Hey You, Yeah You — You Should Grab These 37 Things From Amazon To Make Your Spring Cleaning A Whole Lot Easier
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Now you have no excuses to keep putting it off.
1. A box of sink disposal cleaner designed to scrub away grunge and odor-causing build-up from sidewalls, blades, and under the splash guard with its oh-so-satisfying foaming formula.
Tap to play GIF
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review:"This is an essential for anyone with a disposal. Like seriously! A lot of funky gunk collects in there, that you can't even see. It's also dark and moist for icky stuff to grow. You HAVE to keep it clean. And THIS is super easy to clean it out! And you will be amazed how much better the smell will be (that I am sure you don't even notice until it's clean). It's also pretty cool looking when you do it! BLUE FOAMMMMM!" — J. Crumley
2. A jug of Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner that'll work to remove all the mysterious buildup on the floor and walls of your shower. Best of all, no scrubbing required! You can literally spray it, forget about it, and the grime will begin to erode and disappear down your drain.
amazon.com
Promising review:"Photos don't lie! This stuff works! We have used just about every product available — we steamed, scrubbed, scraped, and power-washed our shower walls. None worked. Bought this cleaner on a whim, and after the first night of spraying just one wall, I bought two more bottles. The buildup just peels off the walls. At first I was embarrassed to post pictures, but I had to share how well this cleaner works." — Mary Elizabeth
3. A pack of Keurig-cleaning cups because, despite all the deliciousness that comes out of that glorious machine, there's likely a whole lot of grime and gunk hiding on the inside that has no business being in your morning coffee.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this product because the needle in my Keurig 2.0 keeps clogging, causing inconsistent brew and taste. These cleaning cups fixed both of my issues and I especially liked that it was really quick and easy to use. I put the cleaning pod in and ran one cycle, then took the pod out and ran a rinse cycle to clean out any leftover grinds. FAST, EASY, and GREAT results. VERY HAPPY!" — Corey West
4. A pack of dishwasher-cleaning tablets because, yes, your dishwasher does need to be cleaned occasionally despite the fact that its literal job is to wash the things you put inside it.
These tablets are designed to penetrate, dissolve, and remove odor-causing residue that accumulates inside your dishwasher over time, as well as remove lime and mineral build-up. Using Affresh tablets once a month can prolong the life of your dishwasher and make it more effective at doing its job: cleaning your dishes.
Promising review:"I am skeptical by nature and have an older machine that was stained from years of use. We have very hard water in our region which makes it even more difficult to clean things. These tablets work like magic — got rid of years of hard water deposits with one try. Truly impressed. You can bet this is going to be a monthly routine from now on." — Amazon Customer
5. A pet hair remover that'll help you keep your furniture clean and clear of all the unwanted fur that's been building up for weeks. (OK, months? YEARS??)
amazon.com
Promising review:"We live in a household that contains two humans, two dogs, and two cats. It's a real Noah's Ark furnished with a black sectional couch. Our dogs absolutely hate the vacuum. So much so they will attack the cleaner head with their vicious bite even before we power it on. This makes the task of cleaning our couch extremely unpleasant and nearly impossible. Thanks to Chom Chom, we no longer have this problem! With a simple, quick, SOUNDLESS sweep, we're able to keep our couch pet-hair-free in blissful peace. This tool does an amazing job picking up pet hair but not so much with crumbs. We were so impressed, we gifted these for all of our pet-loving friends." — AnonM
6. A pack of bottle-cleaning tablets that make cleaning your water bottles and tumblers less of a headache. If you're the person who just "rinses out" their reusable water bottle once a month (or year) with, well, more water, your bottle is likely filled with unwanted bacteria and grime.
amazon.com
These tablets put in all the elbow grease so you don't have to. No scrubbing, stirring, or washing — simply drop them in your bottle with some water and *poof* — all of the bacteria and grime are gone. They're also biodegradable, chlorine-free, and environmentally safe.
Promising review:"I have achieved this level of clean by scrubbing hard using tons of vinegar and baking soda, but these tablets just pop in and do all the hard work for you. I drink tea every day, but it stains my cup. This has infinitely extended the life of my mugs." — Erin Fleming
7. A genius humidifier tank cleaner since, um, have y'all ever seen that sludge and grime that accumulates in the basin of your humidifier!?!? Yeah, well, it's nasty. This lil' thing will help take care of that while looking like a super-cute fish just swimming around!
amazon.com, amazon.com
8. A dryer lint brush, because even though you clean out the lint trap *every* time, there's likely SO much more hiding in your dryer gap and exhaust port. This tool makes it easy to get all that yuckiness out and will leave you feeling like your clothes are extra clean the next time you dry a load.
amazon.com
Promising review:"Works perfectly for scrubbing the stuck lint out of the insides of your dryer. Everyone who owns a dryer should have these, they're basic safety equipment. Clean that lint, reduce fire hazards, and make the machine more efficient. They're long enough, strong enough, and just flexible enough without being too flexible." — Winged Wolf
9. A bottle of Puracy Natural Laundry Stain Remover that's, ahem: vegan, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, non-bleaching, biodegradable, vegan, and certified cruelty-free — AND works THIS well?! I mean, talk about a no-brainer. Goodbye, stained laundry!
amazon.com
10. An oven cleaner to remove grime, grease, stains, and caked-on food — all in a matter of minutes.
11. A jewelry cleaning pen to keep all your prized possessions looking like they were just snagged out of the display case.
