DIY Cleaning Solutions for First Apartments
On Wall Street, I built businesses by minimizing waste and squeezing maximum value out of every dollar. Moving into your first apartment is the same game — you don’t need a shelf full of overpriced cleaners. With households spending $600+ annually on cleaning supplies (Statista, 2023), DIY formulas keep both your home and budget spotless.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner
- Mix: 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup water + a few drops of dish soap.
- Cost: under $1 per bottle.
- Works on counters, sinks, and glass.
2. Baking Soda Scrub
- Use baking soda + water paste.
- Perfect for ovens, tubs, and tough stains.
- ROI: replaces $5–$10 specialty products.
3. Natural Deodorizer
- Place open baking soda boxes in fridge or closets.
- Absorbs odors for pennies.
4. DIY Glass Cleaner
- Mix: 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup water.
- Streak-free shine for mirrors and windows.
5. Fresh-Smelling Disinfectant
- Add lemon peels to vinegar solution.
- Doubles as a cleaner and air freshener.
6. Floor Cleaner
- Warm water + a splash of dish soap.
- Safe, cheap, and effective for most surfaces.
Final Word
On Wall Street, I learned efficiency beats excess every time. For first apartments, DIY cleaning solutions follow the same law: low-cost basics outperform expensive brands. Clean smarter, save bigger, and put your money where it compounds — not in a spray bottle.