House Deep Cleaning Tools & Products – to Clean Your Home or Investment Property Like a Pro

Deep cleaning a home takes more than good intentions; you need the right tools and a plan. Whether you’re tackling your own space or getting an investment property ready for tenants or buyers, the process goes a lot smoother when you’ve got reliable house deep cleaning tools, solutions and a few smart tricks. If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals or want to save money, you’ll also find some easy DIY cleaning products you can mix up at home using basic ingredients.

Assemble Your Ultimate Cleaning Kit

Before you start scrubbing, mopping, or tackling any problem areas, it helps to have everything you need in one place. The right tools make it easier to reach tricky spots, avoid damage, and get a more professional result. 

Here are the tools you shouldn’t be without: 

To Clean Walls and Remove Dust, Dirt, or Marks (Walls, Furniture, Appliances)

• Magic eraser – to remove marks. The trick is to moisten it very lightly (I put a few drops of water on my hand and then pat the sponge once or twice). In my experience, most imitation brands don’t work as well as the leading brand (or try the non-toxic version – see recipe).
  
• Microfiber flat mop or Swiffer-type mop with a fluffy cleaning pad that can be used dry or dampened with a dusting spray to clean or dust walls.
  

For High-Level Areas and Trim (Crown Molding, Fan Blades)

• Extendable microfiber duster – some have a bendable head for fan blade tops and upper kitchen cabinet tops. Also, try BONA Brand High Performance Dusting System – Extendable Dusting Kit.
  
• You can also use your flat microfiber floor mop as a trim duster. Use a plush duster pad.
  

To Wipe and Clean Non-Porous or Scratch-Sensitive Surfaces

• Old cotton washcloths (that no longer leave lint)
  
• Old cotton dish towels
  
• Soft fibre cloths (I get mine in a two-pack at the local dollar store)
  
• Microfiber cleaning cloths – all-purpose cleaning cloths. I prefer the types that are NOT 100% polyester (which are not absorbent, don’t pick up well, and leave streaks), like Scotchbrite 3-in-1. There are special ones for glass.
  
• Paper towels – for wiping up gunk and throwing them away, which would immediately ruin a decent cleaning cloth
  

To Dry Glossy or Smooth Surfaces After Washing and Cleaning

• Old cotton dish towels
  
• Soft microfiber cleaning cloth (Scotch Brite 3-in-1 is a favorite)

Best Cleaning Products for Kitchen

• Sponges – Many swear by the Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy line of sponges. I prefer cellulose (they actually are absorbent, pick up grunge, and don’t leave streaks), but you must consider throwing them away after usage, as they can hold onto bacteria. When you’re choosing the best cleaning products for kitchen grime, always start with something that won’t damage surfaces.
  
• Toothpicks are invaluable for pushing or pulling down thin cracks or seams around appliances or between materials to push out grime.
  
• Microfiber cloths – see above
  
• PUMIE Scouring Stick
  

Best Cleaning Products for Bathroom

• Medium bristle long-handle scrub brush for getting into grooves and corners where lime and mold live and around drain covers, also good for cleaning tubs and shower floors
  
• Non-abrasive plastic scrub pad (Scotch-Brite or similar) for cleaning tubs, or Scrub Daddy brand line of sponges
  
• Microfiber cleaning cloth for cleaning faucets and spouts, and polishing them without scratching. These are some of the best cleaning products for bathroom surfaces because they don’t leave streaks or damage fixtures.
  
• Squeegee – to work on shower glass that is lightly dirty (only needs a light clean)
  
• Wide razor blade scraper – for heavy lime build-up on shower doors
  

Best Cleaning Products for Tiles & DIY Tile and Grout Cleaner

• Old toothbrushes
  
• Battery-powered circulating head scrub brush, e.g. Rubbermaid Mini-Scrubber (comes with larger scrub head also) or The Pink Stuff Miracle Scrubber Kit
  
• Larger rechargeable scrubber for bathroom – Bosch Power Scrubber or similar
  

When stains are deep, a DIY tile and grout cleaner works just as well as store-bought products, especially on older tile.

