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Best cleaning products to get your house clean and sparkling this spring
From eco cleaners that leave both your conscience and your cooker clean to super strength sprays that can tackle any stain, this edit of the very best cleaning products will help you scrub up nicely.
By Roanna Day | Last updated Apr 5, 2023
Like it or lump it, cleaning is a necessary part of everyday life. For some, cleaning has become a mindful act, the process of restoring order in the kitchen, helping to soothe frazzled nerves. For others, it’s a mundane chore they’d rather not do. Either way, stocking up your cupboard with the best cleaning products that work well, smell great and leave your home sparkling is a worthy investment.
Whether you’re looking for washing up products in lieu of the best dishwasher or want a multi-purpose spray to make light work of cleaning everything from your fridge freezer to your placemats, Mumsnet users have plenty of recommendations.
We’ve done extensive research, scrutinising the products suggested on the Mumsnet forums, the largest online network of parents in the UK. We’ve also worked our way through countless authentic consumer reviews and expert recommendations and advice to find the best home cleaning products, from disinfectants to chemical-free options, to make your housework as stress-free as possible.
Here are the best cleaning products for your home 2023.
Best cleaning products: at a glance
1. Best overall cleaning product: Method Lavender Multi Surface Spray
Price on writing: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“My favourite is the Lavender Multi Surface Cleaner.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Dannydyerismydad)
“The Lavender Multi Surface [Spray] is great! I used it on the kitchen surfaces, tiles and the dining table. Lovely light smell and cleans brilliantly.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Rabbit123)
Our verdict
The Mumsnet forums are filled with recommendations for Method’s Lavender Multi Surface Spray.
Reviewers love that you can use this spray across multiple surfaces (it can keep everything from the best freezer to your kitchen bin lid clean), meaning you can streamline your cleaning kit. The gorgeous lavender scent is a selling point too, leaving your home with a lovely herbal fragrance after you’ve cleaned.
Method’s eco credentials appeal to many shoppers too, as the brand focuses on using plant-based ingredients. Overall, this multi-use cleaner simplifies your chores and leaves your home smelling gorgeous, what’s not to love?
2. Best value cleaning product: Spontex Microfibre Cloths
Price on writing: £6 for a pack of eight | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“Microfibre cloths and hot water are enough to clean most things.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Ragwort)
“Another vote for a microfibre cloth and water - that cleans most things perfectly well. Have a dry one handy too to polish up any glass or shiny surfaces.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user swelegantparty)
Our verdict
Microfibre cloths are an essential part of your cleaning kit. Many Mumsnet users vouch for how well they clean, without any other product used, with just a little bit of hot water.
Once your microfibre cloth has got a bit grubby you can simply wash it, dry and then reuse. No need to splurge on yet another cleaning product!
These soft, absorbent cloths are also very gentle, meaning you can use them across a multitude of surfaces, from your hob to your windows. Plus, for extra cleaning power for the latter, pair with our pick of the best glass cleaner.
3. Best refillable cleaning product: Splosh Refillable Kitchen Cleaner
Price on writing: £3, refill from £1 per bottle | Buy now from Splosh
What Mumsnet users say
“I don't mind Method but Splosh is even better. Less fragrance, refillable, and cheaper!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Mrsoutnumbered)
“Splosh do a lovely orange one. They are great if you have a septic tank. It's all environmentally-friendly and natural.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Veronicat)
Our verdict
More and more cleaning brands are offering refills. This brilliant eco initiative means less plastic waste, encouraging you to reuse spray bottles you already have. Splosh, a brand that focuses solely on refills, comes highly recommended by our Mumsnet users.
As well as being refillable, Splosh products also use natural scents that leave your house smelling wonderful. Try the orange one and you’ll soon fall for its fruity sweetness.
If you’re just getting started with refillable products then Splosh gives you the option to include a spray bottle with your order. Then, you can just order their refill pouches to pour into your empty bottle. Plus, for more products specifically for cleaning your kitchen, we’ve also carefully chosen the best oven cleaner, as recommended by Mumsnet users.
