20 Commercial Household Products You Can Replace with DIY Alternatives
Making your own household products is not only economical but also environmentally friendly and healthier for your family. Commercial products often contain harmful chemicals and unnecessary additives. Here are 20 common household products you can replace with simple, effective DIY versions. By doing so, you'll reduce waste, save money, and take control over what comes into your home.
Using nontoxic personal care products is another great way to save money and eliminate chemicals from your home. Our list of the Top 20 DIY Nontoxic Household products also includes a natural skin moisturizer and a natural toothpaste recipe to replace the commercial and chemical laden products sold today.
Outdoor products are another great opportunity to move towards safer and nontoxic options.
Need a natural weed killer for lawns, or a natural grill cleaner and nontoxic bug spray for those treasured outdoor BBQ days with friends and family. We’ve got you covered with recipes for safer DIY solutions to your outdoor needs.
Whether you’re just getting started on living sustainably, or if you’ve been making your own nontoxic cleaning products for years, we’ve got you covered. Finding the best cleaner and natural living recipes can be difficult, not to mention how hard it can be to locate the bulk natural ingredients you’ll need, but we’ve also added a list of basic ingredients to use for many purposes, and our tested recipes for most of the nontoxic products that you will need.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to replacing chemical products in your home and life.
Nontoxic Ingredients Ingredient List
This ingredient list contains the basic ingredients for all of our recipes. Purchase them all together and get started on your DIY products.
Nontoxic Ingredients Ingredient List
This ingredient list contains the basic ingredients for all 30 of our recipes. Purchase them all together and get started on your DIY products.
Vegetable Glycerin – Used in moisturizing products, toothpaste and in baking. Bulk Vegetable Glycerin
Natural Orange Oil – Used in cleaners and degreasers. D-Limonene Orange Oil
Citric Acid – Used in cleaning products, laundry, and food preserving. Buy Citric Acid
Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar – The hero of multipurpose ingredients! A must have for any home. Buy Cleaning Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide – Disinfectant and stain remover. Buy Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Solution
Essential Oils Starter Kit – A must have to add fragrance and beneficial properties to many recipes. Essential Oils Starter Kit
Castile Soap – Used in DIY laundry and soapmaking. Bulk Castile Soap
Washing Soap – Used in DIY laundry. Bulk Washing Soda
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Commercial Household Products You Can Replace with DIY Alternatives
1. Window Cleaner
Commercial window cleaners often contain ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and respiratory system. Replacing them with a DIY window cleaner helps create a safer environment for your family.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar or Orange Oil Cleaner
Recipe: Top 5 DIY Household Cleaner Recipes
Recipe: Understanding Cleaning Vinegar
- Drain Cleaner/Unclogger
Chemical drain cleaners are highly corrosive and can damage pipes over time. They also pose risks to pets and children if ingested. Opting for a natural drain cleaner solution is safer and just as effective.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar
Recipe: Drain Cleaner Recipe
- Weed Killer
Many weed killers contain glyphosate, a controversial chemical linked to health concerns. A natural weed killer alternative is better for your health and the environment, particularly your soil and water supply.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar
Recipe: Weed Killer Recipe
- Pest Control
Vinegar makes a great non-toxic, pet safe, pest control resource. While it's not as strong as the expensive and poisonous packaged products, it’s a great safe option that works as a great deterrent to many common pests.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar
Recipe: Pest Control Recipe
- Outdoor Rust Remover
Rust removers can emit strong fumes and contain acids that are hazardous to handle. A DIY rust remover is a safer option that’s still effective at restoring metal surfaces.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar
Recipe: Outdoor Rust Remover
- Grill Cleaner
Commercial grill cleaners can leave behind residues that may end up on your food. Switching to a DIY grill cleaner ensures your cooking surfaces are safe and toxin-free.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar or Orange Oil Cleaner or Citric Acid
Recipe: Top 5 DIY Household Cleaner Recipes
Recipe: Understanding Cleaning Vinegar
- Toothpaste
Some toothpastes contain artificial sweeteners, dyes, and triclosan, which may disrupt hormones. DIY toothpaste eliminates these unnecessary ingredients while maintaining dental health.
Base Ingredient: Vegetable Glycerin, Essential Oils
Recipe: The Top Ten Uses of Vegetable Glycerin at Home
- Stain Remover
Many stain removers use harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin or harm fabrics. A homemade stain remover offers a gentler, equally effective solution. Base Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide.
Base Ingredient: Hydrogen Peroxide or Citric Acid
Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide Recipes
- Grout Cleaner
Commercial grout cleaners can release strong fumes that may harm your lungs with prolonged exposure. A DIY grout cleaner is safer to use and better for indoor air quality.
Base Ingredient: Hydrogen Peroxide or Cleaning Vinegar
Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide Recipes
- Moisturizing Lotion
Store-bought lotions often contain synthetic fragrances and preservatives that may irritate the skin. Homemade lotion allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to suit your skin type.
Base Ingredient: Vegetable Glycerin
Recipe: Glycerin Skin Care
- Furniture Polish
Furniture polish often contains petroleum-based ingredients that can contribute to indoor air pollution. A natural furniture polish alternative reduces chemical exposure while protecting your furniture.
Base Ingredient: D-Limonene Orange Oil
Recipe: Top 5 DIY Household Cleaner Recipes
- Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains Remover
Chemical based hard water and soap scum removers can be very hazardous. Severe skin burns and eye damage can occur in humans and pets, and it can be corrosive to metals. Create your own safe and non-toxic leaner that gets the job done without hazards.
