5 Cleaning Products You Can Skip, According to Cleaning Experts

Maintaining a spotless home can be challenging, even with the vast selection of cleaning products available today. While it may seem like you need an extensive collection of sprays, powders, and concentrates, many of those items aren’t as essential as they appear. Sometimes, less is more. According to the experts, here are six cleaning products you can easily do without.

Furniture Polish

Robin Murphy from ChirpChirp House Cleaning in White Plains, NY advises against purchasing furniture polish. She explains, "Most wood furniture nowadays is coated with a protective seal, making it easy to simply dust or wipe down with a damp cloth."

In fact, these products might even be counterproductive. Murphy explains, "Certain polishes, oils, and waxes aren’t needed and can leave a residue that makes surfaces look dull or, even worse, sticky — rather than improving the finish."

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

While the toilet bowl is undeniably one of the dirtiest areas in our homes, it doesn’t require a specialized cleaner. Murphy recommends using baking soda or Barkeeper's Friend, which works wonders on various surfaces around the home. "Barkeeper’s Friend is great for cleaning and deodorizing toilets without relying on harsh chemicals," she says.

Nicola Davies from Tranquil Home Cleaning Services in San Diego, CA suggests that your go-to all-purpose cleaner and a little elbow grease can handle toilet cleaning just as effectively as a dedicated toilet bowl cleaner.

Oven Cleaner

Unless your oven is very old or lacks a self-cleaning feature, there's no real need to stock oven cleaner. Murphy explains, "For most ovens, commercial cleaners with harsh chemicals and strong fumes aren't necessary." She suggests creating a paste from baking soda or Barkeeper's Friend and water. Apply it to the greasy spots in the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a scouring pad or brush.

Glass Cleaner

While it’s great when windows, mirrors, and furniture gleam without streaks, Davies points out that glass cleaner isn’t essential to achieve this. "Although I prefer using an eco-friendly, store-bought glass cleaner, it’s not a must. A simple vinegar and water mixture can work just as well," she says. For small spots like fingerprints or water splashes on bathroom mirrors, plain water may suffice.

Disposable Wipes

Cleaning wipes can be useful in certain situations, like when you're on the go, but for the most part, they're an unnecessary expense. Since they're single-use, they’re also not the most eco-friendly option. A good cleaning spray paired with a microfiber cloth will do the job just as well and save you money over time.