Keeping a home clean with a busy life is absolutely mental.

You need the right tools, the right products, and honestly? Something that makes the whole process a bit more pleasant.

That’s why I’ve put together this complete guide to the cleaning equipment and products I actually use, swear by, and genuinely can’t live without.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your vacuums, invest in smart cleaning gadgets, or just want your home to smell absolutely banging, I’ve got you covered. These are the products I order on repeat because they actually work, save me time, and make my home feel fresh and clean.

Affiliate disclosure: Links in this post are affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

All items mentioned in this post can be found in my Benable List:

PART 1: CLEANING EQUIPMENT THAT CHANGES THE GAME

1. Shark PowerDetect Speed Plus Cordless Vacuum

Why I Love It: This is my go-to hoover. It’s powerful, reliable, and honestly one of the best investments I’ve made for the house. With a busy family, I need something that doesn’t faff about, and this absolutely delivers.

The Pros:

• Powerful suction: Genuinely strong enough to handle carpet and hard floors without struggling. Picks up everything from dust to larger debris in one pass.
• Cordless convenience: No cords to wrestle with or trip over. You can move freely around the house without being tethered to a plug socket.
• Lightweight design: Won’t leave your arms exhausted after vacuuming. Perfect for a full house clean without fatigue.
• Versatile: Works brilliantly on both carpets and hard flooring. No need to switch between machines.
• Easy maintenance: Simple to empty and clean. The dustbin release is straightforward and doesn’t involve wrestling with complicated mechanisms.
• Battery life: Runs long enough for most households. You can genuinely get through a full clean before needing to recharge.
• Smart features: Detects different floor types automatically and adjusts suction accordingly.
• Quiet operation: Not ear-splittingly loud, which is a genuine blessing when you’re cleaning with kids around.

2. Makita XLC02R1B 18V LXT Cordless Vacuum

Why I Love It: My absolute go-to wizard on hardwood floors. I keep coming back to this one because it’s lightweight, genuinely powerful, and makes quick work of dust and debris. Perfect if you’ve got mostly hard flooring.

The Pros:

• Lightweight and compact: Easy to store and genuinely handheld without causing arm strain. Perfect for quick clean-ups between deeper cleaning sessions.
• Brilliant on hard floors: Specifically designed to tackle tile, laminate, and wood without leaving streaks or missing anything.
• Quick cleanup: Ideal for hoovering up crumbs, dust, and pet hair without dragging out the full-size vacuum.
• Quiet operation: Won’t wake the kids or disturb anyone working from home.
• Cordless freedom: No cords to deal with, which makes navigating around furniture and into corners genuinely easy.
• Compatible batteries: Works with Makita’s 18V battery range, so if you’ve already got Makita tools, you’re sorted.
• Compact storage: Doesn’t take up half your cupboard. Easy to tuck away.
• Reliable brand: Makita has a solid reputation for durability and performance.

3. Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Mop

Why I Love It: Love using this mop daily. Genuinely glides like a dream and makes mopping enjoyable — which, let’s be honest, isn’t something you hear often. It’s efficient, easy to use, and your floors look spotless after.

The Pros:

• Effortless gliding: The microfibre pads genuinely glide across hard floors without dragging or sticking. Mopping feels less like a workout.
• Spin technology: Removes excess water automatically, so you don’t end up with soaking wet floors that take forever to dry.
• No bucket wringing: Never need to wring out a mop manually again. The spinning takes care of it all.
• Effective cleaning: Leaves floors properly clean without requiring excessive scrubbing or multiple passes.
• Dual-tank system: Keeps dirty water separate from clean water, so you’re always mopping with fresh water.
• Microfibre pads: Genuinely effective at picking up dust, hair, and grime. Washable and reusable, so you’re not constantly buying replacements.
• Easy maneuverability: Lightweight and easy to push, even across large floor areas.
• Quick-drying floors: Because you’re not soaking the floor, it dries faster and you can use it sooner.
• Minimal learning curve: Genuinely simple to set up and start using. No complicated instructions.

4. E-Cloth Glass & Polishing Cloth – 4 Pack

Why I Love It: These cloths are brilliant. No streaks on mirrors or glass — honestly, I don’t know how they do it, but they’re magic. Stock up because once you use them, you won’t go back.

