My top 10 cleaning products
I will keep this intro short so that we can get down to business. It’s worth mentioning that this is just my own personal preference (and my sister’s), and whilst most cleaning products do contain chemicals I have included a few 100% natural ones that are safe to use. These are best because they are environmentally friendly, kid and pet safe, cheap, and easy to get hold of.
As with all cleaning products, it is best to test on a small area first just to be sure that the product does not react badly to whatever item you are applying it to. And always be sure to read the manufactures instructions on the back of every cleaning item.
So without further adieu, in no particular order, here are my favourite cleaning products that I would struggle to live without.
1) Distilled Vinegar 
A 100% natural product, distilled vinegar is so cheap to buy and is brilliant for cleaning. Here are a few of its many uses:
- getting rid of limescale in your kettle
- running it through your washing machine
- spraying it around your taps where any limescale is
- cleaning your windows
- soaking your shower head to get rid of limescale
- polishing stainless steel
- cleaning your dishwasher
2. Lemon Juice
Again, lemon juice is another 100% natural cleaning product. You would be surprised at the ways you can use this!
- diluted in a bowl of water to steam clean your microwave
- descaling your kettle
- half a lemon will also remove odours from your fridge
- cleaning your dishwasher
People have dedicated whole posts just to the many uses of lemon juice.
For a more detailed post on how to descale your kettle with either lemon juice or distilled vinegar please click here. Also, if you would like a more detailed post on how to use the above products to clean your dishwasher please click here.
3. Bicarb of Soda
One of the most versatile and natural cleaning products out there, bicarbonate of soda covers a multitude of sins!
Here are some ways it can be used:
- Half a cup down your drains followed by some distilled vinegar, leave to sit for half an hour and then rinse away with boiling water
- sprinkle onto your mattress or carpet and leave for a minimum of half an hour to absorb any smells then vacuum up afterwards
- a spoonful in the washing machine when washing towels to soften them
- a small cup of this will also help eliminate any odours in your fridge or pet food cupboard
- this can also be used to neutralise odours such as vomit or pet wee, etc.
4) Zoflora
If there was to be a contest for the most popular cleaning product out there, then Zoflora would win without a doubt. This disinfectant comes in a vast array of scents and can be used in so many ways. Remember to always dilute your Zoflora as it is highly toxic and flammable when undiluted.
- Dilute Zoflora into water (one part Zoflora and 40 parts water) and add to an empty spray bottle and you have a disinfectant that cleans your worktops
- Spray this mix over your sofas/ curtains/ rugs for a lovely smelling spritz
- Add hot water into a bowl with a cupful of Zoflora and soak your kitchen cloths overnight to disinfect them. The list really is endless!
5. Stardrops – The Pink Stuff
If you are anything like me then you despise breaking a sweat to clean oil stains and occasional chars that plague pots and pans after dinner, especially those Sunday roasts. Well, you are in for a real treat. Stardrops have a miracle cleaning paste (and that isn’t an overstatement) that does all the hard work for you!
All you need to do is spread a thin layer of the paste onto the problem area, leave for a few mins if you wish to (although this isn’t necessary) and then rub the dirt and grime off. It literally falls away.
If the stain is quite intense, e.g. if you are using the paste to clean a dirty oven, or oven door etc, you may need to do a little scrubbing – but not much. You can also use it on rust, glass, sinks, mould, uPVC, saucepans, etc.
And what’s more, The Pink Stuff is only a mild abrasive so you don’t need to worry about damaging your skin if you don’t use gloves! Another bonus is that you can pick this up from most pound shops, so it’s very cheap and goes a long way.
6) Dr Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover
I have very recently discovered this product and it has really set the bar for all other carpet stain removers.
I used to love the Vanish Gold Carpet Stain Remover, but you have to be so careful that it does not bleach your carpet. Whereas with the Dr. Beckmann I can use it on my carpets and sofas and the area comes up brand new, all stains gone for good. You can also use it on red wine spills, coffee, fruit juice, grease and other stained areas.
Instructions are simple, just gently squeeze the bottle to moisten the brush then work the formula into the stain. Leave for 3 minutes then remove residues with a damp cloth.
7) Stardrops – Pine Scented Disinfectant
Another Stardrops product, this basically does what it says… it disinfects anything and everything. I keep this out next to my washing up liquid because that is how often I use it. 
Here are some ideas for use:
- cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen sink and draining board
- wiping down woodwork, i.e. skirting boards and doors
- cleaning the washing machine (compartments, drum, and drawer, plus using it to run an empty hot wash)
- cleaning and disinfecting bins/ caddys
- soaking pegs & peg baskets
- mopping floors
- cleaning worktops
- soaking baby toys
- soaking clothes and sponges
You can use this product neat or diluted with water. It has a lovely fresh smell that you will soon find yourself addicted to. And as it is natural I’m not afraid to use it on my son’s toys, and I know it is kind to surfaces.
For a wider range of the Stardrops products please visit their website at www.starbrandsltd.co.uk
8) Flash bathroom spray
I was dubious about putting a bathroom cleaner in my top 10 list but as this product really is my favourite I just couldn’t leave it out.
Combined with the Minky M Cloth, this is the best way to clean your bathroom and leaves it sparkling and smelling wonderful. The amount of foaminess you get from this spray really is enough to make you do a happy dance.
There is also a Flash Bathroom Spray with Bleach for those of you who prefer that added component. And what’s handy is you can get a refill tub from poundland which really saves on the pennies.
9) Dettol spray
This is my go-to product every time my family are sick, and with a toddler this is more often than not.
I literally spray my whole house with this. Everywhere we touch. The bed, the banister, door handles, sofas, toys, bins, the whole bathroom and toilet, laundry baskets, etc. Anywhere you might find a germ…!
As it says on the bottle, it kills cold and flu viruses, 99.9% of bacteria, and can can be used on hard or soft surfaces. I have a 3 bedroom house and one bottle just about covers everywhere. If you are only spraying a few areas now and then the bottle will last you absolutely ages.
Just worth mentioning, this product does not clean, it only disinfects.
10) Anti bac wipes
My favourite wipes are the ones in Wilkos for 50 pence a pack – you really cant beat this on price (trust me, I’ve looked!)
Unlike some wipes, these are very moist and do not leave a slippery or streaky residue behind after use. Something else noteworthy is when you open the pack it sticks back closed completely. I have bought some wipes in the past and once they are open the sticky seal does not reattach, drying your wipes out in a few days. TIP: If this ever does happen to you then try adding some water to your wipes to help moisten them again.
I use these to clean my windowsills, doors, light switches, soft toys, table and chairs, etc. They are so versatile.
The below 2 products aren’t in my top 10, but they are worth a mention:
Method Wild Rhubarb
This has to be my favourite smelling surface cleaner. Also, because it’s anti bacterial it can be used anywhere in the house. You could clean the whole house with it if you so wished.
Wilko Bleach
At 40 pence for 750ml this really is a bargain. And it works as well as any other branded bleach. I use this down my toilet, or mixed with water into a spray bottle to clean my kitchen sink. It goes a long way and doesn’t have that overpowering bleach smell.
I hope my little list has helped open your eyes to the different types of products out there. And if you already knew about them but were hesitating to try them then please let this give you a little push towards your local cleaning store, because you can never have too many cleaning products!
