BHG Real Estate

2022-03-12 03:40:20 By : Ms. Charlotte Li

Even our cleaning caddies need an update from time to time, and these best new products make dusting, vacuuming, wiping, and scrubbing less of a chore. Our editors reviewed more than 100 new products in search of tools and solutions that are effective, easy, and safe to use.

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.

For everyday grime, these tough problem solvers can tackle yesterday's muddy feet, a case of jam hands, and that smudge of indeterminate origin.

Our testers like the "spray and walk away" directions on this spray cleaner for disinfecting almost anything—even sealed stone. It's an antimicrobial, which means the formula stays on the surface to keep killing any new germs that might show up.

Buy It: MicroGold Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray ($9, Amazon)

A little bit goes a really, really long way. This all-purpose concentrate is ideal for the multisurface, top-to-bottom cleaning binge that involves a bucket. The probiotic formula offers continual cleaning power because it leaves good bacteria on surfaces to combat the bad kind.

Buy It: Mrs. Meyer's Probiotic Concentrate (Available April 1, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day)

From scent to efficacy, this all-purpose cleaner is an all-around pleasure to use. It works well on a variety of surfaces, even leaving stainless steel and glass streak-free. And refills are eco-friendly: Fill the glass bottle six times from the cardboard refill box.

Buy It: The Bare Home All-Purpose Cleaner in Glass Bottle ($12, The Bare Home)

This all-purpose cleaner features a hydrogen peroxide base and works as a laundry stain remover too. It cleans pretty much any surface, including the sticky grime that forms on top of the fridge. And if you have little helpers, this all-purpose all-star comes in wipe form too.

Buy It: MomRemedy Everything Household Cleaner & Stain Remover ($10, The Home Depot)

Wipes can be a wonderful convenience, so we chose three standouts that solve your distinct needs or preferences.

Come for the luxurious scent, stay for the grabby texture and compostability of these all-purpose wipes. What's more, they carry an EPA Safer Choice designation, so you can feel good about wiping up around kids and pets. Love the scent but wipe-averse? The cleaning formula is available in a spray bottle too.

Buy It: Real Simple Compostable Wipes ($8, The Container Store)

These disinfecting wipes leave surfaces germ-free and food-safe, unlike most disinfectants, which require a rinse with potable water. And one container goes a long way: There are 80 wipes packed inside.

Buy It: 80-Count CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes ($10, Amazon)

Imagine a roll of textured, hefty paper towels pre-spritzed with a powerful cleaner. "These bleach-free wipes quickly became indispensable for me," says home editor Katy Kiick Condon. "I was able to quickly dispose of hair balls from my cat, and they were more than equal to my kid's finger painting spree."

Buy It: Clorox Multi-Purpose Paper Towel Wipes ($5, Walmart)

For the material-specific jobs that need streak-free, ultra-powerful, or odor-removing finesse, turn to these top surface cleaners.

Soft surfaces are some of the most-used areas in our homes, yet many of us lack the proper tools to clean them. This spray is a great way to fight the bacteria hiding in your upholstery. It's easy to use, eliminates odors, and brings peace of mind.

Buy It: Febreze Fabric Antimicrobial Spray ($8, Walmart)

A tweaked formula and updated packaging make this classic cleaner greener. Now an EPA Safer Choice product, this floor cleaner dries quickly and doesn't leave behind any residue. Plus, you can skip any mixing; just spray and go.

Buy It: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner ($7, Target)

Our testers give high marks for the inoffensive scent and sustainable pod-based refills for this glass cleaner. Just drop a concentrated pod and add water to the sleek glass bottle for an eco-friendly, streak-free clean. Its all-natural formula quickly cuts grease, smears, and fingerprints and leaves an invisible coating that resists new gunk.

Buy It: The Honest Company Glass Refillable Cleaning Kit, 1 Bottle + 2 Refill Pods ($17, The Honest Company)

This foaming cleanser leaves stone and stainless-steel surfaces impressively streak-free. It's powerful enough to remove caked-on grime and leaves surfaces food-safe, which isn't always the case with strong cleaners like this one.

Buy It: Libman Granite & Stainless-Steel Cleaner ($5, Libman)

This spray leaves a squeaky-clean shine on wood surfaces, including tables, dressers, and even pianos. "No oily, waxy film. And the smell is great: Juicy Fruit mixed with Doublemint gum," says features editor Diana Dickinson. "If Aunt Fannie were alive, I think we'd be BFFs."

Buy It: Aunt Fannie's Wood Surface Cleaner ($9, Grove Collaborative)

Whether used on dish towels, tile, or upholstery, this sanitizer kills 99.9% of bacteria, germs, and viruses. Our testers rave that this sanitizer leaves things visibly cleaner, brighter, and fresher. It can also be used as a multipurpose cleaner around your home and in the laundry.

