Socks and dish soap might seem like an odd couple, but they make a dynamic cleaning duo for the thrift inclined. Cleaning product companies try and sell us on the latest thing, claiming that each new item is more convenient and makes whites whiter than any other product on the market. In reality, it's mostly hype. Unless you have a really big mess or you're fond of throwing away disposables, socks and soap is the way to go.
Smart housecleaners already know how useful some rags and a little soapy water can be. What's so special about a pair of socks and some liquid dish soap? Dish soap is a handy all-around cleaner a little bit goes a long way when it's mixed with water and it's a great nontoxic degreaser. Unless you don't believe in washing your dishes in the sink, there's bound to be some around the house, so you don't have to buy any extra cleaning supplies. Socks are a good rag option because it's a good way to recycle socks that have worn out. They also have a good texture for cleaning, and you can wear them like a mitt which can be convenient for getting into hard-to-reach places.
The socks and dish soap power duo can be used in every room of the house. It is really useful in the kitchen for cleaning up after cooking you can use this pair to wipe down every surface and you won't even need to go get a second pair of socks. Witness the wonder of reusable cleaning supplies: rinse out the socks, dip them in some more soapy water, and you're ready to go again!
Dish soap and socks are moderately useful in the bathroom. Again, they're good for every surface. The only addition I would make is some Bon Ami or, if you want to get really old school, baking soda for use as a scrubbing agent. Dish soap is great against grease, but only so-so against soap scum. Both Bon Ami and baking soda are easy on the hands, so you can attack the tub and shower with a one-two socks-on-the-hands punch!
Dusting and wiping down walls is easy with socks and dish soap. Slightly damp and soapy socks pick up dust that's settled on surfaces instead of just scattering it around. Think of them as the poor man's Swiffer. Wiping down walls goes well with socks because you can wear them on your hands. This means you don't have to worry about accidently dropping your cleaning rag when wiping down a horizontal surface.
Don't get conned into buying cleaning products you don't need! Let socks and dish soap be your guide!