24 of the best cleaning supplies — reviewed by us and rated by shoppers

Just in time for your spring cleaning sesh

A selection of cleaning supplies including Mrs. Meyers cleaning spray, Scrub Daddy sponge and Method Anti-bacterial rhubarb spray on yellow background
(Image credit: Future)

Spring is here, and if you're anything like me, along with the joy of this season (hello, warmer weather) also comes the job of spring cleaning your home. Personally, I love deep cleaning. I'm not a fan of doing smaller, weekly, or daily chores, but there's nothing more satisfying than that post-deep clean feeling. It's truly like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

So what do you need to stock up on before spring cleaning to ensure you get that same satisfaction? Cleaning supplies, of course. And by this, I mean cleaning supplies that actually work and will help you get the job done faster (and with less effort). Along with testing out a bunch of cleaning hacks, the Real Homes team has put some of the best-rated cleaning products to the test and found these are the picks that'll make a real difference to the cleanliness of your space.

How can we help?

Whether you're freshening up your bathroom or really cleaning your tiny studio kitchen, everything you need to help get the job done is right here. These products have been split by room with a larger category of products you can use to clean anywhere. Plus, we've featured some eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your routine more sustainable. 

The best cleaning products, as tried and tested by the Real Homes team

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Cleaning supplies to use anywhere

Cleaning supplies to use in your kitchen

Cleaning supplies to use in your bathroom

FAQs

What are the most important cleaning products?

As a team, we agree that the six most important cleaning products you can buy are:

1. A good multi-purpose cleaning spray
2. Some strong microfiber cloths that you can wash
3. Toilet bleach
4. A cleaning vinegar
5. A good cleaning sponge (for tougher stains)
6. A hard-working upholstery cleaner

As long as you've got these in your cleaning caddy, you're all set to go.

Which cleaning supplies do I need for my bathroom?

You'll find that you'll end up with a completely separate cleaning arsenal in your bathroom (if you have the space), with solutions designed specifically to clean this room. Here are the basics that you will need to keep your bathroom sparkling:

- Bathroom cleaner (or all-purpose spray)
- Glass and mirror cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner (for your taps)
- Limescale remover
- Toilet cleaner
- Mold remover

4 things to consider when buying cleaning supplies online

There's plenty to consider when you're building up a cleaning selection for your home, from where you're going to stash it all to what kind of scents you favor. These are the essential things we keep in mind when restocking your cleaning caddy

1. What does it smell like?
We know there's more to a spray or toilet cleaner than its scent, but at the end of the day, it is still important to like the smell of whatever you're spritzing in your home. Work out which scent profile you like, whether that's fresh cotton, a citrus burst, or something more specific like lemongrass, and try and line your products up with that smell, to avoid a headache when you're deep cleaning. 

2. Does it have any eco-friendly credentials?
For a lot of us, it's becoming increasingly important to ensure that the things we buy for our homes are certified as being good for the planet in the long term. There are so many great brands you can invest in that have starter bundles featuring glass bottles and cheap refill programs for when you run out of your favorite cleaners. Some of our favorite eco-friendly cleaning retailers include Blueland, CleanCult, and Grove Collaborative.

3. How long will it last?
Investing in a cleaning product that you can only use once always feels wasteful, and isn't good for those who forget to pick another one up next time they're at the store. Using microfiber cloths or mops with washable heads is great for ensuring longevity, as you can throw them into your machine and use them again once they're nice and clean. 

4. Is it made using any hazardous chemicals?
Understandably, people have different viewpoints when it comes to using chemicals to clean their homes. While some won't mind using a stronger cleaner to get rid of something like mold, some want to avoid it entirely. Always check the hazards involved when it comes to cleaning supplies, and prepare yourself with rubber gloves and protective clothing if necessary. 

Wondering where to buy your cleaning supplies online?

Cleaning your home is a pretty personal thing, and you might be searching for a more niche product for a particular area or appliance. Or, you might have more specific needs when it comes to sustainability or products needing to be used around children, animals, and those with sensitive skin. These are our favorite retailers to head to, to stock up on cleaning products for your home.

Real Homes review process

Cleaning products are so important when it comes to making your home sparkle, which is why we've gone to lengths to test the majority of these products out firsthand as a team at Real Homes. The products we've labeled as our favorites are the ones we have tested.

First of all, we asked our whole team what their favorite products are (and their reasons why) so that we can show you why we really think these products are worth your money. Then, we include the products that we've used to test cleaning hacks and to write our how-to cleaning guides, too. 

There are some products on this list that we haven't had a chance to test in our homes (just yet). The cleaning products that are not listed as our favorites have been chosen based on incredible customer ratings.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. Along with my team, I'm here to review all of the products you might be considering buying for your home. As someone who lives in a flat with a small amount of storage space to work with, and with two indoor pets to clean up after, I am forever searching for stylish yet functional appliances that won't blemish my decor if I can't fit them in a cupboard. I love decorating my living room for each season, while my other hobbies include drinking a decent cup of coffee, going on park walks with my dog and enjoying an Instagrammable brunch with my husband.

With contributions from

SPONSORS