The very best cleaning products of 2025, tested and reviewed

Feb 19, 2025

Regardless of how you feel about it, cleaning your home is just one of those things that have to be done. From your quartz countertops to behind the faucet, there are a few pesky areas that benefit from a good scrubbing and spraying.

With so many nooks and crannies of your home, some common cleaning products are self-explanatory: a high-performing vacuum (perhaps one of the Dyson models we reviewed), a sturdy mop and an effective all-purpose cleaner. But, others have more depth.

“Always read the label before using a product,” Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), told the New York Post. “It has some really valuable information, including directions and safety messages. And, store cleaning products safely, up and out of sight.”

Ek did quite the clean sweep herself of some common household cleaning FAQs below. Sit back, relax and research exactly how to clean and the best products to use — from hardwood floor cleaners to natural laundry detergents — based on our reviews.

Experience the future of home cleaning with the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System. Its innovative DuoClean Detect nozzle ensures thorough cleaning in both directions.

“Thanks to its multidirectional cleaning, it picks up debris whether you’re pushing forward or pulling back. It’s basically vacuum ambidexterity, and it’s a game-changer,” our Commerce Editorial Director Barret Wertz noted. The MultiFLEX arm reaches under furniture with ease, while the auto-empty dock eliminates messy canister emptying. Say goodbye to cleaning struggles and hello to effortless efficiency.

What’s in the box: Shark Cordless PowerDetect, Odor Neutralizer Cartridge, Pet Multi-Tool, Crevice Tool, Charger | Dimensions: 46.3″ (H) x 10.24″ (L) x 18.6″ (W) | Weight: 18.5 lbs. | Charge time: 6 hours | Run time: Up to 70 minutes

The Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum is, by far, the most impressive Dyson vacuum I’ve tried in the past four years — and I’ve reviewed nearly every Dyson vacuum. This all-in-one cordless option that boasts up to 70 minutes of runtime and a 4.5-hour charge makes deep cleaning my home a snap.

Let’s face it — you don’t want to keep repurchasing vacuum after vacuum because you didn’t invest in one originally. Plus, good vacuums aren’t cheap to begin with, so going for a top-tier option is worth the investment.

As a new homeowner, I knew I wanted to unbox the best vacuum so I could actually look forward to deep cleaning days. The Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum didn’t disappoint; its simple for me to maneuver from my kitchen to my dining area to my living room, and then upstairs to suck up all of the dust and debris from my plush carpet. It tackles a variety of floors, from engineered laminate to tile and it’s so satisfying to see all the dust enter the dustbin, especially when I use the crevice tool to really capture everything.

I personally love its included Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, though it also comes with the more traditional Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head characteristic of several other Dyson cordless models. The Built-In Crevice Tool is ultra-convenient because I never have to think about finding a separate attachment. With the touch of a button, I can instantly transform my cordless vacuum into a handheld to tackle dust buildup on my second-floor vaulted ceilings.

While I haven’t installed the included Wall Dok yet, I plan to, as it creates an individualized station for my Dyson vacuum to live in my under-the-staircase large storage closet.

As you can tell, I can’t stop raving about this vacuum. I’ve used a variety of models ranging from $100 to $1,000, but none compare to this hygienic, modern and ergonomic model.

What’s in the box: Dyson Gen5detect, Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, Hair Screw Tool, Combination Tool, Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head, Built-In Dusting and Crevice Tool, Wall Dok, Charger | Dimensions: 50.2″ (H) x 10.87″ (L) x 9.8″ (W) | Weight: 7.72 lbs. | Charge time: 4.5 hours | Run time: Up to 70 minutes

When I first used the BISSELL SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Spin Wave, I was instantly amazed by its unique spinning technology that provides a 360-degree cleaning experience to pick up dirt and debris from corners and hard-to-reach places. It’s the perfect size, too; not too flimsy and not too bulky.

I’ve been using this model for a little over a year now and I’m *obsessed,* For around $100, it’s the effective and easy-to-use floor scrubber you’ll need. I love how I actually see the solution working, and unlike some other mops I’ve used, it doesn’t leave any streaks, either.

