The 10 Grocery Items with the Highest Markups at Your Local Supermarket

August 25, 2025 · Shopping

10. Cleaning Supplies and Household Items

This last category may be surprising, but standard supermarkets often have very high markups on non-food items like paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and dish soap. They are counting on you to grab these things for convenience while you are already there. However, warehouse clubs, big-box stores, or even online retailers are almost always a cheaper source for these household staples.

This is where a membership to a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club can pay for itself. Before you join, it is wise to calculate your potential membership ROI, or return on investment. Let’s say a basic membership costs $60 per year. If you can save just $5 per month by buying your paper goods, cleaning supplies, and other select items in bulk, your membership is paid for ($5 savings x 12 months = $60). Any savings beyond that is money back in your pocket.

To see if it makes sense for you, you can often get a guest pass to walk through a club and compare prices. Check the details on the Costco website or the Sam’s Club website. Remember that buying in bulk only saves money if you have the space to store the items and will use them before they expire or degrade.

An illustration showing a single expensive detergent bottle in a cart versus affordable DIY cleaning supplies like vinegar and baking soda. — Trade expensive store-bought detergent for simple, cost-effective alternatives like baking soda and vinegar to save money.

The Money-Saving Move: Buy Household Goods Elsewhere or Make Your Own

Plan to buy your household and cleaning supplies separately from your food. Make a dedicated trip once every month or two to a warehouse club or a store like Walmart or Target, where prices on these items are typically much lower. Always compare the unit price (e.g., cost per sheet for paper towels or cost per ounce for detergent) to ensure you are getting the best deal.

For the truly frugal, consider making your own simple cleaning solutions. A mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle is an effective and incredibly cheap all-purpose cleaner for many surfaces. Baking soda is a great abrasive for scrubbing sinks and tubs. A quick search online will reveal dozens of simple, non-toxic cleaning recipes that can save you a bundle.