You don’t need a $200 cleaner—these $8 swapa work better

You don’t need a cabinet full of pricey cleaners to keep your house in order. A lot of the $200 machines people swear by can actually be replaced with affordable tools that do the job better, last longer, and don’t eat up your budget.

For less than $10, you can handle deep cleaning, everyday messes, and even tough stains without worrying about chemicals or high repair costs. These are the swaps that prove smart choices matter more than expensive products.

Microfiber Cloths Instead of Disposable Wipes

Instead of running through packs of disposable wipes, grab a set of microfiber cloths. For under $8, you get something that lasts through hundreds of washes and still works like new. They trap dust and dirt better than paper, and you can use them on counters, glass, or even electronics without leaving streaks.

This one swap saves you from constantly rebuying wipes, which add up fast over the year. Keeping a small stack in each room makes cleaning easier and cheaper.

Baking Soda Instead of Specialty Scrubs

Instead of paying for brand-name scrubs or polishes, a box of baking soda works wonders for under $2. You can use it on sinks, stovetops, and even stainless steel without scratching surfaces. It cuts through grease, absorbs odors, and works as a natural deodorizer in the fridge.

Those expensive abrasive pastes and powders are basically dressed-up versions of the same thing. By keeping baking soda in your pantry, you cover multiple cleaning needs at a fraction of the cost.

Vinegar Instead of Glass Cleaner

A bottle of white vinegar for under $3 can replace those $10 glass cleaners that run out quickly. Mixed with water, it leaves mirrors, windows, and stainless steel streak-free. Add a few drops of essential oil if you don’t love the smell, and you’ve got a cleaner that works on multiple surfaces.

Vinegar is also handy for descaling coffee makers, loosening hard water buildup, and even softening laundry. It’s one of the most versatile swaps you can make in your home.

A Squeegee Instead of Shower Cleaners

Instead of constantly buying bathroom sprays, pick up a $5 squeegee and keep it in your shower. Running it over the walls and glass after each use prevents soap scum and water stains from building up in the first place.

That means less scrubbing later, fewer bottles of harsh cleaners, and a bathroom that stays fresh longer. One small tool does more for your shower than dozens of bottles ever will.

A Scrub Brush Instead of Disposable Pads

Disposable scrub pads wear out fast and need constant replacing. A $7 heavy-duty scrub brush holds up for months, even with tough jobs like grout or tile. The bristles keep their shape, and the handle gives you better leverage for deep cleaning.

This small swap saves money over time and cuts down on waste. When you’re done, you just rinse and store it instead of tossing it in the trash.

Reusable Mop Pads Instead of Throwaways

If you’ve ever gone through box after box of disposable mop pads, you know how quickly the cost adds up. For under $8, you can grab a reusable microfiber mop head that works with most mop systems.

It cleans better, holds more dirt, and can be tossed in the washer when it gets dirty. Over a year, this one change saves you the cost of multiple refill boxes.

A Drain Snake Instead of Chemical Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can cost $10 a bottle, and you need a new one every time the sink clogs. A $6 reusable drain snake handles hair and buildup in seconds and lasts for years.

It’s safer on your pipes, works faster, and doesn’t come with fumes or chemicals. Keeping one in your cleaning kit means you’ll never have to run to the store in a panic again.

Lemons Instead of Specialty Deodorizers

You don’t need to buy expensive cleaners just to freshen your garbage disposal or cutting boards. A $0.50 lemon cut in half can clean, deodorize, and sanitize naturally. The acidity breaks down grease, while the oils leave a fresh scent behind.

You can also use lemon juice mixed with water as a stain remover or to brighten whites in the laundry. It’s one of the cheapest multitaskers you can keep on hand.

A Reusable Spray Bottle Instead of Store Bottles

Instead of buying new spray cleaners every month, pick up a $3 reusable spray bottle. You can fill it with vinegar, baking soda solutions, or other DIY cleaners.

Not only does this save money, but it also keeps you from constantly tossing out flimsy plastic bottles. Over time, you’ll cut costs and waste with one small change.

A Toothbrush Instead of Detail Brushes

You don’t need to spend $15 on a fancy detail brush set when an old toothbrush does the trick. For free—or under $2 if you buy new—you can scrub grout lines, faucet bases, and small corners with ease.

It’s tough enough to handle built-up grime but small enough to reach where bigger brushes can’t. This is one of the cheapest swaps that saves you from buying tools you don’t actually need.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.