3 Generic Cleaning Alternatives That Work Just Like the Name Brands (But Cost Way Less)

April 20, 2025/25 Comments/in Cleaning, DIY, Home & Family /by Mary Hunt

You’ve probably heard of generic medications, right? Same results, way cheaper. Well, the same goes for cleaning products. Turns out, some of the most trusted brand-name cleaners are just diluted versions of powerful ingredients you can buy in bulk—for less. Today I want to offer you cheap generic alternatives for these three popular cleaning products—Bar Keepers Friend, Super Washing Soda, and OxiClean.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in the cleaning aisle, holding a name-brand product looking at its price tag, wondering if it’s really worth it. I used to buy into the idea that if it came in a fancy container with a catchy name, it must be better. But once I started digging into what’s actually in these products, I realized we’re often paying for marketing. The truth? With a little know-how, you can skip the markup and still get the sparkling results you love.

What’s Really Inside Bar Keepers Friend? Try This Instead

The first time I learned about oxalic acid, I’ll admit—it sounded intimidating. Like something you’d find bubbling in a chemistry lab, not under your kitchen sink. But don’t let the name fool you. Flip over a can of Bar Keepers Friend—one of my longtime favorite cleaners—and you’ll see it right there on the label: Contains oxalic acid.

Bar Keepers Friend is effective, no doubt about it. But what you’re really paying for in that 12-ounce can is a highly diluted version of oxalic acid, along with fillers and packaging. And it’s not the only one—Zud, another popular cleaner, uses the same key ingredient.

Once I made that connection, I stopped buying the name-brand stuff and ordered a 2-pound bag of oxalic acid online instead. I store mine in a clearly labeled container with a tight-fitting lid and use a pint-size mason jar fitted with a shaker top as my dispenser. A little goes a long way—especially because you’re working with the pure stuff (99.6% oxalic acid vs. less than 10% in BKF). Always wear gloves when using it, and treat it with respect—it’s powerful, and a little bit makes a big difference.

I use it sparingly to clean stainless steel sinks, pots and pans, rust stains, and more. And when it comes to wood restoration or stain removal, oxalic acid shines there too.

How to Use Oxalic Acid for Cleaning and Wood Bleaching

For general cleaning, dissolve a small amount of oxalic acid in warm water (about 1 tablespoon per cup of water) to make a strong rust remover or hard surface cleaner. Great for metals, porcelain, and more. Always test a small area first.

To bleach stained wood (not to be confused with using household bleach):

Oxalic Acid Paste (Spot Treatment)

Mix 3 parts oxalic acid crystals with 1 part warm water to form a paste.
Apply the paste with a paintbrush directly to the water stains or dark spots.
Let it dry completely.
Remove with a damp sponge and clean the sponge thoroughly afterward.

Oxalic Acid Wash (Larger Areas)

For small areas, mix 1 ounce of oxalic acid with 1 cup of warm water. For larger areas, use 8 ounces per quart of warm water.
Apply the wash evenly using a sponge, making sure to reach trim and corners.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and a fresh sponge.

Important Safety Tips

Pure oxalic acid is potent stuff. While Bar Keepers Friend contains less than 10% oxalic acid, a bulk container is 99.6% pure. That means you’ll use far less to get better results—but you’ll need to be careful.

Always wear gloves when handling or applying it.
Use protective eyewear and a dust mask, especially when mixing.
Never mix oxalic acid with chlorine bleach—it can produce toxic fumes.
Work in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors.
Clearly label your storage container and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Once you’re set up, you may never go back to buying the premixed stuff again.

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Super Washing Soda: The Generic Swap That Works Like a Charm

If you’ve ever hunted high and low for Super Washing Soda, only to come up empty—or found it, but at a price that made you do a double-take—you’re not alone. This ingredient is a key player in our homemade laundry detergent (perfect for both standard and HE machines), but it’s becoming increasingly hard to find in stores. And when you can find it? It often comes with a higher-than-expected price tag.

