As a working mom of three, cleaning has never been my strong suit. Recently, I decided I could no longer stare into the abyss of my cleaning supply closet with absolutely no idea how or what to use to fight dust, dirt, and grime effectively. After finding some inspiration from TikTok, I went to house cleaning professionals to discover the best cleaning products to get my house sparkling with as little effort as possible. Below are their recommendations and tips.

_{Prices are accurate as of February 5, 2026. Subject to change.}

E-Cloth Microfiber Sponges

If you clean like I used to, you probably spend half your income on paper towels, which is wasteful for your wallet and the environment. I’m now a microfiber cloth convert. There are affordable microfiber sponges that Better Report already likes, but if you feel like you need something more heavy-duty, the professionals recommend E-Cloths. Whatever brand you go with, they easily clean up messes and then go through the washing machine with your other towels to be reused. “They make cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces a breeze,” says Gomasi. “And most don’t require dish soap or chemicals to clean.” All you need is to dampen them with some water and you’re good to go!

Magic Erasers

When it comes to removing dirt, stains, and other buildup, Magic Erasers are the gold standard, explains Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of MaidForYou, a house cleaning organization based in Sydney, Australia. “Melamine foam is the perfect cleaner,” he says. “It’s abrasive, durable, non-toxic, and can activate and clean with just water. Our teams use them regularly for cleaning walls, pent-up stains on kitchen countertops, bathtubs and other fixtures in the home where cleaning chemicals just don’t seem to be doing the trick.”

But there are certain things you should never clean with Magic Erasers, like stainless steel, wood, and even granite. These sponges feel soft to us, but they can cause micro-abrasions, strip off varnish, and make smooth surfaces dull and rough. To save money, Gomasi opts for the unbranded melamine foam. They work just as well because they’re made of the same material, but are far cheaper.

Kenmore DS1020 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum

Cordless vacuums are great for saving space and your sanity — you can clean your house without schlepping a full-size vacuum around and not be tethered to the nearest outlet. The Kenmore DS1020 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum is lightweight and compact, but highly rated for working on both carpet and bare floors. It makes removing pet hair, cleaning up messes, and eliminating dirt and dust quick and easy. And at $99, it’s cost-effective. If you can splurge, Dyson stick vacuums are more powerful cleaning tools that should last longer. The brand has a line of vacuums at different price points, but we like the V8.

Pumice Stones

We all have the standard brush stationed right next to the toilet — it’s a classic bathroom accessory. But Livingstone shares that to really get rid of the gunk collecting inside the bowl, a pumice stone is your best bet. And yes, this is the same tool your grandmother used to scrub dead skin from the bottom of her feet. “It just as easily removes mineral rings and build-up on the underside of the toilet bowl lip/underside where water comes into the toilet,” says Livingstone. Her tip: If you have time, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the toilet, and let it sit for an hour. This particular pumice stone set has handles for easier toilet cleaning, but you can get handleless multi-packs for less — maybe just grab some rubber cleaning gloves too.

Easy Off Heavy Duty Degreaser

Livingstone put this oven cleaner on her list of must-haves — an oldie but goodie that I already had sitting under my kitchen sink. There is nothing I dread more than the workout I get from attempting to remove grease from the stovetop, especially after making a fresh batch of French fries for the kids. But I was shocked at how well this spray worked! A few squirts on the offending splatters and a quick swipe with a microfiber cloth and they came right off. It also removed a crusty glop of tomato sauce that had set in the day before.

Bissell CrossWave x7 Cordless Pet Pro Wet Dry Vacuum

Throughout the years we have amassed an arsenal of brooms, vacuums, and mops, each one standing upright in a corner, unused, collecting their own layers of dust. The Bissell CrossWave is a combination of a vacuum and mop, making it the perfect solution to reduce the cleaning clutter. “They’re generally suited for hardwood floors but have the ability to clean area rugs too,” says Gomasi. His company finds the Bissell CrossWave to be not only efficient at cleaning but also easy to use. It’s cordless, has a great battery life so it can clean multiple rooms on a single charge, and unlike most other vacuum/mop combos, is light at 10.5 lbs.

