Five must-have cleaning products for a spotless home

I recently visited my step-mother, Catherine Wanjugu, and as always, her home was spotless.

It was not just clean floors and neatly folded clothes; it was the fresh scent in the air, the crisp white towels, and that subtle feeling that every surface, corner, and room had been thoughtfully cared for.

Curious, I peeked into her cleaning basket, just like in the olden days. What I discovered was not a pile of expensive gadgets, but a well-curated selection of smart, effective products, most of which I had completely overlooked in my home.

For all those years I have known her, she has stuck to these tried-and-true essentials, proving that sometimes, the best cleaning tools stand the test of time.

It made me realise, in today’s fast-paced world, where our homes double as offices, gyms, and schools, cleaning is no longer a chore; it is a standard of living.

Yet, many of us are stuck in outdated routines, relying on a few basic items, detergent, bleach, maybe a mop, while neglecting essential tools that can make a visible and hygienic difference.

This is what you need:

1. Bluing agent for towels and white fabrics

Traditional fabric bluing agents that revive faded whites have been here for years.

How it works: Over time, white fabrics turn yellow or grey due to hard water, sweat, and detergent buildup. Bluing products neutralise these tones with a subtle blue tint, restoring a crisp, clean whiteness, without bleach damage.

“It’s a miracle for school uniforms and white fabrics, and it has been for years now; in fact, there is even soap that you can only find at the market or stall,” advised Wanjugu.

2. Toilet cleaner for deep sanitation

A toilet may look clean, but harmful bacteria often hide where your regular brush doesn’t reach.

Powdered formula clings to the bowl and under the rim, scrubbing away limescale, odour, and germs in one go.

“People often underestimate the hygiene risk of a poorly cleaned toilet. If you're just swishing water and bleach, you're not sanitising effectively,” said Wanjugu. “The good thing is that it can be used in the kitchen, the bathroom and other cleaning items.”

Other Topics To Read

• Lifestyle
• Somali kitchens
• kitchenware
• kitchen sponges
• home cleaning
• Utamaduni Kitchen
• Bleach
• Five must-have cleaning products for a spotless home
• Headlines

3. Scouring cream or powder

Before the rise of liquid soap, scouring cream was the go-to detergent. However, unlike liquid detergents, scouring creams or powders create a friction-based clean, perfect for surfaces that need a little muscle.

“I still use it up to date, because it is convenient and lasts longer than liquid dish washing soap, and it cuts through grease, grime, and burnt-on food residues with minimal effort, unlike regular bar soap,” she said.

Perfect for: Kitchen sinks, gas stove tops, cabinet handles and even grout between tiles

“Most people think their tiles are permanently stained. Then they use CIF and realise that it was just years of grime build-up.”

Pro tip: Use with a sponge or soft-bristle brush; avoid using on soft plastics or delicate surfaces.

4. Microfiber cloths

Do not just buy any kitchen towel you see in the streets. Why microfiber? It is not just a fancy name.

In fact, microfiber cloths are electrostatically charged, attracting dust like a magnet, no sprays needed while using them to clean.

The key benefits of using it are that it offers lint-free cleaning and is safe for electronics; it is also washable and reusable (eco-friendly).

It also reduces reliance on paper towels and disposable wipes

“After switching to microfiber, I cut down on my cleaning spray use by 60 per cent,” added Wanjugu.

Best for: TVs, laptops, car interiors, framed art, glassware, and wooden furniture.

5. Bleach for white utensils

Over time, white utensils can develop stains, yellowing, or dullness, especially from frequent use with colored foods or sauces.

A trick, she told me, is to soak the plates and cups once in a while in bleach. It not only brightens your white kitchenware but also kills germs and removes stubborn stains.

Pro Tip: Always dilute bleach as recommended and soak utensils briefly before rinsing thoroughly to avoid any lingering chemical smell or taste.

“Using diluted bleach ensures your utensils are both hygienically clean and look brand new. I always do that to my utensils so that they remain white,” she noted.

The next time you are at the supermarket or placing an order online, ask yourself: Is my cleaning basket really complete?