My Top 10 Game-Changing Cleaning Tools That Save Time, Sanity, and Your Energy
(Because no one has time to clean for 3 hours a day. Not here, not now, not ever.)
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through my links. I only share things I personally love and actually use—promise.
Let’s start with this truth: cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending punishment. I used to spend so much time scrubbing, vacuuming, and still feeling like the house was a mess. Add a toddler to the mix? Game over.
But once I found the right tools (and started working smarter, not harder), cleaning got faster, easier, and even a little fun sometimes. These tools have saved me HOURS every single week—and today I’m sharing my top 10 with you.
Let’s go tool by tool. 💪
1. The Must-Have: A Fully-Stocked Cleaning Caddy
This seems so simple, but it’s truly a productivity hack in disguise. If you don’t already have a cleaning caddy, pause and make one today.
Here’s what to include:
All-purpose spray (Honeysuckle is my absolute FAVORITE!)
Why it’s magical:
No more running from room to room grabbing supplies. You just grab your caddy and go. It’s the difference between a 15-minute speed clean and a 45-minute drag.
2. The Shark Vacuum That Changed My Life
I’m not being dramatic. I have a Shark Vertex, and it honestly changed the way I clean. It picks up everything on the first pass. Crumbs, dust, pet hair, even glitter. (Toddler moms, you KNOW the glitter struggle.)
Why I love it:
It swivels into tight spaces
Works on carpet and hard floors
Has a self-cleaning roller (aka: no more pulling hair out of the brush bar)
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver with one hand (because I’m usually carrying Sofia on my hip)
If it’s not in the budget right now, the Shark Navigator is a great budget option that still gets the job done.
✨Quick Tip: Use your vacuum on your couch cushions and mattress every few weeks. You’ll be shocked at what it picks up!
3. Robot Vacuum = The Lazy Girl Dream Come True
I’ve had a Roomba dupe for about a year now, and let me tell you—it’s been a total game-changer. As a busy mom with a dog, it saves me so much time (and stress). I don’t have to think twice about the constant shedding or the crumbs that magically appear out of nowhere. Seriously, if you’ve got a toddler, a pup, or both, this little helper is worth every penny.
How it helps:
Set it to run while you cook, work, or rest
Great for daily maintenance so your floors never get too gross
Some models even mop!
🛒 Here’s a Roomba, an affordable dupe… and even a mop & sweep version!
4. Bissell Crosswave: The MVP of Floor Cleaning
Imagine vacuuming AND mopping in one pass. That’s what the Bissell Crosswave does, and once you try it, there’s no going back.
Why it’s a winner:
It suctions dirt while cleaning your floors
It’s perfect for busy homes with little feet constantly running in and out
It works on tile, laminate, vinyl, sealed wood—basically everything but carpet
✨Action Tip: Use the pet formula cleaner even if you don’t have pets—it smells amazing and cuts through grime like magic.
5. O-Cedar Spin Mop for Old-School Vibes with a Modern Twist
This thing is oddly satisfying. The spin feature keeps your hands dry, and the mop head gets into corners way better than flat mops.
When I use it:
Once a week on high-traffic areas
For those days when I need to “feel” like I’m deep cleaning
After art projects that got out of hand 😅
🛒 Spin Mop & Extra Mop Heads on Amazon
✨Pro Tip: Toss a few drops of essential oils into the mop water for that fresh spa-like smell.
6. Scrub Brush Drill Attachments = Your Arms Will Thank You
For deep cleaning days, these are GOLD. Attach them to any basic drill and they do the hard work for you.
Where I use them:
Shower grout
Tile floors
Oven door
Sink stains
✨Tip: Use it with baking soda and vinegar for a natural but powerful clean.
No drill? No problem. Grab a Scrub Mommy (dual-sided, durable, and adorable).
7. Magic Erasers for Every Surface (Seriously)
I keep these in every room. They work on walls, shoes, baseboards, light switches, crayon marks, and even white sneakers.
✨Pro Tip: Cut them in half to make them last longer!
Got hard water or toilet ring issues? A pumice stone works wonders in the bowl.
8. Swiffer Dusters for High + Low Dusting
Feather dusters just don’t cut it anymore. Swiffers actually trap the dust, so you’re not just swirling it into the air.
Use it for:
TV screens
Baseboards
Blinds
Ceiling fans (with the extendable handle)
🛒 Swiffer Duster + extension handle
✨Sustainable swap: Microfiber cloths! Machine washable and great for reuse.
9. Steam Cleaner = Germ-Free Without the Chemicals
I love this Stream Cleaner I found on Amazon because it cleans deeply with just water. It’s ideal for baby stuff, high chairs, toilets, and tight corners.
Great for:
Sliding door tracks
Bathroom grout
Around faucets and knobs
Toys and play surfaces
The Bissell Little Green is also amazing for carpet spots and upholstered furniture.
10. Dawn Powerwash Spray: The Secret Weapon
Don’t sleep on this one. It sprays in a fine mist and clings to gunk—then wipes away so easily, it’s almost weird.
Where I use it:
Air fryer and stove
Inside the sink
Shower walls
Even as a pre-treatment on greasy laundry spots!
✨Hack: Buy the refill bottle and dilute it 1:1 with water in the original spray bottle to stretch it even further.
BONUS: Give Yourself Grace + Make It Fun
You don’t have to clean the whole house every day. I follow a daily 15-minute tidy rule:
Pick one area
Set a timer
Use the tools that make it fast and easy
Involve your kids (make it a game!)
Even Sofia “cleans” with her toy broom and duster. It’s not perfect, but it builds habits—and gives me a little company while I clean.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like another exhausting task on your already-full plate. These tools help me keep our home livable, peaceful, and functional—without spending all day scrubbing.
Whether you’re juggling mom life, business goals, or just trying to stay afloat (been there), I hope this list helps lighten your load. Try one or two this week, and let me know how it goes!
💬 Drop your favorite cleaning hack in the comments—let’s share the wisdom and make mom life easier for all of us.
🧼 Want to check out all of my go-to cleaning essentials in one spot?
You can find them all right here! I put together a quick list with links so you don’t have to go searching. I hope they save you as much time (and sanity) as they’ve saved me. 💛
