When you're trying to stretch your dollars, every little bit counts. One of the simplest ways to save money month after month is to switch from disposable items to reusable ones. I’ve mentioned some of these before, but I’m going to mention them again since they really can save you money over time. I’ve used many of these swaps myself. These swaps may seem small, but they can lead to big savings, not to mention they're often better for the planet too.

***Please note: As an Amazon Associate, this post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.***

Here are 15 budget-friendly reusable swaps to help you save money throughout the year.

1. Reusable Food Storage Bags

Instead of buying plastic sandwich and freezer bags, invest in silicone or heavy-duty reusable bags. They’re dishwasher-safe, last for years, and pay for themselves quickly. Additionally, they can be used to marinate meats, store cereal, and are great for travel, too. I’ve also been using mesh bags to store fruits and vegetables in the fridge. They help produce to last longer than normal.

2. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

I’ve mentioned this before: years ago, we swapped out paper towels for reusable microfiber cloths. They're super absorbent, machine washable, and perfect for everything from spills to dusting. I use them all the time around the house.

3. Wool Dryer Balls

Skip dryer sheets and fabric softener and use wool dryer balls instead. These are something I plan on purchasing myself once I finish the box of Bounce that I’m using. They reduce drying time, naturally soften clothes, and can last for over 1,000 loads. My daughter was the one who introduced me to wool dryer balls. She bought these, and she says they work great. Her clothes are soft and static-free.

4. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Instead of disposable cotton rounds or wipes, try washable bamboo or cotton pads. They're gentle on your skin—and your wallet.

5. Cloth Napkins

Another reusable item I have mentioned before, cloth napkins may feel fancy, but they’re practical too. A one-time investment can save hundreds of paper napkins over time. These are the ones I recommend if you buy on Amazon. They are absorbent, but the thing I like about them most is that they wash well. Stains seem to come out well, and they are wrinkle-free when they emerge from the dryer.

6. Reusable Coffee Filter

If you make coffee at home, a reusable stainless steel or mesh coffee filter can help you save money on paper filters each month. I’ve used one for multiple years with my Cuisinart coffee maker. I’ve only had to replace the filter once because the mesh tore at the bottom.

7. Water Bottle

Bottled water is one of the easiest places to overspend. A high-quality reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated and keeps your budget on track.

8. Beeswax Wraps

Ditch the plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are reusable, washable, and keep your food fresh. Again, I’ve used these for a number of years. I actually need some new ones because they start to degrade over time. I like them also because they are easy to wash and wipe clean. You can see the ones I use on my YouTube channel.

9. Reusable Grocery & Produce Bags

Save money and avoid plastic waste with reusable grocery totes and mesh produce bags. Don’t forget to wash these every so often if they contain canned items. However, if you have any meat products in the bags, they should be washed after each use. Any spills from meat can cause bacteria to grow. Plus, regular washing helps prevent unpleasant smells and unsightly stains.

10. Reusable Floor Pads or Mop Covers

Those disposable refills can add up and be costly, despite their convenience. Look for washable alternatives compatible with your current mop or floor tool. Just make sure that when you buy reusable floor pads or mop covers, they will actually fit your mop head. I’ve made this mistake more than once.

11. Reusable Baking Mats

Instead of parchment paper or foil, I use silicone baking mats. They are a non-stick, easy-to-clean solution that lasts for years. You will find that silicone baking mats become darker over multiple uses, but as long as you are washing them in warm, soapy water after every use, they will remain clean. You can also wash them in the top level of your dishwasher. You can use baking soda or a lemon juice soak to try to get out any stubborn stains. I bought these ones for my niece as part of a housewarming gift.

12. Reusable Snack Containers

Invest in a set of stackable, leak-proof snack containers for lunches, road trips, and leftovers. Containers that you can reuse multiple times will save money in the long run. Instead of buying plastic zipped bags that you throw away all the time, snack containers can be purchased once and used for a long time. These are especially good for packing your kids’ lunches. You can see an example here of the Bentgo Easyboxes snack stackable containers.

13. Menstrual Cups or Reusable Pads

This is something I have never tried, but switching from tampons or pads to a menstrual cup or washable cloth pads saves money every single cycle. Amazon offers a DIVA Cup, along with an instructional video, for those who want to try out a DIVA Cup. I have seen Etsy sellers who hand-make washable menstrual pads. You can see an example here and here. They are not exactly cheap in price, but I suppose if you are going to use them, once you buy, you can use them repeatedly. I couldn’t see myself using these two products, but if you're concerned about saving money in this area, these are two alternatives to the continuous purchase of pads and tampons.

14. Cloth Diapers (If You Have Little Ones)

The upfront cost may feel big, but cloth diapers can save you thousands compared to disposables over a couple of years. I started using cloth diapers with my oldest child, but I quickly grew tired of the constant washing required. I had my kids in the early 90s, so cloth diapers were still being used with a safety pin to secure them. I was deathly afraid every time I changed my son that I was going to stab him with the pin. I caved about a month in and switched to disposable diapers.

However, the cloth diapers available today seem to be significantly better. They have a fashionable and cute outer layer with snaps and an absorbent pad inner layer that you can change. Both outer and inner parts of the diaper are machine washable. If I had these types of cloth diapers when I had my son, I may have lasted longer with them.

15. Rechargeable Batteries

Especially for families with kids, game controllers, or remote-heavy households, rechargeable batteries are a lifesaver in the long run. Although the initial cost of purchasing rechargeable batteries can be high, their ability to be recharged hundreds of times makes them cost-effective in the long run. Of course, another benefit is that they help the environment, as the amount of batteries sent to landfills is reduced.

Final Thoughts

Every reusable item on this list is a small swap with a big impact. Even if you start with just a few, you'll see how the savings add up—plus you're doing your part for the environment too.

Have you made any reusable swaps that saved you money? Let me know in the comments below or share this post with someone who wants to spend less without sacrificing convenience.

15 Reusable Products That Save You Money Every Month