4. Best carpet and fabric cleaner: Astonish Specialist Carpet And Upholstery Spray
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
Our verdict
Getting a stain on a rug or a piece of furniture can be seriously stressful. Household fabrics are notoriously tricky to care for and even the tiniest splash of tea can make a whole sofa look grubby.
Astonish Specialist Carpet And Upholstery Spray is the cleaner you want to hand when those inevitable marks and stains do happen. This stain removing spray comes well reviewed with customers who have used it to tackle everything from pet messes to spilt drinks.
Read next: The best mini fridge for compact cooling
5. Best floor cleaning product: Method Floor Cleaner Almond
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“I love Method! All time faves are almond floor cleaner and polish.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user BBTHREE76)
“The almond floor cleaner is heaven.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user itsMEhooray)
Our verdict
Eco cleaning brand Method has another award for the best cleaning product thanks to the rave reviews on Mumsnet for their almond-scented floor cleaner.
This wooden floor cleaner is loved for two standout reasons: firstly, its impressive cleaning results and secondly, its incredible smell. With some devotees describing the scent as being like frangipane, we can see how this cleaner would make getting the mop out a touch more tempting.
6. Best antibacterial cleaning product: Zolfora Concentrated Disinfectant Cucumber and Mint
Price on writing: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“Zoflora diluted in spray bottles or in a bucket of water, my nan taught me this 30-odd years ago. Cleans most things.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BookHermitBlack)
Our verdict
Zoflora has been the secret weapon in our cleaning cupboards for decades now. This antibacterial cleaner comes in a range of scents and can be diluted and used as a multi-surface spray.
While Zoflora will tackle all those nasty germs, it is a disinfectant rather than a soap, so caution is needed when you use it - it also can't be used on polished wood surfaces.
7. Best eco cleaning product: Kinn Eco Friendly Multi Surface Cleaner Refill
Price on writing: £4 (bottles available too) | Buy now from Kinn
What Mumsnet users say
“Just discovered Kinn lavender cleaning spray - smells SO good. And it’s eco-friendly.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Iwanttobeascoolasblueysdad)
Our verdict
Kinn, with its range of natural, scented cleaning products has built a cult following. Its sprays, including its multi-surface cleaner, smell more like a spa treatment than a cleaning product.
As a company, Kinn goes the extra mile to ensure their products are sustainably made. They sell all of their products as refills, use natural, plant-based ingredients and fill their cleaners with essential oils.
We love the natural scent of the Kinn range, there’s no overwhelming ‘clean’ smell, just lovely relaxing smells that fill your home.
8. Best cleaning product for tackling grease: Elbow Grease All Purpose Degreaser
Price on writing: £1 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“I like Elbow Grease. Can also be used to get grease marks off clothes.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user strugglingmumma)
Our verdict
Elbow Grease is a classic go-to cleaning product. Its renowned formula is made to cut through grease and stubborn marks. Use it after cooking something fatty to wipe down your hob, or dab some onto your clothes if you spill something oily.
This affordable and effective cleaner gets the seal of approval from the parents on our forums too. For more Mumsnet user-recommended grease-tackling power, we’ve also rounded up the best dishwasher tablets.
9. Best cleaning product for scrubbing: The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste
Price on writing: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“Pink Stuff is also handy. It's a gritty paste so use with caution at first to check it doesn't mark when you're cleaning. Terrific on things like grubby outdoor furniture.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user kirkandpetal)
Our verdict
If you haven’t already heard the rave reviews about The Pink Stuff yet, prepare to be impressed! This scrubby cleaning paste is consistently praised across our forums and verified consumer reviews.
The colourful paste is gently abrasive and loved for its ability to shift stubborn marks and stains across multiple surfaces. Its bold pink design means you won’t lose it in a crowded cleaning cupboard either.
