50 Homemade Cleaners That Work! (Cheap & Easy)

Not only are these DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes so simple to make… they will save you SO much money, too!

Then… save even more money when you learn How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half!

Collage of homemade cleaners.

Homemade Cleaners That Work

On the hunt for some Homemade Cleaning Recipes and DIY Homemade Bathroom Cleaners??  I’ve got you covered!

Not only are homemade cleaning products recipes healthier to use, they are one of my favorite ways to Save Money Fast!

Seriously, the savings you’ll experience once you start making homemade cleaning recipes truly is mind blowing!

I couldn’t believe how I was able to cut my household expenses so drastically, so FAST, just by mixing up some simple solutions.

Not only are these recipes a more natural version of your store-bought favorites, they often work so much better, too! Talk about a win-win, right?

Whether you’re looking to stock your bathroom cabinet on a dime, or just want to make some effective cleaning products for your house cleaning Side Hustle… THESE are the recipes for you!

So are you ready for some ridiculously easy ways to swap out your old cleaners with new homemade, mostly natural cleaning recipes? Let’s get started!

Check out my favorite fool-proof DIY cleaning products below…

Related: How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Money Saving Tips)

Clean bathroom with wallpaper.

How to Speed Clean Your Home

Now before we get to the Homemade Cleaners… check out this simple speed cleaning schedule!

Are you ready to get your home all sparkly clean in a flash? This is my favorite way to tidy up in a jiffy!

Set your timer, stay focused, and check out my 30-Minute Quick Cleanup Plan here…

  • 2 Minutes: Start a Load of Laundry
  • 5 minutes: Dust off Window Blinds
  • 5 minutes: Swish & Clean Toilets
  • 8 minutes: Swish Sinks, Wipe Down Countertops & Clean Mirrors
  • 10 minutes: Mop Floors

Who knew you could get so much done so fast?!? And don’t forget to turn on the tunes while you clean. I’ve found that cleaning to my favorite playlist helps the time fly by!

So now that you know how to clean up fast, are you ready to start making your own cleaners?

It’s SO much easier than you think!

Use these easy DIY Homemade Cleaners below to supercharge your savings this month…

Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder

Slash the price of your laundry detergent when you make this Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder Recipe at home!

It’s so simple to make and cleans like a champ!

Carie writes: “I’ve been making this for years… it’s easy – everyone should. The savings is crazy!”

Blue scoop in a jar of laundry detergent.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

Or, make your own Liquid Laundry Detergent for pennies!

I have been personally using this recipe for almost 10 years!

Misty writes: “I wish I had discovered and known about this many years ago!! I could have saved so much money!!”

Collage of creating homemade liquid laundry detergent.

How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home
(Tip From a Jeweler)

Are you ready for your ring to sparkle like the first day you got it?  You won’t believe how gorgeous your ring will look after you try this easy trick!

This simple little trick comes straight from my Jeweler, and works like a charm!

Suzana writes: “That’s a GREAT trick! My jeweler told me to do that, too.”

Ring in a bowl of soapy water.

Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe

This glass cleaner has been on repeat in my home for years!

The recipe was shared by a fellow Frugal Girls reader who owns her own cleaning company, and it has been an absolute game changer.  It works like a charm and saves SO much money!

In addition to windows and mirrors, it’s one of the best homemade cleaners for showers and glass shower doors, too!

Rebecca writes: “This is such an amazing solution! It works so well.”

Dawn dish soap and vinegar on a counter next to a spray bottle.

DIY Carpet Powder Freshener

I love using this DIY carpet powder on the carpets.  Talk about an effective and frugal way to make carpets smell fresh!

This is my favorite trick to freshen carpets, can be made in less than a minute, and you can even add a pretty scent of your choice!

Kat writes: “I love the fresh scent on my carpets. The parmesan lid is perfect! Thanks for the tip!”

Jar of carpet powder freshener with two flowers.

How To Make Foaming Dish Soap

This foaming dish soap hack is seriously one of the easiest ways to save money on dish soap.

Seriously!  I’ve had this on repeat in my kitchen for years, and it saves a ridiculous amount of money!

Teresa writes: “I have done this for years… I buy Dawn by the gallon at Costco, then the foaming dish soap is super cheap that way!!”

Foaming Dish Soap dispenser and dawn dish soap.

DIY Wool Dryer Balls

I love my wool dryer balls.  I can’t even imagine doing laundry without them!  After making these all-natural wool dryer balls, I ditched the dryer sheets once and for all.

Diana writes: “They work! I put a few drops of essential oils on them and my laundry smells so fresh!”

