When it comes to cleaning while living with persistent mental health challenges, it’s common to experience regular fluctuations in energy, motivation, and capacity—what we call bandwidth. Preparation with the right tools can make all the difference, helping us carry out cleaning tasks no matter where our bandwidth levels are on any given day.
Here’s a list of the top 10 key items that members of the Cereal for Dinner community have found especially helpful for cleaning while navigating mental health challenges. Each includes options to suit a variety of budgets, including DIY alternatives for extra cost-friendliness.
Disposable Cleaning Wipes
- Why it helps: These wipes allow for quick, low-effort surface cleaning without the need for sprays or reusable cloths.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (around $5)
- Investment Option: Method All-Purpose Compostable Wipes (about $8) for an eco-friendly alternative.
- DIY Alternative: Create reusable cleaning cloths by soaking squares of old fabric in a mixture of water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.
Toilet Cleaning Pods or Tablets
- Why it helps: These pods maintain toilet cleanliness with every flush, reducing the need for manual scrubbing.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Scrubbing Bubbles Drop-Ins (around $4 for a pack of 3).
- Investment Option: Kaboom Scrub Free Toilet Cleaning System (about $15) for continuous cleaning.
- DIY Alternative: Mix baking soda, citric acid, and a few drops of essential oil into small balls. Let them dry and drop one into the toilet bowl as needed.
No-Scrub Shower Sprays
- Why it helps: Prevents soap scum and mildew with a simple spritz after each shower, no scrubbing required.
- Product Option:Clean Shower, Daily Shower Cleaner - No Scrub Bundle Pack (around $20).
- DIY Alternative: Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, adding a few drops of essential oil for scent.
Laundry Detergent Pods
- Why it helps: Pre-measured pods prevent spills and simplify laundry, reducing decision fatigue.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Arm & Hammer Laundry Pods (around $10 for 42 pods).
- Investment Option: Tide Pods Hygienic Clean (about $25 for 63 pods).
- DIY Alternative: Create a powdered detergent by combining washing soda, borax, and grated bar soap. Store in a jar and use a scoop per load.
Robot Vacuum or Sweeper
Magic Erasers
- Why it helps: Removes grime and scuffs on various surfaces without harsh chemicals.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (around $6 for a pack of 6).
- Investment Option: NanoSponge Erasers (about $8 for a higher-durability pack).
- DIY Alternative: A paste made from baking soda and water can be used for scrubbing tough stains.
Multi-Surface Spray Cleaners
- Why it helps: One product for multiple surfaces means fewer decisions and less clutter.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner (about $5).
- Investment Option: Branch Basics Concentrate (about $60 for a starter kit but lasts months).
- DIY Alternative: Mix water, vinegar, and a bit of dish soap in a spray bottle. Add essential oils for scent if desired.
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Tablets
- DIY Alternative: Combine washing soda, borax, salt, and citric acid. Store in an airtight container and scoop one tablespoon per load.
Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Why it helps: Easier to handle than traditional vacuums, no need to handle annoying cords, ideal for quick cleanups.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum (around $30).
- Investment Option: Dyson V8 Absolute (about $400).
- DIY Alternative: A simple broom and dustpan provide a lightweight and low-cost solution.
Disposable Dusting Cloths
- Why it helps: Quick and easy for dusting without sprays or reusable cloths.
- Cost-Friendly Option: Swiffer Dusters Starter Kit (around $11)
- Investment Option: Swiffer Heavy Duty Dusters Kit (about $22).
- DIY Alternative: Use old socks or microfiber cloths. Dampen with water or vinegar for extra effectiveness.
Meeting Yourself Where You Are
Cleaning can feel like a chore, but it’s also an opportunity to meet yourself where you are and take steps that work for your specific needs. Choosing tools that align with your energy, and capacity is a practical and compassionate way to support yourself.
Each small act of cleaning—even wiping down a counter or picking up one piece of laundry—carries a powerful message: You matter. You’re showing yourself that your space, your needs, and your wellbeing are worth caring for, even on the hardest days.
So, let these tools serve as a way to do what works for you, in the way that feels most accessible, and trust that every small effort counts toward creating a space that supports your life.
