13 Cleaning Products That Aren’t Worth the Money

You don’t need a different cleaner for every little thing. Most of them are overpriced or pointless, and some don’t even work that well. If your cleaning stash keeps growing but your house doesn’t feel any cleaner, it may be time to cut back.

Scented Trash Bags

They’re supposed to block odors, but that scent usually fades fast—and doesn’t hold up against actual garbage. Once food scraps or old leftovers hit the bag, no fragrance is covering that smell. These bags also cost more than regular ones. You’re better off taking out the trash more often or sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of the bin instead.

Disposable Toilet Wands

These seem like a clean, easy alternative to toilet brushes, but the convenience comes at a cost. The refills aren’t cheap, and you still need to store the wand and holder somewhere. Plus, they don’t always scrub as well as a sturdy brush. A simple toilet brush and bottle of cleaner do the job just as well—and last much longer.

Stainless Steel Cleaners

You don’t need a pricey spray to clean your fridge or dishwasher. Most stainless steel cleaners just add a bit of shine without doing much cleaning. A little dish soap and warm water works just as well to cut through fingerprints and smudges. For shine, a microfiber cloth does the trick—no extra product needed.

Paper Towels for Every Task

Paper towels are handy, but constantly tearing off a sheet for every little mess adds up. They’re wasteful, expensive, and not great for big cleaning jobs. Swap them out for microfiber cloths or old rags for most tasks. They clean better, last longer, and can go straight into the wash when you’re done.

Specialized Floor Cleaners

Many brands want you to believe every type of floor needs its own cleaner—but that’s rarely true. Most hard surfaces, like tile or laminate, can be cleaned with the same mild solution. Warm water and a drop of dish soap go a long way. Unless your floors need a specific treatment, skip the specialty bottles.

Scent Booster Beads

These beads are meant for laundry, but they don’t actually clean anything. They just add a heavy scent, which can be overwhelming for some. They’re also pricey for what they do. If you want fresher laundry, wash with white vinegar or baking soda instead—it’s cheaper and avoids all the extra chemicals.

Pre-Moistened Cleaning Wipes

Wipes are marketed as quick and easy, but they don’t stretch far. You often need several for one job, and they dry out if not sealed properly. They’re also more expensive than just using a cloth and cleaning spray. Keep a spray bottle and a stack of cloths under the sink instead—they’ll last much longer.

Color-Specific Sponges

A sponge is a sponge, no matter the color. Brands will sell pink ones for the bathroom and blue for the kitchen, but that’s just marketing. There’s nothing special about the colors. It’s smarter to buy one kind, label them if needed, and replace them regularly to keep things clean and simple.

Toilet Bowl Tablets

These promise a hands-off clean, but most just mask odors and leave behind a ring. Some even damage the inner parts of your toilet tank over time. Instead of dropping in a tablet and hoping for the best, give the bowl a proper scrub once or twice a week. It takes a few minutes and works better.

Furniture Polish Sprays

They give a temporary shine, but many leave behind a sticky layer that attracts even more dust. Regular use can actually make furniture look worse over time. A damp microfiber cloth is all you need for routine cleanups. Save the polish for the rare deep clean or special occasions.

Oven Cleaner Sprays

Oven sprays are strong—and usually full of harsh chemicals that smell terrible. Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning option, or you can use baking soda and water for a gentler method. Spread the paste, let it sit, then wipe it off. It takes a little time but avoids the fumes and saves money.

Glass Cooktop Cleaners

These thick creams look like a must-have, but they’re basically just mild abrasives. You can make your own version with baking soda and water. For stuck-on messes, let it sit and use a soft sponge or scraper. It’s simple, cheap, and works just as well without the specialty label.

Cleaning Fragrance Sprays

These sprays don’t clean anything—they just cover up smells. The scent fades fast, and you’re left with the same dirty surface underneath. If something smells off, clean the source instead. Open a window, use white vinegar, or toss the offending item in the wash. Don’t waste money on a fake fix.

Keep it Simple and Save

The best cleaning supplies are often the most basic. You don’t need to fill your cabinets with one-purpose products that overpromise and underdeliver. Stick to simple tools and multipurpose cleaners that get the job done—and keep your money and your space from getting cluttered.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.