Promising review:"Don't get me wrong — my wedding ring was gorgeous before. It did sparkle and still made me smile every day. However...after using this Diamond Dazzle Stik...*oh my goodness*! After one use my ring is absolutely breathtaking! I knew my ring got dirty now and then, simply from sweating and being outside in the elements. However, I never realized just how much dinge and schmutz marred my diamond until I cleaned it. It literally took my breath away with its fiery, dazzling brilliance!" — liltreeclimber
12. A mold and mildew remover spray specifically formulated to restore your bathroom to its former glory. In your shower, tile grout, around the sink — you name it, this can clean it. You can even use it to freshen up your washing machine, too!
amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this RMR spray with low expectations, even with the good reviews. I sprayed a small patch in the evening and let it sit overnight. The next morning, the grout where I had sprayed was as white as if it were brand new. I decided to spray the entire wall and part of the roof. The next day everything I sprayed had no visible mold. By the third night, I was pretty much spraying everything left in the shower. This stuff is amazing." — John Werner
13. A squeezable gel grout whitener you can use in all the tight spaces in your home that may need a refresh (think caulking, tile grout, and anywhere else mildew and mold have snuck in). Genius!
amazon.com
Promising review:"I hardly leave reviews, but I had to leave one for this product. I just received this yesterday, applied it last night, and this morning, it's like I have a brand new bathroom. I'm embarrassed to show 'before' and 'after' photos because it was so nasty; no matter how hard we scrubbed, the mildew wouldn't go away. I almost cried when I saw my bathroom this morning. Don't hesitate, buy this now, you won't regret it." — Bianca Green
14. A jetted tub cleaner because you have no idea what's hiding in those jets of yours. Better to just do the dirty work now, rather than find some unwanted surprises the next time you're trying to take a relaxing evening bath.
amazon.com
15. A grout cleaning pen to restore your grout tile lines and instantly take your bathroom from drab to fab.
amazon.com
Promising review:"Best product! I wish I had thought to take 'before' pictures! My house was built in the early 1960s, and the bathroom grout was becoming discolored in spots. I had used every product on the market before buying this pen to see if I could brighten the grout, with no luck. I could have just saved so much money if I had gone with the pen in the first place! It worked throughout the shower, with more product to go! Easy to clean up and lasts a while!" — Kelli
16. A stainless steel cleaner to instantly wipe away those mysterious streaks and smudges that somehow always appear on your fridge, oven, and sink.
It also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth!
Promising review:"I switched to this product because the stainless steel cleaner I had been using was no longer available and this one had great reviews. It deserves every one of them. Easy to use and leaves no streaks. If a touch-up is needed at some point, that spot will blend in with the rest of the appliance; no need to do the whole dang thing again. Highly recommended; in fact, even if the last product I used became available again, I would stick with this one." — Bethesda
17. An odor-eliminating spray designed to obliterate stains AND stenches. Your whole "I'll clean it later" approach only works for so long, until a nauseating smell starts wafting through your home...
Promising review:"Unbeknownst to us, our senior cat had been peeing on two brand-new large shag area rugs. The first one I gave up trying to clean and purchased a new one. I just realized last week she has been peeing on another shag rug. It's the worst smell ever! I can't keep purchasing new rugs until she dies. After scouring Google, I found that this product kept being mentioned as the best enzyme cleaner, which I never knew was a thing. My order arrived at 6 p.m. today and we went right to work. By 6:30 I was almost in tears, the smell was gone! I can't believe how good it smells and I am so thankful for this product!" — J. A. Merryweather
18. A set of drill brushes for anyone who's seriously looking to kick their cleaning game up a notch. They're great for cleaning things like tile, grout, door tracks, and even...stove tops?!
amazon.com
OK, so the drill is NOT included. This is just a set of three brushes that attach to your drill, or this one you might wanna buy.
Promising review:"I bought this on a whim because my walk-in shower is just a pain to clean. I'm 51, and I guess I've just been old school with how I clean, so I was hand-scrubbing it for years. The FIRST time I used this to clean my shower, it took five minutes AND it scrubbed my shower cleaner than it has been in years. In the corners, the floor, the glass door...everything came out squeaky clean. I'm NEVER cleaning my shower by hand again." — Terry
19. A Scrubbing Bubbles cleaning stamp to *keep* your toilet shining bright, without ever having to get too far in there with a nasty ol' cleaning brush.
Tap to play GIF
Scrubbing Bubbles / youtube.com, Scrubbing Bubbles
20. A blind cleaner brush because little did you know, those lil' plastic things can get suuuuper D-U-S-T-Y!
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising review:"Where has this tool been all my life? This is a quick, inexpensive way to clean vinyl blinds. The tool is so easy to use that we have added the chore to my 9-year-old son's list. We also use it on our metal indoor heat/air vent. Love that the tool comes with washable replacement dusters." — mastermom
Price: $6.99
21. An eco-friendly hard water stain-remover that'll get rid of pesky soap scum and residue coating your shower. How can you feel clean after a quick rinse if the shower itself isn't clean?! 🚿
amazon.com
Promising review:"We tried everything to get rid of hard water stains and nothing worked. We were getting our house ready to sell and our tub and sink were a mess. We tried this product and it worked immediately, restoring everything to like new. It was fast and really worked! We even used it to clean our glass stove top. It was amazing how clean it got things. I have a bad back and have to be careful about scrubbing things and it takes no effort to use. We use it in our new house and love it!" — Bradley
22. An AirPod cleaning pen so you can quite literally dig out your own earwax and restore the sound quality of your earbuds. Wow, do I love living in the 21st century.
