For most of us, cleaning isn't exactly something that we ever really enjoy doing. But what we do enjoy is the feeling of having a clean home, with sparkling floors and gleaming countertops, so we scrub, mop and soak anyway.
That's why whenever we find a product that can make the process easier, we want to make sure that you know about it, too. And here at Shop TODAY, we've spent hours upon hours trying bestselling and trending products, to help you discover the cleaning finds that can actually help you tackle even the toughest messes.
Below, we're sharing some of the best cleaning products that we've written about, from a cleansing powder loved by restaurant workers to a spray that will help you tackle shower grime without requiring any extra elbow grease.
Best multipurpose cleaning products
Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
- "Kills 99.9% of germs"
- Works well on heavy grime
- Slight chemical smell
Product type: Disinfectant | Best for: Small messes
When writer Shannon Garlin tested five different multipurpose cleaners, this all-purpose option was named the best overall. She had been using the affordable product for years, so it’s been a longtime favorite of hers. “When compared to the other multipurpose cleaners, it performed the best for coffee stain cleanup test (one swipe!) and second best in the honey cleanup test. I found it worked well on most surface types and getting up dried-food messes from my stoves and countertops.”
The Pink Stuff
- Can handle multiple surfaces
- Can tackle variety of messes
- Hard to scoop out
- Some don't like the scent
Product type: Cleanser | Best for: Multipurpose
The Pink Stuff is a TikTok favorite — and it really does live up to the hype. I’ve used it on everything from grease-stained pans to wall scuffs and sneakers and it does a great job at getting out even the toughest of stains.
Bar Keepers Friend Powder Cleanser
- Cleans a range of surfaces
- Removes set-in stains
- Strong smell
Product type: Cleanser | Best for: Stainless steel, mineral deposits, tough stains
Look in the review section for this powder cleanser and you'll find that it's filled with everyone from restaurant workers to chefs who say that it's the secret to keeping professional kitchens clean. I used it as a last-ditch attempt to try and save some of my dirtiest pans and couldn't believe how well it removed baked-on stains. It does require a little elbow grease, but the results are worth it.
Skylar Life Mold and Mildew Remover Gel
- Can use on multiple surfaces
- Don't have to scrub it off
- Effective with tough stains
- Users don't like the smell
Product type: Gel cleaner | Best for: Mildew, mold
One writer shared that this mold and mildew remover gel did a great job of removing gunk from the corners of her shower with just one application. "I’ve since applied it to a few areas around my sink and the rest of my shower and remain impressed with how effortless and easy it is to use," he shared. "I’ve also gone back to my regular cleaning habits and haven’t had any other problems with mold or mildew regrowing. And the best part? You don’t have to scrub it off. It essentially does all the cleaning for you as you wait or sleep."
Blueland The Clean Essentials Kit
- Reusable bottles
- Hypoallergenic
- Cheaper if you sign up for refills
Product type: Multiple | Best for: Multiple surfaces
One writer said she "was impressed" by how well Blueland's cleaning products worked on different surfaces in her home. "A couple of spritzes of the bathroom cleaner obliterated some pesky mold in the same way a traditional cleaner would. The glass cleaner never leaves any streaks and the multi-surface cleaner truly lives up to its name by working everywhere. Better yet, the hand soap left my skin feeling fresh but not too dry. The cleaners also smell great, with scents like iris agave, fresh lemon and eucalyptus mint."
The kit comes with three different targeted cleaning formulas and hand soap. You'll get Blueland's signature reusable bottles and refill tablets — all you have to do is add each one to its bottle with some water and you'll be ready to clean. Then, when you're out of product, you can order additional refill tablets for as little as $5.
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
According to the brand, this weekly spray can help eliminate the need for elbow grease.
$20.98
$29.99
Amazon
$20.98
Home Depot
Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
This cleaner promises to remove stains without scrubbing.
$4.68
$6.75
Walmart
$5.49
Target
Coralpearl Utility Brushes (Set of 2)
Hard to reach areas are now easier with these brushes.
$13.99
Amazon
The Pink Stuff The Miracle All Purpose Cleaning Paste
Editors love this easy-to-use paste for all kinds of messes.
$5.97
Amazon
$5.97
Home Depot
$5.99
Target
Mr. Clean Small Reusable Latex Gloves (Set of 2)
Protect your hands with these gloves on cleaning days.
$7.25
Amazon
Oxo Wiper Blade
Keep mirrors, windows or showers streak-free with this tool.
