What Cleaning Products Do Professional Home Cleaners Use? Which Ones Should You Avoid?

Cleaning products are a dime a dozen these days, with new brands, formulas, and advertisements popping up constantly. So, when it comes to maintaining a spotless home, how do you know which products truly live up to their claims? 

The truth is, not all cleaning products are created equal. Some help with deep cleaning, and others are for one-time house cleaning. While many popular cleaning products offer superior results, others can leave your surfaces streaky, damaged, or even worse, full of toxic chemicals.

Whatever you’re looking for, to freshen up your home regularly or tackle a deep clean with post-renovation cleaning—whether that’s home cleaning services, an apartment cleaning service, or luxury home cleaning services—choosing the right product can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll break down which cleaning products work the best and which ones you should steer clear of, and offer practical advice for selecting the perfect product for your needs.

The Best All-Purpose Cleaning Products

Let’s start with the basics: all-purpose cleaners. These are your go-to products for bathroom and kitchen cleaning, quick cleanups, surface wipes, and run-of-the-mill recurring house cleaning. But not every ‘all-purpose’ cleaning product is truly for all purposes. Some can be highly effective on a variety of surfaces, while others might leave streaks or fail to lift grime.

Why All-Purpose Cleaners Are Important

All-purpose cleaners are designed to be versatile, meaning they are a helping hand for home cleaning services. All-purpose cleaners can clean everything from countertops to bathroom sinks, windows, and even floors. Their convenience makes them a popular choice for busy homeowners or those who prefer to have a one-size-fits-all product to handle multiple cleaning tasks.

However, some all-purpose cleaners are better suited for specific tasks than others. For example, one-time house cleaning products that work great on countertops might not be as effective on heavy-duty grease or grime in kitchens.

Top Picks for All-Purpose Cleaners

These are all examples of good cleaning products that balance performance with safety, making them excellent options for everyday home cleaning:

• Method All-Purpose Cleaner: This plant-based cleaner is tough on grime but gentle on the environment. It’s free from toxic chemicals and is safe for most surfaces, including kitchen counters, bathroom tiles, and sinks. It’s also available in various scents, adding a refreshing touch to your cleaning routine.

• Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner: Another eco-friendly option, Mrs. Meyer’s is known for its effective scrubbing power and pleasant scents. It works on a wide variety of surfaces, including glass, wood, and countertops, making it a versatile pick for every room in the house.

• Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner: This is a great pick if you’re looking for something non-toxic and free from synthetic fragrances. It’s gentle on your surfaces while still providing effective cleaning power, especially on grease and dirt.

Features to Look For in Good Cleaning Products

When shopping for an all-purpose cleaner, keep an eye out for the following features: 

• Non-toxic formulas: Non toxic cleaning products keep your house tidy and chemical-free. Ideally, look for natural, eco-friendly options free from harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach.

• Degreasing properties: The best all-purpose cleaners are capable of handling both dust and grease, so check the label to make sure it can take on kitchen messes as well as surface dust.

• Versatility: Look for cleaners that can be used on multiple surfaces, such as wood, glass, and stone, to avoid cluttering your cleaning supplies with too many products.

Tackling the Tough Jobs

Sometimes, an all-purpose cleaner isn’t enough. While these are all good cleaning products, some stains are just too stubborn and need some more push. For more challenging tasks—like scrubbing greasy kitchen floors or removing soap scum from the shower—even professional home cleaners will need a deep-cleaning product.

When You Need More Than a Quick Wipe-Down

Deep cleaning products are formulated to remove tough stains, grease, grime, and dirt buildup that regular cleaning products might leave behind. These are the products you’ll want to pull out for more serious cleaning jobs like move-in and move-out cleaning, post-renovation cleaning, or deep cleanings between guests for Airbnb hosts. If necessary, you may want to invest in luxury home cleaning to keep your abode in tip-top shape.

Top Picks for Deep House Cleaning

• Zep Heavy-Duty Cleaner: Known for its industrial-strength power, Zep works wonders on kitchen grease, bathroom soap scum, and stubborn stains. It’s perfect for a deep clean of the oven, refrigerator, or any surface that requires a little extra muscle.

• Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach: While bleach-based cleaners should be used with caution, Clorox’s cleaner is fantastic for disinfecting and deep-cleaning high-traffic areas. It’s ideal for sanitizing areas like bathrooms or for tackling mold and mildew buildup.

• Bar Keepers Friend: This product is great for stubborn stains on a variety of surfaces, including stainless steel, porcelain, and glass. It’s ideal for removing tarnish, soap scum, and hard water stains, making it perfect for deep house cleaning.

How to Use Deep Cleaning Products

Deep cleaning products are often more powerful, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. For example:

• Apply the cleaner to the stained area and let it sit for the recommended time.

• Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub away tough stains to avoid scratching delicate surfaces.

• Always ensure proper ventilation when using strong products like bleach to prevent inhaling fumes.

