Tackling spring cleaning can be overwhelming, from decluttering to getting ahead of seasonal allergens and viruses. If you're stuck on where to start, think of the basics and supplies you'll need to handle the process.
Thankfully, the 2026 Apartment Therapy Cleaning Awards have officially launched, highlighting the best of the best in household cleaning staples. Charli Penn, Apartment Therapy's Editor-in-Chief, joined the 3rd hour of TODAY to share top picks across categories in cleaning, disinfecting and the best tools you'll want to add to your household supply.
Below, you'll find winners to de-grime your favorite pots and pans, vacuums for stubborn pet hair and more Apartment Therapy Cleaning Award winners, with many having the Shop TODAY stamp of approval, too.
Apartment Therapy Cleaning Awards winners seen on TODAY
For Deep Cleaning
The Pink Stuff is a multipurpose cleaner that went viral on TikTok and was recently launched in a squeezable tube. Penn says this new format is faster, cleaner and more hygienic to use, removing stubborn grime from stovetops, showers, sneakers, pans and more.
For Pots and Pans
This powerful cleaning powder, which is a tried-and-true Shop TODAY product, will make your pots and pans sparkle like new. According to the brand, it works to break down grease, rust stains, and hard water deposits from stainless steel and porcelain. "Bar Keepers Friend is also loved by vintage and thrift enthusiasts for restoring treasured finds," says Penn.
For Eco-Friendly General Cleaning
Penn says that while this may be a bit of a splurge, this cleaning suite comes with "forever containers" and refill tablets. In the Suite Kit, you'll get all of the basics for your home, including laundry detergent, multi-purpose cleaner, dish soap, toilet cleaner and more.
According to the brand, it's 100% free from microplastics and made with plant and mineral-based ingredients, making it safer for you and the planet.
For Laundry Sanitizing
Apartment Therapy loves this laundry sanitizer because it tackles the "root cause of odor in laundry by eliminating 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria in laundry," Penn explains. It can be used with most washable fabrics, says the brand, and all you have to do is add it to your fabric compartment for softer and fresher clothing.
For Toilet Bowl Cleaning
Penn says disinfecting high-risk areas containing viruses or bacteria is important, and this all-in-one toilet bowl cleaning kit from Clorox is EPA-certified and highly effective for killing bacteria, as well as ridding the bowl of unwanted lime stains and pink rings.
Best Dish Wand
This new launch from Brite by Scotch is "small but mighty," says Penn. Not only does it look chic and clean on your countertop, but it's also efficient and easy to use. You just need to fill the dish wand handle with your favorite soap and press the button while scrubbing. Plus, the brand says it can be used on most dishes, stoves, sinks, showers and more without any scratching.
Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Owners
If you have pets, Penn says you'll want to splurge on this 3-in-1 vacuum, explaining that it's designed to "specifically tackle stubborn pet hair." According to the brand, it converts into a stick vacuum, a handheld, and a tool for corners and crevices. Another key feature is the self-cleaning brush roll, which helps prevent hair from wrapping around the brush.
More Apartment Therapy Cleaning Awards winners to shop
Favorite Stain Remover
Shop TODAY also gives this stain fighter a stamp of approval. Its powerful formula can tackle even the most dramatic stains in minutes. For instance, a coffee spill on white upholstery, per my [Garlin] own experience.
Favorite Drain Cleaner
Clogged drains don’t stand a chance against this powerful clog remover. According to the brand, this product can dissolve hair, soap scum, toilet paper and more common clog types.
Best Dishcloth
Reduce paper waste and save money with these reusable Swedish dishcloths. According to the brand, one dishcloth replaces 17 paper towel rolls, and this option absorbs 15 times its weight. Plus, they're easy to clean; you can just toss them in the dishwasher or washing machine.
Best Insect Trap
While the warmer season is very welcome, it's also known to bring certain bugs into the home. This compact fly trap is perfect for small spaces and is designed with a curved shield that hides the trapped pests.
Favorite Laundry Detergent
Tide Evo Tiles take laundry day to the next level. The no-mess and lightweight tiles are sponge-like with powerful cleansing, odor-fighting and stain-removing ingredients. Plus, you can use them in all types of machines and water conditions, says the brand.
Favorite Fabric Spray
According to the brand, this "perfumer-crafted" and all-in-one fabric spray helps release creases and wrinkles from everyday fabrics and bedding.
Favorite Dishwasher Detergent
Coming in a case of up to 62 pods, this power dishwashing detergent uses Dawn, enzymes and scrubbing power to effectively break down grease and food grime from your dishwasher-safe dishes.
Best Spray Mop
This lightweight and affordable mop comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth that makes it easy to maneuver around the home, says the brand. Plus, the company mentions you can use the cloth up to 500 times.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Charli Penn.
- Charli Penn is the Editor-in-Chief at Apartment Therapy.
How we chose
Charli Penn, Apartment Therapy's Editor-in-Chief, and her team curated a list of products that earned top ranks for their Cleaning Awards. Penn then shared a select number of winners with the Shop TODAY team and TODAY, as well as tips for proper usage.
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Bedsure Gentlesoft 2-in-1 Queen Comforter Set
Bedsure Gentlesoft 2-in-1 Queen Comforter Set