10. Best fragrance-free cleaning spray: M&S Sensitive Multi Surface Cleaner
Price on writing: £2 | Buy now from Ocado
Our verdict
High street hero Marks & Spencer have recently launched an extensive own-brand cleaning range and the positive reviews are already flying in.
While lots of customer and press reviews are praising the amazing smells of this plant-based range, their sensitive cleaner is also a top performer and can be used on multiple surfaces, ideal for when you’re cleaning kitchen countertops and want to switch to sprucing up your American fridge freezer without changing product.
This gentle formula is also fragrance-free, perfect for those of us with sensitive skin.
11. Best imported cleaning product: Asevi General Purpose Cleaner
Price on writing: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“Omg, I am obsessed with the Three Witches Bano Spray and the Asevi Abriliantor detergent.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user lisaparker)
“Asevi - it's a Spanish brand. The cian floor cleaner is the very best smell.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Madamechloetsdirtysecret)
Our verdict
You might not spot Asevi on the supermarket shelves, but it’s worth ordering a bottle of this Spanish cleaner online.
The general purpose cleaner has a legion of dedicated fans, with reviews praising the scent and effectiveness of the formula. Just be aware you will need to look up the instructions online to translate if you’re not a Spanish speaker.
12. Best washing up liquid: Fairy Platinum Washing Up Liquid
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“Fairy Platinum all the way, no other will do.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user confuseddotty)
“Fairy Platinum is amazing, tried it when it was on offer and won't switch now. It is so much better.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user watercolourfootballs)
Our verdict
The reviews are unanimous when it comes to washing up liquid: Fairy Platinum is the one to beat. This premium bottle from the household brand has become a go-to thanks to its powerful stain-removing bubbles.
It costs a little more than other Fairy options, and significantly more than its own-brand competitors, but if it makes the dishes less of a chore, then it’s worth it in our books. Just pair with the best dish rack and tea towels to make drying up after significantly easier.
13. Best furniture polish with a lasting scent: Method Wood Polish
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“Method furniture wood polish if you haven’t used that. Smells like frangipane and lasts a few days.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Bien22)
Our verdict
When scouring reviews for the best furniture polish out there, we ended up with yet another Method product; it's certainly the go-to cleaning brand for many busy parents.
This wood polish gets consistently high ratings, and Mumsnet users and reviewers alike love the scent and how well the polish restores wood to looking dust-free and glossy clean.
14. Best cleaning spray for mould: HG Mould Remover Spray
Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“HG Mould Remover, 100%.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SAHX)
“I used HG Mould Remover yesterday on the ceiling of my bay window. Did a fab job.” (Loved by Mumsnet user lesoliviers)
Our verdict
Lots of cleaning brands offer a specific mould remover, but none get such high praise as the HG Mould Remover Spray.
This powerful stuff only needs to be left on patches of black mould for a couple of minutes before being wiped off. It cuts straight through the mould and makes removing it simple and stress-free.
Read next: Short on space? Discover our pick of the best slimline dishwashers that don’t compromise on cleaning power
15. Best window cleaning product: Origo White Vinegar for Cleaning
Price on writing: £8 (bulk pack) | Buy now from Amazon
What Mumsnet users say
“You can't beat white vinegar on windows, especially when used with scrunched up newspaper. It gets the windows lovely and shiny and the newspaper doesn't leave bits of fluff like dusters do.” (Tip from Mumsnet user Itoldyouiwasfreaky)
Our verdict
£8 might sound like a lot for some vinegar, but that’s for an enormous five-litre tub. Ordering vinegar in bulk is the top tip across our forums for effective, affordable cleaning of your whole home.
Not only is a simple combination of vinegar and newspaper the best way to clean your windows, you can also dilute vinegar with water to make a great multi-surface spray that you can use on everything from the outside of your chest freezer to your countertops.
