Top 10 DIY Hacks for Frugal Homeowners You Should Know

Being a homeowner comes with responsibilities, and maintenance costs can quickly add up. However, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can save money, reduce waste, and keep your home in top shape without hiring expensive professionals or buying costly products.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 smart DIY hacks that will help frugal homeowners cut costs, repurpose materials, and improve their living spaces.

1. Use Vinegar for Cleaning

Instead of spending money on multiple chemical-laden cleaners, try white vinegar—a versatile, budget-friendly cleaning solution. It’s great for:

• Cleaning windows and mirrors without streaks
• Removing soap scum from bathroom surfaces
• Neutralizing bad odors (e.g., in the fridge or garbage disposal)
• Disinfecting countertops and cutting boards

DIY Vinegar Cleaner Recipe:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• (Optional) 10 drops of essential oil (for a fresh scent)

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and use it just like store-bought cleaners!

2. Unclog Drains with Baking Soda & Vinegar

Commercial drain cleaners are expensive and can damage pipes over time. A natural, effective alternative is baking soda and vinegar.

How to Use It:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the clogged drain.
2. Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar and let it fizz for about 10–15 minutes.
3. Flush with hot water to clear the blockage.

This simple hack prevents buildup, keeps your pipes clean, and saves you from costly plumber visits.

3. Reuse Old T-Shirts as Cleaning Rags

Paper towels and disposable wipes can add up over time. Instead, repurpose old cotton t-shirts as durable, reusable cleaning cloths.

• Save money by reducing paper towel use
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Works great for dusting, wiping spills, and polishing surfaces

Simply cut up old shirts into squares and store them in a drawer for easy access.

4. DIY Weather Stripping for Doors & Windows

A lot of heat and air conditioning is lost through gaps in doors and windows, increasing your energy bills. You can fix this problem with DIY weather stripping.

What You Need:

• Self-adhesive foam tape
• Caulk or weatherproof sealant

Steps:

1. Inspect your doors and windows for gaps or drafts.
2. Apply foam tape along the edges to seal gaps.
3. Use caulk to fill any cracks around window frames.

This simple fix lowers your utility bills by keeping your home insulated year-round.

5. Make Your Own Air Freshener

Commercial air fresheners contain chemicals and can be costly. Instead, make your own all-natural, budget-friendly version.

DIY Air Freshener Spray Recipe:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda (absorbs odors)
• 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus)

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.

Spray in rooms, on furniture, or even in your car for a fresh scent.

This method eliminates odors naturally without toxic chemicals.

6. Repurpose Mason Jars for Storage

Instead of spending money on storage containers, reuse glass mason jars for an organized and stylish home.

• Store pantry staples (flour, sugar, pasta, spices)
• Keep office supplies (paper clips, pens, rubber bands)
• Organize screws, nails, and DIY hardware

For a decorative touch, label them with chalkboard stickers or paint the lids for a customized look.

7. Turn an Old Drawer into a Shelf

Got an old, unused drawer? Repurpose it into a stylish wall shelf instead of buying expensive shelving units.

Steps:

1. Remove the drawer handle (if needed).
2. Sand and paint the drawer in a color that matches your decor.
3. Mount it on the wall using strong brackets or wall anchors.

Use it to display books, plants, or decorative pieces—a unique, budget-friendly decor hack!

8. Patch Small Wall Holes with Toothpaste

If you’re dealing with small nail holes in your walls but don’t have spackle on hand, toothpaste is a quick fix!

How to Do It:

1. Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to the hole.
2. Use a putty knife or credit card to smooth it out.
3. Let it dry, then paint over it for a flawless finish.

It’s a cheap and easy way to refresh walls without buying expensive repair kits.

9. Use a Towel Under Doors to Stop Drafts

Don’t let cold air sneak into your home during winter! Instead of buying draft stoppers, roll up an old towel and place it at the bottom of doors.

• Stops drafts & reduces heating costs
• Quick & free DIY solution
• Works for interior and exterior doors

For a more permanent fix, consider making a DIY draft stopper by filling a fabric tube with rice, dried beans, or foam and sewing it shut.

10. Refresh Wood Furniture with Olive Oil & Lemon

Instead of spending money on wood polishes, use olive oil and lemon juice to restore shine to wooden furniture.

• Natural, chemical-free alternative
• Restores wood’s natural glow
• Prevents drying & cracking

DIY Wood Polish Recipe:

• ½ cup olive oil (moisturizes wood)
• ¼ cup lemon juice (adds shine)

Mix ingredients and apply with a soft cloth to buff the wood. Your furniture will look good as new!

These 10 DIY hacks prove that home maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive. By using common household items, repurposing old materials, and applying simple fixes, you can save money while keeping your home clean, organized, and efficient.

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