It can be infuriating to spend money on a cleaning product that claims to work wonders, only for it to fall disappointingly short. With so much choice on the shelves (and online!), it can feel impossible to know how to find the best cleaning products without a lot of trial and error.
Fortunately, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts have been putting householdcleaning products to the test for over a century, trying out every new launch as it comes to market. From spray-on stain busters to powerful toilet cleaners that can make a filthy loo white again, we’ve found the ones that really work across every category.
These are the best cleaning products for home use you can buy in 2026.
How we test cleaning products
We test every category of cleaning product with a set of unique protocols, which are designed to reflect how you use them at home. We rigorously assess each product’s performance, ease of use, design and clarity of instructions.
Of course, testing cleaning products involves making a lot of mess! We assess oven cleaners by baking cake batter, cheese, tomato paste and jam onto our ovens, and we check the grease-cutting power of washing up liquid on stacks of lard-smeared plates and glassware covered in lipstick.
As well as in-house testing, we send all cleaning products out to our panel to use at home. Our panellists use the product for a minimum of two weeks, before sending us detailed feedback on what they did and didn’t like about the formula, the overall cleaning performance, the packaging (was it easy to open and close) and more via an in-depth survey.
We then combine all the data and feedback to award each product a score out of a hundred.
Best kitchen cleaning products
Best floor cleaner sheets
Pros
Great at cleaning, grease, tea and mud stains
Compact to store away
Cons
Not for small jobs as each sheet needs to be dissolved in 2 litres of water
Score: 91/100
Wave goodbye to big plastic bottles as these dissolvable sheets take up virtually no space in the cupboard and create a highly effective floor cleaner. We used them to mop up various stains from tile, vinyl, wood laminate and our kitchen counter, and they excelled across the board.
Pros
A little goes a long way
Clings to vertical surfaces without running down
Cons
Sweet fragrance may not be for everyone
Score: 89/100
Wiping up grease, food, soap scum and general grime with ease, this everyday cleaner was a hit with our panel. The bottle dispenses a generous spray, which leaves surfaces shiny and streak-free. The sweet custard scent was somewhat divisive, but you could opt for pink grapefruit if you prefer something zestier.
Pros
Highly effective on tough, burnt-on stains
Pleasant scent
Cons
Doesn’t work well on very wet surfaces – dry liquids first
Score: 81/100
For tricky, stubborn stains – think burnt pans, crusty sinks and rusty BBQs – reach for a tub of The Pink Stuff. We found it effective and surprisingly versatile, helping to magic away marks and leave surfaces good as new. Note, it is slightly abrasive so it could scratch delicate surfaces – test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Best bathroom cleaning products
Pros
Sturdy refillable aluminium bottle
Lovely light fragrance
Cons
Expensive upfront, though refills are just £2.50
Score: 90/100
Scoring full marks for tackling soap scum and hard water marks, this everyday spray will keep your shower sparkling without harsh chemicals. Our testers loved the look of the aluminium bottle with its non-slip case, as well as the light fig and violet scent. Though the starter pack is pricey, the glass refills are inexpensive and compact.
Pros
Removable, machine-washable head
Compact size great for small bathrooms
Cons
Telescopic handle sometimes feels a bit loose
Score: 84/100
We're huge fans of the original E-Cloth Mop for cleaning – and this mini version is great for whipping around tight bathroom spaces. An outstanding flat mop, it only needs water to provide an effective clean and remove 99% of bacteria – just rinse and wring the head, attach via Velcro and get mopping. It’s light and compact to store, too.
Best natural bathroom cleaner
Pros
Doesn’t smell strongly like vinegar
Effective limescale remover
Cons
Has to be dissolved in water before use
Score: 82/100
Our household advice editor, Katie Mortram, swears by citric acid. “It’s brilliant at removing limescale from the sink and leaves a glossy sheen behind,” she says. “Plus, it’s great at descaling my appliances as well as restoring my cloudy glassware in the dishwasher.” Simply dissolve 40 grams in half a litre of water, then use in a spray bottle.
Pros
Pleasant, fresh fragrance
Clear measuring lines on dosing cup
Cons
Some tougher stains may need added stain remover
Score: 95/100
Good news for those with sensitive skin. Despite being a non-bio detergent, Persil took the crown as the best laundry detergent we’ve ever tested. This liquid left our clothes fresh, clean and free from residue, even at low temperatures. It also excelled at removing stains and retaining whiteness too, and we measured very little colour fading. A worthy winner.