The Pros:

• Streak-free results: Genuinely works without leaving lines or marks. Your mirrors and windows look crystal clear.
• No chemicals needed: Just water and the cloth do the job. Perfect if you want to avoid harsh cleaning products.
• Durable: These cloths last for ages. One pack gives you multiple cloths that stay effective through loads of washes.
• Washable and reusable: Throw them in with your normal washing. No ongoing cost of buying disposable cloths.
• Versatile: Works brilliantly on windows, mirrors, glass tables, and even stainless steel.
• Quick and easy: Takes half the time compared to traditional paper towels and glass cleaner.
• Eco-friendly: Reduces waste since you’re not constantly throwing away paper towels.
• Cost-effective: The upfront cost pays for itself within a few uses.
• Professional results: Makes your home look genuinely spotless and well-maintained.

5. Microfiber Kitchen Towels, 8 Pack, 28×20, Gray

Why I Love It: Love these cloths. They’re versatile, absorbent, and genuinely make kitchen cleaning quicker. I use them for everything — spills, drying dishes, wiping down surfaces.

The Pros:

• Super absorbent: Genuinely soaks up spills without needing multiple cloths.
• Durable: Withstand loads of washing without falling apart. The quality stays consistent.
• Fast-drying: Don’t sit around damp and smelly like regular kitchen towels. Dry quickly and stay fresh.
• Lint-free: No annoying fibres left behind on your glasses or dishes.
• Soft and gentle: Won’t scratch non-stick cookware or delicate glassware.
• Large size (28×20): Genuinely big enough to be useful. One cloth covers a decent area.
• Versatile: Use for dishes, spills, counters, windows — genuinely useful everywhere.
• Economical: The 8-pack ensures you’ve always got clean ones while others are washing.
• Professional appearance: Look proper and well-maintained compared to traditional tea towels.

6. Vax Dual Power Pet Advance Carpet Cleaner 2.7L (Washer)

Why I Love It: DIY carpet and spot upholstery cleaner that I regularly use. I give the carpets an overall refresh and use the spot cleaner for couch and rug spills. Honestly, it’s saved me hundreds on professional cleaning.

The Pros:

• Two-in-one functionality: Both carpet cleaner and spot cleaner in one machine. Dual tanks keep solutions separate.
• Professional results at home: Genuinely cleans deeply without needing to hire professionals every time something gets spilled.
• Cost-saving: Pays for itself within a few uses compared to professional cleaning costs.
• Pet-friendly: Specifically designed to tackle pet-related messes, odours, and stains.
• Powerful suction: Removes moisture effectively, so carpets dry faster.
• Spot cleaning feature: Perfect for tackling fresh spills before they set into permanent stains.
• Large tank capacity (2.7L): Less frequent refilling during cleaning sessions.
• Attachments included: Comes with hose and attachments for reaching stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces.
• Easy to use: Genuine learning curve, and the instructions are straightforward.
• Maintains carpet longevity: Regular deep cleaning keeps carpets looking newer for longer.

7. Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10, Dual Auto-Empty, 4000Pa

Why I Love It: Honestly love this robot vacuum. With a busy house and kids, it’s genuinely one less thing to worry about. I just set it off and it quietly gets on with picking up dust, crumbs, and all the bits that somehow end up everywhere. It’s saved me loads of time and effort.

The Pros:

• Fully automated: Set it and forget it. No hovering required while it does its thing.
• Dual auto-empty: Empties itself into a base station, which means you barely touch dust for weeks.
• Powerful suction (4000Pa): Genuinely strong suction power that handles carpet and hard floors.
• Smart mapping: Creates a map of your home so it cleans systematically and doesn’t miss areas.
• App control: Schedule cleaning, check status, and send it to specific rooms from your phone.
• Quiet operation: Runs quietly enough that it won’t disturb work, sleep, or conversations.
• Pet-friendly: Brilliantly handles pet hair without clogging.
• Slim design: Gets under furniture and into corners that regular vacuums can’t reach.
• Saves time: Frees up your time for actually enjoying your home instead of constant cleaning.
• Consistent cleanliness: Regular automated cleaning means your floors stay constantly clean rather than waiting until they’re visibly dirty.

