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There are so many cleaning products on store shelves that it can be hard to tell which ones are actually worth buying. There’s a spray for nearly every surface, along with wipes, gadgets, specialty tools, and laundry add-ons that promise to make cleaning easier.
The problem is that many of these products do little more than duplicate something you already have at home. Some are expensive to replace, some create unnecessary waste, and others simply aren’t as useful as their packaging makes them seem.
Before filling your shopping cart with another collection of cleaning supplies, take a look at these 10 products. In many cases, a simpler and less expensive option can get the job done just as well.
Single-Use Cleaning Wipes
Cleaning wipes are handy for quick messes, but the cost adds up when you use them regularly. You’re paying for the cleaning solution, the packaging, and a new disposable wipe every time you clean.
A washable microfiber cloth paired with a suitable household cleaner can handle most of the same jobs. You can wash the cloth and use it again instead of throwing it away after every spill or wipe-down.
Related: How to Clean a Wood Cutting Board
Specialized Cleaners
There seems to be a separate bottle for every room and surface: tile cleaner for the bathroom, kitchen cleaner for the counters, wood cleaner for furniture, and more.
You usually don’t need quite so many bottles taking up space under the sink. A good all-purpose cleaner can handle plenty of everyday jobs, provided it’s safe for the surface you’re cleaning. Clorox and Lysol are two familiar examples, but store-brand alternatives can also be worth checking out.
The key is to read the label and match the cleaner to the surface rather than assuming every cleaner works everywhere.
Feather Dusters
Feather dusters look like they belong in an old-fashioned cleaning kit, but they aren’t always the most practical way to deal with dust.
A dry microfiber cloth can pick up dust from shelves, tables, furniture, and other surfaces without sending as much of it into the air. It can also be washed and reused, while a feather duster can become dirty and worn over time.
For a small household cleaning job, a washable cloth is usually all you need.
Related: 15 Ways To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums can be convenient, especially for keeping floors tidy between deeper cleanings. But they aren’t the right fit for every home.
Homes with lots of pet hair, thick rugs, crumbs, stairs, clutter, or uneven flooring can give some robot vacuums a hard time. You may also end up spending more on a robot vacuum while still needing another vacuum for corners, furniture, stairs, and bigger messes.
A good cordless stick vacuum or upright vacuum with useful attachments may be a better buy if you want one machine that can handle a wider range of cleaning jobs.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners can make a room smell nicer for a while, but they don’t actually remove the source of most odors. They simply cover them with fragrance.
Before reaching for an air freshener, deal with whatever is causing the smell. Baking soda can help with some household odors, while good ventilation can make a big difference in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where smells tend to linger.
If you enjoy scented products, there are plenty of options, but you don’t need an air freshener for every room in the house.
Related: 13 Things Around Your Home That Rubbing Alcohol Can Clean
Dish Scrubbers With Soap Dispensers
A dish scrubber with a built-in soap reservoir sounds convenient, but the little mechanisms can stop working, leak, or break. Once that happens, you’re left replacing the whole tool or buying another refill.
A basic sponge, dish brush, or scrubber paired with your regular dish soap can handle the same everyday jobs. These tools are inexpensive and easy to replace when they eventually wear out.
Sometimes the simplest dishwashing setup is the one that causes the fewest headaches.
Laundry Detergent Pods
Laundry pods are convenient because there’s no measuring involved, but convenience comes at a price. Depending on the brand and package size, pods can cost more per load than liquid or powdered detergent.
They can also be a poor choice for households that need to adjust the amount of detergent for smaller loads. With liquid detergent, you have more control over how much you use.
For a better deal, compare the cost per load rather than the price of the package. A reliable store-brand liquid detergent can often give you plenty of cleaning power without paying extra for individual pods.
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Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners seem like an easy fix for a clogged sink, but they aren’t always the best first choice. Strong chemicals can be hard on some plumbing materials, and they won’t necessarily remove the cause of the blockage.
For a slow or clogged sink, start with a plunger. A drain snake can also physically pull out hair and other debris that is causing the problem.
If the clog keeps coming back or you suspect a deeper plumbing problem, calling a plumber may save you from making the situation worse.
Disposable Toilet Brushes
Disposable toilet wands can make bathroom cleaning feel quick and convenient, but the replacement heads can become an ongoing expense. You’re also throwing away another piece of plastic every time you clean.
A sturdy reusable toilet brush can last for years with proper care. Choose one with a replaceable head if you’d rather avoid replacing the entire brush.
A simple toilet brush, toilet cleaner, and regular cleaning routine are usually enough to keep the bowl clean without constantly buying refill packs.
Laundry Scent Boosters
Laundry scent boosters are one of those products that can be easy to mistake for a cleaning necessity. They don’t actually wash your clothes, though. Their main purpose is to leave behind a stronger fragrance.
If your clothes are already clean and smell fresh after washing, there may be little reason to add another product to the load. Some people also find heavily scented laundry products irritating or unpleasant.
If you like a little fragrance, wool dryer balls can be a reusable option, though you should be careful about adding essential oils to anything that will come into contact with heat. For many households, regular detergent and clean laundry are all that’s needed.
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