Best Cleaning Products for Kitchen: Which Ones Should You Buy? 

A clean kitchen is a necessity for every home.

Good thing maintaining a clean kitchen is much easier thanks to the wide range of effective cleaners you can get in 2023.

You can choose from top-performing commercial solutions, budget-friendly options, and natural alternatives to keep your kitchen spotless and hygienic.

You need effective and safe surface cleaning solutions, especially in food preparation areas.

Understanding Cleaning Products Basics

Being in a kitchen cleaning service for years, I can say that understanding how cleaners work is essential if you want to effectively keep your kitchen clean.

So before we dig deep into specific things like choosing the best kitchen surface cleaner or drain cleaner, or counter cleaner, let’s get to know the basics first.

Definition of Cleaning Products

This pertains to solutions, mixtures, and tools typically used for regular cleaning.

It includes all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, carpet cleaners, floor care products, and hand soaps.

They can be purchased in liquid, powder, spray, gel, or as cleaning tools. They effectively eliminate unwanted things, such as dirt and grease.

These products make cleaning easier.

Types of Cleaning Products

To get the best choices for cleaning kitchen drains, you must know which cleaning product type works best for cleaning drains.

In this case, you should have degreasers.

Including degreasers, there are different types of products you should know.

• Abrasive Cleaners – these products create a scouring effect that removes dirt firmly attached to a surface.
• Degreasers – tackles grease, oils, and sticky residues, especially in a kitchen sink.
• Disinfectants – play a specific role in killing germs, bacteria, and viruses.
• Specialty Cleaners – created for a more specific task, such as cleaning an oven, sink, floor, or carpet.

How Cleaning Products Work

These products work based on their specific formulations. Some may contain substances called surfactants or surface active materials.

Surfactants help remove dirt by connecting water and dirt, making it easier to rinse away — like how a laundry detergent works.

There are also solvents for dissolving oils and grease, acids and alkalis for breaking down stains, enzymes for organic matter, and oxidizing agents for stains.

These cleaning agents also serve as disinfectants for killing germs.

Critically Evaluating Kitchen Cleaning Products

Understanding that bacteria can quickly spread onto your food if it touches dirty surfaces is crucial. But you don’t have to use harmful solutions to eliminate them.

Instead, prioritize safety, effectiveness, affordability, and environmental impact.

Abrasive Cleaners

An abrasive cleaner is specifically designed to tackle tough and stubborn dirt, stains, tarnishes, and hard water deposits by scraping them away.

They come as liquid, powder, or cleaning tools (scrub, stone, or sponge).

• Safety – consider their potential to create scratches or damage delicate surfaces, like stainless steel or glass.
• Effectiveness – fine particles are less abrasive, whereas coarse particles are more abrasive.
• Affordability – abrasive tools are reusable, therefore, a good value.
• Environmental Impact – because they are reusable, they are also non-biodegradable, so dispose of them properly.

Degreasers

Degreasers are especially useful for cleaning greasy spaces like clogged sinks and grills. They can effectively cut through grease, baked-on messes, rust stains, and stubborn grime.

Here’s how you can evaluate degreasers:

• Safety – ensure the degreaser is suitable for the surfaces you intend to clean, such as cooktops, range hoods, and appliances.
• Effectiveness – check the degreaser’s ability to cut through grease, oils, and sticky residues.
• Affordability – liquid or spray degreasers are usually cheaper than specialty degreasing wipes or pre-moistened paper towels.
• Environmental Impact – degreasers come with strong ingredients. Use them only on surfaces that can withstand them, or look for eco-friendly options.

Disinfectants

Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces like fridge handles, sinks, tables, and countertops.

Here’s how you can independently evaluate a disinfectant product:

• Safety – choose safe products around food that will not harm your skin or lungs. Consider whether the disinfectant may cause any damage or discoloration to certain surfaces.
• Effectiveness – the higher the concentration of the solution, the more effective it is.
• Affordability – bleach is a common disinfectant that is relatively inexpensive. A gallon of bleach can cost as little as $2.
• Environmental Impact – test kitchen surfaces by conducting a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it does not cause any adverse reactions.