8. Hisense DH5S102BW – White 10KG Tumble Dryer – Heat Pump

Why I Love It: Love this tumble dryer! It’s energy efficient, dead easy to use, and takes the hassle out of drying clothes. Handles massive family loads with no problem, dries everything evenly, and leaves clothes feeling soft without shrinking them. Absolute game-changer.

The Pros:

• Energy efficient: Heat pump technology means genuinely lower electricity bills compared to traditional dryers.
• Large 10kg capacity: Handles massive loads, so fewer drying cycles needed. Perfect for families.
• Gentle on fabrics: Dries clothes without shrinking or damaging delicate items. Everything comes out soft.
• Even drying: No hot spots or unevenly dried clothes. Everything comes out consistently dry and soft.
• Quiet operation: Won’t create noise that disturbs everyone in the house.
• Quick drying: Gets clothes dry in reasonable time despite being energy-efficient.
• Easy controls: Simple buttons and display. No complicated settings to decipher.
• Sensor dry: Automatically stops when clothes are dry, preventing over-drying and damage.
• Reversible drum: Helps prevent tangling and wrinkles.
• Space-saving: Compact footprint while still having large capacity.

9. Hisense WF5S1245BW 12KG Front Load Washer

Why I Love It: This machine is a beast! Makes laundry so much easier. The Auto Dose feature takes the guesswork out of adding detergent. The huge 12kg drum is perfect for family washing and quick wash programmes are brilliant when I’m short on time. It’s quiet, efficient, and reliable.

The Pros:

• Large 12kg capacity: Handles massive family loads. Wash sheets, towels, and multiple days of clothes in one go.
• Auto Dose technology: Automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent. No wasted product or over-dosing.
• Quick wash programmes: Get clothes clean in under an hour when you’re short on time.
• Energy efficient: Modern technology means lower water and electricity usage compared to older machines.
• Quiet operation: Won’t wake the household or disrupt your day.
• Gentle on fabrics: Various wash settings protect delicate clothes while still getting them clean.
• Smart cycles: Different wash settings for different fabric types and soil levels.
• Larger door: Makes loading and unloading easier, especially with bulky items.
• Reliable performance: Solid build quality means fewer repairs and longer lifespan.
• Fast spin: Reduces drying time significantly.

10. Bosch Fully Integrated 14 Place Dishwasher B Rated

Why I Love It: Incredibly quiet, fits loads in at once, and everything comes out spotless and properly dry. The PerfectDry feature is brilliant for plastic containers. The VarioDrawer gives extra space for cutlery and utensils. The Home Connect app lets me start it remotely — genuinely life-changing for a busy household.

The Pros:

• Silent operation: Genuinely one of the quietest dishwashers available. You’ll forget it’s running.
• 14 place settings: Massive capacity. Wash for a family of four or more in one cycle.
• PerfectDry technology: Even plastic containers dry properly without water spots. No towelling off required.
• VarioDrawer: Extra flexible space for cutlery, utensils, and odd-shaped items that don’t fit elsewhere.
• Home Connect app: Start, stop, and monitor from anywhere in the house or even remotely.
• Energy efficient (B rated): Lower energy consumption means lower bills without sacrificing performance.
• Fully integrated: Blends seamlessly with kitchen cabinetry for a clean, built-in look.
• Powerful jets: Cleans heavily soiled dishes effectively.
• Flexible loading: Adjustable racks accommodate various dish sizes.
• Quick wash cycle: Gets dishes clean in under an hour when needed.
• Heating element: Genuinely hot water wash for better cleaning and sanitising.

PART 2: BEST-SMELLING CLEANING PRODUCTS THAT KEEP YOUR HOME FRESH

11. Asevi Mio Pink 1L Floor Cleaner Red

Why I Love It: My fave floor cleaner. Smells banging every time I use it. Honestly, the scent alone makes cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a treat. Your home smells fresh for ages after you use it.

