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These 5 household cleaning products are miracle workers for bathrooms and kitchens — trust me, I use them all

Sick of scrubbing? These five affordable cleaning products cut your cleaning time in half.

dawn platinum powerwash, sos steel wool pads, bar keeps friend soft cleanser
I am a clean freak — these are the five absolute best products for cleaning your home (Amazon Canada).

For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with cleaning. So much so that growing up, I was known as the designated cleaner in my family. I took the job very seriously and still do. There is something about a clean space that helps me focus and feel better.

As I have gotten older, my obsession with cleanliness remains; however, my energy levels for thorough jobs have gone down. That being said, the job still has to be done. So, now I work smarter, not harder.

Thankfully, just like everything else, cleaning products have evolved, which has made this an easy feat. It's all about minimal effort and high efficacy, which is exactly what these products provide. Not only do they cut down on cleaning time drastically, the results are nothing short of miracles.


Before and after of door using Dawn Powerwash (Photo via Sidra Sheikh)
Before and after of door using Dawn Powerwash (Photo via Sidra Sheikh)

I remember seeing this all over TikTok a few years ago. It went viral because of how easy it was to clean stubborn grease or other residue. 

It's been about three years since that video, and today, it's one of my household staples. While Dawn Powerwash is technically a dish spray, it can be used for almost anything. Just spray, wipe and rinse — minimal effort, yet miracle-working.

Make sure not to overuse this, though, because it can get soapy quickly, which can be a pain to rinse off. 

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Multi-purpose
  • Powerful
  • Works fast
  • Grease cutting
  • Fights tough stains
Cons
  • Strong smell if sprayed in close contact
  • Hard to rinse off if too much is used
$5 at Amazon
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$5 at Walmart

This is my go-to cleaner for areas where I am not sure what I should be using. It is safe to use around the house and is made from 100 per cent natural cleaning particles. 

It gets the job done and done well. The only downside is I wish it were antibacterial especially since I do tend to use it in the bathroom. The only areas it shouldn't be used are wood, aluminum and any worn or scratched surfaces. 

Pros
  • Can be used for almost anything
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Streak-free
  • Rinses off quickly
  • Smells good
Cons
  • It's not antibacterial
$4 at Walmart
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$11 at Amazon

Before and after cleaning stovetop with Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser (Photo via Sidra Sheikh)
Before and after cleaning my stovetop with Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser (Photo via Sidra Sheikh)

One of the things I always hated cleaning was my glass cooktop. There were too many steps involved and it never even looked that clean at the end. That is until I used the Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. 

When I tell you my stove looks brand new, I am not exaggerating. I had heard good things about this range of products, but I was not expecting it to be literal magic. 

You don't need to use a lot of product (or a lot of scrubbing!) — the cleanser does the heavy lifting. 

That said, it is quite abrasive, so wear some gloves because it can irritate the skin and leave a lingering smell. Also, skip the stainless steel areas on the stove. I learned the hard way that it strips the finish. 

Pros
  • Multi-use
  • Powerful
  • Easy to use
  • A little goes a long way
  • Fast-acting
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Abrasive
  • Lingering scent
$19 at Amazon

This magic mop is truly magic in how easy it makes cleaning the shower and bathtub. Just add a cleaner to the pad and scrub away. 

The pad is removable, which makes it easy to clean after using or using handheld for fixtures. 

I will say it is best to remove the pad immediately after use and keep the pole out of water. I tried storing it in my shower for easy access and the pole retained too much water overtime and now leaks, which gets messy. 

Pros
  • Telescopic pole
  • Affordable
  • Refills aren't expensive
  • Long-lasting
  • Swivel feature for easy cleaning of corners
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Pole leaks if too much water is retained
$14 at Amazon
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$14 at Walmart

Squeezing and using an SOS soap pad to clean the bathroom sink (Photo via Sidra Sheikh)
Squeezing and using an SOS soap pad to clean the bathroom sink (Photo via Sidra Sheikh)

This S.O.S Steel Wool Soap Pad has been a household staple since I was a kid. It is super affordable and is the perfect all-in-one product. 

The wool pads are filled with soap and do great for washing dishes and cleaning various surfaces. I personally have used it on my bathroom sinks and countertops. I love how convenient it is for when I want to do a quick scrub down. Just be careful not to get it to close to the caulking because the blue soap does tend to stick and stain in some places. 

Pros
  • Soap Filled
  • Convenient
  • Affordable
  • All-in-one product
  • Durable
  • Reusable
Cons
  • The blue soap stains some surfaces
$1 at Walmart
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$10 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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