cleaning awards

50 Cleaning Products Editors Think Are Actually Worth It, Starting at $3

Stephanie NguyenLifestyle Director
Stephanie NguyenLifestyle Director
I oversee all our coverage of lifestyle topics, which include cleaning, organizing, wellness, entertaining, real estate, travel, and more. I’m based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
published now
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
cleaning awards photoshoot
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Prop Styling: Vicky Wasik and Maya Borrero

The secret to keeping a clean house lies in a few key things: the routines and habits you keep, and the cleaning products you use. If you’re looking to expand your “cleaning tool kit,” then look no further than Apartment Therapy’s Cleaning Awards — our guide to the cleaning essentials everyone should have in their home. 

What Is Apartment Therapy’s Cleaning Awards?

Apartment Therapy’s Cleaning Awards program is our guide to the cleaning products we genuinely think are worth owning — they’re all researched, tested, vetted, and recommended by our editors. Each year, our team spends hundreds of hours testing cleaning products in their homes — but for our 2026 awards, we took it even further. 

In addition to highlighting the very best cleaning tools of the year — such as sponges, scrubbers, and vacuum cleaners — we also spotlight our favorite cleaning solutions (ever!), including all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents, eco-friendly formulas, and more. In the end we chose 50 winners, organized into two categories: the tools you need, and the solutions that’ll change your life (like they did ours).

Our Testing Process (and Why You Should Trust Us)

Our editorial team spent hundreds of hours researching, testing, and vetting hundreds of products to create our Cleaning Awards program, which is now in its third year. We only recommended the items we truly believe are worth a spot in your home because we tried them out in ours. For every cleaning tool we tested we wrote up a thorough review on what makes it the best (our “Best” pick), and for every cleaning solution we recommended we added our seal of editor approval (our “AT Favorite” stamp).

  • For Cleaning Tools: Cleaning tools are the devices you use for cleaning, such as sponges, scrubbers, and vacuum cleaners. We tested the latest and greatest innovations out there — items released between 2024 and 2026. We accepted submissions from brands, but the products we ultimately tested and chose as winners were not limited to submissions.
  • For Cleaning Solutions: Cleaning solutions are the cleaning formulas you use in your home, such as laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and any other liquids, sprays, and wipes. This is a new addition to our awards program, and for 2026 we focused on our favorite picks of all time — whether they’re tried-and-true staples, brand-new discoveries, or submitted products we ended up loving — as chosen by our editorial team. As with tools, submissions did not determine our finalists or winners.

See the 50 Winning Cleaning Products

Without further ado, say hello to the 50 winners of our 2026 Cleaning Awards.

Cleaning Tools 

Looking for the best tools to use to get your home clean? We put these cleaning must-haves — like vacuum cleaners, brushes, and dusters — to the test, and every single one earned top marks.

Best Sponge
Scotch-Brite Odor Resist Non-Scratch Sponge
$4

Scotch-Brite’s Odor Resist Non-Scratch Sponge really does live up to its name: It resists odors and gets dishes, nonstick pans, and glassware clean without a scratch. Plus, you can throw it in the dishwasher for a refresh.


Read our full review of the Scotch-Brite Odor Resist Non-Scratch Sponge.

$4 at Target
Best Palm Brush
Full Circle Home Palm Brush
$5$2

The Full Circle Home Palm Brush will earn a permanent spot by your kitchen sink. The dish brush fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and its durable bristles are tough enough to tackle stuck-on food but gentle enough to not scratch your favorite pots and pans.


Read our full review of the Full Circle Home Palm Brush.

$2 at Full Circle Home
Best Dish Wand
Brite by Scotch-Brite Dishwand with Drain & Dry Stand
$13

A dish wand that looks as good as it cleans — the Brite by Scotch-Brite Dishwand with Drain & Dry Stand features a refillable dish wand with a replaceable scrubber and a drain and dry stand that's easy to empty and clean.


Read our full review of the Scotch-Brite Dishwand with Drain & Dry Stand.

