Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many of the most effective cleaning supplies can be found at your local variety store for a fraction of the price. Stores like Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Five Below stock household cleaning products that get the job done without overloading your budget.
Here’s a breakdown of which cleaning essentials are worth buying from variety stores—and why they belong on your next shopping list.
- Multi-surface sprays and disinfectants
Generic all-purpose cleaners often perform just as well as name brands. Look for multi-surface sprays labeled for disinfecting kitchen counters, bathroom fixtures, and glass.
Family Dollar offers a wide selection of store-brand sprays, including bleach alternatives and antibacterial formulas, typically under $3.
- Sponges and scrubbers
Cleaning tools like cellulose sponges, non-scratch scrubbers, and steel wool pads are easy wins at variety stores. These items wear out quickly anyway, so there’s little reason to overpay elsewhere.
Many stores offer multi-packs of sponges or scrub brushes, ideal for stocking up.
- Microfiber cloths
Microfiber is essential for streak-free cleaning of mirrors, electronics, and glass. Dollar stores often sell 2- or 3-packs for under $5, making them a great budget-friendly addition to your cleaning toolkit.
- Toilet bowl cleaners and brushes
Disposable toilet cleaning products can add up. Stick with store-brand toilet bowl cleaner liquid, bleach tablets, and sturdy brushes—all widely available for $1 to $4.
- Dish soap and hand soap refills
While brand-name soap often gets top billing, store-brand dish soap works well for daily use. Many contain the same surfactants and grease-fighting ingredients. You can often find 16 oz or larger bottles at a significant discount.
- Trash bags and paper towels
While not all dollar store trash bags are created equal, many heavier-duty brands sold at discount stores perform just as well for small or medium bins. Stick to brands with reinforced bottoms and check the box count before buying.
Paper towels, especially select-a-size rolls, are frequently on promotion at stores like Family Dollar, often with digital coupons available.
- Air fresheners and odor control
Whether you prefer spray, gel, or plug-in formats, air fresheners are always in stock at variety stores. Keep an eye out for store-brand versions of popular scents.
Bonus Tip: Pay with a gift card for cashback
If you’re a regular at stores like Family Dollar or Dollar General, you can earn cashback with a gift card through Fluz. Just buy a digital gift card in the app for your estimated total, then use it in-store or online at checkout.
It’s an easy way to add value to everyday purchases—especially for repeat cleaning supply runs.