Green and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Eco-friendly cleaning products are gaining popularity for good reason. They’re safer for the environment, your health, and the air quality inside your home. More people are switching to green cleaning solutions that are free of harmful chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. Also, any natural cleaning products are just as effective as chemical-based ones, without the unwanted side effects.

The Rise of Eco-Conscious Cleaning

If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid toxic cleaning chemicals, eco-friendly products are a great option. They’re effective, safe, and don’t release harmful fumes into your home. Plus, many natural cleaning products use sustainable packaging and biodegradable ingredients, making them a win for both your home and the planet.

Best Eco-Friendly Products

• Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds: This all-purpose cleaner is biodegradable, free from synthetic detergents, and made with organic ingredients. It can handle everything from countertops to laundry.

• Ecos All-Purpose Cleaner: A great eco-friendly option for multi-surface cleaning, Ecos is plant-based and works on a variety of surfaces, including wood and glass.

• Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes: Ideal for quick clean-ups, these wipes kill germs without the use of harsh chemicals. They’re great for sanitizing high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.

The Benefits of Green Cleaning

Green cleaners are typically free from toxins, making them safer for households with children or pets. Unlike chemical-laden cleaners, eco-friendly products don’t release harmful fumes that can degrade indoor air quality.

The Worst Cleaning Products

Some products clean, some polish, and some do more harm than good. Whether it’s leaving behind streaks or potentially damaging your surfaces, certain products just aren’t worth the money.

Why Some Products Don’t Work (Or Do More Harm Than Good)

Some cleaning products make big promises but fall short when it comes to performance. Others contain harmful chemicals that can damage surfaces or even pose health risks. It’s important to know what products to avoid to make your cleaning process more efficient and safer. 

The Worst Offenders

• Products with Harsh Chemicals (Ammonia, Bleach): While bleach and ammonia-based products can clean effectively, they’re not always the best choice for certain surfaces like wood, marble, or granite. These harsh chemicals can discolor or damage the material over time. They also release harmful fumes, which can be irritating to your lungs. Instead, seek out non-toxic cleaning products that don’t include these harmful chemicals.

• Products with Synthetic Fragrances: Many conventional cleaning products contain artificial fragrances that can trigger allergies or respiratory issues. Opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products instead.

• Non-Specific Cleaners: Some all-purpose cleaners claim to work everywhere but fail to perform well on specialized tasks like grease removal or bathroom mold. Choose products that are specifically designed for the task at hand.

Alternatives to Harmful Products

Opt for natural, non-toxic cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to tackle general cleaning tasks. Use plant-based disinfectants that are just as effective at killing germs without the risks associated with harsh chemicals. 

Choosing the Right Cleaner for Specific Surfaces

When it comes to cleaning, one product does not fit all. Different materials require different cleaning methods. For example, using the wrong cleaner on a wood floor could leave it streaky or damaged, while using the wrong product on marble could cause permanent discoloration.

Why Different Surfaces Require Different Cleaners

Each surface—be it wood, granite, stainless steel, or tile—has its own specific needs. Using the right product not only helps to maintain the surface’s integrity but also improves cleaning effectiveness. If you’re a renter, you may want to search for an apartment cleaning service to make sure the products they use won’t damage your home.

Best Products for Specific Surfaces

• Glass Cleaners: If you need streak-free glass, an ammonia-free cleaner like Windex is a great choice for windows and mirrors.

• Wood Cleaners: For furniture and floors, look for cleaners specifically formulated for wood, such as Pledge or Method Wood for Good.

• Granite-safe cleaners: For countertops, use a pH-balanced cleaner that won’t damage the finish of your granite surfaces. Weiman Granite Cleaner is a good choice.

Safety Tips for Using Cleaning Products

While cleaning is essential, safety should always come first. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful if not used properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning products, especially when conducting recurring house cleaning.

For instance, some products need to sit on the surface for a few minutes to be effective, while others may require dilution. Be mindful of the ingredients in your cleaning products. To reduce your exposure to harmful fumes and irritants, always go for safe cleaning products that are formulated to be gentle on both your health and home. Many conventional cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to poor indoor air quality and can cause respiratory issues.

When working on smaller areas, like bathroom and kitchen cleaning, make sure the room has proper airflow so as not to inhale any toxic fumes. Opt for non-toxic and eco-friendly options to help protect both your health and the environment. 

Call On The Experts

Choosing the right cleaning products can make all the difference in maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy home. By picking professional home cleaners for your specific needs and avoiding harmful or ineffective products, you can ensure that your home stays fresh and safe for you and your family.

If you ever find yourself in need of professional help, The Help Cleaning Services is here for your move-in and move-out cleaning or deep house cleaning needs. We use high-quality, safe cleaning products to make sure your home shines without any harsh chemicals.

Check us out on our Facebook or Instagram, or contact us at (817) 630-9416 for a free quote today to get started on your next cleaning project!