39 Non-Negotiable Cleaning Essentials That Every Adult Should Have on Hand
Want to know the cleaning products you actually need? Here are the best cleaning essentials that do all of the work for you so you don’t have to.
Everyone thinks cleaning essentials are straightforward, until you go to buy them and there are 50 different options for one spray and 20 other cleaning products you’ve never heard of before but feel like you need.
I know when I got my first apartment, I was determined to get all of the cleaning products I needed to keep it pristine. But truth be told, there were a lot of cleaning finds that I bought because I thought they were essential, but then proceeded to never touch them again.
So if you’re trying to figure out what cleaning essentials are actually worth it, and which ones you can pass on – you’re in the right place!
You’re going to want a little more than a paper towel and some cleaning spray, but you also only need a couple of tried and true cleaning products to keep your home or apartment spotless.
I’ve also broken this post down into cleaning products by room to help you get a sense of where certain cleaning essentials will be most helpful (but a lot of these items can and should be used for various places in your home).
Whether you’re stocking up on spring cleaning essentials, or are living on your own for the first time and could use some guidance on which cleaning products won’t let you down – I’ve got you covered!
This post is all about the most effective cleaning essentials you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Best Cleaning Essentials for Household:
1. Microfibre Cleaning Cloths
By far the best paper towel replacement!
This roll of microfibre cloths is super absorbent, lint-free, and won’t leave any streaks behind. Plus, they’re reusable, so you can use them over and over again without worrying about constantly replenishing them.
I’ve been using these reusable rags all throughout my spring cleaning marathon, and they have helped me tackle everything from windows and mirrors to countertops and floors without releasing dust into the air. And when you are done with the cloth, you can throw it in the washer and keep reusing it.
2. Step Stool
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a little height boost to get to those hard-to-reach spots. That’s where a step stool comes in handy.
It’s super lightweight and easy to move around, making it a breeze to get up high and tackle those cobwebs, ceiling fans, and other tricky areas.
Definitely makes spring cleaning a whole lot easier (and safer!).
3. All Purpose Cleaning Paste
I’ve tried all kinds of cleaning products, but nothing has quite worked as well as this power paste. It’s perfect for tackling those stubborn stains and grime that seem to build up no matter how much you scrub.
You can use it on pretty much any surface – countertops, sinks, tiles, even stainless steel appliances. And the paste formula means a little goes a long way, so the kit will go a long way.
If you really want to make a difference when cleaning your home, this paste is one of the easiest and quickest ways to do that. It’s an absolute essential in my cleaning caddy, and I have a feeling it’ll quickly become one of yours too.
4. Disinfectant Wipes
A lot of people don’t bother getting disinfectant wipes because they don’t see a need when they already have cleaning spray.
But let me tell you, when you stash a couple of these around the house, especially in high-traffic areas that get dirty fast (e.g. bathroom, kitchen, by the entryway, etc.), you will notice it’s so much easier to actually keep your home clean.
Because instead of having to go under the kitchen sink to grab your cleaning products, you can just take a wipe and clean the surfaces. And there is no excuse for not doing a brief wipe down when you have wipes that are easily accessible.
This is something that will keep your home a whole lot cleaner on the regular! Because instead of waiting for Sunday to do all of your weekly cleaning, if you make sure to keep part of your home clean on the regular, there won’t be as much build-up when it comes time to do your weekly cleaning.
5. Silicone Dustpan Set
Now, I don’t know about you, but when it comes to cleaning, I’m all about finding tools that make the job quick, easy, and mess-free.
This little duo has been a lifesaver, especially for tackling pet hair and crumbs around the house.
I like to use this dustpan set for dusting shelves, sweeping up dirt and debris, and pretty much any small mess around the house.
Normally I wouldn’t have a problem with a plastic dustpan set, but considering how easily they break, a silicone dust pan set is the way to go, especially if you are looking for something durable that will last.
6. Cleaning Gloves
Spring cleaning is no easy feat, and your hands tend to take a real beating from all the scrubbing and wiping.
These gloves are my exact strategy to keeping my nails nice and protecting my hands from cleaning chemicals. Not only do they protect your delicate skin, but they also give you the grip and control you need to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks.
I’ve used these gloves for everything from scrubbing the stovetop to cleaning the bathroom tiles, and they’ve held up really well. The textured palms provide excellent grip, so you can really put some elbow grease into it without worrying about slipping and sliding.
Trust me, fellow cleaning enthusiasts – these Amazon gloves are an absolute must-have for your spring cleaning projects.
