The Only Three Things You Need to Clean Your House in Mexico

Mexican households simplify cleaning with just 3 essential products: Fabuloso all-purpose cleaner (30-50 pesos per bottle, used at 1/4 cup per gallon for floors, walls, and countertops), bleach for sanitizing and mold control in tropical humidity, and muriatic acid for removing hard water mineral deposits on fixtures and grout. This minimalist approach costs under 200 pesos total and handles all household cleaning needs in Mexico's warm, humid climate more effectively than specialty product collections.

When I first moved to Mexico, my cleaning cabinet was full of specialty products from back home, separate sprays for glass, countertops, bathrooms, floors. It took me about a year to realize that locals use a much simpler (and cheaper) approach that works incredibly well in the tropical climate.

Here are the only three cleaning products you actually need. For more practical tips about daily life in Mexico, explore our expat guides.

1. Fabuloso

If you've spent any time in Mexico, you know this iconic purple bottle. Fabuloso is everywhere, and for good reason, it's an incredibly versatile all-purpose cleaner that leaves everything smelling fresh.

How to use it: Drop 1/4 cup of Fabuloso in a gallon of water and mop away. That's it. You can use this mixture on floors, walls, countertops, and even add a splash to your laundry for extra freshness.

The Lavanda (lavender/purple) scent is the most popular, but Fabuloso comes in numerous fragrances. The distinctive aroma has become so culturally iconic that walking into a home that smells like Fabuloso immediately feels like you're in Mexico.

Cost: Around 30-50 pesos for a bottle that lasts months.

2. Bleach (Cloro)

Bleach is your best friend in tropical climates where mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive. It's a multipurpose disinfectant that handles tasks no other product can.

Use it for:

• Sanitizing cutting boards and dishes
• Cleaning kitchen and bathroom grout where mold develops
• Refreshing dish sponges (soak briefly in diluted bleach)
• Whitening clothes and eliminating odors

Pro tip for laundry: Living in a hot, humid climate means sweaty clothes develop odor-causing bacteria. Soak particularly sweaty garments in a bleach-water solution briefly before regular washing to eliminate that stubborn smell. Just note that this does shorten fabric lifespan, so use judiciously.

Cost: Very affordable at any grocery store or tienda.

3. Muriatic Acid (Ácido Muriático)

This is the heavy artillery, use it sparingly but thank yourself when you do. Muriatic acid handles the tough jobs that nothing else can touch.

Use it for:

• Removing mineral buildup on faucets and shower heads
• Eliminating toilet stains (the hard water here creates persistent rings)
• Whitening grout that has turned black

The transformation is almost magical, grout that looks permanently stained will turn from black to white before your eyes.

Important safety notes:

• NEVER mix with other products
• Always use in well-ventilated areas
• Wear gloves and avoid skin contact
• Use sparingly, annual or twice-yearly application is sufficient, as frequent use damages grout

Cost: About 50-80 pesos at hardware stores or cleaning supply shops.

Where to Buy

All three products are available at any supermarket, but for bulk purchases at better prices, look for cleaning supply stores. In Playa del Carmen, there's a yellow storefront on Constituyentes Avenue (north side, above the highway) that sells all these products in larger quantities.

For eco-conscious alternatives, check out Bio Organicos Store on 26th Street or Bio Natural for more environmentally friendly options.

The Bottom Line

Simplify your cleaning routine and save money by adopting the local approach. Fabuloso for everyday cleaning, bleach for sanitizing and mold control, and muriatic acid for the tough mineral deposits that the local water leaves behind.

Your house will be clean, your wallet will be happier, and you'll smell like you belong here. Connect with other Mexico expats on Expatslist to share household tips and local product recommendations. Learn more about living in Mexico at different destinations.