For Floors

• Extendable microfiber duster – for dusting baseboards so you don’t have to stoop down and break your back
  
• Mop (steam or regular) and bucket – best for hard or ceramic tile floors that are very dirty
  
• Swiffer Wet Jet–type mop for maintenance mopping
  
• Microfiber flat mop with interchangeable pad types for more delicate floor materials (can work wet or dry)
  
• Broom and dustpan
  
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter, bristle brush attachment, and a baseboard attachment (or use the extendable duster)
  

The All-Rounders

• Razor blade scraper – there are elongated versions, but I use the smaller ones (with the safety wrap on one side) that get into corners and small spaces and are great for most smooth glossy surfaces
  
• Microfiber handheld dust mop (some prefer simply using a damp microfiber cloth)
  
• Toothpicks and sometimes cotton swabs get grunge out of thin grooves in kitchen appliances and corners where ranges can’t reach easily (what car detailers use)
  
• Rubber gloves or at least strong/thicker nitrile gloves
  
• Funnel – if you need to add or pour ingredients into bottles
  
• Spray bottles with labels or different color pumps (one or two) for different kinds of home-mixed cleaners
  
• Caddy to carry the cleaners
  
• Safety glasses – if spraying a cleaner or wiping overhead (and a mask)

Want a little extra help? Check out our full guide on how to deep clean your home (or an investment property) yourself for tools and techniques that make the job easier.

If your goal is to impress buyers, you’ll also love cleaning and prepping your home before staging and listing — it’s packed with simple but game-changing tips.

DIY Cleaning Products and Essential Ingredients

Before reaching for store-bought solutions, it’s helpful to know which basic ingredients can create powerful diy cleaning products. These staples are inexpensive, easy to find, and safe for most surfaces when used correctly.

Baking Soda

Great for anything that requires scrubbing, and it won’t leave scratches. It pairs well with many products to make wet mixtures that work extremely well, or it can be sprinkled dry onto bathmats or any musty fabric and then washed. It is even good in an open vessel set out in areas with a musty smell to absorb the odor.

Cleaning Vinegar (6%+ acetic acid) or Distilled White Vinegar (5% acetic acid)

Mild acidity breaks down pH on surfaces so mold cannot survive. It also breaks down lime, grease, soap scum, mold, mildew, and inhibits bacteria. (NEVER use together with hydrogen peroxide). Cleaning vinegar is not food-grade, while white vinegar is and is better suited for kitchen clean-up where food contact is an issue (fridge, microwave, etc). A great inexpensive cleaner.

Dish Soap (Dawn brand is the recommendation)

The master! The Power-Wash formulation on its own is great. Liquid dish soap is a surfactant, meaning it aids compounds in sticking to dirt or a substrate and helps dissolve oil and grease. It works as a key ingredient in most highly effective homemade cleaning solutions. Some people recommend Castile soap, but dish soap is usually easier to remove or wipe away.

Hydrogen Peroxide (3% +)

An antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial agent. Stronger than vinegar (NEVER use together with vinegar). It kills germs and mold spores (use minimum 3% or more if you can get it) by penetrating the cell structure and breaking it down. It is more effective on porous surfaces than vinegar because it penetrates them. Hydrogen peroxide may lighten or bleach some surfaces – so TEST first! Also wear eye protection especially if spraying or using overhead. It is better than vinegar at treating mold regrowth because it also kills spores.

Isopropyl Alcohol (70% +)

Known mostly for its disinfectant properties. It cleans by dissolving some compounds and disinfects (antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial) and evaporates quickly leaving no streaking or residue. It’s also very effective at removing sticky, gummy adhesive and residue by breaking it down so it can be wiped away.

Lemon Juice

Citric acid. Breaks down alkaline stains, lime scale, and grease.

Essential Oils

• Tea Tree Oil – antifungal and antibacterial; kills black mold (1 tbsp in 1 cup of water, shake, spray, let sit for 1 hour, wipe clean). Leaves a woodsy, clean smell.
  
• Lavender Oil – keeps spiders away.
  
• Clove Oil – keeps spiders away and kills mold spores.
  
• Eucalyptus Oil – eliminates dust mites.
  
• Peppermint Oil – keeps bugs away and gives a fresh, natural scent.
  

Essential oils are also great for adding a fresh scent to the home. Air diffusers and some candles can be full of chemicals that are not always healthy to breathe and can be a problem for people with allergies. Best to avoid these if possible. Make sure to pick essential oils that complement each other in scent!

Mineral Oil (Baby Oil)

Great on stainless steel appliances after cleaning to bring out their finish. An alternative is using olive oil (a little dripped on a soft rag). Always wipe WITH the grain of stainless steel and be careful not to scratch by rubbing too hard.