Promising review:"Saw these on a TikTok video and took a chance. I ordered three for different family members and boy am I glad I did! This product is fantastic! It does exactly what it says it will do. The brush is phenomenal in cleaning out the little grates on the speakers of my phone and AirPods. There is a picker that you can use to get big chunky earwax out of your ear pieces and the long skinny wand thing reaches down into my charging case and gets all the junk out of there. This is a win-win-win!" — JMilwaukee
23. A FlexiSnake designed to go where no living human should ever have to dare to go: deep inside your shower drain. There's no telling WHAT lives down there — but nevertheless, this snake will eat it all up, so you can get back to taking showers without having to stand in several inches of water.
Promising review:"I don't write many reviews, but when something blows my mind like this, I have to! Not only did this remove an enormous amount of hair from my drain, it took less than 30 seconds to do so! I didn't really read the instructions, but it's pretty straightforward. Stuck it in the drain, cranked the handle, pulled it out. Voilà, no more hair! Buy it! You won't be disappointed." — Linsey Walker
24. A shower door cleaner, because those hard water stains are giving Bates Motel vibes, and it's time to finally get them nice and clear again.
amazon.com
Promising review:"This product works beautifully. I tried a lot of products to remove the hard water from my glass shower. I have to admit the first time I used it with a cloth it was not very effective. The second time I used a nonabrasive sponge for glass, it turned out beautiful just like the first day the glass was installed." — EJP
25. An all-natural bathroom cleaner free from fumes and synthetic dyes that *won't* give you a crippling headache every time you need to give it a good scrub.
Promising review:"I have an old shower/bathtub. I tried name brand shower cleaners and bleach to try and clean the soap scum off the tiles and tub. I had no luck and I would cough and get sick because of how strong the smell was. I thought I would try this to save my lungs. I sprayed my entire shower and left it for about 15 minutes. Came back and rinsed off the walls and they were shiny! I've never had such a clean shower. The smell is amazing and subtle. All I smell is tea tree and it didn't affect me at all. The price is also a good deal since the bottle is pretty large." — Amber Erwin
26. A two-pack of reusable mop pads so you can say goodbye to the wasteful, disposable ones. Not only can you toss these in the wash after use, but it also allows you to use the cleaning product of your choice — especially important if you have pets in the house!
amazon.com
Promising review:"I wanted to reduce waste with disposable pads and I was pleasantly surprised by these. This photo was AFTER I cleaned the floor with the disposable pad! I was able to get a super clean floor, spots were easier to clean up, and it didn't sound like it was scratching my floors. This was easy to use, didn't use more cleaner then the disposable pads, and got my floor cleaner. Definitely gonna but more if the two I got ever wear out." — Riley
27. A Clorox toilet wand that comes with 16 refillable heads, so you can just stick it in there and let it do its magic *without* needing to keep a gross, stinky toilet brush in your bathroom.
amazon.com
Promising review:"You ever look at your toilet brush in disgust and resentment? How's a dirty used-up brush sitting in your throne room? You clean your bathroom, but then you put that sucker down in its place, and it's just like, mocking you. It's never truly immaculate. Never knowing true cleanliness. Fear no more. Now you can shine the porcelain throne and not have to worry about a used-up toilet brush mocking your clean, sparkling bathroom. Gone are the days of breathing in dirty poop particles from the reusable potty-cleaning brush thingy. Clorox Toilet Wand is the answer to your prayers if you want an easy, deep-cleaning, toss-away-after-you're-done type contraption for that porcelain throne of yours. Fast, cheap, and easy. Just like...how we like to clean." — Juliana
29. A TikTok-famous, machine-washable microfiber spin mop that represents what I would call true *MOP MAGIC.* With a hands-free wringer, splash guard, and millions of microfiber strands that can cut through dirt *without* harsh chemicals, I'm not sure what else you could ask of a mop. This thing is the GOAT of cleaning house.
O-Cedar/YouTube
Promising review: "I had had it with my broken basic mop and bucket. I tried to just get a dollar store Swiffer to get us by, but that wasn't cutting it at all. With three boys and a dog that makes his rounds on all the furniture and every exposed corner, I had to do something. After seeing a TikTok where a woman demonstrated this mop to clean her walls, and hearing my boss raving about it, I decided to click the Amazon button. Let me tell you, I HATE cleaning, I HATE mopping, but I LOVE for things to be clean. I was able to mop the entire house TWICE (Because it was that dirty. Please don't judge.) within an hour. A few days later I mopped the entire house again within 10 minutes because they weren't quite as dirty. On another positive note, my boys love the spinner and think it's a toy! So, every time I get the bucket out my 10-year-old and 4-year-old ask to mop the house because they think it's fun. MAJOR BONUS!" — Molly
Price: $34.97
30. A miracle carpet cleaning solution to use in a carpet cleaner machine and lift allllll those stubborn stains that have been staring back up at you for months and months. Plus, this doesn't have any harsh chemicals that'll make your kids sick (whether they're canine or human).