Zep Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner

I’m always shocked at just how quickly the tiles and grout in my shower get dirty, dingy, and well, black. Ick. To the rescue: Zep Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner. It’s affordable and works without having to put in too much elbow grease. I got swept up in countless TikTok videos showing just how well this spray works, and it’s also a top pick of Dionne Livingstone, Cleaning Expert at Home Spritz, a house cleaning service in Calgary. Seriously, you barely need to scrub. You can find single bottles to try at Lowes or Walmart. If you like it, stock up on gallons from Amazon instead and refill the original spray bottle.

Method Daily Wood Cleaner

Wood cleaners make furniture look shiny, but one thing that always bothers me is that they also leave behind a slimy-to-the-touch layer. Plus, most are lemon-scented — a smell I’m not a fan of. But not the Method wood cleaner. “It has a lovely almond cherry scent and cleans wood furniture effectively,” Livingstone says. “And most importantly, leaves no polish build-up.” A few spritzes and my dining room table was gleaming. Because it conditions the wood instead of just leaving an artificial shine, the results last far longer, too.

Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish

The most frustrating thing about stainless steel, whether it be on your fridge, oven, sink or dishwasher, is that all it takes to make it look dull and dirty is just a few fingerprints. All the experts I spoke to agree that removing fingerprints, smudges, residue, grease, water spots, and more from stainless steel requires a cleaner made specifically for the material. And the one that gets the highest marks all around is the Weiman Cleaner and Polish. It works well. Just spray, buff with a microfiber cloth, and voila! The only caveat, according to Livingstone: “Always polish in the same direction as the grain in the steel.” Wiping against it can cause dirt and residue to get deeper into the grain, making it harder to remove.

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

Rinea Blanchard, founder and CEO of Superior Contract Cleaning in Lafayette, LA, recommends a steam mop for everyday cleaning of your tile floors, specifically the Bissell PowerFresh. “It sanitizes without chemicals, which is great for homes with kids and pets. Plus, it leaves floors dry almost instantly,” says Blanchard. And if you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, the Slim 3-in-1 version comes with extra attachments that you can use to deep clean things like tile grout, winter jackets, and oven knobs! But no matter what the steam mop companies say, you should avoid using them on hardwood floors and even vinyl and laminate. For tile kitchens and bathrooms, though, they’re nearly magic. 

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner

There is no shortage of all-purpose cleaners on the market. I have at least five different options (in five different colors!) under my sink. So how do you know which works best? Take it from the pros. Blanchard swears by Simple Green’s option. “It’s versatile, effective, and doesn’t leave behind any funky chemical smells,” she says. “We use it diluted for everyday cleaning and full strength for tougher jobs.” Use it on countertops, sinks, walls, toilets, and surprise! It also works well on grass-stained jeans, scuffed-up shoes, and mattress stains.

Feature Image Credit: Jacob Wackerhausen/ iStock

You’re lounging on the couch or fixing up dinner when something catches your eye: a trail of ants, a spider, or worse, roaches. Wherever they are, you want them gone as quickly as possible, but trying to rid your home of pests is a tiresome process. On top of your regular cleaning process, you’ll want an effective product to shoo out unwanted guests from your home’s nooks and crannies. Mighty Mint’s Peppermint Oil Insect and Pest Control Spray is the answer.

_{Prices are accurate as of September 27, 2024. Subject to change.}

How to Use

Many sprays that are used to deter bugs and pests have harsh chemicals and leave unpleasant odors behind. If you’re dealing with an infestation, particularly in your kitchen, and would prefer to avoid spreading deadly chemicals around the area, try Mighty Mint’s Pest Control Spray. You can also use Mighty Mint at your front or back doors — anywhere that unwanted bugs can crawl in.  

With minimal ingredients and a pleasant peppermint smell, it’s an effective alternative to other sprays and traps. Spray directly on the affected area, targeting the ants, spiders, or roaches to stop them in their tracks. After spraying for the first time, let it dry and wipe away any bugs left behind. You can then re-apply if needed. It’s best to use it proactively too, spraying any areas you want to protect, keeping creepy crawlies away to begin with.

Pet Guidelines

If you have pets, it’s important to keep their health in mind with any home cleaning products you’re using. Mighty Mint uses peppermint oil to repel bugs, and cats and dogs are particularly sensitive to essential oils. At 4%, it’s a very low percentage, but there’s still some advice to heed.

When an essential oil is concentrated at 100%, it could cause symptoms of unsteadiness or depression if a cat or dog got it on their body. If ingested, it could cause vomiting or more serious stomach issues. Because essential oils are absorbed very quickly, most veterinarians recommend caution when using essential oils in your home, like in diffusers or scented room sprays. 

