If you are reading this post, you probably have heard (or know!) you can save money by making your own cleaning and natural beauty supplies. Knowing this, you head to the store, excited to start your DIY journey and might experience a little bit of sticker shock when it comes to the ingredients. While it is important to note that there is somewhat of an investment in buying the supplies, overall, they do save you money in the long run because they go a long way. This doesn’t mean you need to pay full price for your ingredients. Here are some tips for saving money on Liquid Castile Soap, Fels-Naptha, Baking Soda (Washing Soda), Borax, and other natural cleaning supplies.
How to Natural Cleaning Ingredients
Save money buy purchasing in bulk. Things like baking soda can be bought in bulk for much cheaper than when you buy in the package, unless of course it is on sale. You can often save 30-50% off the price when you buy it in bulk.
Stock up when a sale happens. Recently, I found baking soda in 1 pound boxes for 37 cents. This was cheaper than the bulk price so I stocked up. When you find a great deal, make sure to nab at least enough to make 2-3 months worth of supplies.
Make your own. This takes DIY to a whole new level. Did you know you can turn bar castile soap into liquid with just a few ingredients that are overall cheaper than buying a large bottle of liquid Dr. Bronners? Check out the recipe here.
Look online. Many times, the natural ingredients you need are cheaper online and easier to find when it comes to comparing prices. Amazon is great for this!
Think outside the box. Don’t just check out your local whole food/Natural food store for these ingredients. You can often find them in “normal” grocery stores and even wholesale big box stores for cheaper. Many times, specialty stores raise the prices because they hope you will think it is the only place you can get it.
Don’t assume that since you have never heard of an ingredient, that it is expensive. For instance, Zote or Fels-Naptha soap bars (often a main ingredient in homemade laundry detergent) are often less than a dollar and can even be bought at discount stores!
Shop around. I have found that prices vary greatly from store to store so if you have an inkling that a store may carry what you are looking for, go with it and see if you can find it cheaper. Also, shop around each store. Often times, in order to trick you into it, grocery stores place the more expensive version of something in the “natural” foods area, when they carry a lower cost version in the other part of the store. This is often true with coconut oil. Look for it near the cooking oils and you may find it much cheaper!
Buy off-label. Did you know that Walgreen’s has a natural brand called Oology that actually has its own version of
Castile Liquid Soap that is only around 10-12 dollars for the same size of Dr. Bronner’s that is often around 18-20 dollars? Check Check online to see if your local Walgreen’s carries it!
Look at outlet stores. If you have outlet stores in your area that sell overstock of groceries and household goods, make sure you look there. I once found some tea tree oil for less than $3 at one here and I would have paid over $20 for this same size bottle elsewhere.
More Naturally Frugal Cleaning Tips
- Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips
- How to Use Dish Soap to Wash Laundry
- 5 Easy DIY Cleaning Products
- Frugal Eco-Friendly Homemade Soaps and Cleaners
What are some ways you save money on your natural cleaning and beauty supplies?
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