Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing ... spring cleaning! When you feel that sudden urge to make everything look shiny and smell fresh, you're going to need cleaning products that can keep up with you. If you have the tools, nothing can slow down your quest to have a squeaky clean house. Who knows? The five-second rule may become the one-minute rule on your kitchen floor.
Here are the 12 items that everyone should have in their cleaning arsenal.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
1. Vacuum
There is nothing more satisfying than getting all those little crumbs off of the floor. Investing in a powerful vacuum saves you hours of sweeping and can cover a lot of surface area. Make sure you find one that's easy to navigate around furniture, can be used on both floors and carpets, and is effective. This is the only time you want a tool that sucks.
Our Pick: Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum, $355.99
2. Broom and Dustpan
The tried-and-true broom and dustpan set are a lifesaver when something spills. Save yourself from a sore back by choosing one that has an adjustable height and has a good seal with your floor. Nothing's worse than creating a perfect debris pile, only to have it wrecked by a dustpan that can't collect.
3. Duster
Dust is one of those things you don't notice until a beam of sunlight flashes through your window and you're met with an unsightly space. Keep surfaces dust-free with the humble duster — and pro tip: Invest in one with a handle that can adjusted for hard-to-reach surfaces, so you can ensure your house is completely dust-free.
4. Microfiber Towels
Microfiber towels are an effective, sustainable, and gentle way to clean almost everything in your house. Keep it dry and wipe down your TV or use one to shine up your coffee table with a bit of cleaner. Plus, once you make these miracle towels a part of your cleaning routine, you'll start using way fewer paper towels.
5. Mop
When you need a floor to be clean, you need a mop. The old mop and bucket are so last year, so treat yourself to an easy-to-use Swiffer Wetjet. Replacing the bottom pad, squirting the water from the handle, and easily getting a clean kitchen floor is all so oddly satisfying. Mopping might even become a task that you look forward to.
Our pick: Swiffer WetJet Mop Starter Kit, $22.99
6. Toilet Cleaner
It's not the sexiest thing in the world, but we all need it. Toilets have a way of getting gross quickly, so you want to be prepared for when that awkward ring starts forming. Make sure you go for an antibacterial cleaner to ensure the bowl is free from germs and ready for action.
Our pick: Method Toilet Cleaner, $5.49
7. Multi-Surface Cleaner
When you're in the cleaning mood, sometimes you just want one bottle that cleans everything. A multi-surface cleaner is great when you're short on time, but your house is feeling a little icky. Try and find an all-natural one that smells great, as you'll be putting this everywhere. Some cleaning ideas for this product are your countertop, bathroom sink, and coffee table.
8. Glass Cleaner
No one likes to look through a cloudy window or into a streaked mirror. Luckily, bringing your clear surfaces back to shiny life is ridiculously easy with a good glass cleaner.
Our pick: Windex Glass Cleaner, $2.97
9. Disinfecting Wipes
Germs are everywhere, and after a year like 2020, we're all hyperaware of the pathogens in our houses. Disinfecting wipes keep everything sanitary without taking up too much of your time. Clean popular surfaces like doorknobs or even give your phone a little wipedown. A healthy family and a clean home 100% go hand-in-hand.
Our pick: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (pack of 3), $16.45
10. Drain Cleaner
Drains get clogged — especially if you have long hair. If your shower is collecting more water than it should, it's time to get some drain cleaner. This product will help regularly break up whatever is clogging your pipe, so you don't have to call in the big guns to fix a major issue.
11. Toilet Brush
Your toilet needs a little love pretty often, especially if it's the one that your entire household always uses. Once you pick up your favorite toilet cleaner, grab yourself a brush so you can really make that thing shine.
Our pick: Blomus Essential Toilet Brush, $44
12. Spot Stain Remover
There's nothing worse than spilling a drop of food or drink on a piece of furniture or rug (unless a guest does the spilling). A universal spot stain remover will help you avoid the panic phase and immediately fix the problem.