Home should be a sanctuary, not a source of endless spending. But if you’ve walked down the cleaning aisle lately, you’ll know just how costly household products have become. That’s where DIY savings hacks can make a powerful difference – both for your wallet and your wellbeing.

From homemade cleaners to simple pantry-based solutions, creating your own household products is easier than you might think. It puts you back in control of what you use in your home, reduces your plastic waste, and slashes unnecessary costs. It’s budgeting with a conscience.

In this article, we’ll explore how to build a natural home budget with effective, low-cost alternatives to store-bought products. You don’t need to be a Pinterest-perfect crafter to get started. Just a few staple ingredients and a mindset shift are all it takes.

Why DIY home products are worth the switch

Store-bought cleaning products often come with:

  • High price tags
  • Hidden chemicals
  • Non-recyclable packaging

By contrast, homemade versions are:

  • Cheaper per use
  • Customisable and non-toxic
  • Made from multi-purpose ingredients
  • Kind to the environment

Plus, DIYing helps foster a sense of self-reliance and pride in reducing unnecessary consumption.

Core ingredients to keep in your cupboard

Before diving into recipes, stock up on these basics – many of which you may already have:

  • White vinegar – excellent degreaser and odour neutraliser
  • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) – scrubs, deodorises, lifts grime
  • Castile soap – gentle, plant-based cleaner for body and surfaces
  • Lemons – natural acid for breaking down build-up and adding fragrance
  • Essential oils (optional) – like lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus for scent and antibacterial boost
  • Olive oil – works wonders on wood
  • Cornflour or arrowroot – useful for homemade sprays and polishes

With these ingredients alone, you can create dozens of money-saving solutions.

All-purpose surface cleaner

Use this as a base to clean kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, tiles, and even mirrors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 1 part water
  • A few drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

Mix and pour into a reusable spray bottle. Shake before each use.

Cost comparison: Around 15p per bottle vs. £2–£3 store-bought.

Natural laundry softener

Fabric softeners are often full of synthetic fragrance and unnecessary additives.

Try this instead:

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • A few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil

Add directly to your washing machine’s softener compartment.

Result: Clothes feel softer, static is reduced, and no overpowering artificial smell.

DIY window and glass cleaner

A person cleans a window with a squeegee, wearing a tool belt with cleaning supplies, while kneeled on a windowsill.

Forget the blue stuff. This mix is just as effective and far cheaper.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp liquid soap

Spray and wipe with a microfibre cloth or newspaper.

Pro tip: Polish with dry newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Fresh-smelling toilet bombs

These fizzy tablets clean and deodorise with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
  • 1/4 cup citric acid
  • A few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, tea tree)

Press the mixture into silicone moulds, let them dry overnight, and store them in an airtight jar. Drop one into the loo as needed.

Homemade wood polish

Skip silicone-based sprays and give wood a natural shine.

Mix:

  • 2 parts olive oil
  • 1 part lemon juice

Apply with a soft cloth. Buff dry. Works great on dining tables and skirting boards.

For a deeper budgeting approach beyond cleaning, check out our guide on 25 frugal living hacks every parent should know.

Natural air fresheners

Air fresheners often mask odours rather than remove them. Try:

  • Simmer pot: Simmer citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in water
  • Jar diffuser: Add bicarbonate of soda and essential oils to a jar with a fabric lid
  • Spray mist: Mix water, vinegar, and essential oils in a bottle for a DIY room spray

Carpet deodoriser

Refresh rugs and carpets naturally.

Mix:

  • 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
  • A few drops of essential oil

Sprinkle over carpet, let sit 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Reusable cleaning cloths

A person wearing a green shirt gently cleans a large leaf with a purple cloth in a bright, plant-filled room.

Swap out paper towels for old t-shirts cut into squares or microfibre cloths. They’re washable, durable, and waste-free.

Keep different colours for different areas (e.g. bathroom, kitchen).

Dishwashing magic

For a grease-cutting washing-up liquid alternative:

Combine:

  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 cup warm water

Store in an old washing-up liquid bottle and shake gently before use.

Safe kids’ toy cleaner

Use this mild spray to sanitise toys safely.

Mix:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • A drop of gentle liquid soap

Spray and wipe. Safe for most surfaces – always spot-test first.

Want to automate your household savings? Learn how our post on using AI tools for smarter family budgeting can help you collaborate and track your savings.

Tips for staying consistent

Making the switch to DIY is simple, but consistency is key.

Here’s how to make it stick:

  • Keep ingredients together in a labelled basket or drawer
  • Refill your go-to cleaners monthly
  • Make it a family project – kids love fizzing toilet bombs
  • Label your bottles clearly
  • Share your successes and recipes with friends to stay inspired

Conclusion: Clean smarter, live better

A collection of eco-friendly cleaning supplies: a bottle of cleaner, brushes, sponges, lemon, vinegar, and baking soda on a light surface.

DIY household products are more than just a trend. They’re a lifestyle choice that supports your budget, your health, and your home.

Start with one swap this week. Maybe it’s your all-purpose spray or a jar of carpet freshener. You’ll notice how small changes quickly add up to lasting impact.

By going homemade, you’re saying yes to smarter choices, conscious living, and a future where your home is both clean and kind.