A Smart Comparison Between Homemade Solutions and Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaners
DIY cleaning hacks have become wildly popular thanks to TikTok and Pinterest. From baking soda and vinegar combos to essential oil sprays, homemade cleaners can be effective, affordable, and natural. But are they always the best choice?
At The Cleaning Collective, we believe in striking the perfect balance between natural cleaning and product performance. That’s why we stock a wide range of eco-friendly cleaning products that are just as safe — but far more effective — than many DIY alternatives.
Here’s a breakdown of when to go DIY and when to choose a ready-made eco product from our curated selection.
✅ When DIY Cleaning Works Best
Homemade cleaning solutions are great for light-duty jobs or when you need a quick, natural fix using items already in your pantry.
⭐ Best Uses for DIY Cleaners:
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Deodorising drains: Baking soda + vinegar
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Window & mirror cleaning: Vinegar + water + a few drops of dish soap
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Fridge cleaning: Bicarbonate soda paste for food stains and odours
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Microwave cleaning: Lemon + water steam clean
💡 Tip: Use a high-quality microfibre cloth to avoid streaks and lint when using DIY sprays.
🚫 When DIY Isn’t Enough
While DIY cleaning is great in a pinch, it often falls short when it comes to:
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Bacteria removal
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Stubborn grease and grime
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Mould and mildew
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Limescale buildup
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Disinfection and sanitisation
In these cases, using commercial eco-friendly cleaning products ensures a safer and more effective clean — without compromising the environment or your health.
🌿 When to Use Store-Bought Eco Products Instead
1. Kitchen Grease and Tough Food Stains
DIY sprays may not cut through baked-on food or oil residue.
Instead, try:
🛒 Enzyme Wizard Multipurpose Cleaner
✔️ Plant-based
✔️ Non-toxic
✔️ Powerful on grease
2. Bathroom Mould & Soap Scum
Vinegar alone won’t eliminate deep-set mould.
Use:
🛒 Enzyme Wizard
✔️ Antibacterial
✔️ Tough on limescale
✔️ Fresh, non-toxic scent
3. Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces
DIY cleaners don’t meet medical-grade disinfecting standards.
Go for:
🛒 Banyar Jagun Bathroom Cleaner
✔️ Kills 99.9% of germs
✔️ Safe for kids & pets
✔️ Biodegradable formula
4. Laundry Odours & Stains
DIY mixes like vinegar and baking soda can soften fabric, but they won’t deep clean or sanitise.
Choose:
🛒 Fabulosa Laundry Perfume Fresh Breeze
✔️ Gentle on skin
✔️ Septic safe
✔️ Tough on stains
5. Eco Dishwashing
DIY dish soap often separates and lacks suds.
Instead, opt for:
🛒 ecostore Dish Liquid – Grapefruit
✔️ Powerful degreasing
✔️ Kind to hands
✔️ Greywater safe
🔄 The Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to choose between DIY and store-bought — use both where they shine!
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DIY for everyday surface wipes, deodorising, and spot cleans
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Eco products for deeper cleans, disinfection, and time-saving convenience
Pair them with The Claddy Cleaning Caddy to keep your DIY solutions and eco products perfectly organised.
Final Thoughts
DIY cleaning is resourceful and eco-conscious, but store-bought eco products deliver the performance and reliability you need — especially for tougher jobs. At The Cleaning Collective, we only stock brands that are safe for your family, your surfaces, and the planet.
🛒 Explore our full range of eco-friendly cleaners:
👉 https://thecleaningcollective.com.au/collections/eco-friendly-products