Cleaning

Cleaning

Welcome to your cleanest home yet. We have everything you need, from product recommendations to cleaning methods. You’ll see tried-and-true tricks, passed-down advice, and more to achieve a home that’s clean and in your control. Remember: it’s about progress, not perfection.

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Small bathroom with yellow tiled walls, pedestal sink, and leafy plant decor under a window.

If You Want a REALLY Clean Bathroom, You'll Need to Grab a Common Tool

Weekend Projects

Warning: It's going to be gross. But you'll feel proportionately glad you got to the mess.

Shifrah Combiths

Jun 4, 2021

This Surprising $6 Find Keeps My Kitchen Counters Completely Spotless

In no time — and with no effort — my countertops were sparkling clean.

Britt Franklin

Jun 3, 2021

This Robot Vacuum Cleans My Floors Flawlessly — and AT Readers Get a Discount!

This easy-to-use robot vac cleans all my floors and never misses a spot.

Terri Williams

Jun 3, 2021

If You’re Using Soap to Wash Your Champagne Glasses, You’re Doing it Wrong

At a recent virtual tasting, the winemaker casually mentioned this little tidbit, and I had to know more.

Brigitt Earley

Jun 2, 2021

There Are 5 Types of Kitchen Towels — Here's What Each One is Best For

Here's how to find out if you're using the wrong towels for the wrong kitchen chores.

Ashley Abramson

Jun 2, 2021

My Greek Grandmother's Secret to an Always-Clean Bathroom

It's so easy! With this small amount of upkeep, there's never any grime in the shower to begin with.

Alexandra Frost

Jun 1, 2021

10 Tips for Easier Dish-Washing, According to People Who Are Tired of Dishes

I crowdsourced responses from over 100 people, and while there was a lot of overlap, there were also a few hacks that made me think, “Huh, that would help.”

Olivia Muenter

Jun 1, 2021

I'm a Cleaning Writer and IMO This $16 Find is the Cadillac of Buckets

It has a wealth of thought-out features I didn't know I needed until I saw them.

Shifrah Combiths

May 31, 2021

This Weird Shower Habit Made Cleaning My Bathroom 10 Times Easier

I’ve discovered a hack that makes cleaning the shower that much easier—even if it does involve wearing, well, zero clothing.

Olivia Muenter

May 27, 2021

Those K-Cup Cleaners Don't Really Work—Here's Why

Instead of relying on quick-fix cups, you can use ingredients you already have in your kitchen to clean your machine.

Ashley Abramson

May 24, 2021

Behold, a Portable Dishwasher That Cleans Your Dishes — And Even Your Phone

On top of washing features for kitchenware and fruits and vegetables, Capsule has a UV light feature to disinfect keys, masks, wallets, and phones.

Jessica Wang

May 29, 2021

If You Have a Pet (and Carpeting), Then This Cleaner Will Change Your Life

Get ready to have your mind blown.

Savannah West

May 26, 2021

My Sink Smells Way Better After Cleaning With This Best-Selling $15 Tool

Beloved by reviewers, this brush is said to be just as functional as it is cute. Honestly, I get major Big Bird vibes.

Ashley Abramson

May 27, 2021

This TikTok Hack Makes it Look Like You Can Hang 10 Shirts in 10 Seconds

So I tried it — and timed it!

Olivia Muenter

May 26, 2021

You Don't Have to Wash Your Groceries But You DO Have to Wash the Bags

There are actual risks to poor bag hygiene — you can spread bacteria, mold, and other germs around your kitchen.

Ashley Abramson

May 25, 2021

Cleaning Cloth Showdown: Only One is Great at Cleaning *and* Good for the Planet

We asked a cleaning expert and a sustainability expert to compare microfiber vs. organic cotton vs. sponge cloths, and one clear winner came out on top.

Ashley Abramson

May 24, 2021

5 Cleaners You Don't Need to Buy If You Live in a Small Space

When space is at a premium, it pays to pare down to a set of cleaning essentials that can get the job (and most jobs) done.

Shifrah Combiths

May 23, 2021

I Added a Power Drill to My Kitchen Cleaning Caddy

And I haven't looked back!

Ashley Poskin

May 23, 2021

There's One "Permanent" Kitchen Stain You Can Easily Remove with Baking Soda

Weekend Projects

No amount of regular dish washing will make these stains vanish, but they're not as permanent as they might seem.

Shifrah Combiths

May 18, 2021

This $10 Find Makes Cleaning My Tub So Much Less of a Chore (and Gets It Sparkling Clean!)

Shopping

It can also be used on sinks, toilets, showers, faucets, ovens, and even dishes.

Britt Franklin

May 20, 2021

The 23 Best Kitchen Cleaning Hacks of All Time

A few time-saving hacks can mean the difference between a disorderly kitchen and one that's mostly clean most of the time.

Shifrah Combiths

May 20, 2021

I Finally Bought the $9 Cast Iron Brush Editors and Readers Love — and I Only Wish I’d Gotten One Sooner

Shopping

Steel wool scrubbers have nothing on the mighty Tenacious C!