amazon.com
Promising review: "I have a dog and two young boys, and I'm constantly cleaning the rug and sofa. I have tried other name-brand cleaning solutions, vinegar solutions, Resolve, and nothing works as well as this. All the other ones have a weird smell that almost just mixes with the bad smells and makes it worse. This has a very clean and fresh scent and actually removes the odors!!!! Works well on carpet, rugs, and sofa upholstery. I use it in my upright carpet cleaner and small portable carpet cleaner. The best!" — momj
Price: $17.59+ (available in two sizes and three scents)
31. A portable Bissell Little Green upholstery cleaner that'll leave you nothing short of *shocked* when it magically restores your dirty, paw print-covered furniture and carpeting right before your eyes. 😲
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought this to clean my upholstery in my home. We have dogs who rub up against our couches and toddlers who spill A LOT so things can get quite messy. This little machine is perfect to clean up spills, or just keep our furniture looking brand spanking new. I could not believe how amazing everything looked after using this, and how disgusting the dirty tank was after I used it. This machine is super simple to use, easy to store, and lightweight enough to easily move from place to place. I love this thing." — Marina B.
Price: $99.99
32. A set of extra-thick magic cleaning pads you can use to freshen up just about anything in your life that's not looking top-notch — from sneakers in your closet to the grime on your stovetop. Just run a little water on them and pair it with your fave cleaner, and you'll be in business in no time.
amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"My significant other works with machinery and builds cars/ engines for hobby. This stuff right here is AMAZING, literally nothing else works this way. NOTHING! I suggest this to everyone I know because it slams the competition. Just add water squeeze out excess and you have a heavy artillery cleaning magic to your disposal! Never ceases to amaze me!" — Ouroboros_0_o
Price: $14.95
33. A watermark removing cloth because you're always spilling drinks down the side of your nightstand (that just so happens to be a family heirloom) and you need to get it back in shape before your mother comes over next weekend and discovers your reckless ways.
amazon.com
Promising review:"Worked wonders! I spilled nail polish remover on my nightstand. This worked like magic! Just rub lightly with the cloth." — JMac
Price: $6.70
34. A tub o' heavy-duty cleaning wipes formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E to be easy on your hands and tough on stains. Better yet, they're safe to use on just about any surface.
amazon.com, amazon.com
These wipes are nonabrasive, so they're safe to use on smooth surfaces like car exteriors.
Promising review:"I think these wipes are made out of magic because they can clean just about anything with very little effort! One wipe cleaned my ENTIRE BATHTUB, including the hard-water buildup and some residual soap scum. The wipe stayed wet for the entire use, and there was absolutely no sweating involved. I hate cleaning, but I was so pumped about the tub, I took wipe number two to my hood vent, and good golly, it's like it's brand-new. I've told everyone I know to buy these." — JenM
Price: $14.98
35. A miraculous little bottle of Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner to blast away all that soot, smoke, creosote, and ash from your fireplace.
amazon.com
Promising review:"Unbelievable! My daughter just moved into her first home. She thought she would have to paint her brick fireplace because of the heavy soot stains that had been there for years. We applied the product twice and put in a whole lot of elbow grease, but what a difference! It's a messy process, but well worth the time and energy." — MM
Price: $19.99
36. A Dawn Powerwash spray formulated to cut through the toughest grease and grime to leave your dishes, countertops, and glass looking better than when you bought them. PLUS, it delivers all that with essentially no back-breaking scrubbing required.
amazon.com
Promising review:"I have loved this spray since the day it came out. I can spray it and leave it to sit in the sink and come back later and wash. I can also spray my glass-top stove and let it sit, wipe it down, and it's just as shiny as the day it came off the showroom floor, there's a lot of uses that I found for the spray, it does save money." — gina
Price: $16.88+ (available in two sizes and three scents)
37. A handheld Oxo microfiber duster you can run around the house with to remove dust from every table, shelf, and fan blade and feel like the Main Character acting out a cleaning sequence in a rom-com at the same time.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Promising review:"I truly hate to dust, but also hate a lot of dust around. I saw these dusters featured online and figured I'd give them a try. They are really great. I just dusted in the downstairs floor, including my study and computer area, keyboard, screen, and all. Easy peasy. I haven't washed the covers yet (I have two), but hope that will work as well." — Judy Rae
Price: $11.99
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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9 hours ago
- New York Times
Is Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap Really the Only Household Soap You Need?