$10.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
$10.99
The Container Store
Bar Keeper's Friend Soft Cleanser & Foam Spray
For all surfaces, this cleaner will be your best friend.
$15.00
$19.99
Amazon
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
Treat fresh or dried stains with this formula, says the brand.
$9.99
The Container Store
$7.97
$12.00
Walmart
Best cleaning tools
Scrub Daddy Sponge Daddy
- Temperature controlled
- Odor-resistant, per the brand
- Wears down with time
Product type: Dish scrubber | Best for: Dishes, tough grime
Writer Danielle Murphy tried 10 different kitchen sponges and compared them based on durability, texture, air drying and more and this Scrub Daddy sponge came out on top. “This thing can take down any mess,” she shared. “This is the only sponge out of the 10 that I can confidently use on any surface, from delicate glass to pots and pans. All I need to do is turn the sponge over from the more abrasive side to the softer cellulose side, depending on what needs cleaning."
Hagibis Cleaning Pen for Airpods
- Multi-functional; many parts
- Can clean tough areas
- Improves sound quality
- Doesn't get rid of all grime
Product type: Cleaning | Best for: Earbuds and cases
One thing you’re likely forgetting to clean? Your earbuds. But this nifty cleaning tool made clearing out gunk and dirt from my AirPods so easy. It has two sides, a pointed pick and a soft scrubber. I couldn’t believe how clean I was able to get the buds. Plus, as an added perk, I found that it significantly improved the sound quality!
Tamicy Mop Slippers Shoes
- Comes with multiple pairs
- Makes cleaning easier
- Picks up liquids
- Some found them slippery
Product type: Mop | Best for: Lazy people
Sometimes, there's nothing you'd rather do less than push around a mop or scrub your floors on your hands and knees. But these silly-looking mop slippers can make cleaning your floors actually feel fun.
"I can see these solving an entire list of common issues," Murphy says. "Have back or neck pain that prevent you from bending down to clean spills? Mop slippers. Washing dishes and suddenly see soapy water all over the floor? Mop slippers! And yes, they can absorb water! I swiped one slipper across my hardwood floor to pick up a small spill, and although it spread out the liquid a little more than a paper towel would, it got the job done."
Papaya Reusable Paper Towels (Set of 2)
- Easy to clean all spills
- Fun patterns available
- On the smaller side
Product type: Reusable towel | Best for: Small messes
Does it feel like you’re constantly restocking your paper towels? Switch to these, which can be used over and over again. According to the brand, one sheet replaces 17 rolls of paper towels. Associate editor Kamari Stewart says that “they easily cleaned up every stain — including especially sticky ones, like honey — and rinsed easily after wiping up darker substances, like ketchup.”
Stardrops The Pink Stuff The Miracle Scrubber Kit
- Can clean more than shoes
- Batteries are included in kit
- Can get messy
Product type: Scrubber | Best for: Small stains, small crevices
The Pink Stuff does a good job of cleaning sneakers on its own, but this scrubber kit makes it even easier. It completely revived my years-old white sneakers. And it's not just for sneakers — it comes with four different scrubbing brush heads that are designed to be used on everything from tiles to cooktops.
KitchenAid Go Cordless Kitchen Vacuum
- Portable/rechargeable battery
- Lightweight and not loud
- Small dustbin
- Not best for hair on carpet
Product type: Vacuum | Best for: Small messes
From crumbs to pet hair, this cordless vacuum is perfect for picking up all of your smaller messes. Stewart tried out five different vacuums and shared that this one is "worth every penny." "It’s powerful yet quiet, handles various messes with relative ease and is easy to both clean and store when not in use. All of these factors together have earned it the title of best overall handheld vacuum cleaner."
Bissell 2075A Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop
- Super light
- Attachments included
- Easy to store
- You should hold long to steam
Product type: Steam mop | Best for: Deep grime, tile floors
"This mop is super versatile because it’s basically three mops in one: the regular steam mop, a steam rod and a handheld steamer," says social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "The steam rod can easily be taken off the mop base with a step on the back of the mop, so it is hands-free! The smallest steamer is able to be detached from the base and rod with a push of a button. The long steam rod is great for hard-to-reach areas like door frames, cabinets and more. The smaller hand-held device is great for in-depth cleanings like sinks, toilets, showers and more."