Base Ingredient: Citric Acid
Recipe: Top 15 Ways to Use Citric Acid
- Bathroom Cleaner
Bathroom cleaners are notorious for their overpowering chemical odors and potential health risks. Using a DIY bathroom cleaner ensures a safer and more pleasant cleaning experience.
Base Ingredient: D-Limonene Orange Oil
Recipe: Top 5 DIY Household Cleaner Recipes
- Antiseptic Spray
Commercial antiseptic sprays often contain chemicals that can dry out your skin. A homemade antiseptic spray offers gentle yet effective disinfection.
Base Ingredient: Hydrogen Peroxide
Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide Recipes
- Laundry Soap
Conventional laundry detergents may contain phosphates and synthetic fragrances that can cause allergic reactions or harm aquatic ecosystems. A DIY laundry soap alternative is eco-friendly and skin-safe.
Base Ingredient: Castile soap, Citric Acid
Recipe: The Eco-Friendly Guide to Homemade Laundry Soap
- Food Preservatives & Sugar Substitute
Some food preservatives and sugar substitutes are linked to health concerns, such as allergic reactions or hormonal disruption. A natural alternative helps preserve freshness without compromising your health.
Base Ingredient: Citric Acid, Vegetable Glycerin
Recipe: Top 15 Ways to Use Citric Acid, Using Glycerin for Baking – Household Ingredients
- Dishwasher Cleaner
Commercial dishwasher cleaners can leave chemical residues that may come into contact with your dishes. A natural dishwasher cleaner ensures your dishwasher is clean without harmful chemicals.
Base Ingredient: Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar
Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher with Vinegar
- Bath Bombs
Store-bought bath bombs often contain artificial dyes and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. A DIY bath bomb lets you enjoy a relaxing bath with safe, natural ingredients.
Base Ingredient: Citric Acid
Recipe: Top 15 Ways to Use Citric Acid
- Shampoo
Many shampoos contain sulfates and parabens that can strip your hair of natural oils and harm your scalp. Switching to a natural shampoo is gentler and better for long-term hair health.
Base Ingredient: Vegetable Glycerin
Recipe: The Top Ten Uses of Vegetable Glycerin at Home
- Deodorizing Spray
Popular deodorizing sprays are made with denatured alcohol, which is toxic. Commercial sprays are expensive and can irritate eyes and lungs, and harm pets. Hydrogen Peroxide is a safer alternative for deodorizing and disinfecting.
Base Ingredient: Hydrogen Peroxide
Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide Recipes
Saving Money Using DIY Natural Products
Creating your own versions of these 20 common household and personal care products can result in substantial financial savings. Most DIY alternatives are made with inexpensive and versatile ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, citric acid, essential oils, and natural oils like coconut oil. On average, a household spends significantly more on commercial versions of these items due to branding, packaging, and distribution costs. By switching to DIY products, you not only save money but also minimize environmental waste and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Below is a detailed breakdown of potential savings:
Annual Savings from DIY Versions of 20 Common Products
|
Product |
Commercial Cost (Per Year) |
DIY Cost (Per Year) |
Annual Savings |
|
1. Window Cleaner |
$60 |
$10 |
$50 |
|
2. Drain Cleaner/Unclogger |
$50 |
$15 |
$35 |
|
3. Weed Killer |
$80 |
$20 |
$60 |
|
4. Pest Control |
$100 |
$25 |
$75 |
|
5. Outdoor Rust Remover |
$70 |
$15 |
$55 |
|
6. Grill Cleaner |
$50 |
$10 |
$40 |
|
7. Toothpaste |
$60 |
$15 |
$45 |
|
8. Stain Remover |
$90 |
$20 |
$70 |
|
9. Grout Cleaner |
$60 |
$15 |
$45 |
|
10. Moisturizing Lotion |
$150 |
$40 |
$110 |
|
11. Furniture Polish |
$50 |
$10 |
$40 |
|
12. Soap Scum/Hard Water Remover |
$80 |
$20 |
$60 |
|
13. Bathroom Cleaner |
$90 |
$20 |
$70 |
|
14. Antiseptic Spray |
$60 |
$15 |
$45 |
|
15. Laundry Soap |
$180 |
$40 |
$140 |
|
16. Food Preservatives/Sugar Sub. |
$100 |
$30 |
$70 |
|
17. Dishwasher Cleaner |
$60 |
$15 |
$45 |
|
18. Bath Bombs |
$120 |
$40 |
$80 |
|
19. Shampoo |
$120 |
$30 |
$90 |
|
20. Deodorizing Spray |
$90 |
$20 |
$70 |
|
Total Savings |
$1,730 |
$430 |
$1,300 |
By making DIY versions of these 20 products, a household can save $1,300 per year on average. This assumes regular usage of these items and typical market prices for commercial products. Let me know if you'd like a graph or visual summary!
Final Thoughts
Switching to DIY products is a rewarding journey. Not only do you save money, but you’re also making a positive impact on the environment and your health. Start with a few of these replacements and gradually transition to more sustainable, homemade alternatives. You’ll be amazed at how effective and simple they are!
By choosing DIY household products, you’re embracing eco-friendly solutions, reducing waste, and saving significant money. Share this guide with friends and family to inspire others to take control of their homes and make healthier, more sustainable choices.