Pro Tip

I get many of my cleaning ingredients, cleaning cloths, sponges, gloves, scrapers, and containers for the cleaners and products (peroxide, lemon juice, cleaning vinegar, cotton cleaning cloths, baking soda) at dollar-type stores. 

Be careful, though, when it’s important to have a tool or cleaning product that must work well, you may want to pay a little more for good quality. In my opinion, imitation wall sponges and specialized cleaners sometimes don’t work as well, but it’s a great place for basics.

DIY Multi-Purpose Cleaning Products: EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDY CLEANING MIXTURES

Before you grab a store-bought spray, remember that some of the most effective cleaning solutions come from simple ingredients you probably already have at home. These mixes are budget-friendly, easy to make, and work just as well as many commercial options when used correctly. 

AND REMEMBER ALWAYS TEST A SMALL INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST!

Paste for Tough Stains and Cleaning Jobs

(MP 1) MULTI PURPOSE CLEANING PASTE

Ratio: 1 cup of Baking soda to 1/3 to 1/2 Cup Dawn dishwashing liquid to create a paste. Use 1/2 Cup of dish detergent (more fluid) if the mixture needs to sit for a while to loosen tough dried-on dirt, or is to be applied with a sponge on a vertical surface such as shower glass. Use the 1/3 dish detergent formula (dryer mix) if you are working on a horizontal surface and have light cleaning, or just want a quick polish and shine.
This paste works well as a diy kitchen cleaner or to rehydrate and lift baked-on foods on stovetops and in pans before cooking again.

Use hydrogen peroxide on a cloth afterwards (such as stainless steel sinks) to disinfect surfaces—TEST FIRST, as hydrogen peroxide can lighten or bleach.

Ratio:

• 1 cup of baking soda to 1/3 to 1/2 cup Dawn dishwashing liquid to create a paste.

• Use 1/2 cup of dish detergent (more fluid) if:

the mixture needs to sit for a while to loosen tough dried-on dirt, or it will be applied with a sponge on a vertical surface such as shower glass.

Use the 1/3 cup dish detergent formula (drier mix) if:

• you are working on a horizontal surface,
  
• have light cleaning, or
  
• just want a quick polish and shine.
  

This paste works well as a diy kitchen cleaner or to rehydrate and lift baked-on foods on stovetops and in pans before cooking again.

Spray – Gentle All-Purpose Cleaning Solution

(MP 2) MULTI-PURPOSE FORMULA 2

Ratio: Equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. This mixture cuts through grease and disinfects. Add 4 TBSPs of dish soap to use the cleaner on areas with stubborn, dry, stuck-on grime, especially in the bathroom.
You can also adapt this into a diy bathroom cleaner by adding scent or using it on tile, tubs, or glass.

Swap out the dish soap with a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to improve scent and use on glass and mirrors. Use only natural stone cleaner on granite and stone countertops.

Ratio:
Equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.

This mixture cuts through grease and disinfects.

Add 4 TBSPs of dish soap to use the cleaner on areas with stubborn, dry, stuck-on grime, especially in the bathroom.

You can also adapt this into a diy bathroom cleaner by adding scent or using it on tile, tubs, or glass.

Swap out the dish soap with a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to improve scent and use on glass and mirrors.

Use only a natural stone cleaner on granite and stone countertops.

Spray – Disinfectant Cleaning Solution

(MP 3) MULTI-PURPOSE DISINFECTION FORMULA 3

3/4 Cup rubbing alcohol + 1/4 Cup distilled water + 1 Cup vinegar + 10 drops lemon or orange essential oil.

Ratio:

• 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
  
• 1/4 cup distilled water
  
• 1 cup vinegar
  
• 10 drops lemon or orange essential oil
  

DIY Kitchen Cleaner Recipes

(MP 1) MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANING PASTE – AS A KITCHEN STOVETOP CLEANER

Ratio: 1 cup of Baking soda to 1/3 to 1/2 cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use 1/2 Cup dish detergent if the mixture needs to sit to loosen baked-on food, or use the 1/3 detergent formula for quick shine. This paste is ideal for stovetops, pans, or anything that needs scrubbing, such as a kitchen sink. It’s one of the most effective diy kitchen cleaner options for grease and buildup.