Pure Origin, Mighty Mint’s manufacturer, notes that while pure peppermint oil would be toxic to pets if ingested, the small percentage of it in this particular spray means that “after it is applied, it is virtually impossible for [pets] to be exposed to toxic levels.” They also note that the product should only be used as directed, and not to spray Mighty Mint directly onto your pet, nor their items like toys or food bowls. You should also avoid using Mighty Mint in the space where your pet eats or sleeps to reduce the risk of contamination or ingestion. 

Brett Bennett, the Director of Operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions, agrees that the low concentration of peppermint oil, along with the other ingredients, makes this product “fairly pet safe… most of its toxicity comes from being ingested by dogs and cats.” Jason McDonald, CEO of WoofConnect, still recommends caution and consulting with a veterinarian when using products with essential oils. “Ingestion or prolonged exposure could cause more serious symptoms,” he says. “To minimize risks, I recommend keeping pets out of treated areas until the product has completely dried.” 

If used correctly, Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Spray should keep bugs away without negatively affecting pets, kids, or yourself. Natural doesn’t always mean better, but in this case, it’s a minimal-ingredient alternative to some harsher sprays you may already use. Spraying Mighty Mint, and using it alongside other household bug-repellent tricks, can keep your home pest-free for good.  

As an apartment dweller with primarily carpeted floors, I dread vacuuming. Sure, like any chore, it gets monotonous week after week, but I tend to have the kiss of death when it comes to vacuums — they enter my home and leave in terror. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve knelt before yet another model, trying to figure out what could have caused its demise. Aside from occasionally vacuuming small particles left over from my DIY projects, I found that the true culprit is actually hair.

I don’t have pets to place blame on, but rather, I have long hair that sheds, accumulating on my carpet and becoming a nemesis to vacuums. Thankfully, I discovered a game-changing solution: a carpet rake.

_{Prices are accurate as of January 26, 2025. Subject to change.}

Rake Away

“The reason hair is particularly troublesome is that it tends to twist around the vacuum’s brush roll,” says Maria Anderson, cleaning and organizing expert at Henfield Storage. As hair continues to entangle in the brushes, the more they struggle to rotate as designed. “This alone could compromise the efficiency of the vacuum and also result in potential belt damage or motor strain.”

Instead of going right in with a vacuum, I started using a carpet rake first — specifically the GOSEDER from Amazon. It collects my hair and other trapped debris, so my carpets are cleaner and my vacuum isn’t running on fumes by the end of a cleaning session. “By removing these trapped particles, you are actually increasing the life of your carpet,” Anderson says. “It also helps in preventing build-up over time which reduces the need and cost of deep cleaning the carpets often.”

A carpet rake functions like a typical backyard rake does. You just pick a spot and start raking, and as it passes over your carpet, two sides of copper teeth collect hair and other debris.

Another feature I appreciate about this particular rake is the length of the pole. I’m 5’11”, and the last thing I want to worry about is stooping low while trying to manipulate a short rake handle. This one has an adjustable handle that goes from 19 inches — to clean smaller areas or to maneuver awkward spaces, like underneath a table or inside the car — to 47 inches, so it’s ergonomically friendly and easy for me to move around my apartment. 

All it took was one raking session on my carpet to change my cleaning routine. I was shocked by the sheer amount of hair and dust clumps this little rake collected. Plus, it picked up smaller objects too, like Lego pieces, forgotten bits of wire, and dropped pistachio shells that would only cause trouble for the vacuum. 

In addition to a carpet rake, Anderson also suggests regularly cleaning any tangles that may have formed on the vacuum brush to extend the life of your vacuum. Her helpful tip: keep scissors or a seam ripper in the same area that you store your vacuum, so that maintenance can be quick and part of your cleaning routine.  

Thankfully, with regular use of this carpet rake, I’ve experienced fewer hair entanglements in my vacuum entirely, making the entire experience less of a challenge. Raking my carpet is an extra step, but I appreciate avoiding pricey vacuum repairs or having to outright replace it frequently. Plus, I only have to gently wipe it clean after use, and it fits easily in my hallway closet. Whether you too have long hair that challenges your vacuum, or you just want cleaner carpets overall, try adding a rake. Your carpet and cleaning tools will thank you.

Featured Image Credit: BanksPhotos/ iStock