Specialty Cleaners

A specialty cleaner is a cleaning product that addresses particular cleaning challenges in specific areas or materials.

For example, an Easy-off Oven Cleaner should be used on microwaves only. Using it to clean refrigerators could result in damage.

• Safety – read the labels and strictly follow product usage, instruction, and storage.
• Effectiveness – pay attention to claims that address your specific concerns. For example, look for products that promise “break down stubborn grime.”
• Affordability – an all-purpose cleaner can be a cost-effective solution.
• Environmental Impact – the label should provide disposal instructions, like pouring it down the drain or taking it to a hazardous waste facility.

Best Cleaning Products for Kitchen in 2023

My team at Onix Cleaning Services and I have thoroughly tested these products, and we are certain they are highly effective.

This list includes the best kitchen cleaners, budget-friendly options, and natural alternatives for those who prefer eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

1. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges

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FEATURES

• Type: Abrasive cleaner (sponge)
• Recommended Use: Can be used on por, wood, glass, plastic, or stone
• Size: 6 sponge/pack
• Price at time of publishing: $1.00 / count

The Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges are a versatile and effective choice for kitchen cleaning.

With 3X scrubbing power, they are safe for non-stick cookware and surfaces, including wood, glass, and plastic.

These sponges last longer than usual – up to 4 weeks instead of 3. This is a major cost saving for me.

However, if you want to remove any residue, stains, or trapped particles inside a bottle, you’ll need a bottle brush.

PROS

• Safe to use on non-stick cookware
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Milder than steel wool
• Long lasting tool

CONS

• Less durable than steel wool

2. Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish

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FEATURES

• Type: Degreaser
• Recommended Use: For stainless steel
• Size: 12 fluid ounces
• Price at time of publishing: $17

This surface cleaner powder contains oxalic acid, mild abrasives, and detergents to remove stubborn calcium buildup and rust stains.

Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful grease remover that cuts through oil, baked-on food, and mineral deposits.

I was impressed with its microfiber towel and the dual-sided scrubbing sponge. It makes it easier to apply and remove stubborn stains.

The only downside to this product is that the container is hard to open.

PROS

• Multi-surface compatibility
• Includes a microfiber towel and a dual-sided scrubbing sponge
• Powerful elbow grease remover
• Best counter cleaner

CONS

• The container is hard to open

3. Easy-Off Heavy-Duty Oven Cleaner

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FEATURES

• Type: Specialty Cleaners
• Recommend Use: Heavy-duty microwave oven cleaning
• Size: 14.5 fl. oz
• Price at time of publishing: $5

I was impressed by the ease of use of this cleaning spray.

Simply spray the cleaner on the stove or oven stain, wait a few minutes, and then wipe it away. T

The Easy-Off Heavy-Duty Oven Cleaner is also a highly effective and efficient solution for heavy-duty cleaning tasks in the kitchen.

Its ability to quickly dissolve stubborn oven messes is commendable.

However, as the name suggests, this product is heavy-duty and can be quite harsh.

PROS

• Immediate results
• Fragrant smell
• Easy to use
• Eliminates sticky residue in ovens

CONS

• It can be harmful if not used properly

4. Green Gobbler Drain Cleaner

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FEATURES

• Type: Specialty cleaner/Degreaser
• Recommended Use: deep clean sinks
• Size: 8.25 Fluid Ounces
• Price at time of publishing: $19.99

I often suggest Green Gobbler as the best drain cleaner to my clients as a reliable product for unclogging their sinks regularly.

It is effective on mild clogs, like hairs, stuck raw chicken pieces, or other food particles a dish brush can’t reach.

No need to measure or guess because premeasured packages are available.

