Spring Cleaning Savings: 6 Low-Cost DIY Household Cleaners

Whether you’re prepping for guests or just doing regular upkeep on your home, cleaning is a necessity that we all have to do on a fairly regular basis. And with cleaning comes the need for cleaning products. From all-purpose cleaners to dish detergent, there’s a product for every room of the house. But, if you’re looking for a way to save a little (and still get everything squeaky clean), we have some tips for you! Learn how to make DIY household cleaners with everyday products you can pick up at your local Food Lion. 

You may even have these items in your pantry; things like baking soda and vinegar, which can tackle stains, clogged drains and more. Here are some go-to homemade cleaners that actually work.

How to Make a Basic Drain Cleaner

This DIY household cleaner only requires two ingredients and two steps to successfully clean your drain. Sounds great, right? Here are the details!

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
• 1/4 Cup of White Vinegar

What You'll Do:

Simply sprinkle the baking soda on the drain or in the sink, then pour the white vinegar. Let sit 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. That’s it! Repeat as needed.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ever run out of your favorite laundry detergent before finishing the last load? Next time that happens, take a look in your cabinets and see if you have the following to make your own detergent.

What You'll Need:

• 1 Bar Shaved Soap
• 1 Cup Borax
• 1 Cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

What You'll Do:

Use a cheese grater to shave the soap and place it in a large bowl. Mix in the Borax and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. Add essential oils if you would like to add a scent. Then, store the mixture in mason jars or a sealed container and add 2 tablespoons for each load of laundry.

NOTE: If you have trouble with the soap dissolving, simply add water to the washer first, then pour in your detergent. Problem solved!

Mix Up Some All-Purpose Cleaner

This DIY household cleaner works great in multiple rooms of your house. So, mix up the three required ingredients and you’re ready to start spritzing, wiping and scrubbing!

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
• 3 Tsp. Baking Soda
• 10 Drops Tea Tree Oil

What You'll Do:

Place mixture in a spray bottle and fill with water, gently shaking while filling. And voila - your DIY all-purpose cleaner!

Spruce Up with DIY Shower Cleaner

Get a microwave-safe bowl ready for this easy-to-make shower cleaner! With only two ingredients, you may be surprised by how effective this cleaning solution is at making your shower sparkling clean.

What You'll Need:

• 1 Cup Water
• 1/4 Cup White Vinegar

What You'll Do:

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and microwave for about one minute. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the shower. Let sit for about five minutes, scrub with a sponge or washcloth and rinse with water.

How to Make Glass Cleaner

Windows, mirrors, glass tabletops - there is a lot of glass surfaces in a house, which means if you’re on a glass cleaning roll, you don’t want to have to stop on account of running out of cleaner. So, grab a spray bottle and three common ingredients to mix up this DIY household cleaner.

What You'll Need:

• 1/4 Cup White Vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Rubbing Alcohol
• 2 Cups Water

What You'll Do:

Pour the vinegar, alcohol and water into a spray bottle. Mix together by gently shaking. Then, spray onto your glass surface(s) and wipe with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.

Refresh Your Space with Homemade Carpet Refresher

Although steam cleaning is a great way to keep your carpet smelling fresh, it’s hard to find the time to do it regularly. That’s where this homemade carpet refresher can help - to keep your carpets fresh in between deep cleanings!

What You'll Need:

• 1 Cup Baking Soda
• 15 Drops Essential Oil

What You'll Do:

Simply mix the ingredients in a shaker. Shake over the carpet and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, it’s time to vacuum!

DIY Household Cleaner Pro Tip

Keep in mind - most homemade cleaners can last about one month in a spray bottle while others (such as the drain cleaner) are made as needed. If you have a hard time keeping track of when you mixed up your cleaning solutions, write the date made on a sticker and place it on the bottle or storage container.

Time to Start Spring Cleaning!

With these six DIY household cleaner ideas, you’re ready to make your house sparkling clean (and save a little too)! Visit your local Food Lion to pick up what you need to craft your cleaning solutions or to stock up on your favorite brands - all at low prices. 

Looking for more spring cleaning tips? Check out our Fresh Ideas blog!