sanitary.

🧴 9. Castile Soap – The Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner

If you love natural products, castile soap is a must. It’s gentle, biodegradable, and can replace multiple cleaning products in your home.

How to Use It:

• Mix a few drops with water to clean floors and walls.
• Use it as a hand soap, dish soap, or even pet shampoo.
• Combine with vinegar and essential oils for a homemade all-purpose spray.

Frugal Note: A little goes a long way—one bottle can last months.

🌿 10. Essential Oils – Optional but Worth It

While not essential for cleaning power, essential oils make your DIY cleaners smell wonderful and add mild antibacterial properties.

Best Options: Lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

How to Use Them:

• Add 10 drops to vinegar or baking soda mixes for scent and freshness.
• Use tea tree oil in mold-prone areas like bathrooms.
• Add lavender to laundry for a relaxing fragrance.

🧼 Frugal Cleaning Hacks You’ll Love

Here are a few budget-friendly tricks to make your supplies work even harder:

1. DIY Dusting Spray: Mix 1 cup water, ½ cup vinegar, 1 tsp olive oil, and a few drops of lemon oil. Shake and spray on furniture.
2. Homemade Air Freshener: Mix 1 cup water, 1 tbsp baking soda, and 5 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
3. No-Scrub Oven Cleaner: Spread baking soda paste (baking soda + water) inside your oven, leave overnight, and wipe clean.
4. Quick Shower Cleaner: Keep a dish wand filled with vinegar and dish soap in the shower—swipe it daily for zero buildup.
5. Deodorize Trash Cans: Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom before adding a liner.

These hacks use what you already have—and the results rival pricey store-bought cleaners.

🧠 Frugal Living Mindset: Clean Smart, Not Hard

Frugal cleaning isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being resourceful. It’s knowing that a few simple, natural ingredients can do the job of dozens of commercial products.

By sticking to this minimalist list, you’ll:

• Save money every month
• Reduce chemical exposure
• Simplify your cleaning routine
• And keep your home fresh, clean, and inviting

You don’t need to spend big to live beautifully—just clean smart and stay consistent.

Because the real secret of a clean home isn’t in the price tag of your products—it’s in the power of your daily habits and creativity.