Jump to:
- What are the best cleaning products to buy in 2024?
- The best products for cleaning your kitchen
- The best products for cleaning your bathroom
- The best laundry products for clean, stain-free clothes
- How can I change up my cleaning routine?
- How much should I spend on cleaning products?
- What should I look for in a cleaning product?
- Why aren’t my cleaning products working?
Giving your home a good clean is a great way of resetting and bringing about a positive mindset — a tidy space is a tidy mind, as they say. But it can be infuriating when you spend money on a cleaning product that claims to work wonders and it just doesn't quite deliver. With so much choice out there, which products can you truly rely on to save you extra elbow grease?
We turned to our cleaning experts at The Good Housekeeping Institute for answers, so you can invest in cleaning supplies that won’t let you down. From a hypoallergenic washing up liquid that keeps your dishes squeaky clean to a daily shower spray that will leave your bath sparkling, read on for the products that have become our go-to staples for radiant results.
What are the best cleaning products to buy in 2024?
We take cleaning products seriously at the GHI. With rigorous testing that factors in everything from scent to spray strength, price to ease of use, packaging to perfect smear-free results, we make sure any miracle claims are backed up by real-life evidence. These are the products that truly impressed our experts.
BEST MULTI-SURFACE SPRAY
Score: 92/100
If you’re on the hunt for a winning surface cleaner that can go from kitchen to bathroom with ease, then add this spray to your shopping list. A multi-surface showstopper that dazzled across all tests, you just need to mix 30ml of the liquid concentrate in with 470ml of water and you’re ready to banish dirt from bathroom taps, kitchen counters, hobs and more. Our panel found it even delivered a streak-free finish on glass coffee tables. Already have a spray bottle? Invest in the £2.50 standalone refills instead, or opt for this starter bundle, which includes the multi-surface cleaner.
Score: 96/100
These dishwasher tablets excelled in our tests. They scored full marks on a standard cycle, leaving glassware shining. That said, burnt pasta sauce on a Pyrex dish proved to be too big a challenge even for these high performers. Still, with no chalky residue in sight and glimmering dinner party-ready results – even on an economy wash – they’re an undeniable kitchen must-have.
Score: 95/100
No one likes having to deal with a dripping mop, but Leifheit’s spin technology means you can say goodbye to puddles. You simply push the mop into the sturdy basket, press the handle and it will make light work of anything from spillages to nasty stains. The microfibre swivel head can get into every nook and cranny and the bucket also has wheels for speedy cleaning from room-to-room. A truly brilliant mop.
Score: 91/100
Tomato puree, curry sauce, chocolate ice, baby food; those are just some of the food stains this laundry detergent tackled with ease. Removing over 90% of staining from cotton fabrics, our testers couldn’t help but sing this detergent’s praises, commenting on its ability to keep colours vibrant and its delightful honeysuckle and jasmine fragrance. The only stain this cleaner couldn’t contend with was tea, but our panel didn’t seem to mind – most of them said they would continue to use this product over their current detergent.
BEST WASHING UP LIQUID
Score: 89/100
Want shining plates and soft hands? This winning washing up liquid not only lifted dried food and grease off plates effortlessly, its hypoallergenic formula left our hands feeling pampered after use, too. We also loved its subtle grapefruit scent, which made for a relaxing washing up experience. It may seem pricey at first glance, but as it’s concentrated, a tiny amount really does go a long way.
The best products for cleaning your kitchen
Kitchens have a terrible habit of getting messy just as quickly as you can clean them. Often the epicentre of home life, the best way to keep your space spick and span is to build small cleaning habits into your daily routine.
Even the dreaded oven clean can be improved by putting a heat-resistant bowl of water inside the oven after each use. Just heat it at a high temperature for 20 minutes and the steam will assist in loosening dirt and grease.
You can also do a quick fridge audit for anything that may have gone off when selecting your dinnertime ingredients each night, to avoid any smelly seepage. And if you’re a tea enthusiast, use those precious moments while the kettle boils to wipe down surfaces and cupboard handles – be sure to change your kitchen cloths at least twice a week or sterilise them daily for the most hygienic results. Keeping a spray mop, such as the tried and tested Flash Power Mop Starter Kit, in or near your kitchen is also a great way to ensure any spills are quickly taken care of.