Sholeen Damarwala

May 19, 2021

The Only Thing You Need to Clean When You Finally Have People Over

A lived-in home should never be a reason not to welcome loved ones back into your personal space. But there's one way to honor guests that I'd surely never want to let slip.

Shifrah Combiths

May 19, 2021

This $20 Solution Let Me Channel the Dream of Line-Drying My Sheets in Fresh Air

I wanted to harness the power of the sun to help whiten my sheets, and for the breeze outside to infuse them with the scent of fresh air.

Shifrah Combiths

May 17, 2021

Um, Why Do Laundry Baskets Have Holes?

Here’s my train of thought: Wouldn’t it be easier if laundry baskets were just big, solid plastic tubs so we could also use them to pre-treat or pre-wash dirty stuff? Here's the answer.

Ashley Abramson

May 16, 2021

I (Skeptically) Tried a Robot Mop, And "Rocky" Has Made Me a Convert

You may have the most questions about the mopping portion of the unit, like I did. Here's how it works.

Shifrah Combiths

May 15, 2021

6 Mistakes to Avoid If You Want to Make Money Cleaning Out Your Closet

According to a resale expert.

Kara Nesvig

May 15, 2021

14 Cleaning Product Label Buzzwords and What They Really Mean

When it comes to important values like protecting the earth and safeguarding your family's health, greenwashing makes things murky.

Ashley Abramson

May 15, 2021

I Made My Home Spotless With Spotify's 6-Hour "Cleaning Kit" Playlist

I was dreading my marathon cleaning day, but this playlist made it a lot more fun.

Ashley Abramson

May 15, 2021

5 Things You're Doing Wrong When You Wash Your Laundry

This applies to A LOT of your warm-weather wardrobe. And probably your cleaning cloths, too.

Ashley Abramson

May 13, 2021

This $15 Lint Tool Cleans Up All the Hair Your Vacuum Leaves Behind

Regular vacuuming never seems to be enough to keep pet hair in check. So I figured I'd try this Instagram lint roller, for me and for all of you.

Shifrah Combiths

May 12, 2021

I Had Rust Spots on My Fridge, But This $3 Cleaner Scrubbed 'Em Away

So much for stainless steel!

Shifrah Combiths

May 11, 2021

Can't Splurge on a Miele Dishwasher? 25 Ways to Get Its Features

My Miele dishwasher is the best I've ever had — but its best features are also things you can get in other models.

Sarah Garone

May 10, 2021

Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed with This Steam Mop That Cleans Floors, Rugs, Glass, Grout — and Even Converts Into a Clothing Steamer

Shopping

It has more than 11,000 five-star reviews, and customers swear it's a miracle worker.

Tim Minerd

May 10, 2021

This $15 Amazon Find Is Kind to My Clothes — and My Wallet!

Shopping

You'll never go back to a traditional lint roller, promise.

Sarah M. Vazquez

May 10, 2021

I Cleaned My Baking Sheets with a Dishwasher Detergent Pod

Turns out, it works best with nonstick baking sheets. It also requires zero elbow grease.

Ashley Abramson

May 6, 2021

9 Little (But Totally Ingenious) Cleaning Lessons From Readers' Moms

Mother knows best!

Kara Nesvig

May 7, 2021

One Under-Appreciated Thing You Should Clean Before it Gets Really Hot

Weekend Projects

This weekend, grab a vacuum cleaner and a screwdriver and get to work.

Shifrah Combiths

May 7, 2021

One Good Thing: Boost Your Energy with This Simple Tip

It's springtime and this week I want to change the feeling of my home without spending a penny, so I'm going to simply rearrange my living room!

Maxwell Ryan

May 6, 2021

My Mom Showed Me the Tiny (Moldy) Spot I Was Forgetting to Clean

Mom puts herself on dish duty whenever she comes for a visit, and she recently uncovered something gross.

Shifrah Combiths

May 6, 2021

Bamboo Paper Products Are a Trendy, Eco-Friendly Solution

Bamboo paper products look the same as traditional paper products, and they work as just as well as traditional paper products, but are they actually better for the environment?

Jordan Snowden

May 5, 2021

I Tried "Safely," Chrissy Teigen and Kris Jenner's New Cleaners

People wanted to know: Is it really "safer"? Is it sustainable? Does it smell nice? Should I try it? And how does it compare to what's already on the market?

Taryn Williford

May 4, 2021

I Tried that Internet-Famous "Pink Stuff" Cleaner

If you’ve been on TikTok or YouTube, you’ve probably stumbled across the Pink Stuff: a British-manufactured cleaning paste and, allegedly, a miracle cure for any scuff or stain.

Ashley Abramson

May 4, 2021

11 Secrets from People Who Always Have Amazing-Smelling Homes

Lots of these secrets involve simple pantry ingredients.

