The cleaning tools that actually make a difference, from award-winning carpet cleaners to the $6 paste that removes everything.
Updated October 2026 · save to pinterest
best for: Pet owners and anyone with carpet or a couch
A small spot cleaner for spills, pet accidents and muddy paw prints on carpets, rugs and upholstery.
best for: Hard floors and quick weekly cleans
A spray-and-go mop for hardwood, tile and laminate. No bucket to haul around.
best for: Deep-cleaning big tiled areas
A spin bucket wrings the mop for you, so floors don't end up soaking wet.
best for: Small spaces with mostly hard floors
A 2-lb stick vacuum that converts to a handheld. Great for small homes and quick pickups.
best for: Burnt-on messes and stained sinks
The viral cleaning paste that clings to grime on stovetops, sinks, pans and grout.
best for: Tough kitchen and bathroom grime
A cleaning paste that comes with its own sponge, for stovetops, tubs and pans.
best for: Dishes and everyday scrubbing
Firm in cold water for scrubbing, soft in warm water for wiping. Doesn't get stinky like regular sponges.
best for: Scuffed walls and baseboards (and getting your deposit back)
Erases scuffs on walls, crayon, soap scum and baseboard grime with just water.
best for: Shelves, blinds and ceiling corners
A microfiber dusting tool that grabs dust instead of spreading it around.
best for: Replacing paper towels
Lint-free cloths that clean glass, counters and stainless without paper towels. Machine washable.
best for: Quick pickups
A tiny cordless vacuum for crumbs, car seats and the corners a big vacuum misses.
Microfiber cloths, a good mop, a vacuum, an abrasive paste for tough grime, magic erasers for scuffs, and a duster for high spots cover almost every job.
Work top to bottom (dust ceilings and shelves before floors) and room by room so you see progress. Do floors last.
