20 Cleaning Products I’ve Learned Not to Waste Money On

We all want our homes to sparkle, but are all those sprays, wipes, and gadgets necessary? Turns out, many popular cleaning products are not only heavy on the wallet but often underdeliver on their promises.

We’re taking a look at 20 cleaning products that you might want to skip next time you’re stocking up. We’ll let you know exactly why they’re a waste, as well as some simple and effective alternatives that’ll keep your home clean and your wallet happy.

Screen Cleaners for Electronics

Picking up a specialized screen cleaner for your gadgets might feel like a smart move—after all, those fancy bottles promise a streak-free shine. But they can be pretty pricey, and in many cases, they’re not doing anything your good old water can’t handle.

Dropping $15 at Best Buy for a small bottle? That’s steep. Most of the time, a damp microfiber cloth does the trick just as well. If you’re tempted to add a bit of rubbing alcohol for extra cleaning power, just be cautious. CNET points out that alcohol can strip away special coatings like the anti-fingerprint ones on your smartphone, so it’s best to keep it simple with just water.

Toothbrush Sanitizers

Toothbrush sanitizers sound high-tech, with their UV lights claiming to zap away all the bad stuff clinging to your bristles. But guess what? The American Dental Association isn’t sold on them. They’ve pointed out that there’s no real proof these gadgets make your mouth any healthier.

So, what should you do instead? Just stick to the basics. Keep your toothbrush to yourself, give it a good rinse after each use, let it air dry standing up, and swap it out every few months.

Oven Cleaners

Many modern ovens come equipped with a self-cleaning function, which makes those heavy-duty oven cleaners pretty much obsolete. Not to mention, these cleaners can be brutal if you’ve got respiratory sensitivities—some even come with a warning label courtesy of the Environmental Working Group.

If your oven does need a manual clean, and you want to avoid those harsh chemicals, try a gentler approach. Coat the inside of your oven with a paste of baking soda and water, leave it overnight, then wipe it down the next day. For any stubborn spots, a little vinegar sprayed on afterward can work wonders.

Baby Laundry Detergents

When it comes to washing those adorable baby clothes, it’s tempting to grab a bottle of something gentle and baby-specific. However, unless your little one has specific skin issues like eczema or severe allergies, specialty baby detergents are often just an expensive way to do what any good, dye-free, and fragrance-free detergent can.

Brands like Dreft can set you back twice as much as regular detergents. Plus, they’re so mild that they might not even tackle all those tough baby messes. Stick with something like Tide Free & Gentle or All Free Clear. They’re less harsh on both the environment and your wallet, and skip the unnecessary extras like fabric softeners and scent boosters.

Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners might promise to clear up your clogged pipes quickly, but using them could be setting yourself up for bigger problems. The harsh chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, found in products like Drano or Liquid-Plumr can actually deteriorate your plumbing over time. Not to mention, they might not even solve the problem, depending on what’s actually clogging your drain.

For a safer and often more effective solution, reach for a plunger designed for sinks and tubs, or use a drain snake to physically remove blockages like hair.

‘Natural’ Cleaners

Ever notice how those “natural” cleaners on the shelves are usually pricier than the regular stuff? Well, despite the fancy labels, these products often contain the same active ingredients as their less “green” counterparts. What’s worse, the term “natural” isn’t strictly regulated, so it’s hard to know if you’re really getting a safer product.

Instead of guessing, why not make your own cleaning solutions? A simple mix of water, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol can work wonders on your windows. For a good disinfectant, try blending vinegar, vodka, water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. It’s easy, effective, and you get to control what goes into it.

Cheap Grout Cleaners

Grout cleaning—nobody’s favorite chore, right? And those cheap grout cleaners you see advertised? They tend to promise a lot but deliver little. They might make your grout look bright for a bit, but it’s usually just a temporary cover-up. Once the effect wears off, you’re back to square one.

The truth is, there’s no magic solution here -it’s all about the elbow grease. For a bit less sweat, attach a drill brush to your power drill for some extra scrubbing power, just be careful not to overdo it and damage the grout. Magic erasers can be helpful too, but they require a good deal of manual effort and might need to be trimmed to fit your grout lines.

Disposable Toilet Brushes

It’s tempting to reach for that disposable toilet wand—no muss, no fuss, right? Well, those throwaway brushes might keep your hands clean but they’re messing with your budget and the planet. Each pack of refills costs a pretty penny, not to mention the environmental cost of tossing all that plastic. And let’s be honest, those wands can snap mid-scrub, leaving you with a real mess.

Why not stick with a sturdy, reusable toilet brush? They’re tougher, more economical, and can get your toilet sparkling without the waste. And for keeping it out of sight, a ventilated holder can help the brush dry without any ick factor.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are the go-to for spills and quick cleanups, but they’re kind of a one-hit wonder. Despite their convenience, they’re tough on the environment and tough on your wallet, especially if you’re tearing through rolls each week. They’re also a no-go for recycling, usually ending up in landfills after one use.

Why not switch to something more sustainable? Microfiber cloths are your friend here—they’re cheap, reusable, and versatile enough to handle everything from kitchen messes to dusting duties.