Pros
Easy to use – just spray, leave for a couple of minutes and wash as normal
Doesn’t bleach coloured fabrics
Cons
Can’t be used on silk or wool
Score: 91/100
This powerful spray lives up to its claims, lifting a wide range of tricky stains such as mustard, coffee and red wine. It’s easy to target exactly where you need it and works effectively on both whites and colours without causing fading. A valuable addition to your laundry cupboard.
Pros
Noticeable softening results
Long-lasting fresh fragrance
Cons
Can’t see how much liquid is left in opaque bottle
Score: 86/100
Lenor’s Outdoorable was our top performer when it came to leaving our clothes soft and smelling heavenly. We loved the fresh, long-lasting fragrance, and the angled spout pours neatly and easily without spills. It performs best with tumble drying but makes a noticeable difference in softness when line drying, too.
Best toilet cleaning products
Pros
Little scrubbing needed to tackle tough stains and limescale
Light, fresh scent
Cons
Hard to tell how much is in opaque bottle
Score: 89/100
We all want to spend as little time as possible scrubbing the loo, and Harpic’s toilet cleaner impressed us with its powerful (and effortless) cleaning performance. It tackled limescale, tough stains and odours with ease, and the bright blue liquid clung well to surfaces without staining.
Best biodegradable toilet cleaner
Pros
Pleasant fragrance
Plant-based and biodegradable ingredients
Cons
Clear gel is hard to see in the toilet
Score: 86/100
If you’re wary of filling your toilet with harsh chemicals, this plant-based and biodegradable Ecover formula offers a gentler, more sustainable choice. The fresh pine and mint scent was a hit with our panellists, and we found a little goes a long way. It’s a competent everyday cleaner, though for heavy limescale and stubborn stains, you might need some reinforcements.
Pros
Thick formula coats the bowl well
Effective on tough grime and limescale
Cons
Small bottle is expensive
Score: 85/100
If your toilet hasn't been cleaned in... a while, this HG formula powers through stubborn stains and limescale. Despite being so powerful, it doesn’t smell too chemically, with panellists saying it has a “subtle fresh fragrance”. It’s relatively pricey though, so it’s best saved for deep cleans instead of everyday maintenance.
Best oven cleaning products
Pros
Leaves oven walls and racks looking like new
Needs very little scrubbing
Cons
Shouldn’t be used on glass doors
Score: 91/100
Our best-in-test oven cleaner left our oven shiny and spotless, with minimal scrubbing required to get rid of baked-on food. After leaving it overnight, burnt residue melted away, with oven racks needing just a quick rinse to achieve a like-new finish. Just bear in mind that you can only use Oven Brite on your oven’s walls, racks and trays – it’s not suitable for glass oven doors.
Best oven cleaner for glass doors
Pros
Only needs a five-minute soak
Easy to apply with spray bottle
Cons
No child lock
Score: 86/100
This oven cleaner is a doddle to use: simply spray it on, wait for five minutes and wipe away the melted dirt. The toughest burnt-on stains still needed some scrubbing to come loose, but we love that this oven cleaner doesn’t need to be left overnight – and you can use it on glass, too.
Pros
Secure child-lock cap
Detailed instructions
Cons
Spray has to be shaken between applications and sometimes clogs
Score: 86/100
This spray-on oven cleaner proved effective for lifting light stains, which came away in one wipe after a 30-minute soak. For tougher residue, though, you’ll still need to get stuck in and do some scrubbing. It has quite a strong chemical smell, so make sure you open a window during use.
Pros
Excellent for stubborn mould, particularly on silicone and grout
Thick gel clings to vertical surfaces and awkward areas
Cons
Can be a little messy to wipe away
Score: 78/100
Mould Magic lived up to the hype in our tests, transforming heavily mould-stained silicone and grout with minimal effort. The clever gel formula stays put while it works – you have to leave it for a couple of hours while it penetrates – and can help hold back regrowth, making it particularly handy for problem areas.
Pros
Powerful, fast-acting formula
Bottle is easy to target and doesn’t drip
Cons
Strong smell may be irritating
Score: 77/100
This fast-acting spray made light work of black mould for many of our testers, with an easy-to-direct formula that stays put rather than dripping down surfaces. It’s great for tackling mould patches quickly, although it proved a little less effective on mildew and the bleach-like scent won’t be for everyone.
