Dollar stores are good for things you don't expect to last, or things that won't be touched a lot or ingested (no food or dishes! no towels, clothes, body products, etc.). For example, I buy Christmas and Halloween decorations there, or fake flowers to make wall displays that won't get touched. But you have to be careful. Sure, many things are a good deal pocketbook-wise, but it's not what it appears. Many of the products are watered down or diluted, or are made specifically for cheaper stores with lower-grade contents/chemicals. There's also lead in many things they carry, because they're formulated outside the U.S. to lower standards. Their plastics are a much lower grade and more likely to leech into food, break, things like that. So while many things seem like a money bargain there, they're not a good bargain on the health and well-being of yourself and your house, and in the long run are NOT a good deal because you'll be replacing them often. Or you're not getting as much of a bang for your buck, as in the case of the watered-down or lower-grade products. With food, especially be careful. Often it's expired and cast off by warehouses, but then relabeled for new sale at discount stores.

Sure it's cheaper, but it's cheaper for a reason. Be smart and careful about dollar store shopping. If you need cheap stuff, thrift stores are usually a better option. For consumables, stick to a first-run cheap store like Target, or your local co-op, or learn to make your own, in the case of cleaning products.