Let's face it: there's a lot that goes on in a kitchen. Whether you stick to simple weeknight dinners or embark on elaborate baking projects, you probably use every part of the space—from the fridge to the sink to the stove. And for cooking tasks big and small, you'll always be left with a mess to clean up.
It's one of the most high traffic spaces in your home, so it makes sense that it can easily become one of the dirtiest. Grease splatters, lingering bacteria, and a never ending collection of crumbs are bound to accumulate. And over time, the messes become even tougher to clean.
That's why it's important to have an arsenal of cleaning supplies that can tackle the most stubborn stains and spills. If you spend any time on #cleantok, you've probably seen plenty of viral cleaning products and tools—but you don't need to fill your house with every product you see on TikTok Shop.
Delish's team of food experts has dealt with our fair share of cleaning projects, and we only reach for tried and true products that actually get the job done. Here are the 7 essential supplies we think every home cook should have on hand.
A Good Sponge
A sponge is likely the most used tool in your kitchen, so it's worth investing in a good one that can withstand heavy scrubbing. And our team's favorite brand by a mile is Scrub Daddy. Their sponges may look silly, but they easily cut through stuck-on messes without scratching surfaces.
The brand offers different shapes and styles for every project. Designer Alison Dominguez loves the versatility of the Scrub Mommy, while Senior Food Editor Makinze Gore uses the classic Scrub Daddy as her workhorse sponge.
A Good Sponge Holder
Want to stretch how long you use your sponge? Then you should take some extra steps to maintain it. There are several tips and tricks, but the most important part of sponge maintenance is making sure it fully dries between uses—that means not storing it directly in or around the sink. Instead, you want to have a dedicated sponge holder that allows for drainage and airflow.
We prefer a sponge holder that secures to the sink with a magnet, rather than with suction cups. The latter is more likely to fall and gather germs. Magnetically attached sponge holders always stay put, and can be easily removed to deep clean your sink.
Bottle & Straw Brushes
Sometimes, a sponge doesn't always cut it. Every home cook should have a set of brushes for cleaning reusable water bottles, straws, and hard-to-reach spots on appliance parts (we're looking at you, coffee makers). "This may go without saying but they get nasty if you're just running water through them," says Assistant Editor of Audience Development Izabela Campos.
But, if you're going to stock up on a set of brushes, make sure they're made with silicone bristles. Fiber-based brushes are breeding grounds for germs. By contrast, silicone is bacteria-resistant and easy to clean—which means you don't have to replace them as frequently.
Bar Keepers Friend
Dish soap can help cut through standard grease and grime, but you need a little extra scrubbing power for burnt-on messes (especially for cookware). Our preferred product for dish deep cleaning is Bar Keepers Friend—the classic powder, not the liquid.
The brand has been using the same formula since 1882, because it works. The abrasive cleanser works hard to break down thick layers of grease and grime. Your pots and pans will never look shinier.
Cooking Oil Solidifier
If you regularly fry foods or cook bacon at home, then you know how annoying it is to dispose of the leftover grease. But one invention has completely changed the game in the Delish Test Kitchen—cooking oil solidifier.
This magical product couldn't be easier to use: sprinkle a small scoop of the product directly into your cooking oil, stir to dissolve, then wait. Right before your eyes, your cooking oil will solidify into a puck that can be easily tossed in the trash.
The Pink Stuff
We're skeptical of plenty of viral products, but The Pink Stuff is an exception. "I thought it was just a hype product but I actually love it," says Campos. Just like Bar Keepers Friend, The Pink Stuff is an abrasive cleanser. But the finer grit and thick paste-like consistency makes it ideal for cleaning surfaces, from sinks to tiles to (some) counters.
Kitchen Gloves
Whether you're washing a few dishes or doing a full kitchen deep clean, it's worth getting into the habit of wearing gloves. There are a few more obvious reasons: you don't want to expose your skin to intense chemicals, and you don't want to dry out your hands (or sacrifice your manicure!).
But another perk of wearing gloves is that it provides a barrier to protect your skin from high temps. And the best way to get a deep clean on your dishes is using the hottest water you can stand.