Both soap and modern-day detergents clean by mixing with water to lower the surface tension and lift dirt away. When the solution rubs against a surface, such as dirty dishes, the dirt temporarily bonds to the solution, allowing you to rinse or wipe it away. Andrea compared the cleaning power of Dr. Bronner's liquid Castile soap with that of two dish detergents, Seventh Generation Dish Soap and Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid, which contain multiple surfactants to pull dirt from dishes and hands, as well as other ingredients such as viscosity adjusters, pH adjusters, and stabilizers to hold the formula together. (Though 'soap' and 'detergent' are often used interchangeably by both consumers and manufacturers, the Seventh Generation and Dawn liquids are both technically detergents, while Dr. Bronner's is a true soap.) I also used Dr. Bronner's Castile soap as dish soap in my kitchen, scrubbing plastic storage containers with greasy film, an enamelware sheet pan with baked-on cheese, and stainless steel utensils with peanut butter and cream sauce residue. During my day-to-day testing, I applied a few drops of Castile soap to a sponge and cleaned dishes in my sink just as I would with dish detergent. Caroline Mullen/NYT Wirecutter Castile soap produces suds like dish detergent, but it left my hands feeling quite dry, and I had to rinse dishes more thoroughly than I would with dish detergent. Caroline Mullen/NYT Wirecutter During my day-to-day testing, I applied a few drops of Castile soap to a sponge and cleaned dishes in my sink just as I would with dish detergent. Caroline Mullen/NYT Wirecutter The Dr. Bronner's soap did an adequate job of cleaning dishes, sudsing up similarly to the dish detergents. But it was less effective than the Seventh Generation and Dawn liquids, which did a better job of tackling grease and stuck-on food and required less rinsing for items to get clean. The verdict: 2 out of 5 (somewhat effective with some shortcomings). Dr. Bronner's Castile soap will clean your dishes, but we found that the dish detergents were better at lifting grease and stuck-on food, and with their neutral pH, they're less likely to irritate your hands. They are also less likely to leave a film of soap scum in the sink or on your dishes if you're not careful about thoroughly rinsing it off. That is especially true if you have hard water, since soap scum develops when saponified oils (like those in Castile soap) react with minerals in water. In addition to surfactants, most laundry detergents also include other cleaning ingredients, such as enzymes, which target and break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are otherwise difficult to remove with soap or surfactants alone. Depending on the type of detergent and how you use it (such as in a machine versus hand-washing), a laundry detergent may also include other additives, such as polymers to suspend dirt before being washed away, optical brighteners and oxidizing agents to improve the appearance of fabrics, solvents to stabilize formulas, and disinfectants like bleach or other antibacterial agents. We tested Dr. Bronner's liquid Castile soap as a hand-washing laundry detergent against Soak Laundry Rinse and Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent, two picks from our hand-washing laundry detergents guide. Andrea tested how the cleaners removed stains by washing industrial stain monitors, professionally stained jersey-cotton swatches that allow us to directly compare cleaning power on substances such as red wine, pig blood, sebum, peat, and engine oil. We also washed three swatches of sebum-stained silk with each detergent and Castile soap and compared the results. We hand-washed jersey-cotton swatches that were pretreated with common stains. While neither cleaner eliminated the stains, Dr. Bronner's Castile soap (left) made little difference, while Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent (right) significantly improved some stains. Andrea Barnes/NYT Wirecutter We washed sebum-stained silk with the three cleaners. From top to bottom: Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent, Soak, and Dr. Bronner's. The detergents almost returned the sebum-stained silk back to its original luster, while Dr. Bronner's soap made almost no difference. Andrea Barnes/NYT Wirecutter We hand-washed jersey-cotton swatches that were pretreated with common stains. While neither cleaner eliminated the stains, Dr. Bronner's Castile soap (left) made little difference, while Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent (right) significantly improved some stains. Andrea Barnes/NYT Wirecutter Dr. Bronner's Castile soap performed worse than either of our picks. It lifted significantly fewer stains on the stain monitor than the Dirty Labs detergent, our pick for washing stained delicates. The Dr. Bronner's soap also left the sebum-stained silk looking rather gray compared with the samples we washed with the Soak and Dirty Labs detergents. The verdict: 1 out of 5 (ineffective with disqualifying shortcomings). Dr. Bronner's Castile soap was far worse at lifting stains than the hand-wash laundry detergents we tested. Vigorous scrubbing or very hot water might improve its performance, but we don't recommend trying, since they may damage delicate fabrics you would typically wash by hand, such as silk, lace, cashmere, and wool. Hand-wash laundry detergents like Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent and Soak are gentle on fabrics and have proven stain removal abilities. Like dish and laundry detergent, all-purpose spray cleaners work by lowering the surface tension between the dirt or liquid you're removing and the liquid of the cleaning solution. Dirt, grease, and crud become suspended in the solution and can then be wiped away with a cloth. I tested Dr. Bronner's liquid Castile soap as an all-purpose cleaner by diluting it according to package instructions and