While the Green Gobbler Drain Cleaner is highly effective against most clogs, it may not work on all extreme clogs.

PROS

• Prevents drain clogs
• It contains an active ingredient for tough clogs
• Biodegradable and odorless
• Comes with 5 Hair Drain Snake Tools

CONS

• It may not work on all extreme clogs

5. Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner + Hardwood Floor Cleaner (Bundle)

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FEATURES

• Type: Specialty floor cleaner (liquid)
• Recommended Use: tiles and hardwood floors
• Size: 32 ounces
• Price at time of publishing: $19

I have used Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner & Hardwood Floor Cleaner on various floors, including hardwood, tile, linoleum, and concrete.

I have found that it is effective at removing dirt, food, grease, and grime.

One of the things that I like most about this best floor cleaner is that it is non-toxic. This is important because I have children and pets in my home.

However, Aunt Fannie’s floor cleaner is not as concentrated, so I must use it more.

PROS

• Plant-based
• Biodegradable
• Available in lavender and lemons scent
• Pet-friendly
• Non-toxic

CONS

• Less concentrated

Budget-Friendly Cleaning Products for Kitchen

As an expert cleaner and a consumer, I also understand the importance of finding effective and budget-friendly solutions for maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen.

I’ll share with you some budget-friendly and expert-recommended products for kitchen cleaning.

1. Nano Towels Stainless Steel Cleaner

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FEATURES

• Type: Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Recommended Use: all-purpose cleaner
• Size: 16×7″
• Price at time of publishing: $15

This is the perfect option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the expensive Swedish dishcloth or paper towel.

This tool removes marks from metal with just water.

It eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or petroleum-based products. It also won’t scratch stainless steel appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves.

The double-sided benefits of this cooking wipe are particularly handy.

PROS

• Requires no chemicals
• Safe for delicate surfaces
• Reusable and durable
• Absorbent

CONS

• Needs other products’ assistance for stubborn stains
• Initial scrubbing required

2. Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Wool

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FEATURES

• Type: Abrasive cleaner (scrubbing)
• Recommended Use: Por, Wood, Glass, Plastic, Stone
• Size: 9.25 x 3.9 x 1.95 inches
• Price at time of publishing: $2.76

Compared to a regular sponge, this steel wool easily removes stubborn dirt and burnt residues stuck on food grills.

It can withstand tough scrubbing without falling apart or losing its effectiveness.

This stainless scrubber is a tough cleaning tool that can easily scrub away tough messes on grills, broilers, and other surfaces prone to buildup.

Moreover, it excels at cleaning brushed stainless steel, leaving it spotless and gleaming.

PROS

• Effectively removes stubborn dirt and burnt residue stuck on food grills.
• Great for cooking pots, pans, grills, broilers, and more stubborn messes
• Multipurpose cleaner
• Effective on brushed stainless steel

CONS

• Ideal for non-coated pans only

3. Treelen Broom and Dustpan

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FEATURES

• Type: Cleaning tool
• Recommended Use: Indoor floor cleaning
• Size: 10.4 x 11.6 x 52 inches
• Price at time of publishing: $24

When it comes to cleaning, the tools that typically come to mind are a broom and dustpan.

Good thing the Treelen broom and dustpan set is adjustable in height for comfort and has a space-saving stand-up storage feature.

The built-in scraper and comb make cleaning effortless, and the dustpan can lock in an open position for easy disposal.

This product works indoors and outdoors, but not with wet messes.

PROS

• The pole can be extended
• Easy stand-up storage
• Has a built-in scraper and comb
• Easy to use on multi-surface

CONS

• Not for wet messes
• Limited reach

4. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

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FEATURES

• Type: Micro-scrubbers
• Recommended Use: Multi-surface Use
• Size: 10 magic erasers
• Price at time of publishing: $13

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleans effectively using only water, making it a safer choice for our client’s homes and kitchens.

Micro-scrubbers work wonders on surfaces, including walls, bathtubs, oven doors, and light switches, easily erasing marks and tough dirt.

