One to-do list we frequently complete for clients is cleaning, which has allowed us to try many supplies and form strong opinions about them! Here are some of our favorites right now at Sarah Mohr, Personal Concierge! (Full Disclosure: We are not endorsed by any of these products. We just like using them!)
Best for Dust:
Swiffer Duster Wand/Pledge Spray
This is a toss up between the Swiffer Duster Wand and Pledge. It depends on what type of result you’re looking for. The Swiffer wand allows you to go much more quickly. You can get into small spaces and easily get around frames and knick knacks; however, some of the dust seems to settle back onto the surfaces. Pledging surfaces removes more dust, but definitely takes longer. Also not every surface can take Pledge - like TV screens or some finishes on tables… So definitely use caution when spraying Pledge!
Best for Glass/Mirrors:
Vinegar
Mix 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water to clean mirrors and glass. Spray the surface with the mixture, wipe it down, and then wipe with a clean dry cloth. Boom. So clean.
Best for Overall Bathroom Cleaning:
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray
The bathroom can be one of the hardest places to keep clean in the house and this cleaner does a surprisingly good job especially in the shower. Bonus- it has a very pleasant smell!
Best for Shower Metal and Glass:
Bar Keepers Friend Liquid Cleaner
Water stains on metal and glass can be one of the most frustrating things to clean in a house. If you don’t stay on top of wiping these surfaces down every time they get wet, you will get water stains, and the longer they stay there, the harder they are to remove. Bar Keeper’s Friend to the rescue! This magical product removes water stains without a ton of effort and restores shining metal and glass in the shower, kitchen or anywhere else. Put some of the liquid cleaner on a rag, scrub the water-stained surface, and then spray with the vinegar/water mix and wipe. Wipe one final time with a clean, dry rag, and your surface is sparkling clean!
Best for the Toilet Bowl:
Clorox Bathroom Wand
Say goodbye to your gross bathroom brush. These disposable cleaners attach to a wand and make cleaning super easy. These are a must have.
Best for the Kitchen:
Formula 409 Multi-Surface Spray
This cleaner can cut through any kitchen grease and really most stains. If another product isn’t cutting it, 409 comes to the rescue almost every time!
Best for Stainless Steel:
Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes
These wipes are the answer for stubborn finger prints on stainless steel. Wipe the appliance with one of these wipes, then follow with a clean, dry cloth. IMPORTANT NOTE: Always wipe stainless steel with the grain of the steel. If you don’t follow the grain you will scratch the stainless steel. (Thank you, Beth Culkeen, for teaching me that!! :-D )
Best for the Floor:
Libman Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray
This floor cleaner does a great job of removing stains, smells great, and can be used on any floor type including wood and laminate. It doesn’t leave a sticky residue but does leave a sparkly clean floor! The best part is that Libman is based out of Arcola which is in Illinois near Champaign!
Best Mop:
Libman Freedom Spray Mop
This mop is awesome because it’s like a Swiffer mop but better. You can fill the spray holder with whatever cleaning solution you prefer and you can reuse the cleaning pads up to 100 times. The neck swivels so its great for getting into all areas and getting under and around furniture. LOVE IT!
Best Vacuum:
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe
This is a really tough one. Dyson has always been a favorite, but Shark has recently upped it’s vacuum game. The lift-away deluxe is super lightweight and can be used in several different ways. Many shark vacuums also have lights on them which really helps to see and catch dirt. Many models (including the Lift-Away Deluxe) are less expensive than Dysons and still do a very good job (if not better).
Other Favorite Household Products:
- Friendship Sheep Wool Dryer Balls: I recently switched to using these instead softener. They are reusable and don’t have a ton of chemicals in them. I put some essential oils on them before I throw them in the dryer, and the clothes come out soft and smelling awesome. (Shout out to Bryan and Kayla Banks who had these in their house and showed me their awesomeness!)
- Ikea Sponges: This is kind of weird, but I really like Ikea’s sponges and Swedish cleaning cloths. They last a long time and they are inexpensive.
- Target Brand (Up&up) Garbage Bags: They are strong and durable, and it’s very easy to pull the handles out to tie them when they’re full. (I have a hard time getting the ties pulled out on other brands, which I find annoying.)
Do you have a product or method you love to use around the house? Share it in the comments!