{"id":332657,"date":"2026-01-20T16:46:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T21:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/10-pantry-staples-that-replace-most-cleaning-supplies"},"modified":"2026-01-20T16:46:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T21:46:13","slug":"10-pantry-staples-that-replace-most-cleaning-supplies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/10-pantry-staples-that-replace-most-cleaning-supplies","title":{"rendered":"10 Pantry Staples That Exchange Most Cleansing Provides"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The last time I went shopping for cleaning supplies, there were so many items to choose from I quickly got overwhelmed, grabbed a few things off my list, and made a dash for the exit. <\/p>\n

\"Ashley\"\"chemical<\/figure>\n

Of course, I was missing a few items when it was time to start cleaning, but I made it work.<\/p>\n

Why the initial shock? Well, it had been several years since I\u2019d actually shopped for cleaning supplies. During my couponing<\/a> days, I only purchased the items that were practically free and found creative ways to put them to use; sometimes, the results weren\u2019t so favorable. Anyhow, I eventually created a stockpile so large that I didn\u2019t have to shop for cleaning supplies for quite some time.<\/p>\n

But once I began running low, I was reminded how expensive some of these items could be. There were at least five to six products per task, ranging from $2 to $6 apiece. <\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t seem like much, but they add up quickly if you get a different set of products formulated for each particular task \u2014 windows, disinfectant, soap scum, etc. \u2014 and for each section of the home.<\/p>\n

Shortly after that shopping trip, I recalled a conversation I\u2019d had with a friend who makes her own all-natural cleaning products using oils. Not a bad idea \u2014 but too bad some of the tiny vials of oil were on the pricey end of the spectrum.<\/p>\n

Desperate for other, cheaper alternatives, I did some online research and realized how many items I already had lying around the house that are just as effective as the stuff in the cleaning supplies aisle. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the products I\u2019ve found most helpful to my cost-cutting cleaning efforts:<\/p>\n

1. White Vinegar<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Clogged Drains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s nothing more disgusting than brushing your teeth only to return to the sink 10 minutes later and spot the same cloudy water floating around. This was the story of my life, even after hiring a plumber. So we turned to vinegar, coupled with baking soda, and it worked like a charm to unclog drains.<\/p>\n

If you plan to do the same, just dump some baking soda into the drain first, then pour in twice the amount of vinegar. It will fizz up \u2014 this is the chemical reaction the kid with the volcano likely harnessed at your school science fair \u2014 and will break down clogged hair and other debris in the drain. Flush with plenty of water afterward, and repeat if necessary.<\/p>\n

Filthy Grout<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our home came with beige grout. We didn\u2019t realize how problematic it would be until about six months \u2014 and at least a hundred mopping sessions \u2014 later. Ditch the traditional grout cleaner. Just dip a toothbrush in vinegar and get to scrubbing.<\/p>\n

Foggy Windows and Streaky Mirrors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who needs Windex? Dilute vinegar with some water, and the solution will give your mirrors and windows the streak-free shine they deserve so you can style your hair and apply your makeup with confidence each morning.<\/p>\n

Disinfectant<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For those heavily-used surfaces prone to collecting germs, such as telephones and door handles, a vinegar wipe-down will kill most bacteria and other germs. Researchers found that adding a little hydrogen peroxide or bleach to the solution made it more effective against even stubborn salmonella and other bacteria.<\/p>\n

Sticky Counter Tops<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Spilled a little juice or milk? Spray some solution and wipe the messes away while simultaneously disinfecting the area.<\/p>\n

2. Rubbing Alcohol<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Chrome Fixtures<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Are your faucets or shower door handles looking filthy? Wipe away the saliva, sticky hair products, and water residue with a washcloth or paper towel dabbed with rubbing alcohol.<\/p>\n

Foggy Mirrors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Just like vinegar, rubbing alcohol can also be used to clear the haze on your mirror.<\/p>\n

Ink Stains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tossing a particle of clothing with an ink stain in the washer won\u2019t do the job, but applying rubbing alcohol to the area and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes will. Just don\u2019t forget to rinse the area thoroughly.<\/p>\n

Greasy Handheld Devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If your remote control, telephone, or door handles are getting a bit greasy, use a little rubbing alcohol to cut the grime. And don\u2019t forget about those smartphone and tablet cases.<\/p>\n

Stainless Steel Appliances<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Use rubbing alcohol in place of the pricey stainless steel sprays that often leave the floors and other surrounding surfaces slippery from application. I\u2019ve actually found it to be more effective than the spray-on solution.<\/p>\n

