7 Generic Home Goods Buys Better Than the Expensive Originals

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Keeping your home tidy, beautiful, and healthy doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are seven examples of cheap home goods that are better than their original brand name competitors.

1. Cleaning Products

Check out the cleaning products aisle at your local store, and you'll find a long list of chemicals you can't pronounce. Many of them are harmful to you, your family, and your home. Luckily there's a better, healthier, and safer way to clean your home with items from your grocery store. There's not much that white vinegar, essential oils, and baking soda can't fix when it comes to cleaning your home. Clean your shower with a mix of one of cup water and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Clean your carpets with one cup of club soda or seltzer mixed with ½ cup of table salt. Make your mirrors and windows sparkle with a combination of two cups of water, two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and five drops of peppermint essential oil.

2. Bedding and Linens

I recently moved into a new apartment and needed to restock my linens and bedding. I was pleasantly surprised when I went to Target and discovered their Room Essentials line. Their linens are already heavily discounted and the same quality as pricier brands, and they are often discounted further during sales. They had a wide variety of colors and designs, so it was easy for me to mix and match to get the look I wanted.

3. Water Filter Pitchers

With spring, many cities do heavy treatments on their drinking water. As a result, it's a good idea to filter your water before drinking and cooking. While Brita is the original brand that made home filtered water a new trend, Target carries a line that is half the price and even better. I picked up a pitcher and set of filters recently that the chain store sells through its up & up brand. up & up also includes generic tin foil, plastic wrap, and plastic resealable bags that are exactly the same quality as the name brands.

4. Air Fresheners

This is an area of your store that you need to avoid. Those lovely smelling sprays are loaded with chemicals that may smell wonderful, but could actually make you and your pets sick. They're also expensive and don't last long. It's much better to sweeten the air in your home naturally. In a small, shallow dish that's out of the reach of pets and children, mix baking soda and any essential oil scent that you love. It's cheaper, healthier, and lasts longer.

5. Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

When it comes to light bulbs, you want to look for the average life of the bulbs that is listed on the box. The name brand doesn't matter. Match up the wattage and light quality you want and ignore the logo.

6. Manual Kitchen Gadgets

For items such a coffee and tea presses, garlic presses, teaspoons, mixing bowls, mixing spoons, spatulas, and measuring cups, don't spend a fortune. Plenty of stores have generic versions that are every bit as good, if not better, as the name brand options. If you're really tied to those name brands, check discounters such as HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls that have name brands or close proximities that are often 50% off the regular retail prices.

7. Stuff on Overstock and Amazon

If you are in need of some new furnishings for the home, I highly recommend looking at sites such as Overstock and Amazon from the comfort of your couch rather than or before heading out to the stores. Having these heavy items delivered to your door at a fraction of the retail cost is well worth it. They're also great comparison shopping sites so that you know if a sale at a brick and mortar store is truly a bargain.

Spring brings a desire to clean up and makeover your home with bright colors and fresh designs. With the tips above you can redecorate, restock, and clean your home at an affordable price without sacrificing quality.

What are your goto generic or store brands for home goods?

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