It is a balancing act when it comes to cleaning supplies, especially with prices rising. I find that DIY solutions like vinegar and baking soda are excellent for general tasks like descaling kettles or scrubbing sinks, but I am hesitant to use them on high-end surfaces like granite or delicate non-stick pans where the acidity can cause long-term etching. For heavy-duty grease removal like the Powerwash products, I usually stick to the original brand because the chemical formulation is specifically engineered to break down lipids without excessive scrubbing. My rule of thumb is to use homemade solutions for maintenance cleaning and reserve the store-bought originals for the toughest jobs where you need that lab-tested consistency. If you do go the DIY route, just be sure to research the chemical compatibility of your ingredients so you do not accidentally damage your fixtures or create unsafe fumes.