Extra Durable magic erasers offer powerful cleaning with its DURAFOAM technology.

They are an excellent option for tackling stubborn stains and scuffs. It can be used on a sneaker shoe.

PROS

• Provides a powerful clean with water alone
• All-purpose cleaner
• Extra durable magic erasers
• Made with recycled papers
• Better results than a cleaning spray

CONS

• It may not eliminate tough stains completely

5. Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Soap

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FEATURES

• Type: Dish soap
• Recommended Use: Washing dishes
• Size: 561 ml
• Price at time of publishing: $0.18 / Fl Oz

This plant-based dish soap is a reliable companion for tackling everyday dishes. It’s a good bottle brush pair.

This product has EPA Safer Choice and USDA Certified Biobased labels, ensuring a safer and more eco-friendly dish soap for my dishes.

Like a hand soap, the hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula of this dish soap makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin.

It has been dermatologist-tested, ensuring a gentle and non-irritating washing experience.

PROS

• Has sustainability certifications
• Plant-based material
• Fragrance-free dish soap
• Hypoallergenic
• Dishwasher-friendly

CONS

• Not for tough stains or grease

Natural Cleaning Alternatives in Kitchen

Harsh chemicals are not always necessary. Natural cleaning alternatives are just as effective, if not more so.

It is possible to create an effective kitchen cleaner using these ingredients that are likely already present in your kitchen.

1. White Vinegar

You can clean vertical surfaces, floors, wood paneling, and cabinets by placing white vinegar in a spray bottle and using it as a solution.

Use a mixture of vinegar and water for general cleaning and undiluted vinegar for stovetops.

It’s a natural disinfectant.

2. Baking Soda

This all-purpose cleaner ingredient is probably everyone’s best friend. Baking soda can be used for various purposes, from cleaning and deodorizing to cooking and baking.

Mixing it with vinegar or lemon juice can naturally clean your kitchen.

3. Lemon

Lemon is a natural alternative because it contains citric acid and has antibacterial properties.

Lemon juice can be used to sanitize cutting boards, countertops, and appliances in the kitchen. It removes stains and odor.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great alternative to commercial stainless steel polishes. Mix it with vinegar to clean kitchen appliances.

Use it to buff wooden cutting boards and utensils for a shiny look and longer lifespan.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, peppermint, and lavender have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that make them great for cleaning.

However, they’re concentrated and harsh, so diluting them with water, vinegar, or baking soda is best.

Required Supplies for an Effective Kitchen Cleaning Process

Using the right tools, protective wear, and cleaner is crucial.

That’s why you will always find a kitchen cleaner equipped with a scrub brush, sponge, microfiber cloth, bucket, and rubber gloves, among other things.

1. Cleaning Tools

Having the appropriate tools on hand is essential to effectively eliminate a messy kitchen.

Here are some essentials you should prepare:

• Broom
• Dustpan
• Mop and bucket
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Vacuum

2. Protective Wear

Wearing protective gear helps avoid injury or illness.

This is particularly important when working with kitchen chemicals, as it can prevent harm to your skin and lungs.

• Rubber gloves
• Masks
• Aprons
• Eyewear
• Slip-resistant shoes

3. Cleaning Solutions

Choose the right solution for each task.

Like dealing with a clogged kitchen sink, the Green Gobbler Drain Cleaner is the best solution instead of the Easy-Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner.

Check out the top 5 best kitchen cleaners for 2023 and the five affordable choices mentioned earlier.

You may also consider utilizing the natural alternatives that I have suggested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we finish, please take a moment to review these FAQs regarding the top kitchen cleaners.

Conclusion

The products I have included are essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen.

Abrasive cleaners, degreasers, disinfectants, and specialty cleaners serve unique purposes.

When selecting cleaning agents and tools, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, effectiveness, affordability, and environmental impact to achieve a sparkling clean kitchen.