3 products that take the hassle out of cleaning up

Of all the things I'm interested in doing at home, cleaning is probably bottom of my list. So I've found a few shortcuts over the years that make tidying up feel like less of a chore, and help me get the job done fast. Here, three tried-and-true products that everyone should have in their toolkit.

Microfiber Cloths.These are genius. They're machine washable, and can be used dry or wet (just add water-no chemicals needed) to clean anything from glass to stainless steel to wood to porcelain. They're supersoft so you don't have to worry about scratching, don't deposit any lint, and since the fibers are so dense, they pick up more dust and dirt than regular cotton rags.

Dish Gloves. I'm maniacal about dish gloves. They protect your hands whether you're cleaning the oven, unclogging the sink, or scrubbing the tub, and allow you to tolerate piping hot water when you're washing dishes (which not only kills bacteria but makes it easier to remove grease). Casabella makes especially good ones: they're the perfect thickness (not too bulky, not too flimsy), last for months, and come in different sizes to ensure the right fit.

Antibacterial Wipes. Keep a container of disinfecting wipes under the kitchen sink. They make cleaning up a cinch (for whatever reason I find this a million times easier than taking out a spray bottle and paper towels) so you can wipe down countertops and your stove in a less than a minute after you're done cooking.

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