Cleaning your house top to bottom can feel like a real chore — not to mention, it can seem terribly time-consuming. Thankfully, whether you’re tackling sticky surfaces or seldom touched spaces like under your couch, there are cleaning essentials that make the job faster and easier for you.
So when you’re ready to take on your annual deep clean, count on these eight cleaning essentials to make your home look (and feel!) spick and span. Because after all, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as coming home to a clean house.
SimpleHouseware Microfiber Cleaning Cloths ($20 for 50-pack; amazon.com)
Designed for wet or dry use, these multi-purpose cloths are great for cleaning and buffing. And thanks to the small, non-scratch fibers, they can be used on a variety of surfaces in your home — from glass to marble to wood. We like that this set comes in an assortment of colors so you can code them by room to avoid cross-contamination.
Bonus: You can use a slightly dampened microfiber cloth to safely scrub smartphones and screens. Apple recommends using a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Spray to disinfect the surfaces of touchscreens.
Also Read: Microwave Cleanings That Are Quick And Easy To Do
2 Microban 24 Hour Disinfectant Sanitizing Spray ($6; target.com)
Part of Procter & Gamble Co.’s new line of antibacterial home products, this sanitizing spray can be used on hard or soft surfaces throughout your home. It promises to protect against bacteria and viruses for up to 24 hours after use, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has been deemed capable of warding off the coronavirus-borne disease COVID-19.
3 Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum ($170; amazon.com)
Get ahead of seasonal spring allergies by investing in a new vacuum. This pick has a powerful motor that sucks up dust, dirt, pet dander, and other allergens, plus a HEPA filtration system to seal it all in. As Sanaz Eftekhari, vice president of corporate affairs and research at The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, explained to Consumer Reports, “the HEPA filter will trap the matters and molecules that are coming in, so they won’t go back into the air.” Reviewers also like that you can adjust the level of suction for stronger deep carpet or gentler floor cleaning.
Shark 1000 Steam Mop ($60; amazon.com)
Consider this a mop on steroids. The powerful tool heats up and applies sanitizing steam as you glide it over hard floors for an extra thorough clean. With one microfiber soft pad and one scrubbing pad, it gives you spotless floors no matter the mess.
Also Read: Oven Cleaning Hacks That Will Make Your Appliances Look Like New
5 Method Heavy Duty Degreaser ($4; target.com)
Kitchen clean-up comes with its own set of challenges. This non-toxic, plant-based formula is safe to use on all food prep surfaces and cuts through stubborn stove top splatters, crusty oven spills, microwave messes, and more. Plus, it kills odor and leaves a fresh, lemongrass scent.
6 Bio Clean: Eco-Friendly Hard Water Stain Remover ($20; amazon.com)
This heavy-duty bathroom cleaner tackles shower stains, moldy grout, and bacteria without the harsh chemicals or smell of some other cleaners on the market. Strong enough for professional use in hospitals yet safe enough for your home, it’s versatile and can be used on different surfaces, including tile, shower glass, toilets, and more.
7 Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Extender Handle Starter Kit ($20; amazon.com)
An extendable duster is a must come spring. Brush over those hard-to-reach surfaces you’ve been putting off with this super-soft duster by Swiffer. The handle extends up to 3 feet, and the fibers are specially coated to pick up and lock in more dust and dander than your traditional feather duster.
8 Seventh Generation Extra Strong Large Trash Bags ($5; seventhgeneration.com)
No spring cleaning can be done effectively without large trash bags. Use these 33-gallon bags to discard garbage or pack up clothes to be donated after cleaning out your closet. The best part is they’re made from 60 percent repurposed plastic and 24 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, so you’ll be contributing less waste in the process.