By Lindsey M. Roberts Washington Post
If only we could use one cleaning product to get our homes spick and span. Alas, its just not possible, says Carolyn Forte, home appliances and cleaning products director at Good Housekeeping.
Different areas have different soils that need different cleaners, she explains. Multisurface cleaners are the most versatile, cleaning counters, walls, appliances and more, but for bathrooms, carpets, windows and wood floors, you really need cleaners that are safe yet effective on those surfaces.
We asked five expert cleaners, including a professional organizer and a housekeeper, what they keep in their house-cleaning kits.
Organized people tend to be clean people, and Amber Kostelny, a professional organizer in Chicago, knows why: The more organized someone is, the easier it is to clean. The less clutter is out, the easier it is to clean and sanitize surfaces. One of her favorite tough cleaners is Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner ($1.99 for 24 ounces, target.com). She finds it works especially well on hard-water stains.
As owners of Handmaiden Cleaning in Walla Walla, and founders of the American House Cleaners Association, Grace and Kevin Reynolds are picky about the products they recommend for their own cleaners and others in the industry. A favorite is Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser Powder ($1.93 for 21 ounces, walmart.com). Its excellent at cleaning stainless steel, removing hard-water buildup and stains on glass and tile, Grace says. They will sometimes create a paste on a rag with the cleanser, an essential oil and a few drops of Dawn soap, and they make sure to wipe in the direction of the stainless steels grain.
For windows, Gay Browne, author of Living With a Green Heart: How to Keep Your Body, Your Home and the Planet Healthy in a Toxic World, uses Aspen Cleans Natural Glass Cleaner ($7.99 for 22 ounces, cleaningproducts.aspenclean.com). Leaving no window streaks (only a lime scent), the product is made of biodegradable, plant-derived ingredients. For more house-cleaning products, Browne recommends taking a look at the Environmental Working Groups top-rated products list (ewg.org).
One of the most versatile cleaners we have ever tested at Good Housekeeping is Simple Green, Forte says ($4.97 for 32 ounces, homedepot.com). It can be diluted for lots of different household uses and it works very well on a wide variety of stains and soils. Although dilution and instructions vary for different surfaces, Forte says the payoff is fewer bottles in the cleaning closet.
Clients with allergies ask Maxine Mills of MaxAll Cleaning Services in Florida to use products sensitive to their needs. Mills has allergies, too, and has started using citrus-based Lemi Shine Shower and Tile Cleaner for fighting mold and mildew in bathrooms ($4.09 for 28 ounces, walmart.com). It leaves a great smell without being overpowering, she says.
More:
Five experts come clean about products they keep in their kits - The Spokesman-Review
- Hero window cleaner rescues non-swimmer who had fallen into river - Wales Online - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Simple and effective method for cleaning your mousepad 'Works better than you'd expect' - Express - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Police warning as man arrested in connection with alleged window cleaning scam in Gateshead - Chronicle Live - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- Meet the AI-powered robots that could change the multibillion-dollar window-cleaning industry forever - Fortune - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- This robot window cleaner from Ecovacs is what CES is all about - ZDNet - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Is Vinegar The Secret To Dazzling Clean Windows? - House Digest - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- 'Powerful' 65p window cleaning solution cuts through grime and dirt to leave glass sparkling - The Mirror - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- He Deserves Those Tips: Internet In Awe Of Car Cleaner Dressed As Spider-Man - News18 - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Cleaner gets windows 'streak-free' with 40p item that isn't white vinegar - Daily Record - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Aberdeen mother and son launch drone window cleaning business - The Press & Journal - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Hobot-R3 window cleaning robot does a great job (cleaning review) - CyberShack - December 20th, 2023 [December 20th, 2023]
- Spiderman Robot Said To Be The Future Of Window Cleaning - ECJ - European Cleaning Journal - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Never Thought Id Be This Impressed by a Robotic Window Cleaner, but Here I Am - Gizmodo Australia - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Get streak-free windows that sparkle using cleaning enthusiasts holy grail method - Express - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- 7 Natural Kitchen Cleaning Products to Try | Kitchn - The Kitchn - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Window Washing Expert is a Premier Company Offering First Rate ... - Digital Journal - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Give Your Windows Faux Frames With The Electrical Tape Hack - House Digest - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Accused killer's slain parents asked for him to serve probation near ... - Bangor Daily News - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Rochester auto shop cleaning up after theft led to police chase - 13WHAM-TV - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Professional cleaner reveals the feature she'd never have in her house: 'It's a nightmare to clean' - Daily Mail - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Housekeeper's Car Stolen Outside Home She Was Cleaning, Then Used in Bank Robbery - NBC Southern California - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Patch App team with Burnley FC for military veterans scheme - Telegraph and Argus - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- UK Professional Cleaning (Sanitization & Disinfectant) Products Market will be Reach at a Highest CAGR by 2031 - openPR - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- The 10 Best Window Cleaning Services in Rocklin, CA 2022 - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Window Cleaning | Jim's Window Cleaning Services - 131 546 - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Window Cleaning Service Bluefield, WV Pro-Clean Window Cleaning - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Window Cleaning Plano - Plano Window Cleaning & Glass Repair - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Globe Window Cleaning, Columbus Ohio Window Cleaners - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost? - Angi - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- 10 Telescopic Or Extendable Window Cleaning Pole Reviews - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- 20+ Window Cleaning Contract Template & Forms (Word, PDF) - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- 5 Best Window Cleaners in Cleveland, OH - Kev's Best - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Wrexham window cleaner giving back to the community by sprucing up dirty roadsigns - Wrexham.com - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Sidestepping the Pitfalls of Seasonal Hiring An Employers Guide to Bringing Aboard Minors, Interns, and Volunteers this Summer - JD Supra - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Commercial Robotic Cleaners Market 2022 In-depth Assessment, Industry Drivers, Future Roadmap by 2030 The Greater Binghamton Business Journal - The... - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- How to clean rust off metal with baking soda - two best methods to banish stubborn rust - Express - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Gogglebox fans call for Giles and Mary to be cut from show 'Need to go' - Express - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Cat's Adorable Interaction With Window Cleaner Melts Hearts Online - Newsweek - October 5th, 2021 [October 5th, 2021]