The mop also comes with two reusable microfiber pads and detergent. When you’re in need of a restock, the Hard Floor Sanitize Formula (64oz) is $17, while its Multi-Surface Formula (64oz) and Eucalyptus Mint Sanitize Formula (32oz) range from $14 to $17.

It’s also one of the simplest to use: start by inserting the corresponding solution into its slot and start mopping away. While there aren’t a litany of speed settings, there isn’t a need for them; the rotating spinning heads effectively remove stains. Plus, they’re washer-dryer safe when you’d want to give them a clean.

What’s in the box: BISSELL SpinWave Mop, Charger, Two Cleaning Pads | Dimensions: 26.55″ (H) x 15.67″ (L) x 7.05″ (W)

I’m floored by Blueland. The sustainability-first cleaning brand is on a mission to inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle.. Not only are the brand’s glass bottles and containers glamorous but the inside formulations are the cherry on top.

How it works? Fill the bottle with water, drop in a tablet, and voilà — your spring cleaning is on tap and ready to go. I love its fresh lemon scent and find myself using it everywhere, from the surface of my toilet bowl to wooden base molding and inside dresser drawers.

Made with plant-based and planet-friendly ingredients, Blueland’s Multi-Surface All-Purpose Cleaner screams “quality” in every sense of the word. I feel ultra-luxurious whenever I reach for it and it’s a brand I truly stand by, especially for the multi-purpose value you’re receiving.

Size: 24 ounces | Scent: Fresh Lemon

When I first used Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day lavender toilet bowl cleaner, I didn’t realize I’d enjoy cleaning the toilet as much. After months of testing, it’s my most-used toilet bowl cleaner and the best one yet — words I remain firm on.

Since initially using it, I’ve spread the word to others who clean their bathrooms regularly. I love its angled dispenser arm to squeeze out cleaner in hard-to-reach places and — the best part — it naturally brightens your bowl thanks to its clear color. It’s always by my toilet bowl, no questions asked.

Not only does the lavender smell lovely but it’s offered at an excellent value, too. Specifically, I found myself using this product once weekly to clean the center of my bowl well, along with the interior. Overall, it’s a product worth grabbing for only $6 or $7 online.

Size: 24 ounces | Scent: Lavender

I have been using the Swiffer WetJet Hardwood Spray Mop Cleaner for years. It was one of the first mops that has been shuffled into my home from a young age — a testament to how long-withstanding the product is, and how effective it is that it hasn’t left my laundry room in years. Aka, it’s living rent-free.

It’s a stellar model with more than 52,000 rave reviews on Amazon, and rightfully so. Because of its compact size and easy operation, it’s a budget-friendly winner in my book that always leaves my hardwood floors shiny and well-cleaned.

Though ultra-affordable, it does have its setbacks: it’s not the best for picking up large debris and it may leave streaks if you spray too much solution at once. But, if you’re not looking to spend money on a wet vac, this mob is your best bet.

What’s in the box: Swiffer Mop, Charger, 10 Cleaning Pads, Cleaning Solution, Batteries | Dimensions: 18.8″ (H) x 6″ (L) x 4.5″ (W)

We all know and love Mr. Clean. He’s probably the cleanest man we know, obviously, and whatever variation of his acclaimed Magic Erasers you buy, you’ll instantly notice the grime and stains leaving the surface and sticking directly onto the white, soft bar. Not only do I use this on my tub but so does another Post Wanted team member.

“You may already know and love the Magic Eraser for *magically erasing* scuff marks and other imperfections in your home, but let me introduce you to their bathroom cleaning product,” Meaghan Roche, Senior Commerce SEO Manager, shared with us. “This is the only thing I’ve tried that actually removes soap scum and mildew with ease, leaving behind a fresh scent and a clean tub. It works great on tile, grout and any other bathroom surface that needs some TLC. But most importantly, it couldn’t be much easier to use; just add water and a little elbow grease.”

Additionally, I’ve been loving Mr. Clean’s newest Magic Eraser Variety Pack ($9), featuring Ultra Thick, Ultra Foamy and Extra Durable options to tackle any area of your home.

Size: Five individual sponges | Scent: Febreze Lavender

Windex is the Kleenex of window cleaners: it’s well-known, a household brand and is what you commonly think about when making your glass areas spic and span. However, the brand’s Ammonia-Free Glass and Window Cleaner is the clear-cut winner after months of testing.

