15 Cleaning Products Your Mom Swore By That Still Work Wonders
These tried-and-true cleaning staples stood the test of time—and still leave your home sparkling.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before the era of fancy sprays and high-tech gadgets, our moms relied on a few key products that got the job done right. These old-school cleaners earned their spot under the sink through decades of reliable use. Here are 15 classic cleaning products that your mom loved—and you should probably still be using.
1. Comet Cleanser
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
This gritty powder scrubbed sinks, tubs, and toilets until they gleamed. It tackled tough stains without much elbow grease.
2. Pine-Sol
Mike Mozart on Flickr
That strong pine scent meant the house was officially clean. Pine-Sol cut through grease and grime on floors and counters like magic.
3. Windex
Ajay Suresh on Wikimedia Commons
Windows, mirrors, and glass-top tables never stood a chance. One spray of Windex left surfaces streak-free and shining.
4. Murphy Oil Soap
Chuck Miller on Flickr
Thanks to this gentle cleaner, wood furniture and floors stayed rich and polished. It cleaned without drying or damaging the finish.
5. Bar Keepers Friend
Mselig111 on Wikimedia Commons
This scouring powder brought pots and pans back to life. It removed rust, limescale, and stubborn stains from nearly anything metal.
6. Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar
Jackie Anne Wilson on Wikimedia Commons
This bar soap was a laundry lifesaver. It was used to pretreat stains before the wash. It handled grease, grass, and even ink like a pro.
7. 409 Multi-Surface Cleaner
Benjamincarpenter on Wikimedia Commons
Your mom probably reached for 409 anytime a counter got messy. It was strong, fast-acting, and worked on everything from kitchen spills to bathroom grime.
8. Old English Scratch Cover
nikpawlak on Flickr
Wood scuffs and scratches disappeared under this miracle polish. It restored color and hid imperfections with a few swipes.
9. Lysol Disinfectant Spray
ajay_suresh on Wikimedia Commons
One spray over the couch, doorknobs, or the bathroom left everything feeling sanitized. It zapped germs and freshened the air.
10. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
Andrew Filer on Wikimedia Commons
This gentle scrub cleaned without scratching, perfect for delicate surfaces. It worked on glass stovetops, sinks, and even bathtubs.
11. Clorox Bleach
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Whether whitening laundry or disinfecting toilets, bleach was a multitasking marvel. A capful in a mop bucket brightened everything.
12. Dawn Dish Soap
loonyhiker on Flickr
It wasn’t just for dishes—Dawn tackled greasy stains on clothes, cleaned windows, and even bathed pets. Just a few drops did the trick.
13. Pledge Furniture Polish
Mike Mozart on Flickr
A quick dusting and spray made the wood gleam and left a citrusy scent behind. The spray repelled dust and added a protective finish.
14. Ajax Powder Cleanser
Vilseskogen on Flickr
Tough on grime but easy to use, Ajax brightened sinks and tiles in no time. It foamed up just enough and left everything fresh.
15. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
TPapi on Flickr
From deodorizing fridges to scrubbing grout, baking soda did it all. It was the Swiss army knife of the cleaning cabinet.