Here’s where things get interesting: Super Washing Soda is simply the brand name for sodium carbonate. Not to be confused with sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda), which is a whole different thing, sodium carbonate is not edible. But it is incredibly effective for cleaning, softening water, and boosting laundry detergent performance.

Now for the budget-friendly secret: sodium carbonate also goes by the name soda ash—especially outside the grocery aisle. Same exact stuff. No fillers, no fancy packaging—just the same white powder that looks, feels, and acts just like Super Washing Soda because (drumroll)… it is.

Soda ash is commonly sold for use in swimming pools (to regulate pH levels) and in the textile industry (to fix dye in fabric). That’s why you’ll find it sold in bulk—from 1-pound bags to 50-pound sacks—often at a much lower price per pound than the familiar yellow box.

Where to Find Soda Ash

You can buy soda ash online, at pool supply stores, or even at some big-box retailers (check the pool maintenance aisle). Look for 100% sodium carbonate with no added ingredients. It’s shelf-stable, long-lasting, and a smart pantry staple for anyone making their own laundry detergent, scouring powder, or even boosting dishwasher performance.

Duda Energy 10 lb Pure Sodium Carbonate Dense Soda Ash Na2CO3 pH Adjust Chemical Spa Pool Cleaning Dishwasher

Ditch OxiClean? Here’s a Cheaper and Stronger Option

OxiClean may have made a splash thanks to those unforgettable infomercials (we can still hear the voiceover, right?), but here’s something many folks don’t realize: it’s not a laundry detergent. It’s a non-chlorine bleach that works by releasing oxygen to lift stains—those satisfying little bubbles you see when it hits the water.

The active ingredient? A simple white powder called sodium percarbonate.

Here’s where the savvy swap comes in: basic OxiClean contains only about 50% sodium percarbonate. The rest is made up of soda ash and inert fillers. That means when you buy the generic version—pure sodium percarbonate—you’re getting a much stronger, more concentrated product at a much lower cost per use.

Because it’s so concentrated, you need far less sodium percarbonate than you would OxiClean. For example, instead of using ½ cup of OxiClean in your laundry, you’d only need about 2 tablespoons of the pure stuff to get the same—if not better—results.

What It Is and Why It Works

Sodium percarbonate is basically powdered hydrogen peroxide mixed with soda ash. When activated with water (especially hot water), it releases oxygen, turning into water, soda ash, and bubbles that do the heavy lifting—naturally and non-toxically.

That makes it a superstar for all kinds of household tasks:

Laundry brightener
Stain remover
Tile grout cleaner
Pet messes and birdbaths
Even carpet machines!

And it has a long shelf life as long as it stays dry. Keep it in an airtight container and it’ll be ready whenever you need it.

Supply Masters Sodium Percarbonate Powder 2 Pack (10 lbs Total) – Oxygen Bleach Alternative & Stain Remover – Multi-Purpose Cleaner for Laundry, Carpets, Tile, Grout, Decks, Kitchens & Outdoor Areas

How to Use It

In the laundry: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load to brighten and boost cleaning power.
For pet messes or birdbaths: Mix 2 tablespoons into hot water, fill the container, and let it soak.
On grout or stubborn stains: Make a thick paste with hot water and apply. Let it sit, then scrub.
For carpet cleaning machines: Add a tablespoon or two into the tank with hot water to help lift stains and odors.

Think of sodium percarbonate as your powdered hydrogen peroxide—only more concentrated and shelf-stable. Just don’t use it as a mouthwash. (Tempting as it sounds, let’s not.)

A Word of Caution

This stuff is powerful, which means a little goes a long way. You might be tempted to sprinkle it directly onto a stain and scrub like mad, but hold back—overdoing it isn’t necessary and may waste product. Use just enough, give it time to work, and you’ll be amazed at what it can do.

Pro Tip

Need to get rid of those mysterious orange sunscreen stains (thanks, avobenzone)? Sodium percarbonate is your best friend. But act fast—once that stain goes through the dryer, it’s set in stone. Treat before heat!

How to Safely Use These Generic Cleaners at Home

Before trying any new cleaning product—especially a concentrated or generic version—test it in an inconspicuous spot. Seriously. Always. What works beautifully on one surface might not play so nice with another.

