8 Household Cleaners You Already Own

You’d be surprised at some of the secret cleaners that you already have at home. Rejoice New Yorkers! Save yourself a trip to the store and avoid the long cashier lines. Apartment cleaning has never been so easy.

1. Coffee Grounds

Who doesn’t love the smell of coffee in the morning? Use your morning pick-me-up to eliminate foul odors in the fridge. Simply put some coffee grounds (new or used) in a bowl and place it on a shelf. Replace them every two months for a fresh caffeinated smell. This is as organic as green cleaning gets!

2. White Vinegar

Keep your dishwasher extra clean with some white vinegar. Just pour half of a cup into the detergent cup and run a complete cycle for the empty machine.

3. Dryer Sheets

Reuse dryer sheets to dust blinds and bookshelves. They’re also great for removing pet hair, or freshening shoes!

4. Sponge and Baking Soda

This classic combo will get rid of scuffs on vinyl flooring in no time!

5. Play-Doh

Did you just break a glass but have no vacuum? Use this playtime gear to press around the area to grab the smaller shards.

6. Mouthwash

Did you know Listerine was first intended to be a floor cleaner? The same product that kills bad-breath germs is also a good solution to clean your tiled floor. Add a capful of mouthwash to a gallon of water and mop away! Works on vinyl or tile, but NOT wood.

7. Baking Powder and Lemon Juice

Combat mold and mildew on tiles and shower curtains with a paste of lemon juice mixed with baking powder. Spread on the mixture, leave for two hours and then rinse.

8. Lint Brush

Use a lint brush with disposable sheets to dust lamp shades and plant leaves.

Updated for 2026

The DIY cleaning movement has only grown stronger in 2026, with more New Yorkers embracing eco-friendly, natural cleaning solutions. Beyond the classics listed above, here are a few modern additions to your green cleaning arsenal.

Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) has become a staple for disinfecting cutting boards, countertops, and bathroom surfaces. It is effective against bacteria and viruses while being gentle on most surfaces. Castile soap, available at virtually every NYC bodega and health food store, is an incredibly versatile plant-based cleaner that works on everything from dishes to floors to laundry.

Of course, when you want a thorough, professional-grade clean without the DIY effort, Synergy Maids offers 100% green cleaning options at no additional charge. Just request it when you book and we will assign a green-cleaning team to your home.