Whether I’m cleaning my small bathroom windows, my nearly floor-to-ceiling glass closet doors or the countertop to my makeup vanity, this spray bottle gets the job done and gets it done well. Because it’s ammonia-free, it won’t leave streaks, and it’s also safe to use on certain stone countertops like granite.

For less than $5, your Amazon cart is surely ready for this incredibly effective glass cleaner. While it’s not the best for certain types of windows, especially older ones, it’s not a dealbreaker for most of my cleaning tasks.

Size: 23 ounces | Scent: Crystal Rain

In my eyes, there’s no other cleaner more fitting than the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish for your appliances, like your microwave, dishwasher and washer-dryer combo. When my family renovated our kitchen a few years ago, our contractor advised us to pick up this particular formula, the one we’ve been using ever since.

Whether I’m using it on the handles of my refrigerator door or on my dishwasher, I always notice it’s effective and leaves my appliances with a streak-free, glossy finish. Notably, it works on the parts of my appliances that aren’t stainless steel, like the buttons of my microwave, for an added shine.

Sometimes, its foamy formula is quick to run down the stainless steel exterior when sprayed, just be careful when spraying because a little goes a long way.

Size: 22 ounces | Scent: Unscented

Thank you, Courtney Cox, for enacting your true character of Monica on “Friends” and coming out with a home cleaning line. As far as dish soap goes, the Homecourt Cece Dish Soap is one of my favorites. Not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical of using a dish soap that wasn’t the typical fresh citrus scent but I was so proved wrong. I now want all of my dinnerware plates to smell like roses.

Revered for being skin-safe yet powerful, this dishwashing liquid quickly dissolves grease and grime and leaves dishes sparkling, no soap pad required. I love how it’s designed, too. Made from plant-derived surfactants to naturally remove food debris and even glycerin to hydrate and protect skin, it’s my best cleaning product and skincare item in one.

I’m not too keen on leaving any unwashed dishes overnight, but I decided to test out how well it removed caked-on debris when left overnight. After pumping two or three times onto my dishes and other cookware, it erased like water the next day. Truthfully, I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about this one.

Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Steeped Rose

Where has the Dawn Platinum Plush Powerwash Dish Spray been all of my life? Seriously, I don’t know why I was sleeping on this spray that makes everything in my sink spotless.

I’m not surprised that more than 10,000 shoppers on Amazon alone have purchased this essential household cleaner in the past month. With more than 103,000 applauding reviews, this spray has a fresh scent that I love using in my kitchen and even comes with a refill.

On a more granular level, this dish spray removes 99% of grease and grime in half the time compared to traditional dish soap, thanks to its three unique cleaning boosters. This couldn’t be more true, as its suds immediately rise to the surface of whatever you’re cleaning; I especially love seeing it completely eradicate my Dutch oven’s set-in grime once I wash it after dinner.

Though it’s more expensive than traditional dish soap, it’s 100% worth it. Trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to stop.

Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh Clean

When I’m looking for effective and easy-to-use cleaning wipes, the Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Wipes is the exact type I reach for. They’re quite affordable, especially when you opt for this three-pack on Amazon, and has a fresh scent that’s not too overpowering.

As a whole, I love the brand for its plant-based derivatives that I know will be gentle on the surfaces I use them on. It’s one of the reasons why I turn to Seventh Generation for laundry detergents as well.

While I do love the cleaning wipes, they’re not the best for tough stains. However, I’ll use the Blueland Multi-Surface All-Purpose Cleaner to tackle that issue head-on.

Size: 70 individual wipes per container (210 total in 3-pack) | Scent: Garden Mint

If there’s anything you buy from this list, let it be the Puracy Stain Remover. I didn’t know a cleaning product could be so revolutionary until I needed it the most — and it has lived on my cleaning shelf ever since.

As a new homeowner, you know I stocked up on all of the essentials (a great feeling, BTW). I didn’t really think I needed a stain remover spray but, before I knew it, there was an olive oil spill on my upholstered bar stools. This spray completely eradicated the stain without a trace with a few blots of a paper towel.