comparing its effectiveness with that of the top pick in our all-purpose cleaner guide, Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner. I used it on sriracha and toothpaste that I had left to dry on glass, as well as on smeared butter and ricotta on stainless steel. I cleaned the messes with both sprays using a microfiber cloth, paper towels, and a cotton rag. We tested a diluted Castile soap solution on (clockwise from top left) dried sriracha and toothpaste on a glass table and ricotta cheese and butter on a stainless steel fridge. Caroline Mullen/NYT Wirecutter The Dr. Bronner's soap and the Clorox all-purpose cleaner both cleaned those surfaces, although Dr. Bronner's left behind more streaking and residue and required an extra buffing-dry step to get the surfaces fully spotless. Both cleaners were effective and required the same level of soaking (spraying and leaving the solution to sit) and scrubbing action to remove the dried substances. One major drawback to using diluted Castile soap as an all-purpose spray: Overspray not immediately wiped up leaves behind residue. Caroline Mullen/NYT Wirecutter The verdict: 2 out of 5 (somewhat effective with some shortcomings). As an all-purpose cleaner, diluted Castile soap worked about as well as our top pick when applied in small amounts. But you may need to worry about residue and streaking. A few things can help to prevent those issues: Use the smallest amount possible, which is easier to fully wipe off than a heavy spray. Wipe up overspray immediately, or it may leave behind specks of soap scum, which I noticed were particularly visible on stainless steel. Use a microfiber cloth, rather than a paper towel or a cotton cloth, as the tiny fibers of a microfiber cloth are more effective at buffing away residue. I found these extra steps to be enough of a deterrent that I wouldn't opt for diluted Castile soap as an alternative to Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner. When I reach for an all-purpose cleaner, I'm usually quickly wiping something down, such as kitchen appliances or countertops, and worrying about residue eliminates Castile soap as a replacement. Neither Castile soap nor Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner is a disinfectant, though with scrubbing and wiping or rinsing, either cleaner can remove pathogens. For disinfecting, we recommend using Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach for killing pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. There's a misconception that cleaning products made from synthetic ingredients may be more irritating than those made from natural ones. Depending on their formulations, detergents and Castile soap alike may be harsh for your skin, particularly if you have underlying skin conditions. In fact, due to their alkaline pH, Castile soaps may be more drying than some detergents, said Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University, since Castile soap is even more alkaline than most detergents. This is especially true if you use Castile soap straight from the bottle without diluting it, for instance, as a dish soap, though some formulations, like Dr. Bronner's Unscented Pure-Castile Magic Soap, may include unsaponified fatty acids to help minimize irritation. Whether you're using a detergent or Castile soap, Garshick recommends wearing gloves when cleaning by hand or washing off residue, and applying moisturizer afterward. People with eczema or sensitive skin should be especially cautious when trying any new product. And keep in mind that any scented cleaner could be potentially irritating to people with allergies, respiratory conditions, or fragrance sensitivities. If you are considering health and safety when looking for a cleaning product, note that 'natural,' 'non-toxic,' 'eco-friendly,' or 'clean' claims on labels are unregulated and may mean different things to different manufacturers. Voluntary third-party certifications, such as the EPA Safer Choice certification, UL Ecologo, or Green Seal, may give more peace of mind, since they set criteria for product ingredients regarding human and environmental safety. Dr. Bronner's Castile soap contains ingredients that are certified organic, which means they adhere to the standards outlined by the USDA's National Organic Program. After weighing performance and safety considerations, I don't plan to switch to Castile soap over my preferred dish soap, laundry detergent, or all-purpose cleaner. Its universal-cleaner promises are enticing, and it does perform adequately or well at some tasks, but for other purposes it can't compare to the best dedicated cleaners. I'll use the rest of the bottle I have on hand for quick wipe-downs in the kitchen and otherwise, but after that's gone, I'll repurchase my old standbys. This article was edited by Katie Okamoto and Megan Beauchamp. Andrea Barnes contributed reporting. If you're sensitive or allergic to fragrances in cleaning, personal-care, or other products, there's a distinct difference you should keep in mind. After 65 hours of research, testing 28 detergents, and 7 years of long-term testing, we found Seventh Generation Dish Liquid to be the best dish soap for most people. We hand-washed vintage linens, cashmere sweaters, and delicates in a variety of detergents and soaps, and Soak came out on top. Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner rids surfaces of grime and comes with the EPA's Safer Choice certification. Tide's newest laundry detergent comes in a sponge-like tile that looks strange but is surprisingly powerful, even in cold water. What I Cover Caroline Mullen is a staff writer reporting on cleaning and organizing at Wirecutter. Though she's waging a constant battle against the dog hair and dust bunnies in her apartment, she's not willing to scale back on tchotchkes to make it easier. It also takes her two to three business days to complete a load of laundry—but she's made peace with that.
