With the cost of living rising faster than a freshly shaken bottle of dish soap, many Australians are looking for clever ways to save a few dollars around the home.
One question that keeps popping up in our inbox: Is making your cleaning products cheaper, or are you better off sticking with the supermarket specials? We’ve rolled up our sleeves, donned the rubber gloves, and asked the experts to get to the bottom of this sudsy debate.
Let’s start with the numbers. According to cleaning expert Ryan Knoll, making your cleaning solutions at home can be a real money-saver.
Take glass cleaner, for example: a simple mix of one part alcohol, one part vinegar, and four parts water costs about 15 cents for a standard spray bottle.
Compare that to a name-brand cleaner, which can cost over $4 for the same amount. That’s over 90 per cent savings—enough to buy yourself a celebratory coffee (or two).
But before you start raiding the pantry for vinegar and bicarb soda, consider the hidden costs. DIY cleaning does require time and effort.
You’ll need to measure, mix, label, and store your concoctions, which can eat into your precious free time. And let’s be honest, most of us would rather enjoy a cuppa on the verandah than play mad scientist in the laundry.
Beyond the budget, there are other reasons to consider going DIY. Many commercial cleaning products contain chemicals like phthalates, which can trigger allergies or irritate sensitive skin.
An environmental expert, Robert Weitz, pointed out that switching to homemade solutions—think vinegar, bicarb soda, lemon juice, and essential oils—can help reduce exposure to these nasties.
DIY cleaning is a great place to start if you want to create a non-toxic home. It’s also a win for anyone with allergies, asthma, or pets, as you can control exactly what goes into your cleaning products.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and sparkling benchtops. Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids, warned that making and storing your cleaning products can be fiddly and time-consuming.
You’ll need to get the concentrations right for safety and effectiveness—no one wants streaky windows or a cleaning solution that doesn’t clean.
There’s also the matter of organisation. DIY products often have a shorter shelf life than their commercial cousins, so you’ll need to label everything clearly and keep track of expiry dates.
Investing in a few sturdy glass spray bottles and some sticky labels is necessary. And if you’re the forgetful type, you might find yourself scrubbing with a mystery mix that’s lost its oomph.
What should you make at home?
If you’re keen to try homemade cleaners, start simple. Bicarb soda is a gentle abrasive perfect for scrubbing sinks, stovetops, and even glass.
Mix it with water to make a paste or combine it with vinegar for a fizzy cleaning boost. It’s safe, cheap, and effective in most areas of the home.
Vinegar is another hero ingredient. It’s great for cutting through grease, deodorising, and even killing germs. Just be careful not to use it on natural stone surfaces, as the acid can cause damage.
Are DIY cleaning products as effective as store-bought? In many cases, yes—if you mix them correctly.
For example, a bicarb soda paste can work wonders on grout, but you might need to add more elbow grease than a commercial cleaner.
Some studies have shown that a mix of white vinegar and citric acid can kill common pathogens like E. coli, so you’re not sacrificing hygiene for savings.
You can also get creative! Old pillowcases and towels make excellent cleaning rags, and an old toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing grout or tight corners. Even a clean, mismatched sock can be repurposed as a dusting mitt.
The verdict: Should you DIY or buy?
Making your cleaning products is smart if you’re looking to save money, reduce your exposure to chemicals, and cut down on plastic waste. Just be prepared to invest a little time and effort, and ensure you mix and store your solutions safely.
On the other hand, if convenience is king in your household, or you don’t have the time or inclination to DIY, there’s no shame in sticking with store-bought products—keep an eye out for sales and eco-friendly options.
Have you tried making your cleaning products? Do you swear by a particular recipe, or have you had a DIY disaster? We’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and stories in the comments below.
Also read: Extend your pan’s life with this deep-cleaning routine experts swear by
