11 Kitchen Staples Waiting for You at the Dollar Store

published Jul 19, 2023
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Someone standing in the kitchen with a cleaning belt filled with cleaning supplies on their hip.
Credit: Joe Lingeman/Apartment Therapy

Stocking up your kitchen can be expensive — unless, that is, you employ a bit of strategy in your shopping list. Next time you need to grab kitchen cleaning essentials, food storage containers, or even party supplies, run (don’t walk!) to your nearest dollar store. Of course you’ll save some coin, but you may also be surprised that the quality is pretty much on par with the more expensive stuff you’ve been buying at other stores. (But if you’re looking for brand-name products, you may have to spend a few extra bucks.)

Not sure what’s worth it, and what’s better purchased elsewhere? Below, find 11 just-as-good kitchen staples you should be buying at the dollar store.

1 / 11
Dollar Tree
$5.00

The best way to save money on paper towels is to pivot to microfiber cloths or sponges, which aren’t as harmful to the environment. But if paper towels are a must in your kitchen, then you can save a whole lot of cash buying yours at the Dollar Store. This highly rated six-pack of paper towel rolls from the Dollar Tree is just $5, compared to typically at least twice that at big-box retailers.

2 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

Why spend several dollars on a pack of snack bags when you can spend just $1.25? A pack of 40 means you’ll only spend about $.03 a baggie, which is a pretty sweet deal compared to pricier brand-name alternatives.

3 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

Bleach, at the end of the day, is bleach — so it doesn’t matter whether you buy it at the grocery store, Target, or your local dollar store. This lemon-scented, 64-ounce jug is by LA’s Totally Awesome, a fan-favorite Dollar Tree brand.

4 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

If you’re using the aforementioned bleach (or any other product with harsh chemicals), you’ll definitely need a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves. Look no further than these heavy-duty pink ones from Dollar Tree, which you can snag for just a buck and a quarter.

5 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

DIY cleaners are a great way to avoid using strong chemicals in your kitchen — and they can help you stay on budget while reducing single-use plastic waste. These 28-ounce spray bottles from the Dollar Tree are a great (and super inexpensive!) option to keep on hand.

6 / 11
Dollar General
$1.00

Glass storage containers are a great way to prevent food smells and stains, but sometimes a cheaper plastic alternative is best (like if you’re sharing food with a neighbor but unsure if you’ll get your food container back). Check out this wildly inexpensive two-pack (just 50 cents a pop!) from the Dollar General if it’s time to restock your supply (or before you make a batch of holiday cookies for your neighborhood).

7 / 11
Dollar General
$1.00

Hosting a backyard soirée or having a picnic at the park? You’ll probably want a disposable tablecloth in case hard-to-clean spills or splatters happen. Before the big event, grab a $1 tablecloth from the Dollar General — they’re available in several colors, so it can match the rest of your decor. If it’s not too dirty, just wipe it down and use it again next time!

8 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

Some kitchen essentials are bound to be the same quality, no matter where you purchase them. Case in point: This 48-pack of clear plastic utensils from the Dollar Tree. You’ll pay just $1.25 for a mix of plastic forks, knives, and spoons!

9 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

You don’t have to compromise quality just because you’re spending less. This $1.25 six-pack of Scrub Buddies sponges is the perfect example. One side is a normal sponge, and the other is a bit more abrasive so you can use it on tougher-to-scrub grease and grime.

10 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

Dollar stores often carry off-name brands, which is why their products are so inexpensive. But many also sell familiar name brands, like this Dawn antibacterial hand and dish soap, for a fraction of the what you’d pay at other retailers.

11 / 11
Dollar Tree
$1.25

If you need to stock up on napkins, grab some during your next dollar store haul. This surprisingly thick and absorbent pack of 50 napkins goes for just $1.25 at the Dollar Tree. They’re great for hosting, picnics, or sending with your kids for school class parties.