Best refillable cleaning products
Pros
Comes with three scents, glass spray bottle and microfibre cloth
Gorgeous natural scents
Cons
Panellists noted that they used up the product quickly
Score: 87/100
Purdy & Figg’s surface cleaner concentrates offer a variety of lovely fragrances and are effective against grease and grime. The 300ml bottle doesn’t last that long before needing a refill – a regular spray bottle is over twice the size – but it’s pretty enough to leave on the countertop. Plus, the starter kit comes with a microfibre cloth, so you can get cleaning right away.
Pros
Vegan, biodegradable and plant-based formula
More eco-friendly packaging
Cons
Bottle must be bought separately, though you can use an old one
Score: 87/100
Add these plant-based pods into water to create a lovely-smelling surface cleaner – simply pop into a spray bottle, top up with 750ml of tap water, wait for it to dissolve and get cleaning. We found the antibacterial spray great for everyday cleaning, though you may need something stronger (or extra elbow grease) for dried or burnt-on stains.
Pros
Fresh, pleasant citrus scent
Spray bottle applies product evenly and consistently
Cons
Less effective on tough stains and limescale
Score: 84/100
This cleaning spray is specifically formulated for those sensitive to traditional cleaning chemicals, with gentle ingredients and no common allergens. We found it effective for cleaning everyday grime, leaving surfaces streak-free and pleasantly scented – though a fragrance-free version is also available.
Best natural cleaning products
Pros
Comfortable and compressible
Holds up well to washing in dishwasher or washing machine
Cons
Tends to stain
Score: 89/100
These eco sponges are made from natural loofah (on the firm side) and plant-based cellulose sponge (on the soft side). They get easily into crevices and tight spaces and are surprisingly effective at tackling tough grime and grease. They also stay soapy for a long time too, helping you conserve washing up liquid.
Pros
Made from bamboo, whereas most cleaning wipes are plastic
Strong and moist
Cons
Sometimes come out in clumps of two or three
Score: 83/100
Made from biodegradable bamboo fibres with recyclable packaging, these wipes are a greener choice than your typical plastic options. They perform particularly well in bathrooms and on smooth surfaces, removing grime easily while staying sturdy and moist.
Best biodegradable surface spray
Pros
Lovely lemongrass and orange scent
Leaves glass surfaces gleaming
Cons
Trigger leaked a little
Score: 83/100
Made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients (and free from palm oil), Ecover’s surface spray doesn’t compromise on grime-cutting power. Testers praised the “high performance” cleaning, which left surfaces notably shiny, as well as the citrus lemongrass fragrance.
Best-smelling cleaning products
Pros
Excellent cleaning performance
Long-lasting scent
Cons
Only for people who like sweet fragrances
Score: 92/100
Our test panel loved the sweet fragrance of this disinfectant spray, which users compared to everything from bubblegum and pear drops to Febreze and Lush soap. It wasn’t all about the scent, though – this powered through grease and limescale, leaving chrome taps and glass sparkling and smear-free.
Pros
Made with biodegradable fibres and plant-based cleansers
Excellent all-round cleaning performance
Cons
Packaging may not maintain a proper seal long-term
Score: 92/100
These biodegradable wipes breeze through a variety of cleaning tasks, helping to remove limescale, burnt-on food and soap scum in our tests. The wipes were durable and moist enough to get tougher jobs done in one go, and multiple testers praised the bergamot and cedarwood scent – much more pleasant than chemically odours.
Pros
Lasting suds that excel at cutting grease
Range of lovely scents
Cons
Excellent all-rounder, but not the most powerful on test
Score: 91/100
Ecover’s washing up liquid is a delight to use. Testers praised its “gorgeous” scent, long-lasting bubbles and ability to cut through grease with ease – even on roasting tins and crusty saucepans – all without drying out skin. It's naturally derived, non-toxic and the bottle dispenses easily, too.
Best patio cleaning products
Pros
Effectively lifts all kinds of stains
Minimal scrubbing required
Cons
Strong bleach-like smell
Score: 84/100
This is our overall winning patio-cleaning detergent, which impressed both our in-house lab experts and our at-home panel with its ability to lift all kinds of grime, including algae and bird droppings. “This has left our patio the cleanest it’s been since we moved in three years ago,” one of our panellists told us.
