A Space-Saving Multi-Purpose Cleaner—and More Clever Items to Simplify Your Life

Do-it-all cleaners, the best paint pens, a creamy matcha latte mix, and more.

Published on April 11, 2024 04:40PM EDT

Photo:

courtesy

If there's one thing I think we can all agree on, it's that our multi-purpose cleaning solutions should actually be multi-purpose. Luckily I found (and road-tested) three ultra-efficient solutions that will do everything from lift a rug stain to polish your sterling silver jewelry. Plus, I'm sharing my new favorite matcha mix that doesn't require special equipment, the perfect paint pens for kids and adults alike, and a kitty litter enclosure that won't ruin your interior design.

01 of 06

Creamy Matcha Latte Mix

a powdered matcha drink in a glass — Photo by Blume

$23 at Itsblume.com

You've surely heard of all the benefits of matcha by now—aside from it being rich in antioxidants, its caffeine can give you an energizing boost without the jitters or the crash that can come from coffee. Plus, this matcha latte mix is super easy to whip up at home. Just add a bit of hot water to dissolve the powder, then finish with your milk of choice. The matcha is pre-blended with coconut milk powder for a creamy, yummy finish. And each bag (priced at $22.50) contains enough mix for 30 lattes—which is a way better deal than paying for a latte every day.

02 of 06

Heavy-Duty Baking Soda Cleaner

mrs. meyers baking soda cream cleaner — Photo by Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day

$7 at Grove.co

I love a hero cleaning product. This one is especially good for polishing up yucky stoves, grimy pots and pans, and, thanks to the baking soda component, it makes an excellent cleaner for sterling jewelry. I used it to refresh a pair of silver earrings the other day and now they look brand new. (Just be sure you're careful if polishing something with gems or fragile stones, like opals and pearls.)

03 of 06

Reliable Paint Pens

paint pens art supplies — Photo by Amazon

$12 at Amazon

Adults and kiddos can both have fun with these paint pens, which come in a large range of colors. "These are so fun, opaque, and long-lasting," says Real Simple designer Natalie Guisinger. "My roommates and I tape down massive Post-it paper onto our coffee table and draw all over it with paint pens. It's a great activity for parties."

04 of 06

Space-Saving Cleaning Concentrates

grove co cleaning concentrate bottles — Photo by Grove Co.

$8 at Grove.co

These teeny tiny bottles are so easy to store, but they contain so much cleaning power. Just combine one of them with water in a spray bottle (each mini bottle makes 16 ounces) and you're ready to go. I found these to be great for a variety of surfaces, but especially countertops—and they leave your surfaces smelling delightfully fresh and citrusy.

05 of 06

Litter Box Enclosure

cat on top of a bench litter box with plant — Photo by shichic

$189 at Myshichic.com

No one wants their cat's litter box out in the open. Not only is it unsightly, it takes up valuable floor space, which is especially problematic if you're low on square footage. This enclosure is the multi-functional solution—it's cute and colorful, and it can double as a side table or seat.

06 of 06

All-Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner

cleaning spray bottle multi-surface — Photo by L'AVANT Collective

This is one of my go-to cleaners for many reasons: It's all-natural (really), smells divine sans chemicals, and works on just about anything. I'm talking laundry stains, grease, dust—you name it. I know firsthand how well this product works. After my dog had an accident on our cream-colored carpet, I used this in conjunction with my handy Bissell Little Green Vacuum and it worked like magic to lift the stain.

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