©Photo by iStock: TATSUSHI TAKADA

100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Cleaning

Affordable Ways To Tackle Grease, Dust & Everyday Mess

By Kerri King
June 21, 2025
Lifestyle

From tatami-safe rollers to natural degreasers, here are the cleaning must-haves you’ll find at Japan’s 100 yen stores.

Cleaning a Japanese home comes with its own set of challenges, from compact kitchens that collect grease quickly to tatami floors that require gentle care. Whether you’re new to Japan or just looking to streamline your cleaning routine, the 100 yen shop is a goldmine for affordable and surprisingly effective cleaning products. You’ll find smart, budget-friendly tools at your local Daiso, Seria or Can Do for just a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.

From quick daily wipe-downs to more intensive weekend scrubs, these items can make cleaning easier and your home feel fresher. Here are our top picks to keep your Japanese apartment or house sparkling clean without breaking the bank.

Disposable Cleaning Wipes

Disposable Cleaning Wipes 100 yen shop cleaning© Photo by Kerri King

Japan’s 100 yen shops offer an impressive variety of disposable cleaning wipes, perfect for daily wipe-downs or those unexpected messes. Whether you’re dealing with kitchen grease, bathroom grime, or just dust on the table, there’s a wipe for that. Options range from antibacterial types to those formulated specifically for oil or hard water stains. Keep a pack in each room, and you’ll always be prepared for a quick and easy cleaning.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Melamine Sponge (Magic Eraser)

Melamine Sponge (Magic Eraser)© Photo by Kerri King

Melamine sponges are one of the best-kept secrets in Japan’s 100 yen cleaning sections. Just add water—no detergent needed—and these sponges tackle tough grime, stubborn stains and scuff marks on stovetops, walls, sinks and even floors. They’re especially handy for cleaning up shoe marks in genkan entryways. Choose from pre-cut pieces for quick touch-ups or larger blocks for bigger jobs.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Screen Door Cleaner

Screen Door Cleaner 100 yen shop cleaning© Photo by Kerri King

If you’ve ever struggled with dusty, hard-to-clean amido (bug screen), this tool is a game-changer. Designed specifically for Japan’s sliding screen doors, this cleaner makes the job simple. Just dip it in water with a little detergent and gently wipe the mesh. Dust and grime come off with minimal effort. After use, rinse it clean and hang it to dry. It’s an easy solution to a very common cleaning dilemma.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Bath Scrub Brushes & Sponges

Bath Scrub Brushes & Sponges© Photo by Kerri King

Cleaning the bathtub doesn’t have to be a back-breaking chore. In Japan, where bathing is practically a ritual, Daiso offers a wide range of tools to keep your bath space spotless. One standout is the extendable scrub brush with replaceable melamine pads. These scrubbers make it easy to tackle soap scum, mold and water stains on tiles, tubs and glass doors. The melamine pads provide just enough abrasion to get the job done, helping your cleaning products work even harder.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Drain Hair Catchers

Drain Hair Catchers 100 yen shop cleaning© Photo by Kerri King

If your bathroom drain fills with hair faster than you can clean it out, due to hair loss, you’re not alone. Japan’s hard water can be tough on your hair and your plumbing. These 100 yen drain hair catchers are a lifesaver. Available in silicone, mesh and stick-on styles, they help prevent clogs before they start. The stick-on type is especially convenient. You can peel and toss—no rinsing required. Packs usually include 20 adhesive sheets or 30 plastic mesh nets for bathtubs.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Sticky Roller (Lint Roller Style)

Sticky Roller (Lint Roller Style)© Photo by Kerri King

Tatami mats and delicate flooring need a gentler touch and that’s where floor-friendly lint rollers shine. Larger than your usual clothing rollers, these adhesive tools are perfect for picking up crumbs, pet hair and dust, especially in high-traffic areas. They’re safe to use on surfaces that can’t handle vigorous sweeping or vacuuming. The rollers come with replaceable sheets, making them a long-lasting and practical staple in any Japanese home.

  • Price: Starting at ¥110 for the unit (refills sold separately)
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Kitchen Oil Splash Guards

Kitchen Oil Splash Guards 100 yen shop cleaning© Photo by Kerri King

Tiny kitchen = big mess. If you’re tired of scrubbing oil splatter off your stovetop and walls every time you fry something, oil splash guards are your new best friend. These foldable shields wrap around your pots and pans to contain the mess. Disposable foil versions are great for convenience, while silicone types are washable and eco-friendly. Some even come in fun designs to brighten up your cooking space.

  • Price: Starting at ¥220 for smaller sizes, up to ¥330 for larger sizes
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Range Hood & Fan Covers

Range Hood & Fan Covers© Photo by Kerri King

Another smart way to keep kitchen grease under control is to cover your ventilation fans and range hoods. Mesh filters are designed to catch oil and dust before they build up inside your appliances, making regular maintenance much easier. They’re especially useful in Japanese kitchens, where cooking odors and oil can linger in compact spaces.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Keyboard Cleaning Gel

Keyboard Cleaning Gel 100 yen shop cleaning© Photo by Kerri King

If your home office doubles as your living space or you’ve dropped one too many biscuit crumbs into your laptop, this cleaning gel is a must-have. Just press the sticky gel into your keyboard or any small crevice and it lifts out dust, crumbs and debris without leaving residue behind. It’s a surprisingly satisfying way to keep your electronics clean and you’ll usually find it in the electronics section of your local 100 yen shop.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Sesqui Cleaner

The holy grail of 100 yen store cleaning products. Sesqui Cleaner (セスキクリーナー), made from sodium sesquicarbonate, is a gentle yet powerful option for everyday grime. It’s perfect for tackling kitchen grease, microwave interiors and even tough bathroom buildup—all without the harsh smells or chemicals of conventional cleaners. You can find it pre-dissolved in spray bottles or in powder form to mix with water. It’s affordable, effective and a must-have in my cleaning kit.

  • Price: ¥110
  • Shop: Daiso (Also available at Seria, Can Do)

Other 100 Yen Shop Recommendations

Do you have any 100 yen shop must-haves for cleaning recommendations? Let us know about them in the comments!


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