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We may earn a commission from links on this page.I write about cleaning and organizing, yes, but in real life, I also actually have to clean my home. Sometimes, that does mean using techniques and hacks, but other times, it just means rolling up my sleeves and getting to work. After three decades of life and bonus experience actually having to test and review products, I have some strong opinions. Here's what I swear by when I clean my kitchen. Update your sponge for maximum kitchen cleaningIt's easy to snap up a plain old sponge at the corner store, so I'll never turn my nose up at something available and cheapbut if you have the option, you should upgrade your sponge. As I've mentioned before, I've been obsessed with my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy since I upgraded to this heavier-duty melamine sponge a few months ago. Melamine sponges like the Magic Eraser are, on their own, a superior alternative to any other kind of sponge for cleaning, since they tackle stains, scuffs, and sticky stuff with an ease no other sponge can match. With its built-in suds pod, though, the Ultra Foamy, is a true beast among beasts. Every time I use one, I'm reminded how impressive it is. Kitchen messes stand absolutely no chance. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy, 5-Pack $8.94 at Amazon Learn More Learn More $8.94 at Amazon What makes these great are the little pods of foaming cleaner that are inserted in the sponge. Look at those suds pods! Credit: Lindsey Ellefson For dishes and other general cleaning, I am also a big proponent of silicone sponges. They feel a little weird in the hand, yes, but their tendrils scrub gunk off things easily, plus they don't get all gross after being wet repeatedly like normal sponges do. It's also more eco-friendly, since they last forever. I've had mine for about five years. I installed a little hook in my kitchen and just hang it up to dry when I'm done with it. The best cleaning products for your kitchenGenerally, you don't need to be told that you should buy floor cleaner, but it's still helpful to get someone's opinion on the best one, so that's what I'm here to provide. As I've discussed, I have been impressed by the new PineSol formulation, which is twice as concentrated as the original version. Not only do I notice this cutting through messes on the floor and flat surfaces a little easier than the PineSol I grew up with, but the scent is stronger, too, and for about $13, you can't beat it. I use it about once a week, but don't need to use as much, so I'm saving money by not having to re-up, as well. The bottle below has been in my rotation for about two months and still has plenty left. Twice as concentrated! Credit: Lindsey Ellefson I also recommend a bottle of Brasso for all your metal needs. Yes, there are great hacks out there to spruce up your fixtures, but this seven-in-one polish is worth a pickup on your next shopping trip because it's so easy to use. For under $5, it's not a major splurge, but the impact it has on stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, and more is invaluable. Just use a little bit to start. You can always add more if you're not getting your preferred result. I also use this in the bathroom, making it an economical buy.Because I am as interested in aesthetics as I am cleanliness, I've also been really fond of Biom all-purpose wipes. For about $45, you get a starter kit with an unobtrusive dispenser that looks more like decor than a cleaning product. You can refill it with the wipes, which come in hand sanitizing and all-purpose cleaning versions in scents like grapefruit and lavender. It's a more sustainable option than continuing to buy packs of wipes, since the wipes are compostable and refills come in eco-friendly packaging, and while I love that, I'm especially keen on the part where I can have them out on display on my counter without making my space ugly. The wipes are powerful and bust through grime well, so keeping them within arm's reach is helpful. How convenient! Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Fun and easy kitchen-cleaning gadgetsA few weeks ago, I picked up some silicone liners for my refrigerator. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time, but they've had an outsized impact on the cleanliness of my fridge just because they're so much easier to clean than the shelves themselves. I can simply remove my silicone sheets, let them hit room temp, and then much more easily get the spills off them in the sink. I got ones like these: Washable Refrigerator Mats $6.99 at Amazon Learn More Learn More $6.99 at Amazon There are also some viral cleaning products out there that can make you feel like a CleanTok star. For instance, if you want a chuckle while you clean your microwave, the Angry Mama microwave steam cleaner ($5.88) is a social media favorite that can be filled with vinegar and water, then nuked for five to seven minutes to create a steam that removes caked-on gunk and water stains from inside your machine. Its funny little face is just a bonus. For more hands-on cleaning, the Rubbermaid Reveal power scrubber ($19.98) is a scaled-down version of those viral electric scrubbing brushes you see all over social media, making it just right for cleaning sinks, tile grout, microwaves, and small spaces around the kitchen.Finally, you obviously need a mop for your kitchen and although there are a lot of heavy-duty mop-and-bucket options out there, it's a lot easier to go for a Swiffer. The PowerMop and WetJet are both great options here, since they have their cleaning solutions built in and dispense them from a nozzle at the push of a button on the handle, but there are some differences between the two. Here's my full breakdown and comparison.