It even removed pen stains from my crisp-white duvet cover. I reach for this for everything now and it’s surely worth the less-than-$15 price tag. With a fresh scent and an all-natural design, it’s now one of my most beloved house-cleaning products.

Size: 12 ounces | Scent: Free & Clear

As seen on “Shark Tank,” the Scrub Daddy Scrub Mommy Dual-Sided Scrubber and Sponge is one of the household cleaning products I truly can’t live without. I’ve used the standard, drab, dollar-store sponges — which seemed to work great for what seemed like forever — but that was before I was introduced to the Scrub Daddy.

Whether you prefer Scrub Daddy or Scrub Mommy doesn’t matter; I’d purchase the entire family. It’s the most efficient sponge for hand-washing dishes. On most days, I don’t use my dishwasher because this sponge quickly and efficiently cleans every last crumb and residue off my plates and pans.

I also love using the Scrub Daddy sponge for deep-cleaning my bathroom. Whether I’m using my Sprayway World’s Best Glass Cleaner ($8) on my glass shower doors or the Method Foaming Tub + Tile Cleaner ($5) on my shower floor, I always reach for it.

This three-pack is an excellent value and I usually grab them on Amazon if I don’t have time to make a Sam’s Club Run (where there are a million mommy and daddies in one pack). Life’s simply too short not to grab a package.

Size: 3 individual dual-ended sponges

From the moment it first powered on, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum impressed me. It’s the ideal size for a handheld vacuum (though larger than most) but it has essentially the same power and efficiency as my cordless vacuums that cost upwards of $800. I know, total shock factor.

This model is also fairly priced at less than $100 and ideal for any user — whether you’re in college, live in a studio apartment or own a five-bedroom home and want some convenience. This model boasts nearly 32,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone and removes extra dirt and debris. The reason? It’s a pet vacuum, first and foremost, so its ability to pick up pet hair crosses over to the usual bathroom hair, under-bed dust and the like.

I don’t have a pet at home but the fact that this handheld vacuum has ranked above the pack is telling. Upon purchase, you’ll also receive a motorized brush tool and — one of the best parts — a large, easy-to-empty dirt tank.

Quite literally, I showed everyone in my household this nifty tool and they were impressed. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and does the job greatly. What more can one ask for?

Product details: What’s in the box: Pet Hair Eraser® Lithium Ion Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Motorized Brush Roll Tool | Weight: 3 lbs. | Run time: Up to 17 minutes

I’ll be honest, I was influenced by TikTok to purchase the Sprayway World’s Best Glass Cleaner. I’m a little too obsessed with my squeegee, and this product is excellent for maintaining the longevity of my glass shower doors.

Either on a weekend deep-cleaning day or even after my shower, I’ll reach for this product and it’ll flawlessly foam to remove streaks caused by condensation. It instantly refreshes my doors, giving them a beautiful, gleaming vitality.

It’s a bit difficult to maneuver this product into the crevices or borders of my shower door, but that’s a fix with my favorite microfiber cloths or a fine scrubber.

Size: 19 ounces | Scent: Fresh

There’s a deep clean, and there’s a deep clean. When I became a homeowner, I basically studied what the most commonly forgotten items or spaces were, and I never thought of the washing machine.

Growing up, my old-fashioned mom was against front-loading washing machines. She swore by her 50s-style, swan white top-loading machine because she said, “a front-loading machine always creates mold if you don’t give it enough care.” When she *finally* made the switch to a modern front-loading machine last year, she began leaving the door open after each rinse cycle, wiping it down with a dish towel, to maintain its freshness.

I also have a front-loading washing machine, and I do the exact same thing. However, once I placed the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner into the appliance’s drum — running it on a normal cycle, as the product’s instructions advise — I was floored at the extremely fresh finish. Even after meticulously wiping down my machine after each use, there’s naturally a “wet” smell that’ll begin to form, regardless of how many Downy beads I throw in.

The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is a product I enjoy using once a month to preserve the longevity of my appliance. It’s a surefire Amazon best-seller, too, with a jaw-dropping 100,000 purchases made in the past month, and more than 228,000 rave reviews backing it up, too.

Size: 6 individual tablets | Scent: Citrus

Ahead, a cleaning expert shares the inside tips on cleaning your home, going inside each room and crevice.

