I Asked 5 Experts to Share the One Cleaning Product They Can’t Live Without — Here’s What They Said

Lately I’ve been seeing videos on TikTok where users share the one product they can’t live without — from beauty finds, to home items, and so much more. This got me thinking: Instead of doing hours of research or searching for the best cleaning products out there through trial and error, why not just go directly to the source? After all, it’s the people who use these products every single day of their lives who can truly understand what makes them worthwhile. 

To find the best cleaning products, I decided to speak to a handful of experts about the one thing they can’t live without. Here’s what they said, along with my own personal favorites.

Sometimes simple really is the most reliable. Made of melamine foam, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers have earned a cult-like following in the world of cleaning for their ability to cut through almost anything, including grease, permanent marker, and adhesive residue. 

“Its ability to tackle a wide variety of tough stains and grime with minimal effort makes it so great,” shares Andy Saintilus, a real estate investor who often has to clean and rehab properties after purchasing. All it takes for this sponge to work its magic is a little water and elbow grease. Not only is it simple to use, but it’s also cost-efficient at around $1 a sponge. 

Lysol Air Sanitizer is a staple in my home as a cat and dog owner. It’s necessary for getting funky smells out of the couch cushions or just maintaining overall freshness and cleanliness in my small apartment. Not only does it keep your home smelling fresh, but according to Callum Couser, R&D operations manager at Lysol parent-company Reckitt, it’s also the only antimicrobial product approved by the EPA to kill both viruses and bacteria in the air. 

Julian Thomas, better known as “the Internet’s Favorite Home Boy” on TikTok, regularly shares DIY home projects, cleaning tips, and product recommendations online. When it comes to laundry, he prefers Dropps Free and Clear laundry detergent, which doesn’t contain any phosphates, dyes, chlorine, or parabens (these can compromise the structure of natural fibers in clothes and linens over time, according to Thomas). 

The pods are fragrance-free, which is great for people who might have allergies or sensitive skin, and they come in a cardboard box that can easily be broken down and recycled when empty.

Sometimes the underrated cleaning products are the ones that actually pack a punch. Or at least that’s how Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, feels about the Peppermint Sage Extra Large Multi-Surface Wipes from Dollar Tree. The wipes can be used to clean and wipe down surfaces like countertops, tables, and sinks as well as get rid of pesky stains.  

“The Peppermint Sage Extra Large Multi-Surface Wipes is a powerful tool in a cleaner’s tool belt,” shares Webber. “The wipes deliver incredible results combining peppermint and sage, while also delivering a healthier clean by only using plant-derived ingredients.”

According to Shara Ryan, professional organizer and blogger at Simply Renewed Living, the Shark Duo Clean Powered Lift-Away Vacuum is one of the best cleaning tools out there. “The secret to picking out a Shark upright vacuum cleaner is getting one with the powered lift-away feature because you essentially end up with an upright and canister vacuum in one,” she says. Apartment Therapy editors are big fans of the Shark brand as well; see here for a review on the latest Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum, which has the powered lift-away feature as well.

I’m a huge fan of using natural household products in place of products with harsh chemicals whenever I can get away with it. One of my favorite pantry staples to use when cleaning is baking soda because it’s so versatile (I love to use it to get rid of soap scum in the shower!) and it’s a great deodorizer (just sprinkle some in your trash can or keep it in the fridge).