7. Cleaning Caddy
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “A caddy? Really? How helpful can that be?” But trust me, this little guy is a total game-changer when it comes to keeping all of your cleaning supplies easily accessible.
Tthese caddies are a lifesaver for carrying and keeping all of your favorite cleaning products in one place. They will save you from having to take multiple trips around the house (they can hold surprisingly a lot).
8. Crevice Cleaning Brush
You know those crevices that never get cleaned because nothing is small enough to fit in them and get all of the dust and dirt out of – like windowsills – well this brush takes care of that problem.
This is where you take cleaning to a whole new level. It’s spots like your windowsills that you don’t want to bother cleaning (I get it, I’ve been there before), but it really makes the biggest difference when they match the cleanliness of the rest of your home.
So instead of your home or apartment just looking surface level clean, you’ll actually be able to feel like you’re living in a clean space because you know even the hard-to-reach spots are spotless.
9. Lint Rollers
Lint rollers are a must-have – especially if you have pets. Sometimes, using a lint roller for a couple of stray hairs or crumbs is just so much more convenient than pulling out the vacuum or grabbing the dustpan.
Having a pack of these on hand will save you a lot of time and energy in the future, while keeping your place as clean as possible!
10. Vacuum Cleaner
Even though cordless vacuums can be convenient, I have yet to find a vacuum that works as well as this one. It’s a tried and true for picking up all of the dust, crumbs, and hair lying around the house.
And you won’t have to worry about a battery running out on you while you’re mid cleaning session (the batteries on cordless vacuums just don’t last that long).
Vacuums are also one of those things where it’s worth it to put a little more money into a good one that will last you and do a good job cleaning vs. saving a little bit of money only to have to replace the vacuum a year or two later.
11. Fabric Shaver
A fabric shaver is an absolute godsend for freshening up your clothes and furniture. I used to spend forever trying to de-fuzz my sweaters and remove those pesky lint balls, but this baby does all the hard work for you.
I’ve used it on everything from my couch cushions to my favorite cashmere sweater, and it saves me every time
It’s an absolute essential for me during spring cleaning season (and, let’s be real, all year round).
12. Retractable Microfiber Duster
Microfibre wands are great for getting in those places where you can’t necessarily fit a whole microfibre cloth. It’s also a lot more structured, which is perfect for cleaning shelves, window shades, fan blades, etc.
The wand will also give you a little more height for those taller areas of your home that you can’t normally reach. And the pink is a fun color to spice up your cleaning essentials and make you feel like the fairy godmother while you’re cleaning haha.
13. Reusable Mop and Bucket Set
The key to clean floors is to first go over them with a vacuum to get all of the debris up, followed by a mop of some sorts to remove any excess dirt.
The mop you use doesn’t matter too much, as long as it does a good job of making your floor shine and removing surface-level dirt.
I prefer something that is similar to a Swiffer since they’re easy to manipulate and move around. But (and I’m sure a lot of you can relate to this), I don’t love purchasing the Swiffer pads over and over again, so I got one with reusable pads – and I don’t think I’ll ever go back.
14. Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
This little green machine is such a holy grail cleaning product! This is one of those cleaning essentials that you actually wonder how you ever lived without – because it’s that good.
As much as I wish you could just use a regular vacuum to clean upholstery, if you really want to do a good job, you’re going to need a little extra help.
I wouldn’t say cleaning your upholstery is something you need to do every week, maybe just once or twice a month, but it will keep your cushioned furniture looking brand new.
I honestly wish someone would have told me sooner how important it is to regularly clean your upholstery and how big of a difference it makes to the overall feel of your home… so I’m passing on the word. You can thank me later. 😉
Pro Tip: This also works really well to clean your car. It’s perfect for cleaning your floors, mats, and getting in the nooks and crannies of your seats.
15. Glass Cleaner Refill
Glass cleaner is just one of those non-negotiable that can’t be replaced by all in one cleaning sprays or multi-purpose cleaners.
If you want your windows and all of the other glass surfaces in your house to look so clean they’re almost see through (that means absolutely zero streaks), you’re going to want a good glass cleaner to get the job done.
16. Carpet Spot Remover
It’s always good to have a carpet spot remover on hand. Whether you have a little spill, or one of your pets has an accident, you want to make sure to get that stain out of the carpet ASAP before it becomes a permanent mark.
Coming from someone who has two cats and a dog, this spray is a miracle worker! My carpets would look a lot different if I didn’t have this to save my butt haha.
17. Electric Spin Scrubber
It’s super important to have one tool that will do a deeper clean than you’re able to do with just your bare hands. This is one of those areas where you can work smarter, and not harder.