Best kitchen cleaning products
Glisten Garbage Disposer Cleaner and Freshener
- Easy to use
- Fresh smell
- Some note faulty packaging
Product type: Deodorizer | Best for: Deodorizing garbage disposal
Yes, your garbage disposal needs cleaning too and this cleaner and freshener makes that easy to do. All you have to do is run your sink, drop the packet in and start your disposal. "The ease of dropping a single packet into my garbage disposal is unmatched — especially because I’m comparing it to measuring out baking soda and vinegar, and running ice through my disposal," one writer shared. "The first time I used this, I was hesitant to drop a full paper packet into my disposal. But the packet materials are biodegradable and all of its contents are disposer, drain, and septic safe, so my hesitations were unfounded!"
Bottle Bright Bottle Cleaning Tablets
- Contains clean ingredients
- No need to scrub
- Use hot water
Product type: Disinfectant | Best for: Water bottles
One daily chore that’s about to get easier is cleaning your water bottle (because you’re probably not doing it often enough), thanks to these cleaning tablets. All you have to do is drop it in, let it sit and rinse and your water bottles, mugs and more will be ready to be used. “If you’re searching for a hassle-free and affordable product to clean your favorite water bottle, these tablets will change your cleaning game for the better,” one former Shop TODAY intern shared.
Best laundry products
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray
- Use to pre-treat stains
- Tackles tough, set-in stains
- Spray release is easy to use
- Pack of 3 sold at Amazon
- Must saturate well
Product type: Detergent | Best for: Tough laundry stains
Garlin used this stain remover on a coffee mishap to leave her white ottoman looking as good as new. "I did not have to break a sweat to get this stain to disappear, the coffee vanished after less than a minute of wiping," she shared. "I think I audibly gasped at how quickly and adequately this stain remover worked — I had a white ottoman again!"
Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls (Pack of 6)
- Fluffs fabric
- Shortens dry time
- Reusable
- Some say it can cause static
Product type: Dryer ball | Best for: Softening garments
After using these dryer balls, one writer said her "clothes came out static- and wrinkle-free and just as soft as they felt after a turn with my regular dryer sheets." She adds, "Some Amazon reviewers claim that these dryer balls make their clothes even more soft and fluffy than dryer sheets as a whole."
Sealegend Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
- Provides satisfying results
- Can help clean other areas
- Requires care to help it last
Product type: Vacuum attachment | Best for: Dryer vent, small crevices
A lint buildup in your dryer can be dangerous. And while you're probably used to scooping out the lint you can see before starting a new load, there might be some leftover lint and dirt that you're not catching. This dryer vent cleaner — which attaches to your vacuum — helps you suck everything out from the crevices and cracks of your dryer. "After a few minutes, I looked to see what was in my vacuum’s dust compartment and was blown away," one writer shared. "It was nearly full! The clogs I pulled were tiny compared to all of the dust, lint, bobby pins and earrings trapped inside the vacuum. I couldn’t believe all of that had been trapped in my dryer."
Best bathroom cleaning products
Clorox Bathroom Ultra Foamer
- Enough foam
- Removes dirt
- Great value
- Small bottle
Product type: Disinfectant | Best for: Soap scum, tubs, tiles
Writer Jannely Espinal compared this ultra-foaming cleaner with four others and said that it was the best "by far."
"Also, the scent isn’t overpowering like other standard bathroom cleaners," she shared. "While it has a slight chemical smell, you can still catch that freshness after spraying. You can easily let it sit for a bit so the product works better. But, what makes it more efficient than other contenders is, how the foam stays put after letting it sit for a while. Once I started scrubbing the shower and tile, I noticed how the formula was efficient at removing grime."
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
- Very effective
- Removes stubborn stain
- Not foamy
Product type: Disinfectant | Best for: Tough grime, tile
Your shower needs a rinse too and this multi-surface spray is just the tool you need, as it's said to help you remove stains with minimal scrubbing. And according to one writer, it really does the trick. "Now that I’m satisfied with my tub and the stains are way less noticeable, I’m going to use the cleaning solution once a week as recommended — and finally enjoy those no-scrub perks. With weekly use, I’m confident I’ll be able to keep the soap scum and grime at bay. Anyone who is looking for the same will also enjoy all of the benefits that come with using this product."
How we chose
To pick the products in this article, we combed through our old content to find the cleaning must-haves that our editors have raved about through the years. We wanted to include a mix of items, so we chose to feature everything from laundry helpers to multi-purpose cleaners.