Four wool dryer balls in a wicker basket.

How to Clean your Hair Brush

When was the last time you actually cleaned your brush?  I know, right?  This simple trick works like a charm, and will have your brush looking brand new!  It will also keep your hair cleaner by getting all of that icky oil and gunk out of your brush!  Bonus!

Christie writes: “Whatttt!!! This is soooo freaking awesome haha! I love this idea.”

Brush in a sink of soapy water.

How to Prevent Water Spots on Shower Doors

This simple little trick has been such a lifesaver on my glass shower doors!

Clear, glass shower door with a black handle.

How to Clean your Dishwasher

Even though your dishwasher is used for cleaning… it has a way of building up residue from dish soap, grime, and developing streaks on the interior door.

Empty, open dishwasher.

DIY Dawn Powerwash Recipe Refill Hack

The name brand spray can be a little pricey… but you can mix up your own spray bottle filled with Dawn Powerwash for pennies!

Person spraying Dawn Powerwash on a plate.

DIY Foaming Hand Soap Recipe

This foaming hand soap is used at every sink in my home.  This trick will save you so much money, and make your soap last SO much longer!

Bottle of foaming hand soap with flowers.

Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe

You won’t believe how much money you can save by simply making your own fabric softener at home.  Plus, I love how well this fabric softener works on my clothes!

Containers of Downy fabric softener, vinegar, and conditioner.

DIY T Shirt Rags

Need some more rags for cleaning?  How about some FREE rags?

Did you know that old t shirts actually make AMAZING rags??  It’s true!  I use them ALL the time!

Simply cut them down in large squares and use them when wiping up spills, conditioning your leather, dusting furniture, etc!

Now I always have an endless supply of free cleaning rags in my drawer ready-to-go…

Folded black and red cloth.

DIY Wrinkle Release Recipe

Cut your laundry bill fast when you make your own homemade wrinkle release!

Spray bottle of Wrinkle Release Spray.

How to Keep your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

Keep the odors away with this easy Smelly Washing Machine Fix!

Person pulling back the seal from a washing machine.

Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe

This is the exact all natural DIY toilet bowl cleaner I use every week, and it works like a charm!

Jar of Homemade Toilet Bowl with flowers and half an orange.

Homemade 409 Cleaner Recipe

I love knowing exactly what is going into the cleaners I use in my home, don’t you?  This copycat 409 cleans so good, and takes just a few simple ingredients!

Homemade 409 ingredients arranged in a row.

How To Make Foaming Shampoo

Whether you’re looking for a tear-free shampoo for your kids, or would like to make your own favorite shampoo last longer, you’re going to love this simple DIY hack!

Bottles of baby shampoo and foaming soap.

Homemade Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes

If you want to make your own natural Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes, I’ve got some seriously easy recipes for you! No crazy chemicals, just products you can feel good about.

Jars of homemade dry shampoo.

DIY Foaming Body Wash

Are you ready for another simple way to save money?  Turn your favorite body wash into a Foaming Body Wash!  It’s so luxurious in the bath or shower, and will last SO much longer!

Empty container of foaming hand soap and a container of body wash.

How to Clean Makeup Sponges & Beauty Blenders

Whether you’re wondering how to clean a Beauty Blender, your favorite Beauty Blender dupe, or your old faithful sponge that’s never let you down, you won’t believe how clean they’ll get with these easy little hacks!

Two pink makeup sponges in wire holders.

How to Clean Your Curling Iron

Is your curling iron, wand or flat iron loaded with buildup?  Check out this simple trick for How To Clean Your Curling Iron!

Two ceramic curling irons.

How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors

If you’ve got scum to deal with, here are my two favorite tricks!

Clean walk-in shower with a black, grey, and white tile wall.

Learn How to Fix a Hard-to-Turn Faucet

Is your bathroom faucet hard to turn?  Before you call a plumber, try this trick from a Handyman!

Faucet handles in a bowl.

How To Remove Hard Water Spots

If you have hard water, then you need to try this easy tip for How to Remove Hard Water Spots!

Apple cider vinegar and a spray bottle.

Homemade Granite Cleaner Recipe

Save money on that overpriced store-bought granite cleaner when you use this frugal Homemade Granite Cleaner instead!

A sparkling kitchen with white cabinets and white counters.

Fruit and Veggie Wash

This simple trick will help you get those fruits and veggies squeaky clean!  I do this to ALL of the produce I bring home from the grocery store.

Bottle of vinegar with a spray bottle.

Easy Drain Cleaner Trick

Is your kitchen sink backing up?  We’ve had some monster clogs at your home, but this drain cleaner works like a charm!