And don’t skip the label warnings. Read them. Heed them. Even if it’s a “simple” cleaner, it’s still a chemical, and your health matters. When in doubt, gloves and goggles are your best friends.

Important Disclaimer

While I’m happy to share what I’ve learned, I haven’t personally tested every brand or formulation mentioned. This guide is here to inform, not to replace your own good judgment. Be smart, do your own testing, and always consult product labels and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) when available.

One Last Thing…

With today’s economy doing cartwheels, prices are all over the place. You might find Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda cheaper at your local store than soda ash online—or that OxiClean is a better deal ounce-for-ounce than pure sodium percarbonate, depending on the day.

Here’s your cheat sheet for smart comparing:

Bar Keepers Friend = ~10% Oxalic Acid
Generic Oxalic Acid = ~99.6% Pure
Super Washing Soda = Soda Ash = Sodium Carbonate
OxiClean = ~50% Sodium Percarbonate + Fillers

So when comparing, don’t just look at sticker price—check the unit price and the concentration. It’s like learning to read between the lines on a sale tag. Your goal? Stretch every dollar without sacrificing results.

You’ve got this!

Question: Have you ever swapped a brand-name cleaner for the generic version and actually liked it better? Spill the secret in the comments below.

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25 replies

Julz in AZ says:
April 21, 2025 at 3:32 pm

Mary,
1. If the sodium percarbonate (OxiClean) is recommended to brighten clothes, can we just add it into our laundry soap recipe? Seems like it’d be an excellent additional ingredient.

2. I feel like I need more fragrance in my soap. I use the Fels Naptha usually; have you or your readers found one they prefer? I really feel like my towels get smelling blah pretty quickly. I have softened water, and am using 1 TB/load. Everything is CLEAN, but I do miss having more nice smell after laundering.

Thanks for all your work and great info! I appreciate your expertise AND your generous heart!!
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  April 25, 2025 at 9:31 am
  
  Check Scented Softener “Crystals” in this post: 6 Ways to Make Safe, Problem-Free, Homemade Fabric Softener, Dryer Sheets Also “Laundry scent booster” here: 12 Frugal Laundry Tips That Will Save You A Fortune Both offer inexpensive, safe, DIY methods to create the subtle fragrance you’re looking for.
  
  Many thanks for your kind words, Julie! That means the world to me.
  Reply
  - Julz in AZ says:
    April 28, 2025 at 7:30 pm
    
    You’re welcome, Mary! Good options on Question #2, but back to my question #1, tho–can the sodium percarbonate be simply added into the dry DIY laundry soap recipe?
  - Mary Hunt says:
    April 29, 2025 at 10:43 am
    
    Opps! I think I would still add the sodium percarbonate (OxiClean) separately. While you can definitely add it to every wash cycle, Unless your items are more soiled or dingy, you won’t notice much of a difference. That way you can save it for when you really need it and ensure it remains potent as it will be sealed and stored separately.
linda says:
April 21, 2025 at 1:36 am

ordering online has always been impossible for me because i don’t have a credit card. however, this time, i may have to bite the bullet and buy a visa gift card [cost plus five dollars] and go for it. even if your generics cost more than the brand, based on weight and percentage needed it’s still going to be cheaper in the long run.
the only time i’ve noticed generic is better is shop rite chocolate chips vs nestles. shop rite uses pure vanilla. nestles uses vanillin, an artificial vanilla flavor. but we’ve moved since i last bought chips and no longer live near a shop rite. my son say cvs adhesive is better than dentemp.
Reply
Dawn says:
May 7, 2024 at 6:53 am

I make my own laundry detergent with OxiClean baby, baking soda, washing soda, and grated Kirk castile soap. I’d like to replace the OxiClean with sodium percarbonate. You stay to use two tablespoons sodium percarbonate in place of a half cups worth of oxiclean. Somewhere else I had read to use half the amount of sodium percarbonate. Two tablespoons is less than a quarter of a half cup. So now I’m officially confused.
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  May 7, 2024 at 4:26 pm
  
  it’s easy to use too much so try my recommended ratio first and see how it works for you.
  Reply
Estelle Stone says:
May 5, 2023 at 5:30 pm

