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If, like me, you wish adulting came with a handbook, then you'll be pleased to know I've created one for us! Fellow cleaning-phobes (who still like to live in a tidy space!) rejoice because I've asked some adults who really do seem to have their lives together what items they couldn't live without, and the results make for interesting reading...
1. First things first, let's talk multipurpose products. Rather than having to store (and spend money on!) loads of different items, most of the adults I spoke to said they love things that work on a variety of surfaces. This includes The Pink Stuff Miracle Cream Cleaner which I adore.
2. And if you've heard me talking about this before, you're probably sick of it being mentioned. However, the Scrub Daddy sponge was deemed a must-have by multiple people so I couldn't leave it out. Its texture changes depending on the water temperature, and it has multiple uses making it great value for money.
3. To prevent being left with no milk, one pal suggested a magnetic shopping list for the fridge. This handy one is super cheap.
4. And this wipe-clean magnetic fridge calendar helps you sync your plans with your housemates, family, or partner. It also comes with a pen.
5. Ever since a trusted friend told ironing-loathing me about steamers, I was hooked. I now tell everyone I know that instead of a clunky ironing board, a handheld steamer is the way to go if you want your clothes to be crease-free in a hurry.
6. One of my colleagues cited velvet hangers as a total game-changer. They're ideal for preventing clothes from slipping, meaning your wardrobe stays tidier for longer.
7. And if you struggle to keep up with a routine, then the Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100 is an alarm clock with sunrise and sunset sleep features!
8. Another colleague swears by Nigel Slater's cookbook thats filled to the brim with over 200 recipes. If you're that person who cooks the same three meals on rotation, you're probably gonna need this.
9. Speaking of cooking, my fiancé (and the chef of our house!) loves the Joseph Joseph scoop colander. It's basically a spoon with slots in it to drain the water as you serve, saving you serious time and hassle at the sink.
10. To limit waste, the adults I spoke to loved food bag clips that help to reseal open packets.
11. And if you're a forgetful adult who is always on the go, then a portable phone charger was cited as a bag or pocket staple. This handy and rather pretty one has a 4.3-star average rating.
12. Another popular product category among the people I asked were preventative products. This includes the likes of the Method Daily Shower cleaner that you can spritz on after you've showered, and leave to get to work – no scrubbing required!
13. Once upon a time I put off mopping until the last minute, but thanks to a recommendation from a friend, I'm now a little addicted to using my Vileda 1-2 spray mop. It spritzes water as you go thanks to a lever by the handle, meaning you don't need a bucket.
14. My friends with messy cupboards cited a three-tiered cupboard organiser as a must-have. They said it enabled them to see what they already had so they didn't end up doubling up on their next food shop.
15. If you've ever fallen victim to smaller items getting caught in your washing machine, then these laundry bags with zips are here to help protect your delicates.
16. Speaking of laundry, if you wear white clothes you'll know that somehow or someway they'll probably end up stained (do we ever grow out of being clumsy? Asking for a friend!). This 'Ace For Whites' Laundry Bleach helps to remove stains and whiten clothes.
17. I didn't want a huge washing line outside our house, so when a friend suggested a retractable one that can be pulled back when not in use, I wasn't going to argue. This space-saving gadget is ideal for the summer when you want to enjoy your garden while the laundry dries.
18. People who live with a partner that they don't always catch up with 'til late and people who share a home with housemates said they swore by this dishwasher sign. It lets you tell them whether the plates inside are clean or dirty.
19. When I tell you I cannot scrub effectively without the SonicScrubber cleaning brush, I mean it. My Hinch-loving friend recommended this gadget to me a while ago, and I've tried it on everything from dirty trainers to nooks and crannies in my bathroom. It effectively takes care of the scrubbing part for you.
20. It seems like an Alexa smart speaker is also a must-have for many people thanks to its versatility. It can set timers for you while you cook, play you music without the need for fiddly buttons, and answer questions on demand.
21. If you've ever wondered what people do with their clothes when they switch up their seasonal wardrobes, then these vacuum storage bags are a genius storage solution. They can be used for bedding and towels too.
22. Whether you own a pet, child, or simply have a penchant for spilling stuff, a decent carpet cleaner is an adulting must-have. I've sworn by this two-pack of Dr.Beckmann cleaners with built-in brush heads since I was introduced to them, and I now tell anyone who'll listen to stock up.