1 cup of baking soda to 1/3 to 1/2 cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid.

Use 1/2 cup dish detergent if the mixture needs to sit to loosen baked-on food.

Use the 1/3 detergent formula for quick shine.

This paste is ideal for stovetops, pans, or anything that needs scrubbing, such as a kitchen sink. It’s one of the most effective diy kitchen cleaner options for grease and buildup.

(MP 2) MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER FORMULA 3

Ratio: 1 Cup warm water + 1 Cup white vinegar + 4 TBSPs dish soap. Pour into a spray bottle.

Ratio:

• 1 cup warm water
  
• 1 cup white vinegar
  
• 4 TBSPs dish soap
  

Pour into a spray bottle.

(KD 1) SMOOTH SURFACE KITCHEN DEGREASER FORMULA 1

Ratio: 1/4 Cup baking soda + 1 TBSP lemon juice + 1 Cup water. Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and swirl to dissolve baking soda.

Ratio:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
  
• 1 TBSP lemon juice
  
• 1 cup water
  

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and swirl to dissolve baking soda.

(KD 2) SMOOTH SURFACE KITCHEN DEGREASER FORMULA 2

Ratio: Equal parts warm water and white vinegar – good for more delicate painted kitchen cabinets.

Ratio:
Equal parts warm water and white vinegar

Good for more delicate painted kitchen cabinets.

(KO 1) KITCHEN OVEN DEEP CLEANER

Ratio: 1/4 Cup dish soap + 1/4 Cup hydrogen peroxide. Apply using a spray bottle or cloth, let sit, then scrub with a sponge or brush. You can use a razor blade scraper on glass surfaces once the mixture has saturated.

Ratio:

• 1/4 cup dish soap
  
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
  

Apply using a spray bottle or cloth, let sit, then scrub with a sponge or brush. You can use a razor blade scraper on glass surfaces once the mixture has saturated.

DIY Bathroom Cleaner (Multi-Purpose)

(BC  1) BATHROOM GENERAL CLEANER FORMULA 1 

Ratio: 1 Cup White Vinegar + 1/2 Cup Dish soap in a kitchen dish scrub brush

(MP  2) MULTI-PURPOSE (BATHROOM) CLEANER FORMULA 1 

Ratio: 1 Cup Warm Water  + 1 Cup White Vinegar + 4 TBSPs dish soap

SGC  1) SHOWER GLASS CLEANER FORMULA 1 

Ratio: 1 Cup Water + 1 Cup White Vinegar + 1 teaspoon Dawn Dish soap – pour into a spray bottle

(SGC  2) SHOWER GLASS CLEANER FORMULA 2 Ratio: 

Heavier Lime or soap scum- use Multi Purpose Glass Cleaner FORMULA 1 above and add 3 TBSP Lemon juice to cut the soap scum and lime. 

(MP. 2) MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANING PASTE

AS A HEAVY-DUTY SHOWER GLASS CALCIUM/LIME/HARD WATER STAIN CaLEANER 

Ratio: 1 cup of Baking soda to 1/2 Cup Dawn dishwashing liquid to create a paste. Use 1/2 Cup of dish detergent. Let the mixture sit a while and then scrub with a medium-bristle brush, a scrub sponge such as Scrub Daddy brand, or a non-scratch Scotch Brite brand scrub pad.

Add drops of Tea Tree Oil if there is Mold present (rubber seals or in cracks).

Diy Tile and Grout Cleaner 

(TG  1) FORMULA 1 

Ratio: (heavy duty) Mix equal parts Hydrogen peroxide + baking soda – make a paste for use with a brush.

(TG  2) FORMULA 2 

Ratio: 1/3 Cup of Dawn brand or similar.  Dish soap + 1/3 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide + 1 Cup Baking Soda – best method is to add ingredients into a squeeze bottle

DO NOT clean grout with overly caustic solutions such as bleach or ammonia, which can break down the binder in grout to leave behind a dirt-attracting film, and cause the bond between grout and tile to weaken and cause colored grout to fade. Do not use vinegar on grout.

