If you've ever stood in the cleaning aisle feeling overwhelmed by endless sprays, foams, and wipes—you’re not alone. The market is saturated with options, but not all house cleaning products are created equal.

At The CoBuilders, we’ve cleaned thousands of homes and facilities across the U.S., so we know what works—and what’s just clever packaging. In this guide, we break down the best products for different parts of your home, ingredients to avoid, and how to clean smarter (not harder).

What Are House Cleaning Products?

House cleaning products are chemical or natural agents designed to remove dirt, bacteria, stains, and grime from various surfaces in your home. They include:

Disinfectants (kill germs on contact)
Degreasers (cut through oils, often in kitchens)
Abrasives (used for scrubbing tough surfaces)
Glass cleaners (leave windows streak-free)
All-purpose cleaners (suitable for multiple surfaces)

But the trick isn’t just knowing the categories—it’s choosing the right tools for each job.

Best Cleaning Products by Room

Bathroom:

Tile & grout cleaner: Look for one with hydrogen peroxide or citric acid.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Choose bleach-free if you’re eco-conscious.
Glass cleaner: Ammonia-free versions are safer in small spaces.

Kitchen:

Degreaser: Citrus-based options are powerful and less toxic.
Disinfectant spray: EPA-registered for killing bacteria on food-contact surfaces.
Stovetop cleaner: Non-abrasive cream cleaners are great for glass or ceramic tops.

Living areas:

All-purpose spray: Perfect for countertops, coffee tables, and doors.
Fabric refresher: Look for alcohol-free, non-toxic sprays.
Dusting cloths: Microfiber picks up particles without chemicals.

Laundry Room:

Stain removers: Enzyme-based options break down organic stains.
Eco laundry detergents: Free from sulfates, dyes, and artificial fragrances.

Ingredients to Avoid in Cleaning Products

Some common cleaning agents can do more harm than good. If you care about safety, especially in homes with kids, pets, or sensitive lungs, avoid:

Ammonia: Irritates eyes and lungs.
Chlorine bleach: Strong but corrosive; avoid mixing with other products.
Phthalates: Linked to hormone disruption (often in fragrances).
Triclosan: Found in antibacterial products—banned in some countries.

Instead, opt for plant-based or EPA Safer Choice-certified products whenever possible.

Green Cleaning: Are Natural Products Effective?

Yes—when used correctly. Natural cleaning products made with vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or essential oils can clean effectively without harsh chemicals.

At The CoBuilders, we offer eco-friendly options upon request and stock our cleaning teams with both professional-grade and environmentally safe products, depending on client preference.

Pro Tip: You Don’t Need a Dozen Products

We recommend 5 essentials for most households:

All-purpose cleaner
Disinfecting spray
Degreaser
Glass cleaner
Bathroom-specific cleaner

Want to simplify even further? Many brands now offer concentrated multi-use formulas that reduce waste, save space, and clean multiple surfaces with one product.

Don’t DIY What Needs Disinfecting

While vinegar and baking soda are great for surface cleaning, they don’t kill viruses or bacteria. For bathrooms, kitchens, and high-touch areas, use a true disinfectant with a known dwell time (usually 5–10 minutes).