It’s also worth noting that handheld vacuums and attachable crevice tools can make quick work of removing crumbs from behind toasters and between hobs – just be gentle on metal surfaces to avoid scratching. Finally, keep your microwave looking brand new by placing lemon slices in a bowl of water and heating on high power until it boils. Here’s to a sparkling kitchen day-in, day-out.
Best dishwasher tablets
Finish Quantum Ultimate Dishwasher Tablets Lemon Scent
Score: 96/100
A perfect score on our test dishwasher’s standard cycle helped these Finish tablets claim the top spot in our round-up. They only dropped a few marks on the economy and intensive cycles, which was largely down to stubborn porridge marks and some sauce burnt onto our Pyrex dish, which are notoriously tricky, so we won’t hold it against them.
Score: 89/100
If you’re convinced that all washing up liquids are created equal, think again. This hypoallergenic option lifts dried food off effortlessly and removes fatty residue, plus it will leave you with lovely soft hands. In case you need any more incentive to get the dishes done, our panel also said it has a “beautiful relaxing scent.” You will need to buy a dispenser separately or reuse an old one, as it’s only available as a refill pouch, but – great news for those looking to reduce our plastic waste – once the pouch is empty you simply pop it in a pre-paid returns envelope and Bower will refill it for you. Perfect.
Score: 89/100
There’s no denying this product is something of a one-box-wonder. It includes the signature Oven Mate gel, a rack-specific gel, an applicator brush, large scourers, heat-activated wipes, and rack bags, not to mention gloves and arm protectors. After the minimum four hour wait time, our tester found the gel removed “90% of the burnt-on material in the first wipe.” They also said the specially-designed ridges on the scourer sponge made cleaning the racks “almost a joy”. High praise indeed.
GHI TIP: Dishwasher tablets are a nifty way to clean burnt-on food stains in pans. Pop the tablet in the pan and fill it with water, then place it on the hob. Bring the solution to boil and leave to simmer for ten minutes. Any nasty burnt bits will simply lift away. This method also works for hob-safe roasting tins!
The best products for cleaning your bathroom
When it comes to household cleaning, bathrooms are one of the germiest areas, requiring a lot of elbow grease and scrubbing. Then there's the limescale, soap scum and pesky toothpaste marks. That’s why it’s key to make sure you’re using the right products for the job.
Frequent-use areas such as the toilet and sink should be cleaned at least once a week, but we’d recommend a light clean every couple of days to prevent the build-up of bacteria, particularly on the toilet flush handle or mechanism.
Baths, showers and grouting all benefit from weekly cleaning but you can minimise the workload with preventative measures, including using our top rated Neat daily shower spray and ensuring you give shower screens a wipe down with a quality silicone squeegee after every wash.
During your big weekly bathroom clean, don’t overlook these easy-to-miss tasks: Scrub the underside of lever taps, wipe down shower hoses, and vacuum any dust from the bathroom fan (or soak it in warm water if it’s a removable grill).
It also goes without saying that you want your bathroom to smell clean and fresh, so when we’re testing products, we pay particular attention to fragrance, ensuring it’s not overpowering or too subtle. Final note: if you're using harsh chemical cleaners, open a window if you can.
BEST SHOWER CLEANING PRODUCT
Score: 90/100
A sister product to the high-performing Neat anti-bac surface spray, this bathroom cleaner obliterated soap scum and scored full marks for its ability to thoroughly clean showers. One member of our panel said their shower was shiny and “free from hard water stains” after use. But rest assured, this isn’t a one trick pony, as it also worked a treat in the bath and on ceramic tiling. All in all, a lightly scented, fuss-free cleaning solution that offers easy daily use and glistening results.