$13 at Walmart
Best Grout Brush
Full Circle Home Grout Brush
$5$2

With its sturdy bristles and built-in scrapers, the Full Circle Home Grout Brush will help you tackle every nook, cranny, and awkward space of your grout and get it clean.


Read our full review of the Full Circle Home Grout Brush.

$2 at Full Circle Home
Best Dishcloth
Stasher Reusable Swedish Dishcloth
$13

A sustainable swap to paper towels — the Stasher Reusable Swedish Dishcloth replaces up to 16 rolls. Just give them a wash (by hand, in the dishwasher, or in the washing machine) after each use, and they are ready to go again.


Read our full review of the Stasher Reusable Swedish Dishcloth.

$13 at Stasher
Best Insect Trap
Zevo Compact Flying Insect Trap
$18

Flying insects bugging you? The Zevo Compact Flying Insect Trap will lure them in with its UV blue light and then trap them with its sticky cartridge — all without a single sound or mess involved. This new compact version is perfect for cramped spaces, like small kitchens or bathrooms.


Read our full review of the Zevo Compact Flying Insect Trap.

$18 at Walmart
Best Squeegee
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Squeegee
$25

Inspired by windshield wipers, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Squeegee features a flexible blade and a slim profile that allows it to smoothly clean your shower. It’s made of durable stainless steel and hangs up neatly on an adhesive suction holder.


Read our full review of the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Squeegee.

$25 at OXO
Best Sensor Spray
simplehuman Sensor Spray
$80

This sensor spray bottle by simplehuman makes cleaning so easy. It’s powered by an intuitive touch sensor that allows you to deliver a continuous spray with just a single touch.


Read our full review of the simplehuman Sensor Spray.

$80 at simplehuman
Best Cordless Vacuum
Tineco Pure One S70
$569

Who doesn’t love a smart cordless vacuum? Designed for both carpets and hard floors, the Tineco Pure One S70 is able to adjust its suction power based on how dirty a surface is, and it has a 180-degree foldable tube that allows it to get under low furniture.


Read our full review of the Tineco Pure One S70.

$569 at Tineco
Best Cordless Vacuum for Pet Owners
Bissell PowerClean FurGuard
$300

The Bissell PowerClean FurGuard is a dream vacuum cleaner for pet owners because it’s an impressive 3-in-1. It’s a lightweight, cordless vacuum that converts into a handheld or a long-reach cleaner — perfect for cleaning couches, chairs, beds, and anywhere else your pet lies.


Read our full review of the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard.

$300 at Bissell
Best Canister Vacuum
Miele Guard L1
$1,249$999

With great mobility and a powerful suction, the Miele Guard L1 canister vacuum cleaner is able to work across all surfaces (it has adjustable floorheads and settings, and a long retractable cord). This canister vacuum is much quieter than other types of vacuums, and its automatic sealing system ensures no dust escapes the vacuum bag.


Read our full review of the Miele Guard L1.

$999 at Amazon
Best All-in-One Vacuum
Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra
$1,100

This all-in-one vacuum solves all your vacuuming needs. The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is a powerful cordless stick vacuum — with an AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 — that has an all-in-one clean station, which auto-empties and closes the dustbin to trap 99.999% of fine dust particles.


Read our full review of the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra.

$1,100 at Samsung
Best Wet/Dry Vacuum
Narwal S30 Pro
$550$450

The Narwal S30 Pro sucks up every mess — from spills to debris and everything in between — and works like a mop and vacuum. The wet-dry vacuum has five cleaning modes, so you can switch based on the level of clean you need, and a self-cleaning base.


Read our full review of the Narwal S30 Pro.

$450 at Narwal
Best Robot Vacuum
Roborock Saros 10
$1,600$1,100

With an ultra-slim design, the Roborock Saros 10R can get under low and hard-to-clean spaces. What sets this robot vacuum apart is its StarSight Autonomous System 2.0, which allows it to 3D scan your home for precision navigation and mapping.


