15 Expert-Tested Cleaning Products That Smell Incredible

If you want the cleaning power of classic bleach without the harsh, nose-clearing smell, this version’s lavender and jasmine scent does a surprisingly good job of softening bleach’s usual intensity, leaving things smelling cleaner, not overwhelming. In our tests, it effectively removed tough stains on white clothing (including yellowing from sweat) and tackled mold just as well. It even broke down the buildup in a washing machine drum.

Since it is bleach, you can count on it to disinfect, whiten, and handle heavy-duty messes, but you’ll want to use it carefully. Mixing it improperly can be dangerous and damage certain surfaces or fabrics if not used as directed.

In a Cleaning Lab survey of best-smelling laundry detergents, Mrs. Meyer's Compassion Flower came out on top, earning the highest score from testers who described it as “refreshing,” “light,” and “clean without being too strong.” The fragrance blends soft floral notes like violet and pansy with a hint of cedarwood and lemon, creating something that feels fresh but not overpowering.

Beyond the scent, the concentrated formula means you get plenty of loads out of a smaller bottle, which is easier to store than bulky detergent jugs. That said, the squeeze packaging can make it a little tricky to measure without a built-in cap, and as with many fragranced detergents, it may not be the best fit for those with very sensitive skin.

The Blushed Bergamot fragrance blends bright bergamot and orange blossom with warm amber and cedar, giving it a fresh, slightly earthy feel that lingers just enough. The matte glass reusable bottle feels elevated, and the plant-based formula is designed to be gentler on skin.

The Cleaning Award-winner performed well in our tests, too, earning high marks for its thick, silky suds that last through a full sink of dishes and expertly cut through grease. It is a splurge compared to standard dish soaps, but if you want something that performs well and looks (and smells) good doing it, this one delivers.

In our testing, Cascade’s Platinum Plus pods tackled everything from baked-on mac and cheese to grease-heavy, pan-fried residue, leaving dishes noticeably cleaner and shinier. “This makes my dishes come out looking spotless and shiny. My usual detergent makes my plates clean but leaves water spots, so I like this one better,” said one tester. Another commented: “It’s the best dish detergent I’ve ever used.”

The light lemon scent is a nice bonus, adding a fresh, clean finish without being overpowering. And because the pods are pre-measured, they’re as convenient as it gets—no scooping or second-guessing how much to use. They do cost a bit more than traditional powders or gels, but for consistently spotless, cabinet-ready dishes (and a subtle citrus scent to match), they’re worth the upgrade.

A far cry from your average dryer sheet, these have a soft smell, with notes of marshmallow, sweet rice milk, and vanilla bean that read more cozy than sugary. It’s subtle, a little unexpected, and lingers in the best way.

In testing, they noticeably reduced static, left clothes feeling softer, and even helped minimize lint and pet hair compared to loads without a dryer sheet. Just keep in mind: Even though they’re labeled hypoallergenic, the added fragrance could still be a drawback for anyone with very sensitive skin.

If you’re used to glass cleaners with a sharp, ammonia-heavy smell, this USDA-Certified Biobased product is a noticeable shift. The scent is light and fresh with notes of bergamot, lemon, and eucalyptus that feel clean without being overpowering.

In our tests, it removed greasy film from glass surfaces and dried quickly to a streak-free finish, holding its own against more traditional formulas. It’s also made with USDA-Certified Biobased ingredients, and the recyclable packaging is a nice bonus if you’re trying to be more mindful about what you bring into your home. The packaging, however, leaked a bit during testing.

In our testing, this spray nabbed the top spot among hard floor cleaners for its strong performance on dirt and grime, even though it's less convenient to use than a mop with a built-in cleaning solution. It can noticeably improve floor shine and has a quick drying time. The EPA Safer Choice-certified formula is residue-free, dries quickly, and works well for fast spot-cleaning.

The lavender, light citrus, eucalyptus, and thyme scent comes through while you clean, giving it a clean, herbal profile that’s present but not overpowering and fades as the floor dries.

This room spray is designed for quick refreshes across kitchens, bedrooms, and living spaces. The fine mist helps mask odors while layering in a more polished scent that lingers after use. The fragrance opens with bergamot and fresh lime, softens into jasmine and tuberose, and finishes with sandalwood and cedar for a grounded, slightly warm base. In testing, one user noted, “I loved how it eliminated odors. I really loved the smell; it was very luxurious, and I loved that it lasted for hours.”

The bottle also stands out as sleek enough to leave on display rather than tuck away. It is on the pricier side compared to typical room sprays, and availability in stores can be limited, but it’s positioned more as a decorative, scent-forward staple.

These scent booster beads are designed to add fragrance during the wash cycle without the heavy, synthetic perfume often associated with this category. Made from cornstarch, they dissolve well—even in cold water—and come in a 100% recyclable cardboard twist-top canister.

In our testing, they ranked as the overall favorite out of six scent beads and earned a GH Cleaning Award. Even testers who typically prefer unscented laundry products found the fragrance light and pleasant rather than overpowering. The scent itself is layered with citrus, green apple, and pineapple up top, floral notes like rose and jasmine in the middle, and a soft, slightly woody-fruity finish. The main tradeoff is cost, since this is an added step and ongoing expense in your laundry routine.

Testers consistently rated these wipes highly for day-to-day use, with one calling them their “new choice for disinfecting wipes.” We were so impressed with the performance that they earned a GH Cleaning Award. The convenient and portable wipes themselves are more substantial than standard options, making it easier to pick them up and trap messes in fewer passes. They also kill 99.9% of bacteria and cold, flu, and COVID-19 viruses when used as directed.

The lavender and cotton scent is clean and light, taking the edge off the typical disinfectant smell without lingering or feeling heavy. Like most wipes, they can dry out over time if the canister isn’t sealed tightly, so keeping the lid secured helps them stay usable longer.

In our testing, this plug-in earned perfect scores from all testers for simple installation and ease of use. The scent blends lavender with warm vanilla bean for a soft, steady fragrance that helps mask odors without feeling overpowering. One refill lasted up to 50 days without fading, with the option to boost scent when needed.

Testers appreciated the Cleaning Award-winner's sleek design and said it consistently filled spaces. “This air freshener smells absolutely amazing, and I truly love it. I live in a studio apartment, and even on the lowest setting, it fills the entire space with a fresh, pleasant fragrance that lasts,” said one tester. The trade-off is that it doesn’t clean the air and requires ongoing refill purchases over time.

In our testing, this plant-based formula stood out for its strong stain-fighting performance, easily lifting wine and mud from carpet swatches, and earned a spot among our favorite carpet stain removers. The spearmint sage scent is light and airy, leaving a fresh, herbal fragrance on treated areas rather than the heavy chemical smell many stain removers leave.

It’s also versatile enough to use beyond carpets, including on laundry, and comes at a relatively affordable price point compared to many specialty cleaners. The main drawback is timing—you need to let it sit for about 10 minutes before blotting.

A Cleaning Award winner, this odor-removing candle is designed to mask strong kitchen and household smells with a fresh basil scent that leans grassy, herbal, and clean rather than sweet or perfumey. In testing, it was especially effective in open-concept spaces, immediately helping neutralize stubborn cooking odors that didn’t return until the next use.

Testers also appreciated the elevated look, which is rarely seen in a typical odor-removing product. It does come at a premium price that reflects that, though. And like other candles in this category, it doesn’t actually clean the air; it simply helps mask and manage odors while it burns.