- The Window Washing Routine That Will Keep Your Glass Spotless - Yahoo Lifestyle - October 5th, 2021 [October 5th, 2021]
- Window Glass Falls From 45th Story of The Avery In Downtown SF, Shatters On Ground - California News Times - October 5th, 2021 [October 5th, 2021]
- 7 Different Types of Lifts for Construction | CK - Construction Kenya - October 5th, 2021 [October 5th, 2021]
- UW study provides rare window into work life of app-based drivers during pandemic - UW News - October 5th, 2021 [October 5th, 2021]
- Window Cleaning Robot Market Strategic Growth Initiatives, Near-term and Long-term Growth Prospects, Competition Structure and Market Structure - The... - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Global Glass Cleaning Robots Market to 2026 Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper - KSU | The... - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Cleaning tips: Expert shares the 'best' way to clean windows and leave them streak-free - Express - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Current Scenario of Cleaning Services Market by Trends, Drivers, Strategies, Applications and Competitive Landscape The Bisouv Network - The Bisouv... - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Harrowing year couldn't break their bond | News | thecentralvirginian.com - The Central Virginian - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Who is the third best Grizzlies player? - Grizzly Bear Blues - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Window cleaning: Mrs Hinch fans share how to clean UPVC windows and doors - Express - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Window Cleaning Cloths Market Segmentation By Qualitative And Quantitative Research Incorporating Impact Of Economic And Non-Economic Aspects By 2027... - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Bloke gives his car homemade tinted windows using three items youll already have in your cupboards, heres ho - The Sun - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Self-Cleaning Window Market Size by Top Key Players, SWOT Analysis, Business Overview, Forecast 2027 The Bisouv Network - The Bisouv Network - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Man gives his car 'tinted' windows using three household items - Ammon News - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Man gives his car 'tinted' windows using three household items and it cost less than 10 - Mirror Online - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- What can I clean my TV screen with? The FOUR best solutions - Express - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Comprehensive Report on Cleaning Services Market 2021 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2027 | Cleaning Africa Services, Perfect... - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Leave the Capitol damaged to remind us how fragile our democracy is - Newsday - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Autonomous mobile robots doing the dirty work - ZDNet - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Distilled vinegar cleaning hacks that will save you money - Heart - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Disinfecting a Car to Protect Against Germs, Coronavirus - Healthline - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- How to clean tarnished copper pans using clever ketchup cleaning hack - Express - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Start spring cleaning on the cheap: Save up to $130 on a Neato robot vacuum - CNET - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Automotive Cleaning Brushes Market Competitive Insights, Demand and Supply Analysis 2021 to 2027 KSU | The Sentinel Newspaper - KSU | The Sentinel... - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- How to clean a stove top remove grease from glass or gas cooktops with baking soda and more - Real Homes - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Some of Oklahoma's CARES Act money went to cleaning windows, welcome centers - kfor.com - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Window cleaner stole from pensioner after having cup of tea with her - Nottinghamshire Live - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Can you clean with white wine vinegar? 12 things you can and CANT clean with vinegar - Express - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Professional Cleaning Robots Market 2021-2025: Future Growth Scenario, Technology, Business Analysis by GE Inspection Robotics, Robotic Tank Cleaning,... - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Services available in Ravalli County to help seniors through the pandemic - Insurance News Net - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Generational Business: Reliable Maintenance has been keeping the North clean for more than 60 years - SooToday - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Cleaning, designing and staging the house - nj.com - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- 5 Best Window Cleaners in Jacksonville - Kev's Best - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- Time To Start Fresh: Follow These Steps To Deep Clean Your Space : Life Kit - NPR - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- How to clean windows with white vinegar - Express - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- Banned driver jailed after getting behind the wheel to collect window cleaning equipment - North Wales Live - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- Cleaning Robots Market to Remain Lucrative During 2020-2026 - The Courier - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- No one wants to do it but here are tips for deep cleaning your bathroom - Utica Observer Dispatch - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- The best beard trimmers for 2021: Wahl, Remington and Brio make the cut - CNET - January 20th, 2021 [January 20th, 2021]
- Glass Cleaning System Market 2020 to Soar Across Top Countries in the Globe: Ipceagle, Unger Global, Abc Window Cleaning Supply - The Courier - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]
- Automatic Window Cleaning System Market Will Generate Massive Revenue In Future: IPC Eagle Corporation, Ecovacs, HOBOT, ZhengZhou BangHao - BIZNEWS - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]