Cleaning Products We Actually Love (and Why They Work)

Floors

Start with a good vacuum or sweep first, even on bare floors. Removing dust, hair, and crumbs makes mopping or spot cleaning much more effective.

• Hardwood: Murphy’s (No-Rinse) Squirt & Mop. Gentle, no buckets needed, and it won’t wreck the finish. Just avoid soaking the wood or using steam mops.
• LVP & Vinyl Sheet Flooring: Spic & Span or a neutral-pH vinyl-safe cleaner. Keep it simple—skip the waxes and oil soaps that leave a greasy film.
• Tile: Spic & Span works here, too. For grout, see below (spoiler: it’s magic).
• Carpet: Resolve Carpet Cleaner or Folex Instant Spot Remover. Folex is basically a miracle for coffee spills.

Counters

• Quartz: A squirt of dish soap and water, or a non-abrasive cleaner like Simple Green. Avoid using bleach, vinegar, or powders, as these can dull the shine.
• Laminate: Formula 409 or Simple Green. Wipe it down, avoid scrubbing pads, and keep excess water away from the seams.
• Tile: Any good all-purpose cleaner works. For grout, use Magic Grout Cleaner and a nylon brush; it makes grout look brand-new with minimal elbow grease.

Kitchens

• Stovetops & Cabinets: Krud Kutter Kitchen. Safe, tough on grease, and won’t strip finishes.
• Inside the Oven: Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. Important: only inside the oven. Do not spray this on stovetops, cabinets, or any painted surfaces.

Bathrooms

• Showers, Sinks, & Tubs: Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover, The Pink Stuff Foam Cleanser, or Lysol Bathroom Cleaner. All cut through soap scum fast.
• Grout: Yes, it gets its own shout-out. Magic Grout Cleaner + nylon scrub brush = sparkling grout with way less effort than you think.

Glass and Mirrors

Keep glass and mirrors streak-free with the right cleaner and cloth.

• Windex: A classic choice that works well on most mirrors and glass surfaces.
• E-cloth for Windows & Glass: A reusable microfiber option that only needs water and leaves a streak-free finish.

Tips: Spray cleaner onto your cloth instead of directly on mirrors or windows with wooden frames to avoid drips that could damage the wood. Always use a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel for the best results.

Kitchen & Kitchen Appliances

• White Appliances (standard finish): A mild all-purpose cleaner (like Simple Green or Formula 409) works best. Avoid abrasives, which can scratch and dull the surface.
• Stainless Steel Appliances (if applicable): Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami, or The Pink Stuff. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
• Inside the Oven & Refrigerator:
• Remove racks, shelves, and drawers. Place them in the bathtub (line it with an old towel to prevent scratching) and soak them in warm water with dish soap.
• Wipe down the interior with a gentle all-purpose cleaner or baking soda paste.
• Avoid harsh oven sprays on anything but the oven cavity itself—never on racks, shelves, or fridge interiors.

Walls & Trim

• Scuffs & Marks: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (test a small spot first), Staedtler Mars Eraser, or Simple Green. Excellent for baseboards, too.

Sticky Stuff:

• Adhesive Residue: Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol. Handy for removing sticker glue and tape marks. Test first to avoid dulling paint or finishes.

Final Tip:

The right product makes cleaning faster and easier, but consistency matters too. It’s important to maintain your housekeeping so that when it’s time to move out, the process is not harder than it needs to be. A little routine effort now can save hours of scrubbing later and help you get your full security deposit back.