🧽 The Best Cleaning Products: Pro Picks, DIY Recipes & Where to Buy Them

Whether you love cleaning or just want your space to look (and smell) clean, having the right products makes all the difference.

But here’s the thing — you don’t have to buy every fancy spray or expensive brand. Some of the most effective cleaners are simple, affordable, and easy to find at your local grocery store, Amazon, or even Home Depot.

Here’s a breakdown of what actually works, where to get it, and a few DIY options if you want to go the natural or budget-friendly route.

🧴 Amazon Favorites

Fast, convenient, and perfect for building your cleaning kit — these are staples I use and recommend all the time.

✨ Must-Have Cleaning Tools

• Microfiber cloths — reusable, streak-free, and safe for every surface

• Scrub brushes (various sizes) — great for grout, sinks, and tubs

• Extendable duster — perfect for ceiling fans and baseboards

• Spray bottles (pack of 3) — for DIY cleaners or dilution mixes

• Vacuum & mop combo — quick daily cleaning lifesaver

🧼 Go-To Cleaning Products

• Bar Keepers Friend — unbeatable for stainless steel appliances, shower glass doors and cookware

• Dawn Powerwash — perfect for grease, bathrooms, and even laundry stains

• Scrub daddy power paste — gentle but powerful for scrubbing any surface

• Orange Glo — For shining stainless steel

• OdoBan — Cleans, Disinfects and Deodorizes

💡 Pro Tip: Keep one microfiber cloth just for polishing stainless steel and one for cleaning.

🧂 DIY Cleaning Recipes

For those who love natural cleaning or want to save money, these homemade mixes are simple, safe, and super effective.

🍋 All-Purpose Cleaner

• 1 cup vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp dish soap

• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (lemon or eucalyptus)

Use for counters, sinks, and appliances — avoid on stone surfaces like granite or marble.

🪟 Glass & Mirror Cleaner

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol

• Drop of dish soap

Spray lightly and wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free glass.

🧴 Natural Scrub Paste

• ½ cup baking soda

• 1–2 tbsp dish soap

• Mix to a paste with water and use for sinks, tubs, or ovens

💡 Pro Tip: Label your spray bottles — vinegar-based, soap-based, etc. — to avoid mixing the wrong products.

🛒 Grocery Store Favorites (Walmart, Target, etc.)

You don’t need to order everything online — many great cleaners are just down the aisle at your local store.

🧽 Everyday Staples

• Dawn Dish Soap – the MVP of multipurpose cleaning

• Lysol or Clorox Wipes – quick disinfecting and bathroom touch-ups

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – scuffs, baseboards, and walls

• Lysol or Pine sol – classic floor and surface cleaner, cleans and disinfects

• Sprayway glass cleaner – reliable for mirrors, windows, and glass

🧺 Laundry & Fabric Care

• OxiClean – brightens laundry and lifts stains

• Vinegar – Natural fabric softener, eliminates odors and softens fabrics

• Downy Rinse & Refresh – leaves fabrics soft and fresh

💡 Pro Tip: Use grocery store “multi-surface” sprays for quick maintenance and keep refills under each sink for convenience.

🏠 Home Depot / Lowe’s Cleaning Powerhouses

If you love deep cleaning or want pro-grade results, these hardware store finds are worth it.

🧼 Heavy-Duty Heroes

• Zep Orange Degreaser – unbeatable for stove hoods, garage floors, and grout

• Bar keepers friends – removes hard-water buildup

• OdoBan – all-purpose cleaner

• Paper Towels – For toilet cleaning

• Power Drill Brush Attachments – game-changer for tubs, tile, and grout\

🧹 Floor Care Essentials

• Odoban – safe for wood, laminate and tile floors - eliminates odors

• Steam Mop (best for tile) – sanitizes floors without chemicals

• Zep pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner – ideal for luxury vinyl and sealed wood

💡 Pro Tip: Use Home Depot or Lowe’s for bulk refills and pro tools — they last longer and save money long term.

🧠 Final Thoughts

A clean home doesn’t depend on having the most expensive products — it’s about knowing what works and using it consistently.

Keep it simple:

• A few trusted products

• A small DIY mix for backup

• And a cleaning routine that fits your lifestyle

You’ll save money, stress less, and keep your home sparkling like a pro — no cleaner required.