10 Affordable Costco Items That Make Housework More Bearable (Starting at $15)

Housework is a chore that shouldn't break the bank. While you could justify spending extra money on a few fun finds, cleaning products are necessary expenses that don't have to eat away at your monthly budget.

We want to help you get more out of your Costco membership. And that's why our roundup features the best deals on everything you need to keep your home clean. Even though you might think of this retailer as the top spot for bulk buys on pantry picks like pasta, rice, flour, and olive oil, you can also find bargains on everything from paper towels to dishwasher pacs.

How can you cut housecleaning costs? We scoured the store for the best prices on generic dupes of overpriced (but popular) items, as well as a few must-have name-brand buys. And bonus, these deals start at $15.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $21.49

Keep your clothes clean without overspending on a pricey name-brand detergent. This Kirkland Signature generic is a bulk buy that won't take up too much space. Unlike some of Costco's other oversized items, the 194-ounce container fits neatly under a laundry room sink or inside a small closet.

If the bold orange bottle looks familiar, that's probably because this warehouse club exclusive is a dupe for one of the most popular laundry product brands. While it looks and works like Tide, you can save some serious cash on the copycat.

Score the 146-load size for $21.49 at Costco. We spotted the smaller 158-ounce/126-load bottle of Tide Original HE Deep Cleaning Liquid Laundry Detergent at Target for $26.49.

Price: $14.99

Forget about scrubbing dirty dishes by hand. These "Platinum Performance" pacs make after-dinner cleanup a breeze. The Fresh Scent chlorine-free and phosphate-free detergent features a rinse aid, fights grease with enzyme-powered action, and is safe for septic systems.

Nab the 105-count tub for $14.99 at Costco right now. In comparison, Target sells a 47-pod container of Cascade Platinum Plus for $21.49.

What do customers think about this dupe? Even though some members did complain about a recent change to the design, others wrote rave reviews. One shopper gushed, "These may actually be better than Cascade, and I do not say that lightly."

Price: $49.99

Costco has a bounty of generic copycats that work just as well as the original version. But this is one brand-name buy we just couldn't pass up. The Lemon Mint scent toilet tablets are 100% plastic-free and USDA-certified biobased, meet U.S. EPA Safer Product Standards, and get your commode clean without harsh chemicals. Simply drop one in the bowl, brush, and flush. The powerful formula even cleans hard water, lime, and rust stains.

How does Costco's price compare to what you could pay for the almost identical item elsewhere? Snap up the 60-count (two 30-tablet packs) for $49.99. Blueland sells a bundle of 42 refills and three Forever Tins for a one-time price of $69. If you don't need the extra tins, the warehouse club has the better bargain.

Price: $22.49

Odd odors? Snag this 200-count box of Fresh Scent Flex-Tech drawstring kitchen bags. The fragrance neutralizes odors on contact for up to seven days, eliminating strange smells. And don't worry about this bag breaking. Tear-resistant technology, flexible strength, and an expandable 13-gallon capacity make this a durable option.

How much can you save on this generic? Costco sells the box of 200 for $22.49. A 100-count box of 13-gallon Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Trash Bags costs $19.79 at Target. Even though the superstore's price is lower, you get 100 more in each warehouse club bulk buy.

Price: $17.99

Greasy, stuck-on messes can make your life miserable. If you don't have time to spend in the kitchen scrubbing gunk off your pots and pans, these sponges can change the way you clean.

Yes, the cute smiley face design may catch your eye. But this pick isn't all form over function. FlexTexture and ResoFoam technology make washing everything from delicate dishware to roasting pans a breeze. And bonus, this handy kitchen product resists mold for up to 12 weeks.

Score an eight-count for under $18. A single Scrub Mommy sponge costs $3.99 on the brand's website. At that price, you would pay $31.92 to get Costco's quantity.

Price: $21.49

Don't let dusting get you down. This never-ending chore is a bore. But with this easy-to-use item, you can remove pet fur, lint, and other debris in minutes.

The double-sided refills trap dust and common household allergens, while the fluffy, fringed design allows you to reach tight spaces. Use this item to quickly clean bookshelves, ceiling fans, furniture tops, electronics, HVAC vents, and more.

Each starter kit includes one handle and 17 duster refills for $21.49. Target sells a similar set with three refills for $10.59. Even though the price is lower, you get 14 more pads in Costco's bulk buy.

Price: $26.99

We're obsessed with this versatile five-in-one set. The complete cleaning kit includes one 850-gram Cleaning Paste, one 850-gram Multi-Purpose Spray, one 850-gram Bathroom Spray, two Toilet Foam Cleaners, and one SQeeZY Sponge.

These vegan, cruelty-free products remove gunk, grime, stains, streaks, stuck-on messes, and so much more.

Shoppers praise this pick in the product's review section. One member wrote, "I was sold instantly. It works on everything. Especially my enameled cast iron, glass cooktop, and wooden kitchen table with water stains." As with any cleaning product, always spot-test before use and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Price: $23.99

Paper towels always end up in the trash. That means spending extra on fancy brand-name buys is like throwing money away. We found this 12-pack of 160-sheet two-ply rolls for $23.99 at Costco. The create-a-size sheets let you choose as few or as many pieces as you need, making it easier to use only what you need.

We found the same quantity (12-roll pack) of Bounty at Walmart for $23.58. Even though it's a few cents cheaper, you only get 82 sheets in each roll. In a price-per-sheet comparison, the Costco generic wins.

With a 4.8-star rating and over 41,000 reviews, Costco members approve of this budget-friendly buy.

Price: $19.99

Are you looking for a reusable alternative to paper towels? Even though Costco's Kirkland Signature generics are a steal, we also found this microfiber cloth deal.

Get 36 of the 16-by-16-inch plush towels for $19.99 at the warehouse club. Use this pick to clean muddy messes or delicate items, including cars, boats, RVs, electronics, countertops, and other solid surfaces. The microfiber technology picks up dirt and grime, leaving a lint-free, streak-free, scratch-free finish (always patch-test before use to avoid damage).

The Home Depot sells a 24-pack of smaller 14-by-14-inch microfiber cloths for $13.98. In a price-per-piece showdown, Costco wins at $0.56 versus $0.58.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if lower rates are available

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Price: $16.59

Make cleaning fun with this scented spray. The on-trend item is a popular pick that leaves a fantastic fragrance behind. But that's not the only reason to use this product. The multi-surface formula quickly removes dirt and debris from hard surfaces, including countertops, bathroom vanities, cabinets, and consoles. Always spot test this product in an inconspicuous place first.

We found a three-pack of 24-ounce bottles in Lilac, Daisy, and Fresh Cut Grass scents. Keep in mind, these options aren't always available. Look for seasonal selections throughout the year.

For $16.59, this bundle is a bargain. A three-pack of a single scent (such as the Peppermint Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner) in smaller 16-ounce bottles costs $15.87 on the brand's website. Costco's per-ounce price is $0.23, while the online option is $0.10 more ($0.33 per ounce).

Unlike the latest new gadget or the trendiest fashions, housework helpers aren't exciting buys. With that in mind, you shouldn't max out your credit cards on these everyday essentials. And with our handpicked list, you may not have to.

While you also need to factor in the cost of an annual membership ($65 for the Gold Star level and $130 for the Executive level), the retailer's top cleaning items make it easy to avoid wasting money. Based on these prices, shopping for Costco generics could amount to significant annual savings in categories like laundry supplies and paper products.