BEST ALL-ROUND BATHROOM CLEANING PRODUCT
Mix Clean Green Multi-Surface Cleaner
Score: 88/100
Whether you’re looking to blitz your kitchen counter or wipe up a greasy floor spill, this concentrated cleaner has got your back – but it really comes into its own in the bathroom. A great all-rounder, it blitzed sinks, taps, toilet bowls, toilet seats and baths with ease. We also loved that it left a glossy streak-free finish, removing marks and leaving zero smears. Be warned that the process of pouring two teaspoons of the concentrate into a spray bottle can be quite a messy business but overall, it’s a top investment, plus it’s vegan and palm oil-free.
Score: 81/100
This toilet cleaner proved a hit from start to finish. Everybody found the instructions clear and said it was easy to apply – you just snip the sachet open with scissors, pour the powder into the toilet bowl, give it a little time to work its magic and then give the bowl a good brush. The foam effectively covered over 80% of the toilet bowl with minimal effort, and one tester said their toilet “looked like new” after use. Thankfully, none of our panel reported any overflow issues with the product, but it may not be the right solution for you if you’re dealing with an aggressive build-up of limescale. However, for a speedy odour buster and cleaning blitz, we approve.
GHI TIP: Often overlooked in the bathroom checklist, showerheads should be cleaned regularly. Simply make up a solution of 50% distilled vinegar and 50% water and pour it into a plastic bag. Fasten it over your showerhead with an elastic band and leave it to soak for an hour, then remove the bag and run the shower on a hot temperature.
The best laundry products for clean, stain-free clothes
Best laundry detergents
Laundry detergents contain everything from enzymes to break down protein-based stains and polymers to trap dirt and dyes, to fresh, floral scents that will leave your laundry smelling like beautifully-scented meadows.
But with so many different products on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for both your wardrobe and your skin. Whether you like bio or non-bio, prefer powder, tablets or liquids, at the GHI we’ve tested them all; ultimately, it will come down to personal preference and it's worth shopping around to find your favourite.
Best bio laundry detergent
Ecover Concentrated Bio Laundry Liquid Honeysuckle & Jasmine
Score: 91/100
Ecover’s bio laundry detergent uses plant-based ingredients and is sold in a 100% recycled plastic bottle, making it a more eco-friendly pick. It performed very effectively as a stain-remover in our tests, cleaning up 89% of stains from our polycotton clothes, although it struggled a little with tea stains. It left whites sparkling too, earning a big thumbs up from our panel.
Score: 90/100
These non-bio capsules require signing up for a postal subscription, but you can test them out for free with Smol's free trial offer (you just pay £1 postage), and our testers were sold on their laundry-cleaning power. They’re completely plastic-free and managed to remove over 80% of stains from our cotton wash. Like the Ecover detergent, they struggled with tea stains but otherwise did a stellar job.
Score: 74/100
From their compact size to their no-fuss design, these sheets are ideal for holidays or if you just want to quickly hand wash a couple of items in your sink. When using them in the washing machine, simply pop one sheet in the drum and leave it to dissolve during the wash. Our expert found the colour of our test swatch faded slightly after multiple washes, so they’re may not be the best pick when it comes to colour retention. But, if that's not a concern, it’s hard to beat the convenience and heavenly scent.
Best fabric softeners
To use or not to use – that’s the question when it comes to fabric softener. Also known as fabric conditioners, they help boost the freshly-washed scent of your clothes and give them a luxuriously soft feel.
They work by removing static, reducing wrinkles and leaving clothes softer. However, they can also make some materials flatter and less breathable. As a rule of thumb, avoid using fabric softener with any fabric that's made for sweating in or is fire-resistant. But if you need a little more guidance, check out our handy guide.
Score: 89/100
Fresh, floral, and long-lasting, the scent of this fabric softener scored highly with our panel of testers. They still loved the fragrance after washing a range of different fabrics and they also noted how soft their clothes were once dried – particularly after a run in the tumble dryer. An all-round star buy.
Score: 75/100
A huge 50 doses are packed inside this affordable bottle from M&S, which has a strong, long-lasting sandalwood and rose fragrance. While some of our panel found it a little overpowering compared to other fresh and floral scents, it will come down to preference. Plus, our experts found it helped keep coloured items bright and vibrant.
Best washing cleaners
When was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? Despite being one of the most important appliances in any home, it’s easy to overlook its upkeep. After all, washing machines clean themselves, don’t they?
