As warm weather approaches, so does the season for spring cleaning. When it comes to the tools for getting a big cleaning job done right, the more versatile, effective and inexpensive they are, the better.
Here are several products, each $10 or less, that are great at what they do.
BAR KEEPERS FRIEND
Price: $1.99 for 21 ounces at Target
All You magazine put several scouring powders to the test on an old porcelain sink with rust stains and on everyday bathtub soap scum. Bar Keepers Friend was the only cleanser to remove the notoriously difficult dirt embedded in a tub's nonslip coating.
MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY MULTI-SURFACE EVERYDAY CLEANER
Price: $3.99 for 16 ounces at Target
A multi-surface cleaning product helps cut back on the number of items in your cleaning arsenal. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner is not only good at cleaning, it's also eco-friendly. The fragrances are made from essential oils that offer aromatherapy value, like lavender for a calming fragrance or lemon verbena for an energizing citrus boost.
All You's tests showed that the cleaner came out on top when tackling a greasy kitchen hood or bathroom chrome and tile. This bio-degradable cleaner is concentrated, so you get a lot more cleaning power per bottle than with a non-concentrated cleaning solution.
SEVENTH GENERATION NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENTS
Price: $7.99 for 50 ounces at Target
Seventh Generation's laundry detergents have no added fragrances or dyes, making them a gentler option for those with allergies or skin sensitivity. They're also made from mostly plant-based materials. The eco-friendly liquid cleaned as well as conventional detergents when put to the test by Reviewed.com. A powdered version also performed well in tests by Consumer Reports.
GOO GONE
Price: $4.19 for 12 ounces at Target
Stickers and sticky messes happen, especially with kids in the home. Goo Gone is the ideal remedy for sticker residue, grease, gum and even crayon marks. It's safe to use on carpets, glass, ceramics, sealed wood, some fabrics and even plastic. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way, which can really help you stretch your money.
MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER
Price: $3.57 for four at Target
The aptly named Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean works wonders on all sorts of scuffs, stains and messes around the house, making it an excellent addition to your cleaning arsenal.
A magic eraser works equally well at removing scuffs from shoes, baseboards and walls as it does for removing marks or dirt from countertops, dry-erase boards and shower stalls. The best part: A Magic Eraser only requires a little water to unlock its power _ no extra soaps, sprays or cleaners required.
MURPHY OIL SOAP
Price: $3.34 for 32 ounces at Target
Murphy Oil Soap _ a favorite for cleaning wood floors _ also works on countertops, tile and laminate surfaces without leaving behind a strong chemical odor. That's because it's made from 98 percent plant-derived ingredients such as pine oil and coconut. This classic cleaner is gentle, yet powerful enough to clean everything from plastic patio furniture to bathroom surfaces. It can even be used as a spot cleaner for difficult laundry stains, making it a well-rounded product to keep in your cleaning supply cupboard.