Buy It: OxiClean Laundry & Home Sanitizer ($8, Amazon)

Cleaning your home's exterior and windows is a breeze with this cleaner. Just hook it up to the hose and twist the nozzle to choose your cleaner. Flip back and forth as you switch between cleaning your windows and siding.

Buy It: Rejuvenate Dual System Outdoor House Wash and Window Cleaner ($25, The Home Depot)

There are many UV sanitizing lights out there, so we put a few head-to-head to take out the guesswork. When put to the test, this compact light worked best. It also features three brightness settings, an adjustable height, and digital display.

Buy It: OttLite Thrive LED Sanitizing Desk Lamp ($54, Amazon)

Hair, dander, and pet accidents clean up easily with these favorite solutions for messes made by our furry friends.

This spray uses enzyme technology to keep cleaning even when you're not. The cleaner releases an army of enzymes that break down the microscopic particles contained in pet stains. Keep the spot moist, and the enzymes continue to multiply until the stain (and odor!) is gone.

Buy It: Bissell Pro Pet Stain & Odor Removing Formula ($8, Bissell)

This carpet shampoo doesn't leave behind any sticky residue, unlike some standard carpet shampoos. It removes stains like a champ and keeps carpet cleaner for longer. Plus, the formula crystalizes dirt for easy cleanup.

Buy It: Rocco & Roxie Oxy Carpet Shampoo ($20, PetSmart)

This handy device is both lightweight and versatile. Its attachments conquer every nook and cranny, as well as both carpet and upholstery, with ease. The long cord and included cleaner also make life a little easier.

Buy It: Hoover CleanSlate Pet Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner ($127, Amazon)

This lightweight, easy-to-store broom and ergonomic, step-on dustpan attract pet hair and dust like magic. And the dustpan's cleaning combs actually capture hair so, finally, no more stray tufts of fur.

Buy It: O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dust Pan ($15, Amazon)

Through sheer volume, laundry can feel like a grind. These winners make it better with smart packaging, amped-up power, and delightful scents.

This plant-base powerhouse removes tough odors (instead of just masking them) and leaves a pleasant, fresh scent. Its formula is also free of harsh chemicals and lives in a refillable bottle.

Buy It: Safely Everyday Laundry Detergent ($14, Bed Bath & Beyond)

This concentrated liquid takes the guesswork out of laundry. Just one squeeze releases the perfect amount for a standard load. It's also an EPA Safer Choice product, made from 99% biobased materials.

Buy It: Seventh Generation EasyDose Power + ($13, Walmart)

If laundry pods aren't your thing, consider these detergent sheets. Pre-measured and easy to use, the plastic-free sheets are biodegradable, plant-based, and free of harmful ingredients. Plus, their simple yet (very) effective design allows them to be torn to add or reduce cleaning power.

Buy It: Grove Co. Power Clean Sheets ($13, Grove Collaborative)

These are larger than your average pod, which makes them perfect for big laundry jobs and deep cleans. Their punch-packing formula removes dirt at a microscopic level and leaves clothes with a fresh, hypoallergenic scent.

Buy It: Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x Free Power Pods ($19, Target)

Adding these beads to your laundry routine keeps clothes smelling fresh even after you put them in the hamper. Our testers also love them for bed and bath linens.

Buy It: Downy Light Scent Booster Beads ($13, Walmart)

This plastic-free laundry booster gives a facelift to grimy clothes. It lifts stains and revives colors, leaving clothes with a fresh, clean smell. Plus, the pastel packaging is adorable and the cap features a built-in measuring cup.

Buy It: Blueland Oxi Laundry Booster ($18, Blueland)

The Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen churns out more than a few dirty dishes. These picks made the pros' jobs easier.

Efficient and easy to use, this soap leaves dishes smelling fresh and eradicates that gross dishwater smell (you know the one). Not only does this dish soap smell amazing, but it also works great. It quickly cuts through grease on even the toughest pans, no soaking necessary.

Buy It: Gain Power Blast ($4, Target)

These pods "worked like a charm for dishware that went through some heavy-duty meals," says Sammy Mila from the BHG Test Kitchen. Plus, they are powerful enough to work on your dishwasher's fast cycle, so you can cut the time but keep things just as clean as a full cycle.

Buy It: Cascade Platinum, 62-Count ($19, Walmart)

This easy-squeeze, leak-free bottle puts gravity to work so "there's never any wait time to get the soap to flow," says Sarah Brekke from the BHG Test Kitchen. Its convenient design also can be used with one hand, making it more accessible.

Buy It: Dawn EZ-Squeeze Platinum Refreshing Rain ($4, Target)

These pods certified by Environmental Working Group work just as well as, if not better than, traditional dishwasher pods. They're easy to use, nontoxic, free of synthetic fragrances, and come in a plastic-free, compostable container. 