Robotic Vacuums

Robotic vacuums sound like the future of cleaning—set it and forget it, right? But the reality doesn’t match the convenience these pricey gadgets promise. They work best in homes that almost seem tailor-made for them: open floor plans, minimal clutter, and preferably a single story. And let’s not forget, they can cost a pretty penny for technology that may not offer the same oomph as a traditional upright.

You’re probably better off with something like a cordless stick vacuum. They’re less expensive, more powerful, and you won’t find them stuck under the couch.

Feather Dusters

Feather dusters are like the old-school icons of the cleaning world, but don’t let their classic look fool you. Experts are pretty clear on this: they’re mostly just shuffling dust from one place to another, and might even kick up allergens while they’re at it.

Instead of swirling dust around your room, grab a microfiber cloth. A slightly damp one works wonders on most surfaces, capturing dust instead of just moving it. And for those tricky spots, a fluffier microfiber can gather dust from all those hard-to-reach areas without any of the theatrics.

Laundry Scent Boosters

Think about it: Laundry scent boosters are essentially perfume for your clothes. While brands like Downy, Gain, and Arm & Hammer promise to make your laundry routine feel more luxurious, these boosters don’t actually clean or soften your garments; they just add a smell. And sometimes, that scent can be too much, irritating your nose and skin.

Why not keep it simple? Your regular detergent should already do a decent job of leaving your clothes fresh. If you’re craving a bit more aroma, consider a drop or two of essential oils on wool dryer balls for a subtle, skin-friendly scent boost.

Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes became everyone’s go-to during the peak of health concerns, but the reality is that they’re often overkill for everyday cleaning and they clutter up your trash with plastic containers. Each canister might seem like a small expense, but use a few wipes daily, and you’re looking at over $100 a year just to toss those lemon-scented sheets in the bin.

Want a better solution? Try making your own reusable wipes by soaking old washcloths in a mix of water, rubbing alcohol, and a dash of dish soap.

Lint Rollers

Lint rollers might seem like lifesavers when you’re trying to look sharp or clean up after your furry friends, but the cost of those sticky sheets adds up fast. You might find yourself peeling off sheet after sheet just to tackle one sweater or sofa session. Before you know it, you’re back in the store, buying more.

There’s a better way! Try using a rubber glove or a reusable microbristle brush. Just slip on the glove, run your hand over your clothes or furniture, and watch the pet hair and lint lift right off. It’s simple, sustainable, and saves you a bundle over time.

Steam Mops

Steam mops might sound like a hot ticket to a clean floor, but don’t let the steam fool you. Consumer Reports has shown that these gadgets often just push dirt around and leave your floors looking lackluster.

Plus, if you’ve got hardwood or laminate, the extra moisture can be a real no-no, potentially damaging your floors and voiding warranties. Stick with a traditional spin or squeeze mop instead.

Swiffers

Swiffers might seem like the perfect quick-fix for dusty floors, but let’s crunch some numbers on those disposable cloths. Tossing a couple into the trash after each cleaning spree not only bulks up your environmental footprint but also thins out your wallet. A box of 32 dry cloths costs around $10, meaning you’re dropping about a quarter every time you swipe your floor.

And if you’re reaching for multiple sheets or opting for the wet version, that cost climbs even higher. How about a switch? A good, reusable mop or a versatile cordless stick vacuum could save you a heap over time, not to mention cut down on waste.

Automatic Toilet Cleaners

Think twice before you drop one of those blue tablets into your toilet tank. Sure, they promise a fuss-free way to keep the bowl sparkling, but plumbers are waving red flags here. These tablets can actually degrade the internal components of your toilet, leading to costly repairs down the line.

Why not go for a simpler, safer alternative? Pouring a half cup of distilled white vinegar into both the tank and the overflow pipe can keep things clean without the risk of damage.

Laundry Detergent Pods

Laundry pods might look convenient and cute, but let’s talk turkey: they’re not the wallet-friendly choice. A 72-load pack of these pods can set you back about $19, while the same amount of cash could snag you enough liquid detergent for 96 loads.

Plus, if we’re being honest, they just don’t measure up in the cleaning department. Many users find they leave behind residues and even stains. For better value and performance, why not stick with a trusted store-brand liquid detergent?

Tidy Sums

Sometimes, the best money spent is the money you keep in your pocket, especially when it comes to some cleaning products. Let’s face it, a lot of these sprays, wipes, and solutions are more about flashy marketing than actual dirt-busting ability. Many can even cause more problems than they solve, scratching surfaces or leaving behind residues that attract more grime.

Instead of falling for the fancy labels, consider rolling up your sleeves with some good old-fashioned vinegar or baking soda.

Air Fresheners

It’s easy to fall for the promise of a home that always smells like spring rain or vanilla bean, but those plug-in air fresheners are a real drain on your wallet. With refill cartridges that can cost more than $2.50 each and last less than a month, it’s like literally watching your money evaporate. Plus, for nearly a fifth of us, they bring nothing but headaches and a sneeze fest.

How about we keep it simple? Cracking open a window or whipping up a mix of baking soda with a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil can keep your home smelling fresh without the fuss or the fumes.

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