Bottle of vinegar and box of baking soda.

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal from Smelling

Need a simple trick for How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh?  Check out these creative tips…

Melonie writes: “I dump ice cubes in my garbage disposal, sprinkle Baking Soda, and add Vinegar… then let it spin.  It freshens the disposal and the kitchen!”

Shauna writes: “I use Baking Soda a lot!  I use it in my garbage disposal with vinegar.”

Ryan writes: “Baking soda and vinegar works great for regular ol’ stinky drains too. It doesn’t always work and sometimes you have no other choice than to go out and buy some drain cleaner, but it’s worth a shot since baking soda and vinegar are so cheap, and at the very least they’ll keep the drain from smelling bad until you can get to the store”

How to Clean Grout on Tile Floors

It can cost hundreds to get your grout cleaned professionally, so save big and do it yourself for just a couple of dollars!

Brush and soap suds on grout.

How to Clean your Kitchen Sponge

You’ll love this easy kitchen tip that will help your sponges last so much longer!

Stack of colorful kitchen sponges.

There are several different ways you can go about cleaning your kitchen sponges, but here are my favorites…

Soak It Overnight in Vinegar:

Add 1/2 cup HOT Water and 1/2 cup White Vinegar to a small bowl, and place your sponge in the mixture.

Allow your sponge to soak overnight, then in the morning rinse it out with hot water, and it’s ready to go!

Just Toss It In the Dishwasher!

My other favorite trick is to just toss your kitchen sponge in the top rack of your diswasher, and run it through the next time you wash a load of dishes.

I keep two sponges out at all times ~ one in a small dish on the counter, and the other in the dishwasher.

Then, when I unload the dishes, I simply swap the sponges so one is always getting cleaned.

Now how easy is that?!?  No more worries about icky-sticky stinky sponges!

How to Clean Your Coffee Maker

Keep your coffee maker brewing delicious coffee with this easy hack for How to Clean Your Coffee Maker With Vinegar!

Aurelia writes: “Works great! The first time I had to do it three times. Now I just do it once every couple weeks.”

Bottle of vinegar in front of a coffee maker.

Here’s what you’ll do…

Where you normally would pour the water for brewing, fill your coffee maker up 1/2 of the way with vinegar.  Run the brewing cycle with vinegar only.  (no need to use a filter)  Then pour the brewed vinegar out of the pot and discard.

Next, fill your coffee maker up all the way with water, and run the brewing cycle with water only.  Then discard.

Now repeat the step above 3 more times (brewing a full cycle with water only).  This will ensure any last traces of vinegar removed.  It’s as easy as that!  Now it’s time to go make some Coffee!!

How to Clean Your Keurig

Has it been awhile since you cleaned your Keurig?  Check out this simple trick for How to Clean Your Keurig Coffee Maker!

Keurig with mugs reading \"Mr. Right\" and \"Mrs. Always Right.\"

You won’t believe how easy it is to clean your Keurig!

Thanks to vinegar, you’ll have your machine running in tip top shape!

Pauline writes:I’ve been doing this for years! Works wonderfully with my Keurig!”

Here’s what you’ll do…

Fill water container approximately halfway full with White Vinegar (or enough to brew 2 cycles)

Place a mug where you’d normally place your coffee mug, and run a brew cycle (without a k-cup).  The vinegar will run through the machine, cleaning it out along the way!  Toss the contents of the mug down the drain.

Repeat by running a second cycle, and tossing the contents of the mug again.

Pour out all remaining vinegar from the water container, wash container well, and now fill halfway with water (or enough to brew 2 more cycles).

Brew a cycle with water, toss contents of mug, and repeat brewing 1 more cycle with water.  REPEAT this process of brewing water as necessary, until the vinegar taste is gone.

Once the vinegar taste is gone, remove water container again, pour out remaining water, wash well…. and you’re done!  EASY!

Easy Microwave Cleaning Hack

Keep your microwave as clean as possible with these easy tips and tricks.

Three chairs set at a kitchen island.

All you’ll need is a little vinegar and water, and that pesky hardened gunk will fly off once you know this trick!  Seriously… give it a try today, you won’t believe how well it works!

Elayna writes: “I do this all the time! Great tip! It’s the best!

Shelly said:  “Works great for cleaning that hard to get stuck on food in the microwave…. everything wipes clean instantly.”

Laurie writes: “I’ve been doing this for years.  I use Vinegar & a little bit of lemon juice. I just fill up a coffee cup. It’s so easy!”

Vinegar Microwave Cleaner Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • Optional: 1 tsp. Lemon Juice

How to Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar:

You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to get your microwave sparkling clean!

