Money-saving DIY Bathroom Cleansers

A white bucket with yellow gloves and cash.

Even though it is not often thought of, people spend a lot of money on accessories for their bathrooms. Be it on cleaners, décor, or personal care items, the room tends to use a lot of budgeted money, with little or no hope of return.

I was recently at a friend’s house and upon using her bathroom was amazed at the multitude of bathroom supplies she had. On the shelf above the toilet were 3 kinds of room spray, 2 brands of toilet cleaner and a bathtub cleanser -- and that was only what I could see.

Many DIYers know such things can be made at home, but what they do not know is how easy and affordable such efforts can actually be. It is harder than ever to make a dollar, so why not save some of your hard earned money today, with these money-saving bathroom DIYs.

No-brush DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

An empty cupcake tin.

What you’ll need:

  • Bowl
  • Cupcake mold
  • Mixing spoon
  • Cookie tray
  • Baking soda
  • Citric acid
  • Spray bottle

Method:

  1. In your bowl, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of citric acid.
  2. Gently mist your concoction with water until it begins to toughen and form the consistency of snow. With your hands, fold the mixture and attempt to press it firmly beneath your hands. When it maintains form, it is time for step three.
  3. Begin to fill the cupcake mold with your cleaner and press the mixture firmly into the cups.
  4. Once every “cup” has been filled, gently place the mold upside down on the tray, and with a slight tapping motion, the contents should fall onto the tray still holding the form of the mold.
  5. Let dry over night.

How to use:

When a toilet needs cleaning, simply drop one or two of these bars into the bowl. The citric acid will explode upon meeting the water, and the bubbles created will work away at the stains and grime without the need for you to scrub it manually.

DIY Disinfecting Wipes

A pair of pink gloves on with a green cloth on a granite counter.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 mason jar with lid
  • 10-15 cotton cloth pieces (11x5 works perfectly)
  • Vinegar
  • Essential oils
  • Water

Method:

  1. Place the cloth pieces into the jar.
  2. Add the following ingredient proportions: ½ cup vinegar, ½ water, 20 drops essential oil (more can be added later).
  3. Place the lid on your jar and shake vigorously.

How to use:

When needed, simply open the mason jar and take out a wipe. This cloth can be used on nearly any surface, and when finished, can be thrown into a washing machine to be laundered.

DIY Air Fresheners (Spray and Powdered Methods)

Spray

A spray bottle sitting on a wood table with shadows.

What you’ll need:

  • Plastic spray bottle
  • Water
  • Vodka
  • Essential oils

Method:

  1. Open your spray bottle and fill it to the top with water.
  2. Add 20-40 drops of the essential oil of your choosing.
  3. Next, pour a tablespoon of vodka into your bottle, and shake forcefully.

How to use:

To use, shake the bottle energetically and spray into the air. The shaking is the most important step when using a DIY like this, as oil and water traditionally do not mix very well together. The vodka works as an intermediary between the two, but mixing the concoction by hand allows a greater blend when sprayed. Should there not be enough smell to meet your own personal standard, simply add more oils and shake again.

Powder

A jar with white powder and a measuring spoon.

What you’ll need:

  • A jar with lid
  • Baking soda
  • Essential oils
  • Nail
  • Hammer

Method:

  1. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the jar.
  2. Add 20-40 drops of the essential oil of your choosing.
  3. Place lid on the jar and shake.
  4. Take off the lid and, using the nail and hammer mentioned above, poke a series of holes. After placing the lid back on the jar, the hole will allow your lovely scent to escape, freshening the bathroom.

How to use:

To use, place this air freshening jar on a shelf where its essence can be enjoyed. Over time, it will begin to lose its scent, so one must (covering the hole in the lid with one hand) re-shake the jar, reinvigorating the baking soda and essential oil mix.