Wrong. To stop the build-up of old detergent and bacteria, your washing machine deserves some TLC and a weekly hot wash (60C or higher) to blitz any nasty bugs or mould. Be sure to check (and clean!) the drain filters regularly too. Trust us, it's the best way to ensure your clothes really do smell delightfully fresh after a wash.
Outside of a weekly wipe-down and wash, we also recommend using a dedicated washing machine cleaner every three to six months.
Best washing machine cleaner
Score: 87/100
This all-in-one washing machine sprucer is designed to eliminate odours, remove detergent and grime from the drum, and leave the machine’s surface sparkling. Our panel found it delivered on its promise. Although it created a rather dramatic amount of foam, it also “left the washing machine smelling fresh and lovely” and “completely got rid of any stale odour,” according to testers. Just remember, this multi-use pick is one-use per bottle, so stock up for repeated cleans.
Score: 85/100
Another expert top-to-bottom washing machine cleaner, our panel loved how easy this Dettol buy was to dispense and use. It showed some serious cleaning power too – one tester noted that it unblocked their filter pump and removed a troublesome stagnant smell. On that note, some of our panel enjoyed the strong lemon fragrance, while others found it a touch overpowering. For a more relaxing smell, you can opt for the lavender scent.
Best laundry sanitiser
Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Cleanser Fresh Cotton Family Pack
Now 17% Off
Score: 88/100
If blasting bacteria is your top priority, then this Dettol detergent should be on your radar. It claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria (even with 15C washes), without damaging your clothes. It’s ideal for fans of cold washes who still want the antibacterial and stain-busting powers of a 60C cycle.
Our panel said there was a noticeable difference in their laundry loads and even those who are sensitive to smell approved of the “fresh” scent. There aren’t clear instructions on the bottle, but you just need to add two cups into your softener drawer.
GHI TIP: Leave the door to your washing machine ajar when it’s not in use. This will allow air to circulate and prevent bacteria growth. The same applies to the detergent drawer!
How can I change up my cleaning routine?
Whether your go-to spray isn’t showing optimal results on your new ceramic tiles, or you've simply found yourself in a rut and fancy trying something new, switching up your cleaning supplies is an excellent way to take the mundanity out of the task.
From compact dissolvable laundry detergent sheets to compostable wipes that make grab-and-go cleaning jobs a breeze, these are some of the products we’ve tested that are worthy of of a spot in your cleaning cupboard.
Score: 92/100
These handy multi-room wipes were praised by our testers for their excellent cleaning capabilities across a range of kitchen worktops and household surfaces. Generously sized with lots of moisture, they were effective on general stains and quick spills, without the need for vigorous scrubbing, and left the worktops streak-free, with a pleasant smell. The adhesive on the seal wasn’t the strongest, which could cause the wipes to dry out, so just one to keep an eye one, but overall, they offered stellar cleaning power.
Score: 91/100
This antibacterial spray cleaner performed well across our in-house tests and was popular with our panel, with lots of praise for its fruity, refreshing aroma (one panellist even said they would happily use it as an air fresher), and ease of use. The spray boasted excellent cleaning power across most surfaces and everyday stains, making it a versatile product. It particularly impressed on bathroom limescale. It’s also plant-based and non-toxic so good for households with children and pets.
Composty® 'Loofah' Eco Scourer Sponges
Score: 89/100
Claiming to be tough and long-lasting, our team found these double-sided sponges effective at removing grease and expert at cleaning items such as glasses and cutlery that typically trap food or grease in their grooves. Our panel thought the loofa side was just the right level of firmness, so it didn’t scratch non-stick pans, although it was less effective than the sponge side at removing grease. The sponges are also easy to clean in the washing machine or dishwasher (in the top drawer), keeping them bacteria-free – washing advice can be found on the website. Plus, Composty plants a tree for every pack of sponges sold.
