These Are the Only 9 Cleaning Supplies You Really Need This Spring

No, it’s not magic—it’s the Magic Eraser! This product has inspired a cult following of devoted fans who will testify to its cleaning power. To use, wet the sponge, then wipe away stains or spills on walls, countertops, cabinets, furniture, stovetops, refrigerators and more. Available on Amazon; $8.13.

You might think cleaning your household surfaces regularly kills a majority of germs. But sponges and rags actually transfer bacteria between objects, potentially leading to a greater amount of contamination. Enter Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, which kill 99.999% of bacteria, cold and flu viruses, and allergies with a single swipe. The clean-drying wipes work on any nearly surface, including appliances, doorknobs, tiles, sealed granite, mirrors, window blinds, steering wheels, and more. Available on Amazon; $4.98 for 75 wipes.

Cleaning brushes effectively banish grime, soap scum, and mildew from household surfaces, but they aren’t always comfortable to use. That’s why the OXO Good Grips Household Scrub Brush has a contoured non-slip handle to protect knuckles, allowing homeowners to scrub vigorously without sore hands. The brush combines soft and stiff bristles for optimal performance, and it’s equally effective wet or dry. Available on Amazon; $5.99.

It may seem counterproductive, but cleaning with this strong-smelling substance will eliminate unpleasant odors from your home. To put its odor-busting power to the test, boil a mixture of water and vinegar on the stove after a fish-frying session, or freshen a plastic food storage container by wiping it with a vinegar-soaked dishtowel. That’s not all vinegar can do. It is a good stand-in for window cleaning solution. Simply spray a little on the glass, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. Available on Amazon Prime Pantry; $1.29 for 16-ounce bottle.

Related: 11 Super Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Fresh

Few cleaning products are as gentle yet effective as baking soda. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this miracle substance can be put to use in myriad ways. Pour a little in the wash to whiten your whites, sprinkle some in the trash can or litter box to neutralize odors, or add water to form a slightly abrasive paste that can be used to clean stained grout, countertops, and more. Available on Amazon; $12.15 for 4-pound box.

Not all vacuum cleaners are created equal. Do your research before you buy, and choose a model that’s best for your home and lifestyle. For instance, if you want a powerful vacuum that can handle pet hair, yet is light and portable enough to move around the house with ease, a Dyson V8 Absolute Cord-Free model might be right for you. The HEPA filtration traps allergens and the powerful battery can run for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. Available on Amazon; $599.

Related: 7 Ways You’re Vacuuming Wrong

Beloved for its stain-fighting power, OxiClean works just as well on carpets and upholstery as it does on clothes. The versatile cleaner even promises to breaks down grime and dirt on tile grout and other household surfaces—good news for any homeowner who wants a simpler cleaning routine. Available at Target; $8.49.

If you’ve never struggled to remove baked-on food and grease from crockery and pans, you must dine out—because this cleaning task falls to every home cook sooner or later. Certainly, you can use regular scrubbers and soap to remove caked-on foodstuff but nothing compares to the efficiency of a Brillo pad. These soap-infused steel wool pads leave your dishes clean and, when used correctly, without a scratch. Available on Amazon; $7.37.

Normal cotton cloths have large fibers that skip past grime, grease, or other bacteria. On the other hand, microfiber cloths are comprised of millions of synthetic fibers, allowing them to pick up the tiniest dirt particles with water alone. It’s no wonder homeowners are turning to microfiber cloths for budget-friendly green cleaning! This 8-pack set claims to attract dirt like a magnet with no unraveling stitches or color bleeding. The absorbent fibers leave surfaces free of lint and streaks, and they can withstand hundreds of washes. Available on Amazon; $16.99 for a pack of eight.

Related: 12 Places You Probably Never Clean But Definitely Should