Here’s what you’ll do…

Pour vinegar and water into small microwave safe bowl or mug, and place in microwave.

Microwave for 4 – 5 minutes, then leave it in there with the door closed for 2 more minutes, allowing it to get nice and steamy inside.  This will help soften those pesky splatters inside your microwave.

Then dip a sponge or dish towel in the vinegar-water, and use it to clean around inside the microwave… no elbow grease required!

A BIG thanks to frugal friend Drea for sharing this easy trick… it really does work like a charm!

Best Way to Clean a Blender

Cleaning your blender is about to get a whole lot easier with this easy tip!

Angela writes: “Simple but effective and a great time saver!”

Person adding soap to a blender.

After using your Blender, give it a quick rinse out, then fill about half way full with hot water.

Pump in a few pumps of Homemade Foaming Dish Soap, or a few drops of Liquid Dish Soap.

Then place the blender lid back on, pop on the blender base, and blend for about 10 seconds!

That’s right… just let that blender do all of the swishy scrubby work for you!

Turn it off, pop off the lid, rinse out with hot water, then transfer to a drying mat to let it air dry.  How easy was that?

How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Dry noodles in a pot.

Make cleaning your pots and pans easier when you use these easy ways to clean pots and pans!

I absolutely love cooking with healthy stainless steel cookware, and if you follow a few simple rules, it’s so easy to take care of! Here are my 5 favorite gentle cleaning tips:

Avoid the dishwasher and just hand wash your cookware

Skip the harsh, abrasive cleaners and stick to using hot, soapy water

Always use a soft sponge to prevent scratches

Dry immediately after washing to prevent water spots

Fix rainbow-like discoloration on the inside with a splash of white vinegar, then rinse with water and dry.  So EASY!

Homemade Air Fresheners

DIY Cinnamon Air Freshener

I love this cinnamon air freshener.  It’s the perfect way to make your home smell like Christmas!

Cinnamon, orange slices, and other aromatics on a plate.

Lemon Stovetop Potpourri Recipe (with Rosemary & Vanilla)

This beautiful Lemon Rosemary Vanilla Stove Top Potpourri is such a cheerful Springtime or Summer scent!

Lemon Stovetop Potpourri in a pan.

Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener

Make your rooms smell great in a hurry with this easy Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener!

Lavender air freshener in a jar next to essential oil.

How to Make Your House Smell Good (HUGE List of Genius Hacks)

Nobody likes a stinky home. So skip the stink, and transform your home into a paradise of lovely fragrances with my easy hacks!

Blue Dutch front door with the top half opened.

Easy DIY Homemade Febreze

Sometimes the simplest tricks save you the most money!

Spray bottle of febreze on a countertop.

Homemade Baby Cleanser Recipes + Tips

Easy DIY Homemade Foaming Baby Wash

You won’t believe how much money you’ll save on baby wash with this simple little trick!  Bath time has never been so fun and frugal!

Rubber duck, baby shampoo, and a foaming soap pump.

How to Make Homemade Baby Wipes

Today I want to share with you some genius tips for how to make homemade baby wipes!

Paper towel roll getting cut with knife.

Homemade Pet Cleaner Recipes + Tips

Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe

Have you been wondering… how can I make homemade dog shampoo?  It’s easy, and you only need 3 ingredients!

Black and white dog sitting on a floor.

How to Clean a Dog Collar

Got a stinky Dog Collar?  Then you’ll love this tips for How to Clean a Dog Collar!

Dog with its tongue sticking out.

More Homemade Cleaning Recipes and Solutions

DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Make sure you know exactly what you’re putting on your hands when you use this DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe instead of those store bought hand sanitizers!  It’s so easy to make, and you’ll love having some on hand!

Small container of hand sanitizer with yellow flowers.

How To Make Hand Sanitizer Spray

This spray is a convenient alternative to regular hand sanitizers, plus you’ll love how simple and easy it is to make!

Spray bottle with green leaves.

DIY Sanitizing Wipes

Save money when you make these easy DIY Sanitizing Wipes at home!

Person pulling a wipe from a jar.

How to Fix a Squeaking Door (Easy Squeaky Door Fixes)

Is that squeaky door hinge driving you bananas? Then it’s time to try some of these simple tips for How to Fix a Squeaking Door!

Brown wooden door in a yellow building.

10-Second Carpet Stain Cleaner!

I’ve had a lot of stained carpet over the years with babies, toddler boys, puppies, kitties, you name it!   This trick has been a lifesaver for me… and my carpet!

Baby wipes container.