The Pros:

• Incredible scent: Genuinely long-lasting fragrance. Your home smells fresh for days after cleaning.
• Effective cleaning: Genuinely cleans hard floors without leaving residue or buildup.
• Streak-free finish: Floors look spotless and shiny without that dull, filmy appearance.
• Pleasant experience: Makes the actual task of mopping feel less tedious because it smells amazing.
• Economical: Small amount goes a long way. One bottle lasts ages.
• Works on all hard floors: Laminate, tile, vinyl, wood — suitable for most hard flooring types.
• Quick drying: Doesn’t leave pools of water or slippery surfaces.
• Non-toxic formula: Safe to use around children and pets.
• Value for money: Affordable without compromising on quality or results.
• Mood booster: The gorgeous scent genuinely lifts your spirits while cleaning.

12. Asevi Drops

Why I Love It: This is the OG for long-lasting smells. I add drops neat in multiple places around my home and add a few neat drops whilst mopping. Bang bang! One small bottle lasts for ages and your house smells incredible.

The Pros:

• Intensely fragrant: A few drops genuinely scent an entire room. Incredibly potent concentration.
• Long-lasting: Scent lingers for weeks, not just hours. Your home stays fresh constantly.
• Versatile use: Add to mop water, place neat in corners, use in diffusers — genuinely adaptable.
• Economical: One small bottle genuinely lasts for months because you only need drops.
• No cleaning required: Perfect for just freshening up without actually cleaning floors.
• Layering potential: Build scent throughout your home by placing drops in different rooms.
• Subtle yet powerful: Fills the space with fragrance without being overpowering or chemical-smelling.
• Value for money: Incredibly affordable for the amount of use you get.
• Easy application: Just uncap, squeeze, and place. No complicated instructions.
• Room transformation: Makes your entire home feel luxurious and fresh instantly.

13. Crease Release

Why I Love It: The blue one is my must-have! It smells amazing and genuinely works on creases and wrinkles in fabric. Makes everything look freshly ironed without the actual ironing. Game-changer for quick refresh-ups.

The Pros:

• Eliminates creases: Genuinely removes wrinkles from clothes, curtains, and bedding without ironing.
• Gorgeous scent: Smells incredible. Better than any air freshener or fabric spray.
• Quick-acting: Spray and the creases lift within minutes. No waiting around.
• Versatile: Works on clothing, soft furnishings, upholstery, and curtains.
• Time-saving: No need to get the iron out for minor wrinkles and refreshes.
• Economical: A little spray goes a long way. One bottle lasts for ages.
• Safe for fabrics: Doesn’t damage or stain delicate materials.
• Fresh scent: Leaves clothes smelling fresh, like they’ve just been washed and dried.
• Travel-friendly: Take in luggage to freshen up clothes while away.
• No residue: Doesn’t leave marks, stains, or buildup on fabric.

14. Elbow Grease All Purpose Degreaser 500ml

Why I Love It: This is for regular cleaning of hobs and things. Brilliant for cutting through grease and grime. One squirt and the tough stuff comes off. Your kitchen surfaces will look spotless.

The Pros:

• Powerful degreasing: Genuinely cuts through baked-on grease and grime that other cleaners struggle with.
• Quick-acting: One application and the grease lifts. No excessive scrubbing required.
• Effective on hobs: Brilliantly handles cooktop grease, splatters, and buildup.
• Versatile: Works on ovens, stovetops, kitchen surfaces, and even engine parts (not just for homes).
• Economical: Small amount of product does heavy-duty work. Bottle lasts ages.
• Strong formula: Professional-strength results without professional-grade prices.
• Pleasant smell: Doesn’t have an overpowering chemical odour.
• Easy to use: Spray, leave briefly, wipe away. No complicated application.
• Streak-free: Leaves surfaces clean and shiny without residue.
• Value for money: Genuinely one of the best degreasing products for the price.

15. Viakal Cleaner Spray With Vinegar

Why I Love It: Shiny taps and no limescale — brilliant! Not the best smelling at first, but the scent grows on you and it genuinely lasts ages. Your bathroom will look sparkling and fresh.

