Scripps News Life

Actions

15 Life-changing Cleaning Products For People Who Hate Cleaning

15 Life-changing Cleaning Products For People Who Hate Cleaning
Posted
and last updated

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.

While you might not list housekeeping as one of your favorite pastimes, you probably love the satisfaction and peace of mind gained from having a sparkling clean house. A cleaning schedule and good habits are the keys to a spotless home, but useful tools and gadgets can make the process easier. Check out these cleaning products that are effective, efficient and even enjoyable to use. Bonus: they’re easy on your budget, too.

1. Scouring Brush

Stainless steel scouring pads are effective on pots and pans, sinks and other surfaces, but they can be rough on your hands. These scrubbers have an optional handle that can be attached and detached as you use them up. Get a 12-pack with the handle for $14.99.

Amazon

2. Microwave Steam Cleaner

The splattered remnants of frozen burritos, leftovers and who knows what coat the interiors of many microwaves. This fun gadget — which works like an erupting volcano — makes light work of microwave cleanup. You simply fill it with water and vinegar and microwave it for a few minutes and you’ll be able to easily wipe any stuck-on food away. You can get it for $11.99.

Amazon

3. Double-Sided Window Cleaner

This tool simplifies the cleaning of hard-to-reach exterior windows with the help of strong magnets, allowing you to clean both sides of the glass at the same time. It works by placing one side on the exterior side of the window and the other side on the interior side, allowing the magnet to hold them together while you wipe from one side. You can find many versions of this kind of tool for $40 or more but this one is only $8.39.

Amazon

4. Sticky Cleaning Gel

If you spend a lot of time on your computer, there’s probably a lot of dust, crumbs and other debris in your keyboard. This lemon-scented gooey gel picks up those little bits and is great for cleaning other surfaces, as well, like your car’s vents. It won’t stick to your hands or leave a residue and can be reused many times until it turns dark and needs to be replaced. You can get a jar of it for $6.99.

Amazon

5. Chainmail Scrubber

Nothing cooks quite like cast iron, but you have to take great care when cleaning it. This chainmail scrubber promises to remove the grime without stripping the seasoning. At $12.49, it makes a great investment in one of your most trusty kitchen tools!

Amazon

6. Car Duster

Getting into your car’s crevices is a breeze with these convenient gizmos, which have a (washable) vent cleaner on one end and a dusting brush on the other. They are also great at cleaning keyboards and blinds. You can get a three-pack for $7.99.

Amazon

7. Microfiber Dusting Glove

Wipe dust, dirt and grime right off your window coverings — or any surface — with this “handy” cleaning product. It sells for $8.99 and comes highly recommended.

Amazon

8. Pan Scrapers

Who likes soaking their pots and pans overnight in the hope that stuck-on gunk will loosen up? These tough-yet-gentle scrapers make that a thing of the past and can even get into the edges of your cookware. They are also recommended for use with cast iron skillets. A four-pack sells for $14.55.

Amazon

9. Crumb Sweeper

Cleaning up the dinner table is a tedious chore, and half of the crumbs fall on the floor, causing even more work for you. This practical gadget — which looks like a computer mouse — can sweep away the mess with its twin rollers. You can get one for less than $4.

Amazon

10. Silicone Scrubber

Slip this dual-sided scrubbing tool onto your fingers and clean a plethora of surfaces, from makeup brushes to furniture to laundry and more. The manufacturer even says you can use it as a pet grooming tool or an exfoliating loofah in the shower! You can get one for $9.99 in a variety of colors.

Amazon

11. Reusable Burner Protectors

Some messes are easier to prevent than to clean. Keep your gas stove spotless with these heat-resistant, reusable liners that can be run through your dishwasher when they get too grimy. The prep work is pretty easy and just requires you to measure and cut before sticking them down. A pack of 10 liners sells for $14.99.

Amazon

12. Panini Press Brush

Indoor grills and sandwich presses, and even waffle makers, let you make all sorts of delicious dishes, but they can be difficult to clean. This brush has bristles that are safe for non-stick surfaces on one side and a silicone scraper on the other for fast and easy cleanup. It’s listed at less than $14.

Amazon

13. Fridge Cleaner

Your refrigerator likely collects its fair share of spills and other grungy messes. This comical cleaning product looks like a woman wearing winter gear and simply sits in your fridge and works its magic. It uses only water and vinegar to soften the grime without resorting to harmful chemicals. For $12.98 it even comes with a similar microwave cleaner and cleaning cloth.

Amazon

14. Cutlery Scrubber

Knives should never go in the dishwasher or soak in the sink. You can instead clean them without any hassle using this handy cutlery scrubber, which safely wipes both sides of a blade simultaneously. It can also be used to wash silverware and chop sticks. At $6.99 it’s tough to pass up.

Amazon

15. Extendable Duster

Your house isn’t really clean unless it’s been dusted and scrubbed from top to bottom. This cleaning tool can extend up to 100 inches and lets you dust baseboards, high shelves and other hard-to-reach trim around your home without breaking your back. It’s also hand-washable and normally sells for $14.99.

Amazon

Tidying up doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. You simply need to find the right tools for the job and for your budget.

This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.