My Essentials

So, in the quest to pare down to the essentials and simplify my life, here are the items I consider absolutely imperative. Today, I peek into my cleaning closet. Tomorrow, it’s the kitchen:

My Cleaning Closet
Let me preface this list by saying that I don’t do the hardcore, weekly cleaning at my house. I am blessed to have a wonderful service that does this for me. But I do all the in-between, day-to-day stuff, and these are the items I couldn’t live without:

Method Wood for Good: Easy to use spray bottle, and yummy almondy smell

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner: Again, love the easy-to-use spray bottle and the way it cleans my floors in a snap (I use it with a microfiber mop)

Mrs. Meyers and Caldrea Countertop Sprays and All Purpose Sprays: I’ve used them all, and I like the scents from these companies the best, at least of the ones that are commonly available. My favorites are Lemon Verbena and Geranium from Mrs. Meyers and for Caldrea, Ginger Pomelo and Sandalwood Riceflower. They make the whole room smell amazing!

Method Lil Bowl Blue and Glass Cleaners: These do the job quickly and I love the packaging

Finish Tabs: Mess free, and highly rated

Seventh Generation Dish Soap: This lasts really well, makes lots of bubbles and cleans as well as conventional products. I like Lemongrass and Clementine Zest the best!

Mrs Meyers Laundry Detergent: This is the first all-natural laundry detergent that really leaves your clothes smelling amazing, and it cleans well too! I use the Lavender scent.

Method All Purpose Wipes: I take these everywhere, in my purse, to wipe off grimy high chairs, shopping carts, etc. I keep a tub of these wipes next to the toilet in the bathrooms that the girls use the most frequently, to wipe up drips and drops from the toilet seats!

Maison Belle by Isabella Smith Bathroom and Floor Cleaners: Yes, they’re indulgent, at $24 a bottle, but I’ve found them at TJ Maxx for a much more down-to-earth price, and they smell so amazing you can skip the scented candle!