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I write about cleaning and organizing, yes, but in real life, I also actually have to clean my home. Sometimes, that does mean using techniques and hacks, but other times, it just means rolling up my sleeves and getting to work. After three decades of life and bonus experience actually having to test and review products, I have some strong opinions. Here’s what I swear by when I clean my kitchen.
Update your sponge for maximum kitchen cleaning
It’s easy to snap up a plain old sponge at the corner store, so I’ll never turn my nose up at something available and cheap—but if you have the option, you should upgrade your sponge. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been obsessed with my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Foamy since I upgraded to this heavier-duty melamine sponge a few months ago. Melamine sponges like the Magic Eraser are, on their own, a superior alternative to any other kind of sponge for cleaning, since they tackle stains, scuffs, and sticky stuff with an ease no other sponge can match. The Extra Foamy, though, is a true beast among beasts. Every time I use one, I’m reminded how impressive it is. Kitchen messes stand absolutely no chance.
What makes these great are the little pods of foaming cleaner that are inserted in the sponge.
Look at those suds pods!
Credit: Lindsey Ellefson
For dishes and other general cleaning, I am also a big proponent of silicone sponges. They feel a little weird in the hand, yes, but their tendrils scrub gunk off things easily, plus they don’t get all gross after being wet repeatedly like normal sponges do. It’s also more eco-friendly, since they last forever. I’ve had mine for about five years.
The best cleaning products for your kitchen
Generally, you don’t need to be told that you should buy floor cleaner, but it’s still helpful to get someone’s opinion on the best one, so that’s what I’m here to provide. As I’ve discussed, I have been impressed by the new PineSol formulation, which is twice as concentrated as the original version. Not only do I notice this cutting through messes on the floor and flat surfaces a little easier than the PineSol I grew up with, but the scent is stronger, too, and for about $13, you can’t beat it. I use it about once a week, but don’t need to use as much, so I’m saving money by not having to re-up, as well. The bottle below has been in my rotation for about two months and still has plenty left.
Twice as concentrated!
Credit: Lindsey Ellefson
I also recommend a bottle of Brasso for all your metal needs. Yes, there are great hacks out there to spruce up your fixtures, but this seven-in-one polish is worth a pickup on your next shopping trip because it’s so easy to use. For under $5, it’s not a major splurge, but the impact it has on stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, and more is invaluable. Just use a little bit to start. You can always add more if you’re not getting your preferred result.
Fun and easy kitchen-cleaning gadgets
A few weeks ago, I picked up some silicone liners for my refrigerator. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but they’ve had an outsized impact on the cleanliness of my fridge just because they’re so much easier to clean than the shelves themselves. I can just remove my silicone sheets, let them hit room temp, and then much more easily get the spills off them in the sink. I got ones like these:
There are also some viral cleaning products out there that can make you feel like a CleanTok star. For instance, if you want a chuckle while you clean your microwave, the Angry Mama microwave steam cleaner ($5.88) is a social media favorite that can be filled with vinegar and water, then nuked for five to seven minutes to create a steam that removes caked-on gunk and water stains from inside your machine. Its funny little face is just a bonus.
For more hands-on cleaning, the Rubbermaid Reveal power scrubber ($19.98) is a scaled-down version of those viral electric scrubbing brushes you see all over social media, making it just right for cleaning sinks, tile grout, microwaves, and small spaces around the kitchen.
