I've been researching, testing, and writing about cleaning hacks for over six years. Whatever you need to clean around your home, whether you need to know how to clean a washing machine or how to clean a glass shower door , chances are I've got you covered. And after so many years of trial and error removing all kinds of stains, I can say I've learned which household cleaners are the most reliable and versatile.
Compiling this list was not easy as I take an eco-friendly approach to my cleaning routine, avoiding chemicals, strong fragrances and non-biodegradable solutions as much as possible. So if you want to learn from my experience, here are seven items you'll always find in my cleaning closet, and why I think they're the unsung heroes of cleaning.
I also have a lot of experience with washing machines. Check out my best washing machine tips .
1. Distilled white vinegar
Of course, vinegar has to be at the top of my list, which is distilled white vinegar. A natural descaler and disinfectant, vinegar is used for all sorts of tasks around my home, from descaling the shower to cleaning the pipes to emptying the dishwasher.
Sure, it has a strong smell, but vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners I've ever used — its acidic properties make it extra effective, and there are no toxic chemicals involved.
Additionally, when you combine vinegar with baking soda, you create a chemical reaction that can be useful for all sorts of cleaning scenarios. If you need to know how to unclog a drain or how to clean a clear phone case , you need to mix these two natural cleaning products together. This chemical reaction is what makes baking soda and vinegar so great for cleaning . The bubbling helps loosen grease and dirt so you can quickly clean up what's left after you've finished.
If the smell of vinegar is too strong for you, remember that you can dilute it to reduce its effect, which is better for large-scale cleaning tasks. I also recommend airing out your home when using vinegar and using one of the best air purifiers to keep things deodorized.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda is now something I can't live without. Originally conceived as a chemical leavening agent, this cooking ingredient works wonders for cleaning. When combined with water to form a paste, it is slightly abrasive and degreasing, making it ideal for removing stubborn stains. In fact, this is my number one choice for removing stains from the bottom of my enameled cast iron skillet. See How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet for more information. It has the same effect when cleaning my glass oven door: pour in paste, let sit, then scrub.
Baking soda is also a great air freshener, so it's always good to have a surplus on hand. Simply fill a bowl with this white powder and place it wherever you want to deodorize, be it in your kitchen, closet or even in the microwave. However, be careful if you have running children or pets as baking soda is toxic if ingested in large amounts.
3. Bleaching
Bleach has always been a powerful and reliable cleaner. And while this product isn't generally organic, the good news is that eco-friendly options are becoming more widely available, like Ecover Non Chlorine Bleach ( $15.83, Amazon (opens in a new tab) ).
Green options aren't usually that strong in terms of cleaning, but I recommend making this change as standard bleach is very toxic to aquatic life and can cause serious respiratory problems if inhaled. By choosing a chlorine-free and biodegradable alternative, you are doing yourself and the environment a favor.
Bleach comes in handy for all sorts of household chores, from scrubbing grout in tile to removing mold from walls. It is also useful in several ways, being excellent at killing germs and bacteria and being an effective bleach in your laundry room. For example, you can use it to clean white shoes or make white sheets shine .
If you use bleach, be sure to wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask. Also avoid wearing expensive clothes in case of splashes. Also, don't make that mistake when cleaning with bleach .
4. Microfiber towels
Microfiber towels are great for cleaning all types of surfaces, from kitchen cabinets to mirrors. Due to their microfiber nature, they pick up dust and dirt easily and leave no lint. They're also soft enough not to scratch a delicate surface, making them ideal for dusting fragile items.
I also love that using microfiber towels doesn't require any cleaning chemicals. Just dampen them with water and you will be amazed at how easy it is to remove stains. I have a selection of colored cloths so there is one dedicated to each room or cleaning task.
Don't forget to clean your microfiber towels regularly ; It's very easy to forget, but these pick up a lot of dirt and need to be washed.
5. Lemons
While not technically a cleaning product, it always helps to have a few lemons in your closet. Due to its acidic nature, this fruit is an ideal emollient and will add a pleasant aroma to your home.
There are literally dozens of ways to use lemons for cleaning. For example, they are ideal for descaling faucets. We tried this TikTok lemon trick to remove scale from faucets . — and are also essential if you need to learn how to clean a microwave . If you still need some convincing, check out these nine things you didn't know you could clean up with a lemon .
Lemon juice is also antibacterial and antiseptic, making it a great natural cleaning alternative to chemicals. If you run out of lemons, don't worry. You can often substitute alternative citrus fruits like limes and oranges. Regardless of use, a pleasant scent is guaranteed.
6. Disinfectants
Although some of the suggestions above can disinfect, they do not have that much effect against viruses and bacteria compared to a special disinfectant. With this in mind and given the consequences of the pandemic, I always have a disinfectant on hand to clean my surfaces again. In this regard, environmentally friendly options are also available , such as
7. Empty evaporators
I rarely throw away an empty vaporizer when it's finished. These are used to dilute your own cleaning solutions and you may need multiple bottles for different purposes.
For severe limescale problems in the bathroom or for direct application over baking soda, I have a freshly filled one with pure distilled white vinegar, for example. However, depending on the strength required or the flavors added, you may need more. Don't forget to tag them so you don't get confused!
For more cleaning tips, tricks, and guides, check out How to Clean an Oven , How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink , and How to Clean a Baking Sheet .
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