Before TikTok, I was a minimalist when it came to buying cleaning products. All I had was a multi-surface sanitizer, a bath, and a glass cleaner and they nailed it. But since landing on #CleanTok, the contents of my pantry have increased remarkably, including some unnecessary cleaning items I wish I hadn't bought.
A video showed me cleaning my fridge with a specific spray while my dishwasher needed another , which I didn't really need to get the job done. And I'm not the only one spending more on cleaning products these days. Americans are spending more on cleaning products than they used to in the past , according to a 2023 study. In 2021, the average was $178.45 per year, compared to $147.55 in 2014. $31 more isn't a lot of money, but it adds up, and spending a dime on unnecessary cleaning products just isn't worth it .
So if your cleaning product line seems a bit bloated, it might be time to review the products you've bought and get rid of the lint. Knowing what is and isn't worth your money can help you in this endeavor.
Here are 5 useless cleaners that you can ignore and save your money
1. Stainless steel cleaner
During a recent deep cleaning , aka procrastination, I became convinced I needed to buy a stainless steel cleaner. It's also worth noting that the only stainless steel I have in my apartment is my small kitchen sink. Turns out dish soap and olive oil work just as well. "Dish soap is great for removing grease, oil, food and fingerprints from appliances," says Sergio Sanchez, cleaning pro and president of Beat the Dust Cleaning . "First, put some dish soap on a microfiber cloth and dampen it with some water." Wipe along the grain of the device, he says, and then use olive oil to buff it (start with a dime size and add as you go add more surface as needed).
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2. Bathroom cleaner
Of course, keeping our bathrooms clean and sanitized is imperative; Experts recommend a thorough cleaning at least once a week . But when it comes to the actual toilet cleaner, Sanchez suggests making your own. "To make it smell nice, mix baking soda and essential oils in a glass bowl and drop a tablespoon down the toilet before adding a few drops of white vinegar," she explains. Then all you have to do is rub it with your usual toilet brush.
3. Floor cleaner
"Floor cleaning products can be expensive, and most leave a residue behind," says Sanchez. Instead, she suggests filling a mop bucket with a gallon of warm water, white distilled vinegar, and a drop of dish soap. "This will keep your floors looking and smelling fresh, but be sure to change and wring your mop head as needed so you don't spread dirt."
4. Unlocker
Using drain cleaners can save us from hiring an expensive plumber, but "most drain cleaners use strong chemicals that can be dangerous if inhaled," Sanchez warns. Instead, mix 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar and pour down the drain. "When we mix these special ingredients, a chemical reaction occurs that creates the pressure needed to unclog the clog," explains Sánchez. "For best results, follow with boiling water."
5. Oven cleaner
I am also guilty of making this purchase. And to be honest, the only difference was that the toxic, dangerous smell made it difficult to breathe. Although the oven cleaning setting is the best and safest way to remove extra grease and dirt, not all ovens have this option. But even if it has the self-cleaning feature, Sanchez recommends following this simple dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar recipe: Mix equal parts dish soap and vinegar, then add baking soda until it forms a paste. "Use a sponge to apply a generous amount of paste to the walls of your oven, including the oven door," he says. "For best results, leave on for 30 minutes, then use the abrasive side of the sponge to remove the paste, grease and dirt." Finally, simply rinse the inside of the oven with water.
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