For areas like your shower, tub, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, or really anywhere with tile that could use a more in-depth clean – this scrubber will be your best friend.
It had different attachments depending on what kind of surface you’re cleaning, so it’s one of those tools that you’ll end up using all over your house (because you can, and it’s worth it for the time and energy you save).
18. Pure Borax
I feel like Borax is the last thing on peoples minds when they think of cleaning essentials (because it’s just not talked about enough), but it really is such a game-changer! Think of it as a power up for your cleaning.
It’s a great laundry booster, disinfectant, deodorizer, cleaning agent (to get rid of stains), and it’s pretty darn effective for pest control. I always make sure to have a bag on hand because it’s one of those items that you never stop using once you try it.
18. Multi-Surface Spray
A multi-surface spray is a no brainer that belongs in every single household. This is what you’ll use to clean most of your surfaces (besides glass and wood of course).
I don’t always use natural cleaning products, because truth be told, sometimes they just don’t do a very good job cleaning.
But when it comes to something like an all-purpose spray, because you’re using it so much and the natural ones actually do a good job, I recommend switching (better for you and the environment).
It’s also important that you find one that you truly enjoy the scent of, since you’ll be using it all over your house (lemon is one of my faves for that clean and fresh scent).
19. Magic Eraser
If you don’t have a Magic Eraser, you’re seriously missing out on a secret weapon. Any scuff, or mark that won’t come out with a regular cleaner and towel (baseboards are a big one), you’re going to want to reach for one of these.
I don’t know what they put in these, but they really are a miracle worker!
Best Cleaning Essentials for Kitchen:
20. Scrub Daddy Scrubber
You know, when it comes to spring cleaning, I’m all about finding those hidden Amazon gems that make the whole process a breeze. And let me tell you, when it comes to cleaning dishes, this is one of those products that has been an absolute lifesaver!
The texture is just perfect for tackling everything from stuck-on food in the kitchen to grimy showers and tubs.
The best part is you can use it wet or dry, and it somehow manages to be both gentle and effective. It’s like this cleaning sidekick that’s always there to back me up when I’m on a spring cleaning mission.
21. Anti-Odor Dish Towels
There is nothing worse than the stench that comes from a dirty overused dish towel. You wouldn’t think that a small towel could stink up the kitchen as much as it does.
These dish towels are easily my new favorite kitchen accessory for drying and cleaning dishes without having to worry about any lingering smells.
These cotton cloths are a non-negotiable when it comes to the kitchen, that is, if you want it to smell as clean as it looks.
22. Bamboo Kitchen Sponges
I always think it’s good to have some sponges on hand that aren’t necessarily as heavy-duty as something like a Scrub Daddy, so when you’re doing easy dishes, you’re not wearing down your tough sponge (just allows you to use it longer without having to replace it).
Pro Tip: These ones are a lot cheaper, so it’s not as big of a deal to go through these as it is to go through something like a Scrub Daddy. And these come in a pack so you don’t have to constantly repurchase them.
Also, the white sponges tend to look dirty super fast because they get stained quite easily, so for sponges like these ones, it’s nice to have a color that won’y show all of the food as easily.
23. Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
When it comes to cleaning stainless steel appliances, they can be such a headache (I know I’m not alone when I say this).
Multi-purpose spray and glass cleaner are a non-starter! Because no matter how many time you go over your appliances, they’re left with so many streak marks and spots that look like you didn’t put any effort into cleaning (even if you really put some elbow grease into it).
Your best bet is going to be getting a cleaning spray that’s actually meant for stainless steel appliances. It’ll make your fridge, oven, and dish washer shine like no other spray will.
24. Bamboo Pan Scraper
When it comes to those dishes that have food stuck on them – even after you let them soak, you don’t want to reach for a sponge. That crusted on food will absolutely destroy your sponge and just leave you frustrated.
That’s where a food scraper comes in. You don’t have to worry about ruining these bad boys with all of that gunk. They’re also not super abrasive, so you can definitely use them on non-stick pans.
I would go as far as to call it your dirty dishes savior. 😉
25. Refrigerator Deodorizer
Even with a weekly fridge clean-out, sometimes there is just a lingering smell in your fridge that you can’t get rid of. Which can almost make you lose your appetite when opening the fridge.
Yeah I got tired of that smell too, so I got this little guy to go in the back of my fridge to give my nose a break. It’s super easy to just tuck away in the far corner (so you don’t have to look at it), but you’ll definitely be able to tell a difference.