Read our full review of the Roborock Saros 10R.

$1,100 at Roborock
Best Robot Vacuum and Mop
ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone
$820

The ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone stands out as an all-in-one robot vacuum and mop with anti-tangle brushes and self-washing roller mops. It uses mechanical lever wheels to maneuver easily across thresholds and door tracks, and has a completely bagless auto-emptying and self-cleaning station.


Read our full review of the ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone.

$820 at Amazon
Best Floor Cleaner
Dyson WashG1
$770$400

Featuring a double-roller system that moves forward and backward to ensure there’s no smearing or messes left behind, the Dyson WashG1 glides around hard floors to pick up wet and dry dirt and then self-cleans its rollers with every rotation.


Read our full review of the Dyson WashG1.

$400 at Dyson
Best Spray Mop
Bona Spray Mop Air
$23

Safe for all surfaces, the Bona Spray Mop Air is a super-lightweight spray mop that’s easy to store and maneuver. It has a 360-degree swivel head, and the cleaning pad is wide and washable up to 500 times.


Read our full review of the Bona Spray Mop Air.

$23 at Amazon
Best Flat Mop
O-Cedar H2prO Flat Mop System
$50$4314% off

Once you try the O-Cedar H2prO Flat Mop System, you’ll never want to go back to a traditional mop and bucket. It has a flat mop and dual-tank water system, which separates the clean and dirty water so you always mop with clean water.


Read our full review of the O-Cedar H2prO Flat Mop System.

$43 at Amazon
Best Spot & Stain Cleaner
Shark StainForce Cordless Spot & Stain Cleaner
$200

Tackle any stain, anywhere, with the Shark StainForce Cordless Spot & Stain Cleaner. It’s completely portable — it has a storage caddy! — and eliminates both set-in and fresh stains with its stain eliminator and crevice cleaning tools combined with its StainForce dual-activated cleaning solution.


Read our full review of the Shark StainForce Cordless Spot & Stain Cleaner.

$200 at SharkNinja
Best Iron
Panasonic Cordless Lightweight Steam/Dry Iron
$85

This cordless, compact iron from Panasonic only weighs 26.5 ounces and comes with its own carrying case, which makes it super easy to use and travel with. Plus, it heats in 50 seconds, steams and dry irons, and has a nonstick soleplate with a precision tip.


Read our full review of the Panasonic Cordless Lightweight Steam/Dry Iron.

$85 at Panasonic
Best Lint Roller
Scotch-Brite Pet Hair Pickup Lint Roller
$3

Whether you’re picking up fluff, hair, or lint on your furniture or clothes, the Scotch-Brite Pet Hair Pickup Lint Roller will lift it all with a simple swipe. It has 100 easy-tear sheets that are made with the reliable adhesion the Scotch Brand is known for.


Read our full review of the Scotch-Brite Pet Hair Pickup Lint Roller.

$3 at At Home
Best Duster
Bona High Performance Dusting System
$8

Bona’s High Performance Dusting System is game-changing. This extendable duster lets you reach up to 6 feet, so you can clean your ceiling fan with ease. It also comes with a reusable duster that you can wash and use instead of purchasing disposable ones all the time.


Read our full review of the Bona High Performance Dusting System.

$8 at Target
Best Air Purifier for Large Rooms
Blueair Blue Signature
$450

The Blueair Blue Signature is made for large rooms, as it purifies up to 3,385 square feet of space. It has a seven-stage air filtration system that removes 99.97% of airborne particles. But it doesn't forfeit style for function — it’s so nice-looking that it can double as a tabletop.


Read our full review of the Blueair Blue Signature.

$450 at Blueair
Best Air Purifier for Small Spaces
Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact
$350$300

When you live in a small space, every square foot counts. The Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact is the ideal air purifier option for tiny rooms because it’s so compact, powerful, and whisper-quiet.


Read our full review of the Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact.

$300 at Dyson

Cleaning Solutions

From all-purpose cleaners to odor eliminators, cleaning solutions help tackle dirt, bad smells, germs, and allergens throughout your home. These are our favorite picks of all time.

