Utility Room

The best cleaning products for a utility room are simple, effective, and multi-purpose. Look for an all-purpose cleaner, a degreaser, a sanitiser, and something for mirrors or glass. Add laundry essentials like detergent and a stain remover. Reusable tools such as microfibre cloths, refillable spray bottles, and scrub brushes will see you through most tasks. Avoid single-use items if you can – a few well-made basics do the heavy lifting. For clever, long-lasting options, explore our cleaning collection.

To safely dispose of unwanted cleaning products, never tip them down the drain. Your local council should offer proper disposal or recycling for hazardous waste. Water-based, non-toxic products might be safe to dilute and rinse away – check the label first. Always store products in their original containers until you can get rid of them responsibly. It’s better for your bin, your pipes, and the planet.

The most durable buy-it-for-life utility room essentials are reusable tools made from solid, lasting materials. Try stainless steel pegs, wooden brushes, sturdy metal bins, and refillable bottles with parts you can replace. A proper drying rack or laundry basket can also last for decades if made well. Steer clear of flimsy plastic – what lasts tends to be heavier, wooden, or metal. See our full criteria on how we find buy-it-for-life products.

To care for reusable cleaning tools and keep them going strong, rinse them after use and let them dry out thoroughly. Wash cloths and mop heads at 60°C to banish bacteria. Wooden brushes prefer a wipe-down rather than a soak, and a little oil now and then stops the handles cracking. A bit of regular upkeep means better cleaning and less waste – a win-win.

Natural and homemade cleaning products can be surprisingly effective for light daily chores. Vinegar, bicarb, lemon, and castile soap tackle soap scum, greasy hobs, even the loo. They’re not hospital-grade disinfectants, but for general cleaning, they do nicely with less harm to the environment. Use them alongside decent tools and a bit of elbow grease for top results.

Spanish cleaning products are popular in the UK thanks to their strong scents, low prices, and punchy performance. Many contain ingredients that work extra-hard and aren’t common here. There’s often nostalgia involved too – someone’s gran swore by it, or it reminds you of a villa abroad. They’re not always natural, but they do make cleaning feel oddly satisfying.

Some cleaning products should never be mixed together – it’s more than just bad chemistry. Bleach and ammonia create toxic gas. Bleach with vinegar can be just as risky. Mixing drain cleaners is a no-go. Always read labels, keep products apart, and don’t try to be a chemist in your kitchen. One product at a time is a rule worth sticking to.