DIY vs. Store-Bought
What’s Best for a Toxin-Free Home?
If you’ve dipped your toe into the world of clean living, chances are you’ve asked yourself at least once: “Should I make this myself or just buy a cleaner version?”
We’ve been there too. From mixing up all-purpose sprays in our kitchen sink to hunting down non-toxic brands online at 2 a.m.—we’ve tried both sides. And here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
In this post, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of DIY vs. purchased non-toxic products—so you can make confident, informed choices for your home and your health.
The Case for DIY Products
Making your own cleaning or personal care products can be surprisingly easy—and empowering.
Benefits of DIY:
Full Control Over Ingredients
You know exactly what’s going in. No mystery “fragrance” or hard-to-pronounce chemicals.
Budget-Friendly
Basic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and castile soap go a long way and cost very little per use.
Less Packaging Waste
DIY helps cut down on plastic bottles and single-use containers.
Customizable
Sensitive skin? Strong scent preferences? DIY lets you tailor everything to your needs.
Downsides of DIY:
Time-Consuming (At First)
Yes, there’s some trial and error. And no, you probably don’t want to spend your Sunday afternoon grating a bar of soap.
Shorter Shelf Life
Most homemade products lack preservatives, so they don’t last as long—especially in humid climates.
Not Always as Effective
Let’s be honest—some DIYs don’t clean as well, especially when it comes to disinfecting or tackling heavy grime.
When Store-Bought Makes More Sense
There are plenty of non-toxic brands out there doing amazing work to create safer, eco-friendly products. And sometimes? Convenience wins.
Benefits of Purchased Products:
Time-Saving & Convenient
No mixing, no mess—just open and go.
Tested for Efficacy
Many clean brands go through third-party testing for performance and safety, so you don’t have to guess.
Longer Shelf Life
Formulations are designed to last, which is helpful for infrequent-use items like oven cleaner or bug spray.
Wide Variety
From shampoo to dish soap to glass cleaner, there’s likely a non-toxic version available for whatever you need.
Downsides of Purchased Products:
Higher Cost
Clean brands can be pricey, especially when buying multiple items at once.
Still Requires Label Reading
Just because it says “natural” or “green” doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic. Greenwashing is real.
Hard to Find Locally
Many of the best brands are online-only, which means planning ahead (and shipping fees).
So... Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s our honest answer: a mix of both.
We DIY the things that are quick, cheap, and simple—like foaming hand soap, dog deodorizer and all-purpose cleaner.
But for trickier or time-consuming items? We stick with trusted brands. Think laundry detergent and dish soap.
This hybrid approach gives us the best of both worlds: less toxins, less stress, and more balance.
Our Favorite Easy DIYs:
All-Purpose Spray – water, white vinegar, a few drops of essential oil
Foaming Hand Soap – castile soap, carrier oil and essential oil
Dog Deodorizer – water, baking soda, essential oils (note: make sure essential oils are pet-friendly!)
Trusted Non-Toxic Brands We Love:
Earthley – All-Purpose Cleaning Spray Concentrate
Final Thoughts: It’s Not All or Nothing
We always say this: progress over perfection.
You don’t have to become a kitchen chemist or swap every product overnight. Just start with one switch—DIY or store-bought—and build from there.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s making cleaner, more conscious choices for yourself and your family—one product at a time.