Mold Removers
 

(MR  1) FORMULA 1 

Ratio: Mix Vinegar + a few drops of Clove or Tea Tree Oil to get rid of light mold

(MR  2) FORMULA 2 

Ratio: Mix Hydrogen Peroxide + Clove or Tea Tree  Oil to get rid of tough Mold.  (This mixture may lighten/bleach a substrate – test first)

Add Baking soda to the area where the Hydrogen peroxide is sprayed if extra scrubbing power is needed. (Vinegar and Baking soda ‘cancel’ each other out in terms of pH balance, acidic/base cleaning power)

NEVER PUT HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND VINEGAR TOGETHER OR USE ONE DIRECTLY AFTER THE OTHER, especially when one is wet.

20 added drops of clove oil gets rid of mold spores
20 added drops of tea tree oil helps prevent mold from returning

Baseboard Cleaner

(BB  1) FORMULA 1 

Ratio: Mix 1 Cup of warm water + 2 TBSPs White Vinegar + 1 TBSP Dish soap (option: add Peppermint oil). Spray onto a flat micro mop and push along baseboards. It can also be used on walls if needed.

DIY Dusting Spray

(DS  1) FORMULA 1 

Ratio: For Heavy dust areas or when dusting overhead (to minimize and fall-out dust), mix 1 cup of warm water with 10 drops of Lemon oil and spray lightly onto a duster. Makes the room smell fresh and clean.

Washing Machine Cleaner
 

(WM  1) WASHING MACHINE CLEANER FORMULA 1 

Ratio: 1 cup white vinegar + 20 drops Tea Tree Oil or Clove Oil

Download the DIY home made cleaning solution table here.

Our Favorite Ready-Made Cleaning Products (Brands Found in the US)

These products are ones that I personally use or that are recommended by experienced pro cleaners. Always test in a small, inconspicuous area first.

BARKEEPER’S FRIEND Soft Cleanser
(There is also a spray version.) Great for any sink, countertop, tub, shower stall, tile grime, etc., that needs a gentle scrub and deep clean.

BIOCLEAN Hard Water Stain Remover
Green bottle) Great for bathtubs, showers, and shower glass. There is also an eco-friendly version that I haven’t tried yet.

BONA Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Hard-Surface Floor Cleaners
Safe for your floors and great for quick or weekly cleaning.

BISSELL Heavy Traffic Pre-Treat and Spot Cleaner
Spray for multiple types of spots on carpets.

CLOROX or LYSOL
Multi-surface spray cleaner (green/white spray bottle).

CLOROX or LYSOL
Disinfecting wipes GREAT for cleaning toilet outer surfaces or other nasty jobs..

CONCROBIUM
Mold Control spray (removal and prevention).

EASY-OFF
Spray oven cleaner. Use as directed to clean the interior with minimal scrubbing (keep away from pets/children).

GRANITE GOLD
Clean and Shine Spray for stone countertops, tiles, backsplashes, and surfaces.

HOWARD – Feed-N-Wax
Wood polish and conditioner with beeswax and orange oil (for furniture and woodwork). Apply with a soft cloth.

O’CEDAR Pacs
Enzyme cleaning pacs for flooring. Use as directed. Great to add to a bucket of water to mop wood floors.

OH YUK Jetted Tub Cleaner
For jacuzzis, bathtubs, and whirlpools.

ORANGE GLO 4-in-1 Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Recommended for hardwood floors as a polish and protectant after cleaning.

OXI CLEAN Spray
Recommended for various heavy-duty stains, especially carpet stains.

PUMIE Scouring Stick
To remove the toughest baked-on debris in an oven.

MURPHY’S OIL SOAP Spray
For cleaning grease off cabinets and more – spray, dwell, wipe with a cloth.

MURPHY’S OIL SOAP Liquid Concentrate
Recommended for hardwood floors as a polish and protectant after cleaning. Best for oil-based coatings. Dilute in water.

THE PINK STUFF paste
For areas that need scrubbing (tiles and grout, bathtubs and showers, chrome/stainless steel cooking surfaces, and oven glass). Be careful — it is slightly abrasive and may scratch.

SCRUB DADDY Power Paste
Comes with a Scrub Daddy sponge. Great for scrubbing shower stalls and oven interiors.

WOODWISE hardwood floor cleaner
Concentrated (clearish jug, blue formula). Dilute with water.

WEIMAN Spray
Granite & Stone Daily Cleaner and Polish – best for disinfecting stone surfaces. Spray and wipe.

Conclusion

Deep cleaning doesn’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or expensive supplies. With the right house deep cleaning tools and a few smart DIY cleaning products, you can tackle kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, grout, and appliances just as effectively as a professional.