Our Favorite All-Purpose Cleaner
Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner
$4

Designed to clean, sanitize, and disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces, Lysol All Purpose Cleaner is a favorite of Cleaning & Organizing Editor Savannah D. Lebreton, who loves to use it to clean bathroom messes — especially soap scum on her shower walls and tub.

$4 at Walmart
Our Favorite Multisurface Cleaner
Pledge Antibacterial Multisurface Cleaner Spray
$6$6

Pledge Antibacterial Multisurface Cleaner Spray is gently formulated to use on any hard nonporous surfaces (like granite, marble, quartz, glass, mirrors, etc.) and kills 99.9% of bacteria, including E. coli. Lifestyle Director Stephanie Nguyen loves that “it’s a continuous spray” and “leaves behind a lovely citrus scent.”

$6 at Amazon
Our Favorite Dish Soap
Dawn PowerWash Dish Spray
$9$544% off

Numerous AT editors and contributors love the Dawn PowerWash Dish Spray. They note how effective it is at removing grease and grime, without needing to soak dishes overnight.

$5 at Amazon
Our Favorite Hand Soap
Method Foaming Hand Soap
$4

We love that the Method Foaming Hand Wash is gentle enough not to dry out your hands, but strong enough to clean them thoroughly. The lemon + freesia and sandalwood + cedar scents are popular picks among our team.

$4 at Target
Our Favorite Cleaning Paste
The Pink Stuff The Miracle Squeezable Cleaning Paste
$6

The Pink Stuff’s signature miracle cleaning paste just got even better. It’s now available in a softer formula and squeezable tube! “It’s one of my favorite cleaners to use — and it smells so good too!” shares Lifestyle Director Stephanie Nguyen.

$6 at Amazon
Our Favorite Powder Cleanser
Bar Keepers Friend
$2

BFK might just become your new BFF. Trust us — we use it all over our homes! Bar Keepers Friend is an oxalic acid-based powder cleanser that's super strong, so be sure to use it according to the instructions.

$2 at Walmart
Our Favorite Air Sanitizer
Lysol Air Sanitizer
$7

Neutralize odors and eliminate germs that linger in the air with Lysol Air Sanitizer. It’s EPA-approved and scientifically tested to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air. Plus, it comes in six scents, so your home will smell great too.

$7 at Target
Our Favorite Disinfectant
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
$3

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are popular for a reason — they are extremely effective at killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, leaving your surfaces truly clean. Plus, they’re safe to use on over 100 types of surfaces.

$3 at Target
Our Favorite Laundry Sanitizer
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
$5

It’s important to sanitize hard and soft surfaces in your home, including clothes. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria while still remaining gentle on fabrics. Just add it to your rinse cycle (cold water is best) and it’ll help keep your items free of bacteria and odor.

$5 at Target
Our Favorite Stain Remover
Oxiclean Max Force Stain Remover
$4

We’ve pitted stain removers of all sorts against each other to finally discover the best store-bought option: Oxiclean Max Force Stain Remover. It’s a versatile cleaning solution that works on even the most stubborn stains — tomato, grease, wine, grass, ink, you name it!

$4 at Target
Our Favorite Activewear Laundry Detergent
Persil Activewear Clean Liquid Detergent
$21

Never deal with stinky workout clothes again! Wash them with Persil Activewear Clean Liquid Detergent, which is designed to thoroughly clean activewear and get rid of bad smells.

$21 at Amazon
Our Favorite Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
Dropps Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
$29$22

Every time Cleaning & Organizing Editor Savannah D. Lebreton uses Dropps Free & Clear Laundry Detergent her towels come out "soft, fresh, and genuinely odor-free." These unscented pods are “biobased” formulated, which means they’re made of 58% renewable resources.