Buzz Feed
20 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Products To Hide Yard Eyesores In Time For Hosting
A stain-blasting Wet & Forget exterior spray ready to obliterate mold, mildew, moss, and algae from your outdoor surfaces. Simply mix it with water and spray it on problem areas, such as walkways, decks, and siding! Rain and wind will do the rest over time, gently washing away stains without any wiping, scrubbing, or rinsing. A long-handled standing weeder because bending over (and over...) to pull pesky weeds should be illegal. Not only will you save yourself time *and* lots of pain, but the yard will be spruced up and ready for hosting. And a crack weeder tool that'll help dominate those ever-resilient weeds that manage to grow through the cracks in concrete! This sturdy tool can get DEEP into those tight spaces and get rid of weeds, moss, and thistles with ease. A bottle of dog spot repair so you can revive your dead grass and finally take pride in your lawn again! This helps regrow the grass and reverse scorch marks caused by pet urine, digging, and general wear in high-traffic areas. It's a blend of seed, mulch, and fertilizer that promotes growth in tough spots. An ~aesthetic~ 2-in-1 cooler side table when you've been anxiously waiting for the arrival of backyard gathering season but don't want an ugly eyesore of a cooler ruining your outdoor space. Everyone will marvel at your brilliance for having a chic side table that also happens to double as a massive cooler for ice-cold refreshments. Some plant supporters if you desperately need to zhuzh up your greenery after it inevitably starts drooping to one side. The best part? These supporters are green, so they won't stick out like a sore thumb either! An instant mold and mildew stain remover spray to eliminate pesky mold from your patio furniture with minimal effort. Spray, wait 15 seconds, and watch the mold vanish! Bonus: It can also be used in the bathroom and kitchen so you'll never run out of ways to put it to use. An expandable artificial ivy privacy screen for the unfortunate eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* disguise the chaos ruining your view. You'll be ready to host in no time! OR! A pack of natural reed fencing so you can add some much-needed privacy to exposed areas while still letting light through. If you've been longing for a perimeter fence, this is the next best thing! It's perfect for patios, balconies, and decks that have one too many prying eyes. 👀 A magical oil stain remover that'll help bring your driveway and paved walkways back to their original glory days just in time for guests to pull up! Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface. Scott's lawn food because I'll bet that patchy brown grass is *not* what you had envisioned while planning this season's block parties. This formula feeds your grass and contains iron to help give it that lush, green color you've been dreaming of. It works its magic in a matter of days too! Some interlocking teak tiles when you *truly* wanna transform your balcony or patio with a total makeover that'll have everyone swooning. Do you hear that?? The backyard oasis of your dreams is calling! A privacy screen if you wanna conceal those outdoor monstrosities you hate the most — you know, pool equipment, garbage cans, air conditioning units, and anything else that diminishes your curb appeal. Or this wooden privacy screen working hard to make your outdoor space even more beautiful — it has planters at the bottom where you can add a pop of colorful flowers while the screen will hide your AC unit, trash cans, or anything else that bugs you to no end. A weather- and UV-resistant outdoor rug that'll do an amazing job of tying your space together so it's even more inviting. Now you and your friends can kick off your shoes and be barefoot outside without a care in the world! A heavy-duty electric pressure washer with *five* nozzles for tackling all the dirty surfaces around your property you hate to look at. This heavy-duty washer can clean decks, fences, and driveways. It comes with a garden hose adapter, so you can start cleaning up your outdoor area ASAP! And a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer because it only makes sense to lock in all the hard work you just did. Wood surfaces will be stained, sealed, and protected from the harsh elements for the foreseeable future. It'll be so sleek and shiny, you won't be able to take your eyes off it, but in a GOOD way! OR an all-in-one wood stain and sealer — transforming your deck is a lot easier than you might think. The company literally calls it a "goof-proof" application, so don't you dare doubt your DIY abilities for one minute!! Use it on decks, benches, sheds, fences, and more. Some rust-stopping spray paint capable of rejuvenating metal furniture and other surfaces that are looking very dull and depressed. This upgrade requires hardly any effort and it'll look like your stuff is shiny and new. Send out the party invites!! An artificial landscaping rock with a natural texture and appearance that can be placed directly over pool pumps and other eyesores threatening to obstruct your view. If you've tried just about everything else to hide it, this might be the solution you need! A roll of perma-mulch to zhuzh your pathways and flower beds right up, especially if they haven't been tended to in a while. This faux mulch border is made from recycled rubber tires to help deter weeds while still allowing water, air, and nutrients to pass through and reach the soil! It stays put without scattering and can stand up to tough weather. A revitalizing outdoor cleaner for handling that dirty walkway, patio, and even driveway without spending your entire weekend cleaning. Attach it to a hose, spray, let sit for up to 10 minutes, give it a scrub, and rinse the gunk away. A waterproof *and* weather-proof outdoor storage box so you can easily store anything you don't want scattered across the lawn, like cushions, kids' toys, and pool supplies. It's durable enough to withstand the elements and big enough to hide yard clutter! A set of drill brushes that'll work wonders for banishing filth from your precious outdoor accents so they look brand new again. Attach the brush to your drill and go to town on stubborn grime — just in time for backyard season too! Some wood polish and conditioner when you wanna bring worn-down wood surfaces back to life ASAP. It's made with beeswax to help renew tired furniture, doors, and other surfaces that need a major refresh. A set of garden tool organizers because storing them in a cluttered corner of the yard is probably causing you more stress than you realize. This will tidy things up so you don't have to keep storing them in a messy pile. Bonus: They're predrilled and come with the necessary hardware for mounting! A can of porch and patio floor paint to help restore your dull porch in no time. You'll no longer have to scowl at those stains and footprints that have been bothering you for years. No need to pay a pricey contractor for the job when you can do it yourself! Or some versatile anti-skid acrylic paint, which seamlessly adheres to most surfaces, meaning you can upgrade everything from stained brick paths to worn-down concrete walkways. A pair of Fiskars 28-inch tree trimmers for anyone who has struggled to cut back tough branches without putting a LOT of elbow grease into it. These trimmers will simplify the task with power-boosting levers that do the hard work for you. Those limbs don't stand a chance against these blades! A sleek firewood rack that'll actually organize your logs rather than having 'em strewn about your yard in a chaotic mess. The protective cover will help protect them from the elements too!