Ashley Abramson

May 3, 2021

This $30 Vacuum Has More Than 4,000 5-Star Reviews — and It Might Be Better Than a Dyson

Shopping

"It's a lifesaver and it’s such a great price!”

Celia Shatzman

May 3, 2021

There's One Thing In Your Kitchen You Should Never Clean With Bleach

Here's what to use instead.

Shifrah Combiths

May 2, 2021

I Tried That "Genius" Window-Cleaning Sponge Hack, Here's My Take

Since I’m not sure the last time my window tracks have been wiped down, I was excited to grab a sponge and try this trick out for myself.

Ashley Abramson

May 1, 2021

This $35 Laundry Accessory Makes My Microfiber Cloth Habit Way Greener

It's a simple way to prevent the pollution of our planet from right inside your laundry room.

Taryn Williford

Apr 27, 2021

I Live in the Caribbean and These Are 5 Mosquito Solutions That Locals Swear By

Shopping

Surefire advice from people who battle these pesky insects year-round.

Amy Gordon

Apr 28, 2021

My Laundry Storage Was Chaotic Until I Used a Classic Organizing Tool

Now, rather than shuffling through the cabinet for what I need and then having a pile of things to put back in, I can always grab what I need with ease.

Shifrah Combiths

Apr 26, 2021

This Showerhead Gives a Deep Massage That Might Be Better Than a Spa (and It Totally Transformed My Hair)

Shopping

It's the best home upgrade I've made this year.

Sarah M. Vazquez

Apr 27, 2021

5 Ways You Can Be Smarter With Your Trash

Zero-waste isn't doable for everyone. But here are a few ways to be better with the trash you do produce.

Jordan Snowden

Apr 27, 2021

These Reusable Cleaning Cloths Have More Than 21,000 Five-Star Amazon Reviews — and Will Save You So Much Money

Shopping

"The best cleaning product I have bought in ages!”

AnnMarie Mattila

Apr 26, 2021

This Best-Selling Steamer Has Over 13,000 5-Star Amazon Ratings — and May Make You Give Up Ironing for Good

Shopping

"Effortless, lightweight, easy to use, and affordable."

Samantha Hunter

Apr 25, 2021

People Would Rather Do Almost Anything Instead of Clean, According to One Survey

Over one-third would choose the dentist.

Megan Johnson

Apr 22, 2021

30 Small Ways to Green Your Cleaning Routine

The great news is, being an eco-friendly cleaner isn't all or nothing. You can make small shifts to improve the impact your cleaning routine has on the environment.

Taryn Williford

Apr 21, 2021

Your Suction Cup Organizer Won't Stay Put? Try This $2 Hack!

I love this hack because it’s so darn easy — but also because it’s so versatile.

Ashley Abramson

Apr 17, 2021

A New Collection of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Just Arrived at Target

Grove Collaborative is now available at Target.

Jessica Wang

Apr 18, 2021

2 Tips I Wish I Learned Before I Bought This Cast Iron Skillet

Since I bought my cast iron in a hurry, without doing any research, I made a few silly mistakes along the way.

Ashley Abramson

Apr 14, 2021

4 Ways You Can Think of Spring Cleaning as Self-Care

If you haven’t started your spring cleaning yet, here’s one good reason to start: spring cleaning can boost your wellness and promote the development of a variety of healthy habits for life.

Ashley Zlatopolsky

Apr 17, 2021

Try This 2-Second Trick to Double the Storage Size of Your Baggie

This is one of those hacks you'll want to tuck away for the future.

Shifrah Combiths

Apr 14, 2021

Here's How to Choose Between Spray, Powder, and Cream Cleaners

It ultimately depends on what you’re cleaning. Consider this your go-to guide.

Ashley Abramson

Apr 15, 2021

8 Cluttered Kitchens We Totally Love

Because sometimes bohemian maximalism is downright refreshing.

Ayn-Monique Klahre

Apr 14, 2021

There's One Big Problem With That Viral "Self-Cleaning" Toilet Hack

Our plumbing expert said DEFINITELY don't try this if you have a newer toilet.

Ashley Abramson

Apr 14, 2021

This Is How I Clean My Apartment to Keep Myself From Burning Out

I mentally divided our one-bedroom apartment into four separate spaces and made a plan for tackling them in a once-a-week rotation.

Alexis Rhiannon

Apr 11, 2021

3 Signs Your Cleaning Supplies Are Irritating Your Lungs or Skin

Knowing when to leave the room, try a new cleaning product, or seek professional medical assistance could be the difference between a pleasant cleaning experience and a crummy one.

Olivia Muenter

Apr 9, 2021

5 Quick Ways to Show Your Candles Some Love and Help Them Last Longer

Weekend Projects

Give your candles a little spa day of their own.

Shifrah Combiths

Apr 9, 2021

I Tried The "Little Green Cleaning Machine" that TikTok Loves

The best part, for me, is how convenient this thing is. Now I'm smitten too.

Ashley Abramson

Apr 7, 2021

12 Clever House Cleaning Tools That’ll Get at All Those Hard-to-Reach Places