Sure, social media can often be a serious time-suck: You sit down to watch a few videos, and before you know it, you've been scrolling for two hours. But it can also be a helpful tool for discovering fun hacks and products that you never knew you needed.
For example, we've discovered some of our favorite home and cleaning products across Instagram and TikTok. From products like Bar Keepers Friend and The Pink Stuff that have changed the way we clean our kitchens and bathrooms to the gadgets that get our carpets and floor cleaned, without any scrubbing.
Below, we're sharing some of the top viral cleaning products that are worth adding to your space.
Best viral cleaning products, according to editors
From cleaning dirty pans to stained sinks, social media users have found countless uses for this all-purpose cleaner. While I [Stessman] first discovered it on TikTok, after combing through the reviews, I found out that it’s actually been used by restaurant industry professionals for years. And it’s not hard to see why, as it does a great job of tackling messes in the kitchen and beyond.
Arguably one of the most famous products on TikTok's #CleanTok, this cult-favorite cleaning paste can help you tackle even the toughest stains on counters, stoves, ovens and more. I swear by it for cleaning set-in grease on baking sheets and pans, as well as sneakers.
It’s not hard to see why this stain treatment spray is a social media star. When Shigo tested it on stains like coffee and red wine on a white shirt, they came right off. That’s why you won’t be surprised to hear that multiple Shop TODAY staffers keep a bottle at their desks in case of emergency.
These happy-looking sponges are featured in tons of videos on social media, and it’s not just because they’re super cute. They’re also a super helpful cleaning tool. When you place one in cold water, the foam gets firm for tough scrubbing. Run it under warm water, though, and it will be soft for more gentle tasks.
When compared to other sponges, writer Danielle Murphy shared that these were super quick to dry and very durable.
From wine spills on the sofa to not-so-happy surprises from your pets on the carpet, reviewers say that this TikTok-loved spot remover can be used to clean almost any mess.
And Murphy agrees. She was amazed when she used it to successfully remove everything from set-in dirt stains to ink on upholstery. "If there’s one product I’ll make sure to always have stocked in my cleaning cabinet, it’s this spot remover. I’m genuinely impressed with how well it worked on both old and new stains."
Best viral cleaning tools, according to editors
You probably see a lot of your favorite TikTokers recording posts with AirPods in their ears, and you’re most likely listening to them through your own pair. With that much scrolling, your earbuds are probably due for a cleaning. I swear by this cleaning compact tool to help dig out all of the dirt, wax and gunk stuck in them.
TikTok users have been singing praises for Swedish dishcloths for a while, but they’re not the only ones. Our editors love the eco-friendly cloths, too. Associate editor Kamari Stewart tried 10 different reusable paper towels and found these to be the best overall. They’re absorbent and durable, and she shared that they cleaned up every stain and were easy to clean after.
As much as you love your furry friend, all the hair they leave behind on your couches and rugs can be a huge nuisance to clean. This handy roller makes the process a bit easier.
"I was amazed at how well the hair removal tool worked in just one swipe," shared one Shop TODAY writer, who used it to clean up after her dog, Wilco. "You just have to roll it back and forth in short strokes. It’s so easy to figure out, I honestly don’t know why it even comes with instructions."
She continued, "Within three minutes, I’d probably removed three weeks’ worth of Wilco hair. Better yet, it didn’t involve an ounce of elbow grease or shouting a single four-letter word."
While there are plenty of fancy options for cleaning your floors nowadays, sometimes you just need a dependable mop to get the job done. This TikTok-loved pick will help you keep your hardwood and tile floors spotless. According to social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo, it's a great, affordable choice. "The device comes with a bucket that has a spin attachment, which allows you to wring the mop hands-free thanks to a foot pedal. The head features a detachable microfiber mop that can be easily washed in a machine. The mop head is triangle-shaped, so it is able to get into tough cracks and hard-to-reach areas."
With a powerful suction in a small frame, this carpet cleaner can be used to clean upholstered surfaces like carpets, chairs, couches and even your car.
"I bought this a couple of years ago when I lived in a house that was covered in very old carpet everywhere," shares Stewart. "I used it to breathe new life not just in the carpets but into our couch that had seen better days. I love that you can see the dirty water accumulate in the separate container."
How we chose
To compile this list, we combed through viral cleaning videos (with hundreds of thousands of views) and found the products that our editors have previously used and raved about.