The Cheeky Panda Bamboo Antibacterial Wipes
Score: 83/100
Cheeky Panda claims these multi-surface wipes can be popped in your compost after use. Made from biodegradable bamboo fibres and designed to disinfect, sanitise and clean, they’re great go-to bathroom surface refreshers and the perfect thickness to keep your hands free of dirt. We did find the wipes often came out in clumps of two or three, but if you’re willing to overlook this small flaw, we’d say they’re an excellent product to have on hand for light cleaning jobs around the house – or to keep in your car or office for a swift tidy up.
Score: 81/100
For anyone who’s constantly battling greasy sink stains, this Bio D cleaner scored almost full marks for its ability to thoroughly clear sink surfaces of food residue. A little patience is key though, as you’ll need to let it soak into any stains for at least 60 seconds. Once it’s fully absorbed, you just wipe it off with a clean damp cloth. Our panel actually found two cloths are required – one for application, one for removal – which was a bit of a hassle. It also didn’t work quite as efficiently on stained ceramic tiles, but we’d suggest you “add to basket” if you’re on the hunt for a reliable sink solution. It also has a nice citrus scent.
How much should I spend on cleaning products?
It’s a tale as old as time but a big spend doesn’t necessarily equal the best results. Case in point: when we washed over 3,000 items of crockery and glassware to find the best dishwasher tablets, budget own-brand options such as the Essential Waitrose tablets and Tesco’s All-In-One tablets gave a brilliant performance. In fact, they did better than many of their more expensive counterparts.
Another way to save your pennies when shopping for cleaning supplies is to invest in winning multi-purpose options, rather than multiple products for different rooms. The tried and tested Neat anti-bac multi-surface spray, for example, excelled at removing bathroom stains and wiping down dirty hobs, and delivered a sparkling, smear-free finish on glass coffee tables. One product; all of the cleaning power.
What should I look for in a cleaning product?
First, consider your space. Your cleaning products should be tailored to the individual needs of your household. It can be helpful to write a checklist of your preferences before facing the number of products on the market. Consider the following: Are you short on storage space? Would you benefit from a hypoallergenic option?
Now you know exactly what you’re in the market for, these are the other important factors that our experts cover during testing.
Ease of use
No matter how lovely a fragrance may be or how smart the packaging, a product will quickly fall out of household favour if it’s difficult to use. Outside of potential soak times, consider how quickly you’ll be able to apply or transfer the product from room to room before purchase. For your peace of mind, know that we also flag if a cleaning product is messy or has confusing instructions.
Quality packaging
From the product’s appearance to ease of use, our testers note how easy the packaging is to hold, use and store. If it’s a spray bottle, we look at whether it provides good coverage – does it create a fine mist or does it drip? If it’s a product you’re going to be using repeatedly over several months, you also want packaging that will last the distance without falling apart.
A quick reminder: check whether the packaging meets your recycling preferences before investing. There are a variety of household cleaning products that now offer return and refill options, including our best-in-class washing up liquid by Bower Collective.
Smear-free finish
No one wants a cleaning product that leaves smears behind. Our testers are always on the hunt for sparkling results, whether they’re trialling a product on glass or tiling, noting any chalky residue or annoying wipe marks.
Fragrance
Our panel tend to always factor in scent when checking out a product, but it does of course come down to personal preference. These days, there’s everything from blood orange to jasmine fragrances available, so you’ll be able to find one that suits your home. It’s always good to consider the strength of the scent too. A robust floral scent may be lovely for a large open plan living space but could potentially be overwhelming in a small ensuite.
Why aren’t my cleaning products working?
An excellent question. The first port of call is to check the instructions.
Especially when using a new product, it can be easy to assume that the directions for use are the same as your previous model, but always check the label or the brand’s website before you start. Are you using the right amount of water if it’s a soluble cleaner? Are you leaving the product for the right amount of time? Does the product need to be rinsed away after use? Is the product you’re using suitable for the surface you’re using it on? When in doubt, always read the instructions.
GHI TIP: A common household mistake is mixing bleach with hot water, which can actually deactivate its cleaning prowess. When diluting it, always use cold water.
Megan Geall
Homes Writer
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market. When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her cooking, running and exploring London’s foodie hotspots – or trying to make friends with every dog she passes. Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall and on X @megan_geall
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Homes Testing Manager
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.