Buy It: AspenClean Zero-Waste Dishwasher Pods ($16, AspenClean)

Dust-sensing technology. Auto-emptying robots. Mop-vac combos. Dear reader: We are now living in the future.

This steam mop is a pleasantly uncomplicated workhorse. Just add water and let it do the hard work of cleaning and sanitizing your floors for you. "This is a game-changer. It could not be easier to use, and the only maintenance is throwing the reusable scrubbing pads in the laundry," says executive editor Oma Ford.

Buy It: Shark Steam & Scrub ($160, Target)

The superior suction of this cord-free vacuum makes it easy to remove grime for a cleaner home. Testers loved the laser detection technology and light-up crevice tool that helps you spot dust and dirt (especially in small, hard-to-reach places). The vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver on all the floors in your house.

Buy It: Dyson V15 Detect Cord-Free Vacuum ($700, Dyson)

Cut cleaning time in half with this smart floor washer. It mops and vacuums at the same time, making it our top pick for nightly cleanups. Testers like how easy it is to fill and empty the separate tanks for clean and dirty water. "The self-clean feature is so convenient. Plus, my floors have never looked cleaner!" says home editor Samantha Benoit.

Buy It: Tineco Floor One S5 ($500, Best Buy)

Testers like the suction power, long battery life, and slim profile of this small but mighty hand vacuum. The flip-out extra-wide nozzle picks up debris in one pass. "This vacuum reached between stair balusters without a problem and does a fantastic job of picking up dust bunnies hiding in the corners," says photo editor Holly Pruett.

Buy It: BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster AdvancedClean Slim Cordless Hand Vacuum ($50, Amazon)

If you have furry friends at home, this is the robot vacuum for you. It has four levels of suction power, and it's especially effective at picking up pet fur. "As the owner of a dog with long hair, I thought for sure I would prefer a smart vacuum with a self-emptying canister. As it turns out, the manual dust bin wasn't a problem—it packs in a LOT of dust and hair, so it doesn't cut the cleaning job short," says home editor Caitlin Sole.

Buy It: eufy RoboVac X8 ($600, Amazon)

We loved all the features of iRobot's latest robot vacuum: brains (an intuitive app for scheduling), looks (that leather detail!), and strength (picked up what others missed). The vacuum identifies obstacles and avoids hazards with ease. "This vacuum does more than I could ever want," says style/design director Stephanie Hunter. "It navigated over a really thick rug and a thin rug with tassels on the end, and it went from hardwood to plush carpet without a problem."

Buy It: iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum ($800, Best Buy)

This hybrid robot is a triple threat: It vacuums, it mops, and it empties on its own. It holds up to 30 days' worth of dirt and debris in the auto-empty station. Testers love its smart mapping feature and the ability to customize their cleaning experience. "The app made it easy to clean designated rooms after it maps the whole house. Plus, I appreciated the washable, reusable cleaning pads for less waste," says home editor Caitlin Sole.

Buy It: ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO N8 PRO+ ($700, Amazon)

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.

Its smart, lightweight design means this durable, reusable sponge can reach into tight spaces. "This sponge cut my cleaning time in half. No more hard scrubbing, no more sore arms," says home editor Lauren Bengtson. And don't let its heavy-duty nature fool you: This sponge is non-scratch for delicate surfaces.

Buy It: Scotch-Brite Swift Scrub Bathroom Buildup Remover, Pack of 2 ($5, Lowe's)

Go after stubborn stains and grime with the extra power of your drill. These nylon scrubbing pads make short work of mineral deposits in the bathroom and cooked-on messes on stove tops and inside ovens.

Buy It: RotoScrub, Pack of 7 ($17, Amazon)

This sturdy, double-sided glove is a major improvement over an ordinary cleaning cloth. One side has the grippy fibers of a classic microfiber pad—just right for wiping up dust and allover cleaning. The other side is finely textured for wiping down glass and mirrors. Just spray on a little water and get cleaning.

Buy It: Pure Sky Glass and Multipurpose Cleaning Glove ($10, Walmart)

These sponges are plastic-free and compostable (even the wrapper is made from recycled materials)—a major green upgrade to most sponges on the market. But you're not trading efficacy for sustainability. They have enough heft and texture to offer plenty of scrubbing power.

Buy It: Casabella Kind Scrub Sponge, Pack of 3 ($5, Target)

These washable microfiber cloths feature a super-grabby texture and come in a box of 10. They pick up everything in their paths, leaving no dust or streaks behind. We love that the cloths can replace single-use paper towels for many cleaning chores.

Buy It: Skura Style WIPE ENVY, Pack of 10 ($8, Skura Style)

Some messes are truly better tossed in the trash. These U.S.-made disposables are biodegradable, compostable, and made from 100% recycled fiber. And that wrapper? No plastic.

Buy It: Reel Recycled Fiber Paper Towels, Pack of 12 ($48, Amazon)