Sometimes, the heaps of laundry piles and piles of dishes in the sink can be overwhelming, to say the least. Luckily, Ek shared a step-by-step cleaning guide exclusively for us.

“For each room of your home, you should generally be cleaning from high to low, starting in one corner and working toward the doorway,” Ek began. “This means starting with dusting and cleaning and ending with mopping or vacuuming.”

In bathrooms, apply cleaning products to the toilet and shower or tub and let it sit before cleaning. In the kitchen, start with cleaning dishes and clearing counters, then clean from the top down, counters to floors, making sure to clean appliances on the way, like the oven and fridge.”

“With an all-purpose cleaner, you have the benefit of only needing one product to cover a lot of ground,” Ek noted. “The workhorse ingredient in these products is the surfactant, which helps break up and lift off dirt and grime.”

Plus, these types of cleaners work well on a variety of hard surfaces: counters, floors, sinks and the like.

“The drawback to all-purpose cleaners is that they’re not specifically designed to work on any one surface; for example, it’ll work on glass but a glass cleaner will be more effective at cleaning without leaving streaks since that’s what it’s designed for,” Ek said. The same holds true for using oven cleaners for baked-on grease and tackling tougher stains and mold.

But, don’t mistake all-purpose cleaners with disinfecting cleaners. “Disinfectant cleaners contain ingredients that remove soil as well as antimicrobial ingredients that kill germs,” Ek noted. “These can often be used on the same hard surfaces an all-purpose cleaner would be used, but you should check the label for surfaces it is designed to be effective on.”

What’s more, there are many disinfectants and disinfecting cleaners on the shelves today that the EPA expects to kill all strains and variants of COVID-19 when used according to the label directions.

Aside from an all-purpose cleaner for rendering counters, faucets and sinks like-new, Ek recommends a good dish soap for hand-washing dishes, as well dishwasher detergent if you have a dishwasher.

Also in your kit should be an oven cleaner and potentially other appliance cleaners, like a stainless steel cleaner and dishwasher cleaner. “You may also want a cleaner designed for finished wood for cabinets and a cleaner appropriate for the type of flooring you have,” Ek said. “The manufacturer can give more specific recommendations for cleaning your floors.” Check out ACI’s hard floor cleaning guide for more.

For cleaning hard floors, there are wood cleaners specially designed for hardwood floors that will be the “best option for cleaning,” per Ek. “It will have instructions on cleaning, usually sprayed or diluted in a bucket and cleaned with a mop,” she added. “Some hardwood floors also benefit from a wax or polish after cleaning.”

“For bathroom cleaners, you’ll want one specifically designed for the toilet, as well as one for cleaning tile,” Ek noted. “It can also be helpful to have a glass cleaner for mirrors and an all-purpose cleaner for sinks and faucets.”

What’s more, eradicating mold stains may be on your agenda. “Bleach [shop this two-pack for $20] can be a helpful way to remove mold from clothes and other surfaces, as long as it is safe for the fabric or surface,” Ek instructed. “There are also cleaners designed to remove mold from specific surfaces, such as carpet or tile.” But, if this mold was caused by flooding, you may need to bring in professionals who specialize in mold remediation.”

No, you don’t have to replace your carpet if you have a stain. “For carpet cleaning, in addition to a vacuum cleaner, you’ll want a stain remover for spot stains,” Ek highlighted. “For more deep cleaning, you can use a powdered carpet cleaner that you vacuum up, rent a steam cleaner for carpets or bring in a carpet cleaning service.”

For cleaning windows, look no further than your trusty all-purpose cleaner for the sills and frame. Then, use a glass cleaner on the window glass.

“[Glass cleaners] will usually have ammonia, which helps it evaporate quickly and not leave streaks,” Ek said. “Clean off with dry microfiber cloth, paper towel or squeegee, and dust blinds with a clean, soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum.”

Here at Post Wanted, we spend hours testing the very best products. Toss in the need to deep clean our spaces regularly, it’s safe to say we’ve been rotating our cleaning products for years to ensure we’re trying the latest and greatest cleaning appliances, formulas and tools.

I find solace in my Saturday deep cleans, so I’ve been product-testing cleaning items for three years straight. Ahead, here’s the testing criteria I kept in mind:

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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