$22 at Dropps
Our Favorite Laundry Detergent
Tide evo
$20

The Tide evo is not a powder, liquid, pod, or sheet — it's a laundry detergent tile (the first of its kind!). The compact tile packs a punch by delivering a concentrated, stain-fighting detergent that activates in hot or cold water and is safe to use in all machines and with any fabric type.

$20 at Amazon
Our Favorite Laundry Booster
Dropps Odor Eraser Biobased Laundry Additive
$36$29

Looking to boost your laundry experience? Lifestyle Director Stephanie Nguyen likes to use Dropps Odor Eraser Biobased Laundry Additive to combat any odors (she pairs it with laundry detergent). “Just one wash cycle with it took care of any bad smells,” she says.

$29 at Dropps
Our Favorite Fabric Spray
The Laundress Classic Fabric Spray
$19

“The first thing I noticed about [The Laundress Classic Fabric Spray] was the scent; it truly smells like perfume for your clothes,” shares Shopping Writer Alexa Casanova. She loves that it smooths out wrinkles while leaving a touch of luxury behind.

$19 at The Laundress
Our Favorite Air Freshener
Febreze Scent Booster Plug
$10

Senior Home Editor Zee Krstic is a big fan of the Febreze Scent Booster Plug, noting that it’s great for continuous freshness and works especially well in spaces where odors tend to linger.

$10 at Walmart
Our Favorite Pet Odor Eliminator
Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
$15

A must-have for pet owners, Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is an enzyme-based cleaner that’ll eliminate not just stains, but odors too!

$15 at Target
Our Favorite Kitchen Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Spray
$5

Shopping Director Katie Maguire says that Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Spray “smells so good and cleans everything really well without leaving a sticky or gross residue.” She particularly loves the honeysuckle scent.

$5 at Target
Our Favorite Dishwasher Detergent
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods
$21

Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods are a favorite among editors and plumbing experts, as they deeply clean dishes without leaving residue behind.

$21 at Amazon
Our Favorite Bathroom Cleaner
Scrubbing Bubbles Easy Clean Multi-Purpose Foam Trigger
$5$4

Cleaning your bathroom just got a whole lot easier with the Scrubbing Bubbles Easy Clean Multi-Purpose Foam Trigger. The spray works on bathroom and shower surfaces, and removes dirt, grime, and limescale with a fast-acting clinging foam.

$4 at Walmart
Our Favorite Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Clorox ToiletWand
$13

This all-in-one toilet bowl cleaning system has become a staple in Shopping Writer Alexa Casanova’s household. It thoroughly cleans your toilet, and gets rid of those pesky hard water and lime stains.

$13 at Amazon
Our Favorite Drain Cleaner
Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver
$12

Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver is perfect for tackling slow-moving drains (whether it’s clogged by things like hair, soap scum, grease, or toilet paper). It’s made of a bleach-free solution and is safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and septic systems.

$12 at Walmart
Our Favorite Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover
$8

The Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover works wonders on set-in and fresh stains or spots on carpets, rugs, or upholstery. Shopping Director Katie Maguire calls it a “miracle worker,” and has used it on wine spills, pet messes, and more.

$8 at Target
Our Favorite Stainless Steel Cleaner
Weiman Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Wipes
$5

To transform your stainless steel appliances from smudgy and messy to shiny and polished, use Weiman Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Wipes. These super-convenient wipes clean, shine, and protect stainless steel with ease.

$5 at Amazon
Our Favorite Window & Glass Cleaner
Windex Fast Shine Foam Cleaner
$3

Windex’s Fast Shine Foam Cleaner became a “fast favorite” for AT editors and contributors. The no-drip foam clings to the glass instead of running down it, which allows for a streak-free, flawless finish.

$3 at Walmart
Our Favorite Eco Cleaning Brand
Blueland Clean Suite Kit
$110

We are big fans of Blueland, an eco-friendly cleaning brand that’s been around since 2019. A good introduction to the brand is to pick up its Clean Suite Kit. It includes some of Lifestyle Editor Lizzy Francis’ favorite picks, including the toilet bowl cleaner, powder dish soap, and glass and mirror cleaner.

$110 at Blueland

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