In our series “Shopping Buddy,” we ask our favorite in-the-know authors, actors, musicians, and tastemakers to share their most coveted home purchases, from kitchen essentials to entertaining must-haves, so that you can shop along with confidence.
FYI: If Eva Mendes ever comes over to your house, you’ll score very-tidy-person points by wiping down your doorknobs before she arrives.
Also, while you’re at it: “Any handles—especially refrigerator handles,” says the actress and entrepreneur, require regular attention. (Yes, she does know that these are the details not everyone notices. No, that does not excuse the presence of grime.) “It’s always shocking that there’s not more attention put on these things,” Mendes adds.
She clearly means business when it comes to cleaning—so much so that she’s a co-owner of Swedish-inspired household company Skura Style. Renowned for its smell-resistant sponges and “Skrubby” products, the company was created for the neat freaks among us.
Mendes—whose chief chore horror is reserved for anything having to do with cleaning the shower because “that’s where the loose hair goes to party,” she says—swears by the Wipe Envy microfiber cloths, which come in a 10-pack and are washable up to 20 laundry cycles. “I’m obsessed—I use them on any surface,” she explains, handles and door hardware included. She’s also a DIY girlie who mixes her own deodorizing sprays with essential oils and never wastes a lemon. “If I’m not using it for food, I use it to clean surfaces. When I’m done with that, I cut it up and put it in my garbage disposal as a natural cleaner.” Below, in her own words, she elaborates on her other household must-haves.
The Dishwashing Liquid I Can’t Do Without
Ecos Free & Clear Dish Soap
Amazon
$4
Clean ingredients. No scent. Amazing lather. So fun.
The Lotion I Use Instead of Dish Gloves
Kai Hand Cream
Dermstore
$24
I know I’m supposed to say I use gloves and moisturize my hands daily, but…I don’t. My mother never used gloves while doing dishes, and cleaning always reminds me of her. I also love to have direct contact with my dishes, and I looove my Skura sponge so much—it has amazing hand feel.
The Laundry Detergent I Use Every Day
The Lab Co. Laundry Strips
EveryMarket
$42
Just feels right. You’ll see.
The Hand Soap I Think Is Obsession-Worthy
EO Hand Soap, French Lavender
Amazon
$9
It’s superclean, literally and figuratively. I like its ingredients, how it lathers, the lasting aroma—and I love the hand sanitizer spray, too!
My Indispensable Bathroom Cleaning Pick
Skura Style Wipe Envy
Amazon
$8
I use these constantly on mirrors, countertops—you name it. And if I’m feeling real fancy, I dampen it slightly and add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil.
