The Best Cleaning Tools

Buying Guide

The best cleaning tools make cleaning less of a chore. After all, who wants to spend hours scrubbing away at stubborn dirt? Today’s designs are made to make the work easier on your body while saving time — and are less expensive than you might think.

Look for products that work on more than one surface and can be used indoors and out. You can find attachments that fit onto drills, allowing you to press the “on” button to scrub away at stubborn stains on your outdoor grill, bathroom sink and other surfaces.

These drill scrubbers are sold in sets and have different attachments for each type of chore. Be sure to use the correct one! Some are more abrasive than others, and you don’t want to scratch anything. Some even include a drill, so you don’t have to worry about how the attachments fit. Most of these are affordably priced, too.

Smaller multi-purpose tools that are not powered by electricity are great for cleaning nooks and crannies, like shower door tracks, blenders and coffee filters. Look for dual-duty ones with one end to brush and one end for scraping; some may even have three ends. They might also have holes or hooks for hanging; otherwise, dedicate a drawer for them so they won’t get lost.

Window squeegees are another important cleaning tool to have, and some come with different heads that you can switch out. Some of the heads are made from rubber, while others are made from dense foam. If you have high windows, get a squeegee with a long extension pole. Take the proper safety precautions if you plan to use it while standing on a ladder.

• When cleaning computer keyboards, do not use soap or water; use products specifically made for this purpose.
• Squeegee heads have to be replaced from time to time. Read the product description when you purchase the squeegee. You might want to order extra heads at the same time.
• You can also use squeegees to clean car windows, floors and countertops.
• Scrubber drill attachments are perfect for detailing cars.
• The first thing to do when cleaning a room is to remove the clutter, so keep a tray or bucket in hand so you won’t have to keep making trips back and forth.
• Clean things like soap dishes, toys and dusty fixtures in your dishwasher.
• Use dryer sheets to dust shelves.
• Clean your shower while you are in it! Use a mild cleaning agent with vinegar and a brush for nooks and crannies.