As soon as possible, after the spill or oopsy has happened, simply pull out a Baby Wipe and gently blot, rub and work out the stain.

Now it won’t work on everything, but it’s amazing how many stains will just come right out… just like that!

I’ve used this simple trick for years and years to clean up puppy messes, toddler catastrophes, and a whole bunch of my clutzy moment spills.  And let me tell you… it has saved the day again and again!

Thrifty DIY Weed Trick

You’re gonna love this frugal gardening tip for making your own natural Homemade Weed Terminator with White Vinegar.

Weed growing among rocks.

How to Clean White Shoes at Home

Whether your shoes need a good cleaning, or you just need to know how to clean white shoelaces, I’ve got you covered!

White shoes with fall leaves.

Keep Shoes From Smelling (6 Easy Tricks)

Here are some really easy ways to help remedy that stink and make all those shoes more tolerable once again!

Pair of blue Converse shoes.

How to Clean BBQ Grilling Grates (Do THIS, Not That)

When you know How to Clean Grill Grates the easy way, you’ll want to ditch the kitchen and head outside way more often for some epic summertime grilling!

Grill sitting in front of a pool.

More Money Saving Tips and Tricks

Want even more fun and frugal money saving tips?  Get inspired with these ideas I know you’ll love…

How To Save Money Fast (20 Easy Ways to Save $2200 this Month!)

Are you wondering how to Save Money Fast?  It’s easy when you start slashing expenses and adding these extra sources of income to your finances!

Stack of several $100 bills.

27 Side Hustles Ideas to Skyrocket Your Income!

Use these creative part time job ideas to supplement your income while you also enhance your social life and stay better connected with others!

Cash in a jar.

Got a Thrifty Tip or Trick…. or some favorite Homemade Cleaners you use??

Leave a comment & share!

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226 Comments

  1. Ang says:

    What can I use for real wood floors? We’re overseas & I’ve tried the mop & glo type cleaner for wood floors but it makes my floor sticky. What can I use that won’t show prints 30 sec later & won’t leave the floor sticky?

  2. melissa dehart says:

    I saw a cleaning soltion for cleaning mattress stains and now I can’t find it does anyone know what it is? I think it had baking soda and vinager but I’m not sure what else thank you

  3. Lillian says:

    We have an orange carpet in our house. I mean, bright orange. Somehow we always end up with brown, dirt and pet stains all over it that make the carpet well, ugly, and the stained spots are incredibly stiff. Any ideas on how I can get the stains out?

  4. Amy says:

    My son and his best friend (both 10 years old) did their science fair project by making the laundry detergent like the one you’ve posted. It’s a Duggar one, I believe. Very good stuff…I should know…I got the fruits of their labor…20gallons of laundry soap. Now, I’m gonna make the fabric softener for sure! Thanks!

  5. Terri D'Pulos says:

    I have asthma so I have to stay away from perfumes and harsh chemicals, here is one cleaning tip for any glass surface. Use two microfiber clothes , one wet to clean one dry to dry off. Your mirrors will sparkle. You can add a dab of dish soap to the wet cloth if heavy buildup, you may have to rinse. Also Dollar tree has hand towel size that is perfect for drying.

  6. Darlene M. Tcholakov says:

    This may sound off the wall, but does anyone out there have a solution that I can make to kill poison sumac? I have 2 clusters of them in the area of my home, I cannot sit outdoors in those areas I am so allergic to the sumac, I welcome any suggestions, I want to try to catch this while they are still down and not as high as trees… Thanks to everyone with suggestions… Darlene

  7. J.B says:

    This may sound kind of odd, but to get bad stains out of laundry (even blood or grease) use Brake cleaner. You can get a good sized can at walmart for maybe $2… It doesnt smell that great when you spray it on, or put the clothes into the dryer but after its all dry you dont smell the cleaner anymore. It works great!!

  8. Emilia says:

    This is awesome! I just came from Safeway and didn’t buy windex thinking I would make my own glass cleaner. Now I don’t have to look around how. Does anyone know how to make homemade bubble bath for kids?

  9. Brenda Sarver says:

    I have small ants in the kitchen. Does anyone have any ant killing recipes? I’ve tried everything! Thanks, Brenda

    1. Reba Pistole says:

      I have tried this and it is supposed to even work outside for fire ants etc, Cream of wheat ,,dry sprinkled around where they travel. they love it and take it to their homes. when they eat it , it swells up and they cant digest it,, sounds cruel,but is non toxic and has worked good for me even in the garden.

  10. Laurie says:

    I just found this site,read through the comments . And now I’m going to try a lot of your homemade recipes and remedies. Thank you all.