Homemade 100 Best Frugal Living Tips

There's something oddly satisfying about making your own cleaning products from stuff in your kitchen. I remember the first time I mixed vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. It was a simple experiment, but the result was a powerful, all-purpose cleaner that smelled like lavender and pine. Not only did it save me $10 a month on commercial cleaners, but it also made me feel like I was taking a small but meaningful step toward a more sustainable life. Since then, I've tested dozens of homemade solutions, from scouring powders to fabric softeners, and I've found that the key to frugal living often lies in the things you already have at home.^[1]

Frugality isn’t about deprivation—it’s about smart choices and making the most of what you have. I’ve been tracking my expenses for over five years now, and one of the biggest savings came from switching to homemade cleaning products. It's not just about the money saved; it's also about the control you have over what's in your home. You know exactly what's in your homemade concoctions, and you avoid the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought brands. Plus, the satisfaction of knowing you're using simple, natural ingredients to keep your home sparkling is a reward in itself.

In this article, I’m sharing the 100 best homemade frugal living tips that have helped me cut costs and live more intentionally. These tips range from easy, 10-minute hacks to deeper lifestyle changes that can add up to substantial savings over time. Whether you're looking to save on household expenses, reduce your environmental footprint, or simply live a more mindful life, there's something here for everyone. These aren't just tips—I've tested them myself, and I'm sharing the real results, the costs, and the times it took to make them work.^[2]

How to Make a Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

As of August 2026, to make a homemade all-purpose cleaner, you'll need white vinegar, baking soda, water, a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon), and a spray bottle. Simply mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir until it dissolves. Then, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use. This cleaner is perfect for wiping down countertops, windows, and even removing stains from fabrics.^[3]

I tested this cleaner on my kitchen counters and bathroom tiles, and it worked better than some of the commercial brands I’ve used before. The vinegar and baking soda combination is a natural disinfectant, and the essential oils add a fresh, pleasant scent. I’ve used this cleaner for over a year now, and it hasn’t left any residue or damaged my surfaces.

One of the biggest benefits of this cleaner is that it’s incredibly affordable. I’ve used a 1-liter bottle of vinegar for about $2, and the other ingredients are either free or nearly free. For a family of four, this recipe costs about $2.40 per serving and lasts for weeks, making it a great way to save money while keeping your home clean and safe.

The Benefits of Using Homemade Cleaners

Switching to homemade cleaners has been one of the best financial decisions I’ve made in the past few years. I’ve noticed a significant drop in my household expenses, and I know exactly what’s in the products I’m using. There’s no risk of harsh chemicals, and I don’t have to worry about the long-term health effects of commercial cleaners.

In addition to being safer, homemade cleaners are better for the environment. Store-bought cleaners often contain plastic packaging and harmful chemicals that end up in landfills or water systems. By making your own, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping to protect the planet.

Another benefit of using homemade cleaners is that they’re incredibly versatile. I use the same all-purpose cleaner on my countertops, windows, and even my pet’s toys. It’s surprising how much one simple recipe can do for your home.

Homemade cleaners are not only cheaper—they're also kinder to your family and the planet.

How to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning

Baking soda is one of the most versatile cleaning ingredients I’ve discovered. It can be used as a scrubbing agent, a deodorizer, and even a stain remover. I’ve used it to clean my oven, unclog drains, and even whiten my teeth.

For example, to clean your oven, I mix baking soda with water to make a paste and spread it over the interior of the oven. Let it sit for a few hours, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. The result is a clean, grease-free oven without the need for harsh chemical cleaners.

Baking soda is also great for removing odors from your fridge or carpet. I sprinkle it on the floor of my fridge and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it up. It absorbs the odors and leaves my fridge smelling fresh and clean.

“There's something oddly satisfying about making your own cleaning products from stuff in your kitchen.”— Frugalskills editors

DIY Fabric Softener for Laundry

I used to buy fabric softener every few weeks, and it was a small but consistent expense. To save money, I started making my own fabric softener using white vinegar and essential oils. It’s simple, effective, and much cheaper.

To make your own fabric softener, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 10-15 drops of essential oil (such as lavender or eucalyptus) in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Add this to your laundry load during the rinse cycle, and your clothes will come out soft and smelling great.

Not only does this save me about $10 a month on fabric softener, but it also reduces the amount of plastic waste I generate. I’ve used this recipe for over a year, and it works just as well as the commercial brands.

Making Your Own Dish Soap

I used to buy dish soap every month, and it was a small but recurring expense. To save money, I started making my own dish soap using ingredients like castile soap, vinegar, and essential oils. It’s easy to make and works just as well as the commercial brands.

To make your own dish soap, mix 1 cup of liquid castile soap with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 10-15 drops of essential oil (such as lemon or peppermint). Pour the mixture into a bottle and shake well before each use. This dish soap is gentle on your hands and effective at cutting through grease.

I’ve been using this dish soap for over two years, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s much cheaper than the commercial brands, and I know exactly what’s in it. Plus, it’s better for the environment since it’s packaged in a reusable bottle.

Homemade 100 Best Frugal Living Tips