Even if you fridge looks clean, if it doesn’t smell clean, it’s a no go.
26. Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
Another cleaning essential where it’s natural, but still works really well! I’ve always had a problem with using dishwasher detergent that isn’t natural or clean, because you are using chemicals to wash dishes that you eat off of (that just doesn’t sit right with me).
This isn’t something where you have to choose between well-cleaned and natural – you can have the best of both worlds in this scenario.
Best Cleaning Essentials for Bathroom:
27. Drain Catcher
We all know the struggle of clogged drains all too well. One of the easiest ways to prevent your drains from getting clogged with hair is by using a drain catcher, especially in the shower.
These square silicone drain covers are ah-mazing for trapping all that pesky hair before it clogs up your pipes with suction cups that keep them firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about them sliding around.
And the best part? They’re super easy to clean – just pop them out, give them a quick rinse, and pop them back in (so much better than having to clean out your drain every couple of months).
29. Shower Squeegee
Unfortunately, if you’re not using a squeegee after each shower, your shower door will gather water marks that are surprisingly hard to get rid of. I know it can seem like a pain, but spending a minute or two to squeegee the glass after you shower will just make your life easier (and cleaner) in the long run.
30. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
This might not be the cutest toilet bowl cleaner, but it’s definitely worth it for how convenient it is. The little attachments already have toilet bowl cleaner in them, so when you use it in the water, it will get sudsy and make scrubbing 10x easier.
You also don’t have to deal with a disgusting, toilet-soaked brush afterwards that just sits in the holder and gathers bacteria. I stick her in the back of my bathroom cabinet so I don’t have to look at it, but she’s there when I need her. 😉
31. Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets
Every once in a while, especially before I have guests over, I’ll stick one of these cleaner tablets in the toilet, just o make sure that it smells nice and fresh. Super easy, no hassle, and you don’t have to worry about a stinky bathroom.
Optional Cleaning Essentials:
I didn’t want to put these cleaning products with the rest because they’re not technically “essential”, but I had to include them in the post because they’re so darn helpful – and will make your life SO much easier!
32. Glass Cleaning Spray Bottles
These aren’t technically a cleaning essential per se, but I had to include them. Because let’s just be honest, all of your cleaning products will look so much more put-together in a matching spray bottle without any of the ugly, bold, labels.
Again, not necessary, but for my type A gals, this definitely helps to keep the cleaning closet nice and organized.
33. Cleaning Product Labels
Speaking of glass spray bottles, in order to not mix up which one is which, I highly recommend adding labels to them. The all matching spray bottles look stunning, but if you don’t label them, you might mix up your cleaners and use the wrong one (definitely not a mistake you want to make).
34. Clean Scent Sachet
Sachets do the work of keeping your space smelling clean all of the time! These are perfect for sneaking into your dresser drawer or into your closet to keep everything smelling freshly washed 24/7.
Just one of those extra things you can do to make your space (and your items) smell as clean as they look.
35. Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner is for those who are obsessed with getting their home or apartment as clean as possible! It’s one of those things that really helps you go beneath the surface to get up all of that stubborn dirt sitting in the crevices.
This is by far one of the most satisfying cleaning tools to use (it’s also mildly gross when you see how much dirt comes from your couch or the tiles in your bathroom).
36. Mattress Vacuum Cleaner
Think of this tool as a sanitizer for your mattress and other furniture – while also working as a vacuum to get up any dust and hair. It’s a good two-in-one for those who seriously want to make sure their furniture is as clean as any other place in their home.
If you’re someone who is concerned with the quality of the air in your home, this goes one step further than an air purifier by addressing the root problem.
37. Natural Linen Fabric Spray
A room spray is a finishing touch that just makes your space smell so clean! It’s one of those things that you can use to keep your place smelling clean in the middle of the week before you have time to actually clean it.
38. Refill Wet Wipes Dispenser
For someone like myself who likes to keep disinfectant wipes around the house in high-traffic places for easy access, it’s important that they look as inconspicuous as possible. And the bright Clorox labels definitely were not helping in that department.
Never underestimate how big of a difference switching out the original packaging will make. You’ll go from ugly labeled products, to cleaning essentials that blend in with the rest of your home.
39. Scrub Daddy Sponge Handle With Soap Dispenser
I don’t know about you, but when I’m scrubbing dishes, I like to keep my hands as out of the way as possible. It just keeps me from coming into any unnecessary contact with any gross or soggy food. To some people, this might not matter, but it definitely makes doing dishes a less daunting task.
This post was all about the most effective cleaning essentials you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
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