3. White Rice<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Coffeemakers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a coffee drinker who routinely uses a household coffeemaker, mix a few spoonfuls of white rice with warm water into the carafe to eliminate the built-up residue from the grounds and keep it clean. (Brewing a pot of coffee with a half cup of vinegar added to the water is another easy, cheap way to thoroughly clean your coffeemaker from the inside.)<\/p>\n

Odd-Shaped Storage Containers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tired of spending too much time at the kitchen sink trying to reach those small crevices? Simply dump a few spoonfuls of white rice, add some lukewarm water to the half-way mark, and shake away until it\u2019s all clean.<\/p>\n

This method also works to clean vases. Since we often display fresh flowers for a few weeks at a time, the bottom of our vases get filthy and require a vigorous shake to cut through the gunk remaining from the liquid plant food.<\/p>\n

4. Salt<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Bottoms of Pots and Pans<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After whipping up your favorite dish, sticky residue may remain at the bottom of the pan. This happens to me when I prepare certain types of chicken or eggs. But a dash or two of salt always helps lift the stains the moment the pan hits the dishwater.<\/p>\n

Soap Scum<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mix a spoonful of salt with four spoonfuls of vinegar and apply the solution to those stubborn soap scum stains on the bathroom tile. We also use this solution to remove the water stains from the glass shower door.<\/p>\n

Coffee Mug Stains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you constantly have to remind yourself that your mug is in fact clean, despite all the stains, mix some salt into a paste with vinegar or lemon juice to eradicate the stains.<\/p>\n

Rust Remover<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sometimes the problem is also the solution. It seems counterintuitive, since salt causes<\/em> rust in the first place, but applying that same salt and lemon juice paste on rusty scissors or other metal items can restore their shine.<\/p>\n

Sponge Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bacteria love kitchen sponges. If your sponges smell a bit rank, to say the least, after a thorough cleaning session in the kitchen, soak them overnight in a warm saltwater solution. You can add vinegar to increase the potency.<\/p>\n

5. Baking Soda<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Smelly Trash Cans<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tired of bleaching that stinky trash can? Sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom to cut the funk. I do this very often since we prepare some form of meat or seafood in our house at least three times per week. (And if you\u2019ve ever smelled spoiled meat, you know it\u2019s not pleasant).<\/p>\n

Carpet or Furniture Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Did your feline or furry friend let it go on the carpet or couch? Immerse the surface in vinegar followed by baking soda. Once the mixture dries, suction the contents up with a vacuum.<\/p>\n

We once had our friend\u2019s cat over and he failed to make it outside to do his business. We tried every cleaning solution in the book to eliminate the unbearable stench, including the most expensive solutions we could find, but baking soda was the only thing that actually worked.<\/p>\n

Tough Stains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stains that seem to be permanently ingrained on the stove top or bathroom surfaces can be removed by scrubbing them with a baking soda paste. It\u2019s one of the only things that works on sticky grease build-up above the stove.<\/p>\n

6. Hydrogen Peroxide<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Disinfectant<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bacteria left behind by meat and seafood products can make you ill, so use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect those cutting boards, pots, pans, and counter tops. Mix a bit into your vinegar solution to increase its antibacterial powers.<\/p>\n

Kitchen Sponge Sanitizer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can also sanitize your kitchen sponges by letting them soak in a bowl of warm water and hydrogen.<\/p>\n

Toy Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After an extensive amount of use, children\u2019s toys need a little cleaning up. Even if a bulk of the toys are kept inside, germs are everywhere, not to mention all the items their little hands come in contact with to usher in germs prior to playtime. Another perk: sanitizing the toys will help minimize the risk of spreading around a bacterial infection.<\/p>\n

Stain Remover<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Saturate the stain with a little 3% hydrogen peroxide, let it soak, and watch it wash away in the laundry. Peroxide works wonders on blood stains.<\/p>\n

Floor Shiner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before you dip the mop into the warm bucket of water, add a half cup of hydrogen peroxide and get to work. You may be accustomed to using bleach or some other liquid floor cleaning solution, but hydrogen peroxide is just as effective without the strong stench. And since it\u2019s non-abrasive, it\u2019s safe on many surfaces.<\/p>\n

