Basic Cleaning Supplies You Actually Need — Skip the Rest

The cleaning aisle wants you to believe you need a different product for every surface. You do not. Five items handle almost everything: an all-purpose cleaner (or a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar), dish soap, baking soda, a disinfectant for bathroom and kitchen, and glass cleaner. Add microfiber cloths, a scrub brush, a mop, and a vacuum — and you are fully equipped.

Specialty products like stainless steel polish or granite cleaner are nice but rarely necessary. The vinegar-and-water mix cleans counters, mirrors, and most floors. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive for sinks and tubs. Invest in quality microfiber cloths instead of paper towels — they clean better, last years, and save money over time.