Thank you for this informative Post, however I am a tiny bit confused. If Sodium Percarbonate breaks down into Hydrogen Peroxide and Soda Ash, wouldn’t buying Soda Ash and using that as well in laundry be redundant?
Thank you.
Reply
rsilvers says:
December 6, 2022 at 8:23 am

The thing is, OxyClean is less than half the cost of buying pure Sodium Percarbonate, so it is still cheaper, even if you need twice as much – and I don’t think you need twice as much because the “filler” is still a cleaning agent.
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  December 6, 2022 at 8:32 am
  
  The OxiClean (note spelling) MDSD shows 12%-18% by weight sodium percarbonate. 25% citric acid. The balance is inert.
  Reply
Susan Buchholz says:
October 11, 2022 at 2:21 pm

Would love to have printable format on your articles! I am keeping a notebook if there comes a time I am not able to access my computer. Thanks so much for all your hard work!
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  October 11, 2022 at 2:59 pm
  
  Every post and page at EverydayCheapskate.com has a print button at the bottom… it’s big, orange. Clicking not hat givers you a printable view and the option to include or delete parts you don’t want to print. It is a lovely option! Look for it … it is right before the comments area. Hope that helps!
  Reply
  - Judy says:
    February 14, 2023 at 11:38 am
    
    I can’t find the print button.
  - Mary Hunt says:
    February 14, 2023 at 3:47 pm
    
    It is at the end of the post right before Comments. If you use Chrome, you will need to switch to Safari or Firefox to access print. Sorry for that inconvenience. Chrome is not fond or our print function.
karen says:
September 4, 2022 at 10:37 am

WOW, I learned a LOT today! Thank you. Cant wait to start. Like Alice above, I would love to learn more!
Thank you again for your teachings and your time!
Reply
Chris says:
November 7, 2021 at 7:19 pm

which one of these is equivalent to Stain Solver?
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  January 14, 2022 at 2:07 pm
  
  Stain Solver contains oxygen bleach.
  Reply
Melissa says:
October 30, 2021 at 5:23 pm

If I switch to soda ash from washing soda, how much should I use? I usually use 1/2 cup of washing soda per load to soften the water.
Reply
Deanna says:
October 19, 2021 at 8:40 am

Can you use Oxiclean as it’s own laundry “detergent” since it’s a combo of both washing soda and sodium percarbonate? Right now I use both washing soda and Oxiclean often and I’m wondering if I could replace both?
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  October 19, 2021 at 11:39 am
  
  Neither is detergent. You need soap or detergent to kill bacteria and attacked basic dirt. Both powdered bleach and washing soda should be seen at additives or boosters to make your soap or detergent work better. Hope that helps.
  Reply
Steve says:
October 17, 2021 at 9:08 am

at $5/lb the generic percarbonate seems more expensive than oxiclean, @$2/lb. even at 50% stronger it’s more than 2x cost.
Reply
- Mary Hunt says:
  October 18, 2021 at 7:57 am
  
  Remember that Oxiclean and percarbonate are not 1:1 … you will be using far less percarbonate to achieve the same result. So comparing ounce for ounce is not realistic.
  Reply
Marcia says:
October 4, 2021 at 5:44 pm

thank you for this great article. i have added all 3 products to my shopping list, and will make notes on the name brand products that i will be replacing them with generics so i don’t forget – i have fairly good amount of each on hand right now.
Reply
Roxanne says:
October 4, 2021 at 3:30 pm

I recently bought some concentrated bleach tablets because liquid bleach doesn’t store very long, either–we live up a mountain and I can’t just run to the store! Thank you for the information on these additional concentrated products.
Reply
Alice Bowers says:
October 4, 2021 at 1:24 pm

Enjoyed the article on generics. Thanks for the great information. Would love to see more articles like this.
Reply

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3 Generic Cleaning Alternatives That Work Just Like the Name Brands (But Cost Way Less)

What’s Really Inside Bar Keepers Friend? Try This Instead