Cleaning products have a way of multiplying. Before long, it’s easy to end up with separate bottles for glass, countertops, bathrooms, floors, stainless steel, wood, and dozens of other jobs. The result is crowded cabinets and a cleaning routine that feels far more complicated than it needs to be.
That made one recent question on Reddit especially interesting: If you could keep only one cleaning product, what would it be?
Hundreds of people weighed in, sharing the cleaners they reach for again and again. Some swore by inexpensive household staples, others preferred homemade mixtures, and a few recommended products they said could replace half the bottles under the sink.
While most agreed that no cleaner is perfect for every job, the discussion showed that many households can get by with far fewer products than they realize.
Dish Soap
The clear favorite was dish soap, with Dawn earning the most praise.
Many Reddit users said it’s the closest thing they’ve found to a true all-purpose cleaner. Mixed with water, it works well on greasy stovetops, kitchen counters, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and even some floors.
Its grease-cutting ability was the biggest reason people recommended it. Unlike many stronger cleaners, it washes away easily and doesn’t leave behind a heavy residue.
One commenter summed it up by saying, “Dish soap is honestly undefeated if you use it right.” Several others agreed, saying they keep the same cleaner but simply switch between sponges, cloths, or scrub brushes depending on the job.
Some people also make their own spray cleaner by mixing a small amount of dish soap with water and a little rubbing alcohol.
Homemade Power Wash Spray
Closely connected to dish soap was the homemade version of “power wash” spray.
Many users said they stopped buying several commercial cleaners after making their own mixture with dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol. The solution creates a light foam that works well on greasy kitchen messes, bathroom surfaces, stovetops, and everyday spills.
Several commenters said this simple recipe replaced multiple spray cleaners they once bought regularly.
LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner
Among ready-made products, LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner received plenty of praise.
People said it works on everything from sticky residue and greasy surfaces to laundry stains, depending on how much it’s diluted. Many appreciated that one bottle can handle a variety of cleaning jobs around the house.
A few people admitted the scent isn’t their favorite, but they felt the cleaning performance made up for it.
Vinegar
White vinegar continues to be a favorite for people who like simple cleaning solutions.
Many commenters said they use diluted vinegar on windows, mirrors, countertops, and other hard surfaces. Others rely on it to remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and light grease.
Several users mentioned that once they started cleaning with vinegar, they stopped buying several specialty products.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide also earned plenty of recommendations.
Users said they rely on it for stain removal, disinfecting certain surfaces, and cleaning up organic messes. While few considered it an all-purpose cleaner by itself, many keep it alongside dish soap as part of a simple cleaning routine.
Enzyme Cleaners
Pet owners had a different favorite.
Enzyme cleaners were recommended repeatedly for removing urine, food spills, and other organic stains. Unlike ordinary cleaners, enzyme formulas break down the source of many odors instead of simply covering them up.
Many pet owners said they no longer buy separate odor removers because enzyme cleaners handle those jobs so well.
Magic Erasers
Although they aren’t liquid cleaners, Magic Erasers were mentioned often.
Many users said melamine sponges have replaced several scrubbing products they once kept on hand. They’re especially useful for removing scuff marks from walls, cleaning appliances, and tackling stubborn stains that don’t come off with a cloth alone.
Most people still pair them with another cleaner, but many said they’re one of the most useful cleaning tools they own.
Less Can Sometimes Be More
One thing became clear throughout the discussion: plenty of people have found that they don’t need a cabinet full of specialty cleaners to keep their homes clean.
For many, a bottle of dish soap, a homemade spray, or one dependable multipurpose cleaner handles most everyday jobs. A few specialty products still have their place, but many shoppers said they’ve saved money, reduced clutter, and made cleaning much easier by keeping their routines simple.
