Some homeowners may be using one product to clean several areas or items in the house. However, an expert says that each product has a specific use. Here is a list of the basic cleaners that you should have at home.
There are countless home cleaner products available in the market which may lead to confusion as to which is the best to use for a certain area. Some homeowners may even opt to use do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning products to help keep home cleaning costs down. However, Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute's Director of the Cleaning Lab, shared in a House Beautiful report that some of these DIY products may not work, and she recommended basic cleaners that homeowners should buy.
For laundry detergent, it is best to use store-bought detergent products instead of using Borax mixed with washing soda, Forte advised. Commercial detergent products contain specific ingredients that can remove dirt, stains and protect a fabric's color.
For homes with wood furniture, having a furniture polish would be handy to keep the items clean, shiny and protected. Using fabric softener sheets are also a must to keep fabrics soft. The heat of the dryer will help disperse the softener to the load.
A handy bottle of an all-purpose cleaner is another must-have, as well as disinfectant wipes. These two basic cleaner products contain anti-bacterial ingredients that help kill virus and bacteria. An odor neutralizing spray is also a good home cleaner product to have, as it eliminates unwanted smells from fabrics and helps freshen the air.
For cleaning windows, Good Housekeeping's Forte advises microfiber cloths, given their super absorbent quality. Another basic cleaner product to wipe away dirt from floors would be specially formulated pads that attract dirt.
Lastly, using a store-bought shower cleaner would be better than mixing a DIY cleaning solution which usually contains baking soda. "Shower cleaners dissolve soap scum and hard water stains to clean with less effort," Forte explained.
Meanwhile, a report by The Bay Net advises homeowners to take time to read the instructions on most cleaning products. These instructions help make cleaning work easier and more effective and safe. Studies have shown that only 5 percent of consumers read the precautions listed on products.