Best patio cleaner for tough stains
Pros
Able to lift old, tough stains
Little to no scrubbing required to see results
Cons
Can irritate skin and damage clothes
Score: 82/100
This powerful formula scored top marks on cleaning performance, with many testers seeing results quickly and minimal scrubbing required. “Our patio looks cleaner, brighter and newer, and we are really pleased with the results,” one tester enthused. Exercise caution, though – users also noted a strong smell and said it damaged clothing.
Best patio cleaner for natural stone
Pros
Lifts stains without scrubbing
Economical – 500 ml concentrate makes five litres of solution
Cons
Some found it less effective on bird droppings and algae
Score: 80/100
This economical formula excels at blasting through grime, mould, and grease. It works well on concrete and porcelain but particularly excelled on natural stone. The small bottle of concentrate is less bulky to store than other products, too.
Why you can trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
If there’s one thing we know at the Good Housekeeping Institute, it’s cleaning. For decades, we’ve been putting sprays, wipes, detergents, tools and appliances to the test, so our readers know exactly which products will leave their homes looking (and smelling) immaculate. No one can pay for our seal of approval – it can only be proudly displayed by products that pass our rigorous tests.
Our testing protocols, which ensure every product is reviewed fairly against its claims and the competition, are designed by our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, who has seen hundreds of cleaning products come through our doors. Once our team of experts have gathered all the data and given their verdict, this is transformed into concise reviews by our experienced homes writers Jasmine Vorley and Megan Geall. They both spend time learning about the latest launches and technology in cleaning, to ensure we bring you the latest and best cleaners.
What are the basic cleaning products?
A good set of basic cleaning products should cover all the everyday jobs you encounter around the home. Essentials include washing-up liquid, a multi-purpose surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner and toilet cleaner, along with laundry detergent for clothes. It’s also useful to keep bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar on hand for tackling certain stains, odours and limescale. Check out our household advice editor’s guide to the cleaning problems you can solve with bicarbonate of soda for more.
If you have specialist surfaces, such as wood or marble, make sure you choose an appropriate dedicated cleaner to avoid damaging them. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never mix multiple cleaning products together – especially bleach.
What should I look for in a cleaning product?
When choosing a cleaning product, think about the task at hand – specialist formulas often outperform multi-purpose ones on tougher jobs like grease, limescale or stains. Check independent reviews like ours to see how it performs across different surfaces, and whether it’s easy and effortless to use day-to-day, taking into account scent, packaging and how well it dispenses.
From our testing, we've found that it's also worth considering finish – some products clean effectively but can leave streaks on glossy surfaces, requiring an extra buff. Finally, if you’re shopping in person, look beyond the claims: clear instructions, visible safety guidance and thoughtful packaging design (like trigger sprays or dispensing caps) can make a real difference.
What are the 10 essential cleaning tools every home should have?
For a well-equipped cleaning cupboard, these 10 tools will tackle the majority of household cleaning tasks:
- Microfibre cloths – reusable and effective for dusting, wiping and polishing.
- Sponges and scourers – best for washing up and tackling stubborn grime.
- Stiff scrubbing brush – for tougher jobs in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Vacuum cleaner – essential for removing dust, crumbs, hair and debris from floors.
- Mop – for cleaning hard flooring.
- Bucket – handy for mopping or soaking stained items.
- Duster – useful for quickly dusting shelves and hard-to-reach areas.
- Squeegee – for a perfect finish on mirrors and windows or keeping shower screens and tiles dry.
- Toilet brush – for regular toilet cleaning.
- Rubber gloves – to protect your hands when using cleaning products or tackling dirty jobs.

Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!

Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.

Reshma is the Junior Commercial Testing Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the commercial testing team, working with partners across a wide range of categories, including household cleaning products, home appliances, sports apparel, skincare, and travel experiences. With a master’s degree in chemistry from UCL, Reshma has a sharp eye for detail and product research, ensuring her market knowledge remains up to date.
Reshma has also appeared on the BBC’s ‘Inside the Factory’ feature representing the Good Housekeeping Institute on their Carpet Stain Removal Segment. While she enjoys dealing with numbers and the more technical aspects of testing, Reshma is also an enthusiastic foodie – and loves to explore London’s newest hot spot cafes and restaurants. She is also a whiz in the kitchen, keeping her team’s collective sweet tooth consistently at bay!

Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.