Highlights:

• How to save hundreds of dollars a year on cleaning supplies (that you can invest instead!)
• Natural cleaners that are safer for you, kids, pets, and the planet
• 6 cleaner recipes you can make in just minutes

If you’re looking for extra money to invest, there’s a surprising place to start: your cleaning cabinet.

Canadians are spending billions on household cleaners.

And this number is projected to rise, with many people choosing more eco-friendly options - that often come with a premium price tag.

Instead, you can easily make these products yourself!

Best part, you likely have most of these items already at home. Switching to a DIY option:

• Cuts down on costs
• Reduces plastic waste
• Avoids exposure to harsh chemicals
• Faster than going to the store - or even Amazon Prime

I’ve been doing this for a while now, and it has freed up several hundred dollars a year that we now invest instead.

How this adds up

We were spending at least an average of $10 a month on cleaners.

It seems like nothing at the time, but it adds up.

Instead, we’re now investing that $200 a year - and at 8% return, that will be nearly $23,000 by the time we retire.

Simple DIY cleaner recipes

It literally just takes about a minute to make each of these.

You don’t need to be super precise - I just eyeball it.

I was able to reuse some spray bottles that were empty from cleaners I bought before, or you can get some empty bottles from the dollar store.

All-purpose cleaner

For counters, sinks, and most hard non-pourus surfaces.

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10–15 drops of essential oil if desired (like lemon or lavender)

Mix in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. (Avoid vinegar on natural stone or wood.)

Glass + mirror spray

For a streak-free shine! ✨

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (optional, for faster drying)

Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth - these ones are super amazing for glass btw!

Tub and tile scrub

For bathroom grime 🛁

• ½ cup baking soda
• Just enough dish soap to make a paste

Scrub with a sponge, rinse well.

Toilet bowl cleaner

A fizzy cleaner that gets the job done 🚽

• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup vinegar

Pour baking soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. Let fizz for 10 minutes, scrub, then flush.

Floor cleaner

Safe for most sealed floors (not wood)

• ½ cup vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water

Mop as usual.

Wood cleaner

For sealed hardwood floors and wood furniture 🪑

• 1 gallon warm water
• A few drops of gentle dish soap (like Castile or plant-based soap)

Lightly dampen a mop or cloth (don’t soak it) and dry the surface afterward.

Let’s do this!

You can go far with just a bottle of vinegar and some baking soda.

No need to change everything at once - just replace products as you run out.

And when you’re ready to put your monthly savings to work, Passiv makes it easy.

Just increase your contribution by the amount you’re no longer spending at the store. Over time, those dollars can grow into something real for your retirement.

If you haven’t started using Passiv yet, check it out now for free!

Start using Passiv!