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I Compared Prices for 10 Cleaning Supplies at 6 Stores — This Is Where Things Are the Cheapest

published Oct 24, 2021
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Apartment Therapy

Given the reality that many of us (myself included) are making fewer trips to stores these days, I’ve made it a point to streamline where I shop for essentials — not only for groceries but also cleaning supplies. Because having the right kitchen cleaning products on hand is always a good idea. So I had been wondering: Is it possible (and fiscally responsible!) to get everything, groceries and cleaning supplies, in one spot?

With my budget at top of mind, I did a little experiment: I chose 10 common kitchen cleaning products (sponges! Kitchen trash bags! Dish soap! Etc!) and compared prices at six key retailers including Costco, big-box stores, major drugstores, and my local big-chain grocery store. I’ve listed the winner for each item (and the price) below. While prices are subject to change, and may vary based on your location, there was one clear winner. Let’s take a look.

Note: Some retailers varied in the sizes offered, so to determine winners, I priced out each cleaning product per unit.

Credit: Costco

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Credit: Costco

Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges

Dawn Ultra Platinum Dish Soap

Credit: Costco

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda

Credit: Walmart

Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels

Credit: Walmart

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

Swiffer Dry Sweeping Cloths and Wet Mopping Cloths

Credit: Target

Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

Credit: Costco

Cascade Dishwasher Tabs

Credit: Walmart

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

Of the five retailers, Costco came out on top overall, with the best deals for five of the 10 products chosen for this experiment. I will note that a few of the items weren’t available at Costco, but I looked at the similar options that Costco did carry and those were also great deals. So, if you’re willing to be flexible with the exact brands, you can really stock up for less. (Walmart followed closely behind while also having more availability of the selected items. Plus, you don’t have to be a member to shop at Walmart.)

In the long run, shopping for cleaning supplies at Costco will save you money because you’re buying these products in large quantities. (Of course, you do need the space to store said quantities.) But what I really like from this learning is that you can get your groceries and your cleaning supplies in one trip to Costco. Do this and you’ll save money and time, and cut down on your number of trips to various stores.