Toilet Bowl Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Replace harsh toilet bowl cleaners with a half cup of hydrogen peroxide, but be sure to let it soak for 30 minutes or so prior to scrubbing. We don\u2019t have the best water in my county, so I find that hydrogen peroxide works better than traditional cleaners to remove the ring of mineral and chemical deposits.<\/p>\n

6. Corn Starch<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Odor Eater for Shoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Is foot funk getting the best of your nostrils? Suppress the disgusting odor with a sprinkle or two of cornstarch in the soles. I live in a home full of active males who tend to sweat heavily when participating in athletic activities, so cornstarch definitely comes in handy to mitigate smelly shoes. Plus, it\u2019s much cheaper than the powder sold by Dr. Scholl\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Leather Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After an extensive amount of use, leather tends to get a bit greasy. But that can be eliminated by applying a bit of cornstarch to the affected area, waiting for 8 hours or so, and removing the mixture with a soft-bristle brush. It\u2019s best to do this overnight in order to give the cornstarch an ample amount of time to do its job.<\/p>\n

Carpet Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Spilled a cup of juice or plate of veggies on your carpet? Simply remove the debris, apply corn starch to the surface for 30 minutes and allow it to soak up the stain, then suck up the powder with a vacuum. I can\u2019t even begin to recall how many times corn starch saved the day before we eventually invested in wood flooring.<\/p>\n

7. Ketchup<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stainless Steel Sink Restorer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tired of noticing all the scratches, scuff marks, and other blemishes on the interior of your kitchen sink? Apply ketchup to the surface and scrub away. <\/p>\n

Rinse and repeat until you achieve the desired results. Personally, I absolutely despise the smell of ketchup, but it\u2019s such a miracle worker in the sink that I place a mask over my nose and keep it moving.<\/p>\n

The salt and vinegar in the ketchup also make it useful for removing tarnish on copper pots and pans.<\/p>\n

8. Lemon Juice<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Glass Cleaner<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wipe windows, wine glasses, and mirrors with lemon juice for the streak-free shine you\u2019ve been looking for. Lemon juice also leaves a fresh scent in the bathroom, so you won\u2019t have to whip out the air freshener.<\/p>\n

Garbage Disposal Odors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bleach emits a strong smell and has the potential to make you feel like you\u2019re suffocating, but lemon juice dropped in the drain area has the opposite effect. For many years, we struggled with rank garbage disposal odors. <\/p>\n

On several occasions we lost power, and we\u2019d always be left with clots or rotting particles that secreted a disgusting odor. We don\u2019t use it as much these days, but a tablespoon of lemon juice each week minimizes any odors.<\/p>\n

Cutting Board Stains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The wood surface can be restored by applying lemon juice for 20 minutes and rinsing with warm water.<\/p>\n

9. White bread<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Broken Glass<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Did your little one accidentally knock your plate off the table? No worries! Once you\u2019ve gathered the larger pieces, use white bread to pick up what remains since the tiny particles will adhere to the surface.<\/p>\n

Dusty Surfaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s also versatile enough to remove dust from heavily saturated surfaces. But you may want to follow it up with a tad bit of lemon cleaner to freshen up the surface. White bread, minus the lemon juice, also works great on oil paintings.<\/p>\n

Liquid spills<\/strong><\/h3>\n

No paper towels? No problem! You can use white bread in a pinch and it\u2019s just as effective. Use stale slices you\u2019re not going to eat anyway to keep it cost effective.<\/p>\n

10. Coffee Grounds<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Odor Eliminator<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Along with baking soda and lemon juice, coffee grounds also possess odor-fighting capabilities. You can either sprinkle some in the bottom of your trash can or place a bowl of them in the refrigerator to achieve a fresh scent.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Chances are you can tackle all your household cleaning chores with cheap, everyday items you already have in your home. And since most of these products are all natural, the dangers associated with contact or inhalation are minimal. <\/p>\n

But if you have any reservations about the products I\u2019ve recommended, don\u2019t hesitate to test them out on a small surface first to ease your mind.<\/p>\n

After that, go ahead and get started.<\/p>\n

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\"finance\"\"hydrogen<\/div>\n
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Hi, I\u2019m Ashley a freelance writer who\u2019s passionate about personal finance. Ever since I was young, I\u2019ve been fascinated by the power of money and how it can shape our lives. I\u2019ve spent years learning everything I can about budgeting, saving, investing and retirement planning. So if you are looking for tips, advice, or just a little bit of inspiration to help you on your financial journey, you have come to the right place. I am always here to help, and I am excited to share my passion for personal finance with you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n


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