Our testers put each product to use in their own homes, utilizing the latest sprays, wipes, and tools in place of their regular cleaners. We scored each one for efficacy, value, and the item’s likelihood of remaining in our cleaning lineups. We designed head-to-head tests for similar products, attempted to trick robot vacuums, and purposefully stained everything from socks to grout to confidently crown these hardworking problem solvers as winners worth of a place in your home.
Best All-Purpose Cleaners
For everyday grime, these tough problem solvers can tackle yesterday’s muddy feet, a case of jam hands, and that smudge of indeterminate origin. Buy It: Mrs. Meyer’s Probiotic Concentrate (Available April 1, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day) Buy It: The Bare Home All-Purpose Cleaner in Glass Bottle ($12, The Bare Home) Buy It: MomRemedy Everything Household Cleaner & Stain Remover ($10, The Home Depot)
Best Cleaning Wipes
Wipes can be a wonderful convenience, so we chose three standouts that solve your distinct needs or preferences. Buy It: Real Simple Compostable Wipes ($8, The Container Store) Buy It: Clorox Multi-Purpose Paper Towel Wipes ($5, Walmart)
Best Surface Cleaners
For the material-specific jobs that need streak-free, ultra-powerful, or odor-removing finesse, turn to these top surface cleaners. Buy It: Febreze Fabric Antimicrobial Spray ($8, Walmart) Buy It: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner ($7, Target) Buy It: The Honest Company Glass Refillable Cleaning Kit, 1 Bottle + 2 Refill Pods ($17, The Honest Company) Buy It: Libman Granite & Stainless-Steel Cleaner ($5, Libman) Buy It: Aunt Fannie’s Wood Surface Cleaner ($9, Grove Collaborative) Buy It: Rejuvenate Dual System Outdoor House Wash and Window Cleaner ($25, The Home Depot)
Best Cleaning Products for Pet Messes
Hair, dander, and pet accidents clean up easily with these favorite solutions for messes made by our furry friends. Buy It: Bissell Pro Pet Stain & Odor Removing Formula ($8, Bissell) Buy It: Rocco & Roxie Oxy Carpet Shampoo ($20, PetSmart)
Best Laundry Products
Through sheer volume, laundry can feel like a grind. These winners make it better with smart packaging, amped-up power, and delightful scents. Buy It: Safely Everyday Laundry Detergent ($14, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Seventh Generation EasyDose Power + ($13, Walmart) Buy It: Grove Co. Power Clean Sheets ($13, Grove Collaborative) Buy It: Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x Free Power Pods ($19, Target) Buy It: Downy Light Scent Booster Beads ($13, Walmart) Buy It: Blueland Oxi Laundry Booster ($18, Blueland)
Best Dish Cleaners
The Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen churns out more than a few dirty dishes. These picks made the pros’ jobs easier. Buy It: Gain Power Blast ($4, Target) Buy It: Cascade Platinum, 62-Count ($19, Walmart) Buy It: Dawn EZ-Squeeze Platinum Refreshing Rain ($4, Target) Buy It: AspenClean Zero-Waste Dishwasher Pods ($16, AspenClean)
Best Floor Cleaners
Dust-sensing technology. Auto-emptying robots. Mop-vac combos. Dear reader: We are now living in the future. Buy It: Shark Steam & Scrub ($160, Target) Buy It: Dyson V15 Detect Cord-Free Vacuum ($700, Dyson) Buy It: Tineco Floor One S5 ($500, Best Buy) Buy It: iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum ($800, Best Buy)
Best Cleaning Tools
These tools are designed to make your elbow grease go further thanks to their dust- and gunk-grabbing textures and durable materials. They’ll stretch your cleaning solutions, too, or even work well with water alone. Buy It: Scotch-Brite Swift Scrub Bathroom Buildup Remover, Pack of 2 ($5, Lowe’s) Buy It: Pure Sky Glass and Multipurpose Cleaning Glove ($10, Walmart) Buy It: Casabella Kind Scrub Sponge, Pack of 3 ($5, Target) Buy It: Skura Style WIPE ENVY, Pack of 10 ($8, Skura Style)