The Pros:

• Removes limescale: Genuinely effective at dissolving limescale buildup on taps, shower heads, and tiles.
• Shiny results: Leaves taps and chrome sparkling without effort.
• Natural vinegar formula: Uses vinegar to tackle limescale without harsh chemicals.
• Economical: Small amount tackles big limescale problems. Bottle lasts ages.
• Quick-acting: Spray and leave briefly, then wipe. Limescale dissolves easily.
• Long-lasting scent: The vinegar scent genuinely lingers once you’re used to it.
• Prevents buildup: Regular use keeps limescale from accumulating heavily.
• Easy application: Spray bottle format makes application straightforward.
• Safe for most surfaces: Works on chrome, stainless steel, and glass.
• Affordable: One of the cheapest effective limescale removers available.

16. Duck Fresh Discs Toilet Cleaner Refill Twin Pack

Why I Love It: Love these! Easy to pop in and they keep your toilet clean and fresh smelling. They last for ages and your bathroom smells incredible every time you flush. No hassle, genuine results.

The Pros:

• Long-lasting: One disc genuinely lasts multiple weeks. Excellent value for money.
• Continuous cleaning: Works with every flush, not just when you use toilet cleaner.
• Fresh scent: Bathroom smells gorgeous every time the toilet is used.
• No scrubbing: Disc does the work for you. No brushing required.
• Twin pack: Get two refills, so you’re always stocked up.
• Easy application: Simply drop in the bowl. No complicated installation.
• Economical: Two discs last for months, so cost per use is minimal.
• Stain prevention: Continuous action prevents staining and discolouration.
• Hygienic: Works in the water bowl, keeping surfaces cleaner between cleanings.
• Family-friendly: Safe for all family members and guests.

17. Bar Keepers Friend Surface & Stain Remover 250g

Why I Love It: I personally use and recommend this because it works quickly on stains and buildup that many other cleaners struggle with. Especially effective on sinks, cookware, stainless steel, limescale, rust marks, and hard water stains. One container lasts for ages.

The Pros:

• Powerful stain remover: Genuinely tackles stubborn stains other cleaners can’t budge.
• Multi-surface: Works on sinks, cookware, stainless steel, tiles, and more.
• Limescale removal: Brilliantly effective at removing limescale buildup.
• Rust mark removal: Removes rust and water marks that look permanent.
• Quick-acting: Spray, leave briefly, scrub lightly, rinse. Stains lift easily.
• Economical: Tiny amount of powder does major work. One container lasts for ages.
• Gentler than bleach: Powerful but less harsh than chlorine-based cleaners.
• No toxic fumes: Doesn’t produce strong chemical odours.
• Professional results: Achieves results that look professionally cleaned.
• Affordable: Genuinely excellent value for such an effective product.

18. Method Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner Peach Blossom 828ml

Why I Love It: I keep coming back to Method because it cleans really well, smells fresh, and doesn’t leave that strong chemical smell behind. It’s my go-to for quick kitchen and bathroom clean-ups. Makes everyday cleaning that bit nicer and your home smells gorgeous.

The Pros:

• Effective cleaning: Genuinely cleans without being as harsh as other all-purpose cleaners.
• Beautiful scent: Peach blossom smell is genuinely pleasant. Not chemical-smelling or overpowering.
• Antibacterial: Kills bacteria while maintaining a fresh, natural scent profile.
• No chemical residue: Doesn’t leave behind that harsh cleaning-product smell.
• Versatile: Works on kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, tiles, and more.
• Safe formula: Gentler than many commercial cleaners without sacrificing effectiveness.
• Pump dispenser: Easy to apply with control. No wasteful spraying.
• Large 828ml bottle: One bottle genuinely lasts for ages with regular use.
• Economical: Good value considering how long it lasts.
• Makes cleaning pleasant: The gorgeous scent means you might actually not mind doing the clean-up.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS

There you have it, eighteen pieces of cleaning equipment and products that genuinely make my life easier and my home look (and smell) amazing.

The beauty of these recommendations is that they’re all things I actually use regularly. I’m not just listing random products; these are tried and tested in a busy household.

The combination of proper cleaning equipment and products that actually smell nice makes the whole cleaning experience less of a drag and more of something you can almost enjoy. Or at least tolerate without wincing.

Invest in the equipment, stock up on your favourite-smelling products, and your home (and your mental health on cleaning day) will thank you.

Full list here: Benable List

Happy cleaning, babes. 💚