Great cleaning doesn't have to cost a fortune. We've found the best value products that genuinely work — because cheap doesn't have to mean ineffective.
Our Best Value Picks
Elbow Grease All Purpose Degreaser
The cleaning product that broke the internet. This £1 spray has a cult following on cleaning forums and social media for good reason — it genuinely cuts through grease, grime, and stains that premium products struggle with. Use on ovens, hobs, extractor fans, and general grime.
Best for: Kitchen grease, oven cleaning, stubborn stains
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Astonish Cleaning Paste
Another viral budget hero. This Yorkshire-made paste cleans almost anything — sinks, taps, ovens, pans, trainers, uPVC. A little goes a very long way. One tub lasts months. Gentle enough for most surfaces but tough on grime.
Best for: Sinks, taps, baked-on food, general scrubbing
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The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste
Over 100 million views on TikTok cleaning videos can't be wrong. The Pink Stuff became famous for making old pans look new. Works on burnt-on food, rust stains, and marks that seem impossible to remove. Slightly abrasive, so test on delicate surfaces first.
Best for: Pans, oven trays, rust stains, cooker tops
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Morning Fresh Washing Up Liquid
Solid everyday washing up liquid at a fraction of Fairy's price. Handles normal grease well. Not as concentrated as premium brands (you'll need more per wash), but the lower bottle price still makes it excellent value. Multiple scent options.
Best for: Everyday dishes, hand washing
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White Vinegar (Distilled)
The original budget cleaner. Cuts through limescale, deodorises, cleans glass streak-free, and descales kettles. Buy in bulk for pennies per use. Mix 1:1 with water in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner. Not for natural stone or marble.
Best for: Limescale, windows, descaling, deodorising
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Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)
Gentle abrasive, deodoriser, and stain remover. Use to clean ovens (paste with water), freshen carpets, deodorise fridges, clean drains (with vinegar), and remove tea stains from mugs. Incredibly versatile and dirt cheap in bulk.
Best for: Oven cleaning, odours, tea stains, drains
View on Amazon →💷 Price Comparison: Budget vs Premium
| Type | Budget Pick | Premium Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Degreaser | Elbow Grease ~£1 | Cif Power & Shine ~£3.50 |
| Cleaning Paste | Pink Stuff ~£1.50 | Bar Keeper's Friend ~£6 |
| Dish Soap | Morning Fresh ~£1.50 | Fairy Original ~£3 |
| Limescale Remover | White Vinegar ~60p/L | Viakal ~£4/500ml |
Budget Cleaning Tips
- Buy concentrates: Dilute yourself for huge savings
- Check B&M, Home Bargains, Savers: Often cheaper than supermarkets
- Use the right product: Specialist cleaners often work faster = less product used
- Make your own: Vinegar + bicarbonate handles most cleaning tasks
- Buy in bulk: 5L containers are always better value
- Reuse spray bottles: Refill with diluted concentrates
The Bottom Line
You don't need expensive products for a clean home. Elbow Grease, The Pink Stuff, and Astonish have earned their viral fame by delivering results at bargain prices. Add white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda for natural cleaning power, and you can handle almost any cleaning task for pennies.