Cleaning Pros Reveal 7 Overrated Household Products

Southern cleaning experts share the cleaning items you can skip and save money on.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:12pm

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Two professional cleaners from Alabama and Washington, D.C. are sharing their takes on some common household cleaning products that are actually unnecessary purchases. They recommend alternatives like microfiber cloths, homemade carpet cleaner, and using kitchen staples like vinegar and lemon to clean the microwave and garbage disposal instead of buying specialized products.

Why it matters

Cutting back on unnecessary cleaning product purchases can help households save money and reduce waste. The experts highlight how many common cleaning tasks can be accomplished just as effectively with basic household items that most people already have on hand.

The details

Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama, suggests using reusable microfiber cloths instead of paper towels to save money and be more eco-friendly. Karina Toner, a professional cleaner at Spekless in Washington, D.C., recommends making your own carpet cleaner with vinegar, dish soap, and warm water instead of buying a specialized carpet shampoo. Toner also advises using a bowl of water with lemon or vinegar to clean the microwave instead of a dedicated microwave cleaner, and using ice cubes and lemon peels to clean the garbage disposal instead of purchasing disposal cleaning pods.

  • The article was published on March 14, 2026.

The players

Forrest Webber

The owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama.

Karina Toner

A professional cleaner at Spekless in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“You only get one use out of a paper towel, leading to a ton of waste and money spent.”

— Forrest Webber, Owner, Bear Brothers Cleaning

“Carpet shampoos sometimes leave behind residue that attracts even more dirt, making carpets look dirtier over time.”

— Karina Toner, Professional Cleaner, Spekless

“These gimmicky gadgets don't do anything a simple bowl of water can't, making them an unnecessary extra purchase.”

— Karina Toner, Professional Cleaner, Spekless

“A reusable toilet brush is more effective, lasts longer, and doesn't require expensive refills.”

— Karina Toner, Professional Cleaner, Spekless

“These pods freshen odors temporarily but don't actually scrub away grime or remove buildup.”

— Karina Toner, Professional Cleaner, Spekless

The takeaway

By skipping unnecessary specialized cleaning products and instead using basic household items like microfiber cloths, vinegar, and lemon, consumers can save money, reduce waste, and still achieve effective cleaning results in their homes.