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
26 Things You'll Want If You're Living Alone For The First Time And Can't Have Your Parents Just Fix/Solve Everything
A small but well-stocked 39-piece tool set so you're always prepared to assemble furniture, fix broken eyeglasses, make bike repairs, and do any other quick-fix tasks that come up in this new adult era. A beloved tub of pink cleaning paste for taking the guesswork out of choosing the best product for the job — this will perform small cleaning miracles on virtually any surface in your home without endless scrubbing. Try it out on those "forever" stains other solutions could never handle. A genius WD-40 pen that packs all the squeak-quieting, lubricating powers of the tried-and-true formula in a precision-tip pen that's much easier to use and even easier to keep on hand for quick fixes, so you don't let that squeaky door live on for far too long. A set of pastel "unbreakable" deep plates if your clumsy behavior has resulted in one too many shattered dishes. These minimalist beauties work for just about any meal you can dream up, are surprisingly lightweight, and are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. A compact first aid kit because nothing's worse than taking a tumble or getting sick and realizing that you have no way to take care of yourself without parental help. Prepare for the worst and thank yourself later. A miraculous automatic bleach toilet-cleaning system to send cleaner into the bowl with every flush, so when your mom drops in unexpectedly, you can dodge the "you need to be cleaning more" lecture. A versatile chop, slice, and dice unit so you can stop being embarrassed about your subpar knife skills and drastically *cut* down on food prep and cleanup time with interchangeable blades that can be popped into the dishwasher. You've been around long enough to know you never want to chop an onion by hand again. A bleach-free Wet & Forget shower cleaner for helping you keep up with a regular cleaning schedule with next to no effort. This is a great maintenance product and so easy to use: Once a week, simply give your shower a spray, let it sit overnight, rinse, and — BOOM — you're done and didn't even break a sweat. A Dawn Powerwash spray bundle that eliminates the time-consuming dish pre-soak so you can clear out your sink sooner. Just spray, wait a few minutes while it works it's magic, and wipe the stains away. A flexible drain snake if you'd like some help extracting the wet woolly mammoth living in your pipes. Skip another call to the plumber and let this tool's "micro-hook" head and rotating handle achieve the 360-degree removal you're used to paying top dollar for. Just keep a barf bag nearby — you might need it. Plus, a heavy-duty Luigi's sink and drain plunger because you've spent more time waiting for water to go down your backed-up drain than you care to admit. This small-but-mighty helper clears blocked kitchen and bathroom sinks with 8x the air volume compared to a traditional plunger. Needless to say, it gets the job done! A can of fire extinguishing spray to give you (and your parents, tbh) peace of mind as you embark on this cooking-for-yourself journey. It's much easier to operate than a standard, bulky fire extinguisher and sprays for four times as long. A pack of Downy fabric spray so you can rock wrinkle-free fits even though you don't own an iron. Just spray, give your clothes a few swipes, and watch the wrinkles rapidly fall away. An all-in-one hole repair tool for patching up the rogue nail holes you made attempting to hang that gorgeous gallery wall. This makes application quick and easy, with primer-infused spackle inside, a putty knife on one end, and a sanding pad on the other. And a pack of refillable multi-surface paint pens you simply fill with the paint of your choice for a quick and mess-free way to touch up chips on your walls or cabinets. A handy bag holder featured on Shark Tank that'll get all your groceries from the car to the house in ONE run. It easily holds up to 80 pounds and can be carried by hand or tossed over your shoulder (it's padded) for hands-free ease. An oh-so-smart Pikk-it tool if shredding your fingers trying to rip the hair out of a clogged vacuum head is not exactly your idea of a good time. The pick end works wonders to untangle knots and can be used to clean out hairbrush bristles, too. A set of Shark Tank-approved Wad-Free tools because you're tired of laundry day getting derailed by tangled bedsheets. These help maintain a balanced washer drum, reduce dry times, and prevent wet clothes from getting trapped in the sheets. A fully stocked emergency road kit so you're always prepared for a dead car battery or — heaven forbid — an accident. Jumper cables? ✅ Flashlight? ✅ A bunch of other stuff you'd never even think to pack? ✅ An under-cabinet lid opener for when you're faced with an especially stubborn pasta sauce jar and you realize dad isn't going to drive to your place to solve it. A set of rechargeable batteries that comes with a smart charging dock so you're always stocked with enough go-juice capsules to power your remotes, gaming controllers, flashlights, and more without making any emergency trips to the store. A plant-based cooking oil solidifier if you're a lover of all things fried, who knows that your current clean-up method is risking a congealed mess clogging up the pipes. Adding this powder to hot oil turns it into solid organic waste you can safely toss in the trash or compost! A Hungryroot subscription because it lets you shop by recipe, auto-filling your cart with everything needed to whip up super quick and nutritious meals that even weeknight-you will be willing to skip takeout for. And there's a free gift with every purchase — what fun!! A double-step stool with a built-in safety lock to save the day when a lightbulb inevitably burns out, you need something from the top shelf, or just want to hang something without putting your faith in an Ikea chair to support you. An Anyday starter set so you can utilize the quick and easy convenience of your microwave to cook nutritious meals, including everything from grains and veggies to proteins like a full chicken breast and salmon. Every part of the plastic-free dishes is engineered for optimal, even cooking — no cold spots! A bracelet clip if you're about ready to give up on wearing bracelets with tricky clasps. This little helper secures your jewelry so you can easily fasten your favorite styles without recruiting a helper.
