Discover the best cleaning supplies that actually work—recommended by real people! This post has everything you need to clean smarter, not harder.
I’ve tried all the fancy bathroom cleaners—the ones with words like “power scrub” and “soap scum destroyer” on the bottle—but nothing worked on my glass shower doors. I was starting to think they were just supposed to look foggy forever.
And then… I tried vinegar.
Just regular vinegar mixed with water at a 50/50 ratio.
I sprayed it on, let it sit for a few minutes, scrubbed in circular motions with a cleaning brush, then wiped it down—and suddenly I could see through my glass again like it was brand new.
I shared the whole thing on Instagram, and WOW did you all come through with even more cleaning hacks and holy grail products…like cleaning my shower floor with toilet bowl cleaner.
Some of your suggestions were things I already had under my sink, and others had me adding to cart immediately.
So here it is: the best cleaning supplies and combos to have in your home—according to people who actually use them.
Vinegar: The Queen of Clean
“I clean my whole house with vinegar. My favorite non-toxic cleaning solution!”
“I don’t know if anyone has shared this but, vinegar is the mother of nature cleaners!”
“That’s all I use in my steamer too.”
How to use it: For general cleaning, pour vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz directly on glass, tile, or stainless steel. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping. You can also use it in steam cleaners or mop buckets.
Best for: Glass shower doors, mirrors, floors, faucets, and even inside appliances like your coffee maker or washing machine.
Vinegar + Baking Soda (and Sometimes Salt!)
“Add baking soda to the vinegar for the floor. I’ve been doing this for a few years too and it’s a game changer!!”
“Baking soda and vinegar literally the best at everything. Add salt too.”
How to use it: Sprinkle baking soda directly on the surface, then spray with vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps lift grime and stains. Add a pinch of salt for extra grit when scrubbing.
Best for: Bathtubs, sinks, stovetops, grout lines, and even deodorizing garbage disposals and drains.
Buy a gallon of baking soda to have on hand for cleaning.
Baking Soda + Blue Dawn Dish Soap
“Baking soda & blue Dawn. Just sprinkle the powder, drizzle the soap & it’ll make a paste consistency when you’re scrubbing. When I cleaned houses in college, we only used hot water, blue dawn, white vinegar & baking soda. I swear you don’t need anything else to clean!”
How to use it: Combine equal parts vinegar and blue Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle for a powerful cleaner. For extra scrubbing power, mix into a paste with baking soda directly on the surface.
Best for: Soap scum in showers and tubs, greasy kitchen messes, and hard water build-up. It’s also great for deep-cleaning sinks and shower floors.
Bar Keepers Friend
“Bar keepers liquid for the bottom.”
How to use it: Wet the surface first, then apply the liquid Bar Keepers Friend. Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid using on nonstick or delicate finishes unless labeled safe.
Best for: Stainless steel sinks, white porcelain tubs, glass cooktops, tile, and even rust spots on metal.
Lysol Power Bowl Cleaner for Showers(Yes, Really!)
“Lysol power bowl cleaner. Swear by it! I use it in all my showers.”
“Lysol lime and rust toilet bowl cleaner with the black bottle/top… I clean my toilet and shower bottom with it and it works great!”
How to use it: Apply like you would in a toilet—around the rim or edges—then let sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing. Always wear gloves and ventilate well.
Best for: Toilet bowls (obviously), but also shower pans, tiled floors with mineral build-up, and tough stains on the bottom of tubs and showers. Be careful with grout though – toilet bowl cleaner can damage grout over time.
Buy Lysol Power Bowl Cleaner.
Buy Lysol Lime & Rust Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
The Pink Stuff (But Only the Paste!)
“Try the pink cleaner paste in the tub container, NOT the pink cleaner in the squirt bottle because the liquid is TRASH.”
How to use it: Scoop a small amount of The Pink Stuff paste onto a sponge or cloth and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water or wipe away with a damp cloth.
Best for: Glass cooktops, oven doors, sinks, and even marks on walls or baseboards. Just skip the liquid version—trust us.
Universal Stone
“Universal stone off Amazon. It’s pricey but NOTHING compares. Everyone raves about the pink stuff and I’ve tried it and it doesn’t compare. It’s like a lesser wannabe version. same with the scrub daddy cleaner. Universal stone still #1.”
How to use it: Wet the included Universal Stone sponge, rub it into the stone to create a foam, and scrub your surface. Rinse well and buff dry for shine.
Best for: Stainless steel appliances, faucets, countertops, sinks, and stove tops. Great for polishing and deep cleaning in one step.
Magic Erasers + Dawn Powerwash
“Magic erasers and Dawn Powerwash are good to have in the arsenal as well.”
How to use them: Wet a Magic Eraser and gently scrub scuffs, smudges, or sticky spots. Dawn Powerwash can be sprayed directly on messes—just spray, let sit a few seconds, and wipe.
Best for: Walls, baseboards, doors, light switches, greasy backsplashes, and basically anywhere grime builds up. Dawn Powerwash is even great for removing oily stains from clothes!
Buy Magic Erasers.
Buy Dawn Powerwash.
The Little Green Bissell
“The little green bissell is ESSENTIAL for spot cleaning carpet and fabric furniture!!!! It’s a miracle!!”
How to use it: Fill The Little Green Bissell with water and cleaning solution, spray on your stain, then use the suction feature to pull dirt and moisture out. Empty and rinse the tank after each use.
Best for: Upholstery, car seats, area rugs, pet accidents, and random spills (because life happens).
Cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive–and it definitely doesn’t need 37 bottles under your sink. Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones. (Looking at you, vinegar.)
So if you’re on the hunt for a few tried-and-true cleaning products to add to your routine, start here. These are the ones people actually swear by—and now I do, too.
Did your favorite make the list? Tell me your best cleaning hacks in the comments or DM me on Instagram—I love a good “wow, that worked” moment.
And if you’re into this kind of practical, real-life advice, be sure to subscribe to my email list. I promise to send only useful stuff—and maybe a few surprise favorites along the way.