16. Best cleaning product for limescale: Viakal Original Limescale Remover Spray
Price on writing: £4 | Buy now from Wilko
Our verdict
Viakal’s specialist Limescale Remover Spray comes with an impressive amount of five-star reviews.
The spray is designed to tackle stubborn limescale build-up, and to leave a barrier to prevent watermarks and limescale in the future.
Customers love how easy this affordable product makes restoring shine in their bathrooms.
17. Best sponge: Scrub Daddy Original Sponge Twin Pack
Price on writing: £7 (pack of two) | Buy now from Amazon
Our verdict
These cheerful sponges may look fun, but a gimmick they are not - they're excellent at dealing with stubborn food marks on dishes.
A clever design means this sponge stays stiff and perfect for scrubbing in cold water, but turns soft and pliable in warm. Its ergonomic shape helps you to reach all the tough spots in glassware too, and don’t worry about scratches as this washing up sponge is gentle enough to be used across all of your crockery.
Things to consider when buying cleaning supplies online
Firstly, assess what cleaning products you already have and what gaps there are. For example, do you have a brilliant limescale remover to hand? Or a powerful upholstery cleaner?
Secondly, think about the surfaces in your home. You might need a specialist marble or granite cleaner for your kitchen, or perhaps a quality wood floor cleaner.
You can also choose between brands that prioritise intense cleaning power, handy for those really stubborn messes, or brands that ensure they are as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.
Make sure you check out the online reviews and star ratings on any product before you buy it, you might come across a handy cleaning tip in the process!
Also, always read the instructions before use, and don't mix cleaning products together unless you know it is safe to do so. It can be very dangerous to mix certain chemicals together, so always err on the side of caution.
Which cleaning supplies do I need for my kitchen?
It’s handy to have a multi-surface spray ready in your kitchen, whether you buy one or make your own with vinegar. Having it ready to go means you can quickly wipe down every surface, from high chairs to hobs.
You might also want to have an antibacterial cleaner to hand. For deep cleans, or after cooking with certain ingredients like raw meat, it’s a good precaution to clean down sides thoroughly. You may also want an oven cleaner for more occasional use too.
Don’t forget something to make cleaning those floors super easy too. Kitchens are often the most used room in the house so an efficient floor cleaner (even better if it leaves a glorious scent for you to enjoy) is a staple.
Read next: The best vacuum sealer for keeping food fresher for longer
Which cleaning supplies do I need for my bathroom?
When it comes to the bathroom, it’s helpful to know what sort of water you have in your area. If you have hard water, water marks and limescale are going to be more of a problem than in soft water areas, so having a specialist limescale remover and glass cleaner will be essential.
Otherwise, a good multi-purpose spray should be enough to deal with even the busiest bathrooms. But having an antibacterial cleaner or a product with bleach in is a good idea for doing a deeper clean every couple of days.
What is the most effective household cleaner?
There are few more indispensable cleaning products than a multi-purpose spray. Opt for the highly recommended Method Lavender Multi Surface Spray and you can use it across your kitchen and bathroom.
Specialist cleaners are brilliant for specific jobs, but day-to-day, a good multi-purpose spray is essential.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real parents
The first place we look for our quality recommendations is the Mumsnet forums. These are full of tried-and-tested products, reviewed by real parents.
Online reviews
We scour countless authentic online reviews for every article to make sure our product recommendations have been considered in-depth. This extensive research means we take into account the bestseller lists, star ratings and customer feedback to make sure every product we recommend has been carefully weighed up.
Expert insight
We always research the products industry experts suggest and use, ensuring our suggestions are vetted across the board.
Why you should trust us
Here at Mumsnet, we’ve spent years recommending the very best products out there. Our considered reviews are always based on trusted insights from our forums, consumer opinions, and our expert team.
Just like any parent, author Roanna Day deals with a lot of household mess. She also runs a small farm, so you can add in the mess and chaos of keeping animals on top of the usual toddler grubbiness. Cleaning products that work well, work quickly and leave her home smelling lovely have become an essential.