A clean home doesn’t always start with more cleaning products. Often, the right combination of cleaning products for your home makes all the difference. A hand brush for crumbs, a good spray mop for the floor and a suitable vacuum cleaner can make everyday tasks much easier.
Be wary of marketing claims. High suction power, a large number of accessories or an eye-catching material don’t automatically mean a product is right for your home. Before you order, pay particular attention to the construction, maintenance requirements and usage restrictions.
With a robot vacuum or cordless stick vacuum, a figure such as 8,000 Pa or 60,000 Pa can quickly catch your eye. However, that doesn’t tell you everything about its cleaning performance. Also check:
A device with a high stated suction power may be less practical if its dust container is small or the battery doesn’t last long enough.
A scouring sponge or metal scourer can remove stubborn dirt, but it can also cause scratches. For example, the product information for g'woon Scrub Sponges says they’re not suitable for scratch-prone surfaces or non-stick coatings. For a hob, painted cupboard or delicate plastic, use the soft side of a sponge or a microfibre cloth instead.
A mop pad left damp in storage can start to smell unpleasant. A vacuum cleaner with a clogged filter may lose airflow. A washing-up brush also needs to be rinsed after use and left to dry. Always check how parts should be cleaned, washed or replaced.
Microfibre cloths are practical for everyday wiping. They’re soft, reusable and suitable for dust, dirt and light stains. The Cleany Micro Cloth set contains 10 cloths measuring 30 x 30 cm in different colours. Use a different colour for each room to keep cloths for the kitchen, bathroom and furniture separate.
Scouring sponges or a stainless steel scourer are useful for pans and stubborn residue. The Cleany Stainless Steel Scourer set contains three scourers and, according to the product information, has a grit rating of 120. Only use this type on surfaces that can withstand abrasive cleaning.
A spray mop with a swivel head can be handy for laminate, PVC, linoleum and tiles. Check the tank capacity and handle length. The 5Five Spray Mop has a 300 ml reservoir, a handle of approximately 120 cm and a rotating head. A smaller tank is lightweight and quick to refill; a larger one means fewer interruptions while you clean.
For crumbs in the kitchen or sand by the front door, a dustpan and brush is often quicker than a vacuum cleaner. Look for a rubber edge on the dustpan to help collect dirt, and a brush that can reach into corners.
Always use a vacuum cleaner according to the instructions. The ochama 2-in-1 stick vacuum has a 4.5-metre cord, a 0.5-litre dust container and a washable filter. According to the product information, this model isn’t intended for wet surfaces or liquids. Unplug it before cleaning the filter or changing accessories.
For cordless models, battery life, charging temperature and whether the battery can be replaced are important. A robot vacuum with app control will also only work well if your home allows it to navigate freely and the model can connect to your available Wi-Fi network.
Why it suits this profile: For quick, small clean-ups, a compact dustpan and brush set is often all you need. This model is designed for crumbs, dry dirt and food spills in places such as the kitchen, living room and bedroom.
You don’t need to use an electrical appliance for a quick tidy-up. The rubber edge helps collect dirt; store the set somewhere dry and check the edge regularly.
Made from polypropylene, requires no installation and has a dustpan measuring approximately 30 x 23.3 cm.
Why it suits this profile: Households looking to schedule daily floor cleaning can make use of the app control, no-go zones and voice control features.
As well as its stated suction power of 8,000 Pa, the product information lists its navigation system, 2-litre dust container and automatic 10 mm mop lift. Check that 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is available before you buy.
Up to 180 minutes of stated run time, LiDAR navigation and a bagless station, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: For keyboards, computers, car interiors and narrow gaps, a compressed-air duster can be more practical than a cloth or vacuum attachment.
The device is rechargeable and has three speed settings. Blow dust away from electronics without using moisture, and take care not to push dirt further into openings.
20 W charging power, a stated speed of 110,000 rpm and up to four hours of battery life, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This type of stick vacuum is designed for homes where pet hair, dust and dirt regularly build up on hard floors and carpets.
There’s more to consider than the stated 60,000 Pa. This model also has an anti-tangle brush, a removable battery and accessories for furniture, crevices and car interiors.
Up to 65 minutes of run time, 7-stage filtration and an illuminated vacuum head, according to the product description.
As well as a vacuum cleaner or robot vacuum, small cleaning tools can come in useful:
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Start with a dustpan and brush, microfibre cloths, a washing-up brush, a few suitable sponges and a floor cleaner. Add a vacuum cleaner or spray mop depending on your flooring and the size of your home. Pet owners can often benefit from a brush that’s less likely to trap hair.
Lifespan depends on the material, how often you use the product and how well you maintain it. Cloths and sponges wear out more quickly with frequent, intensive use. Washable microfibre cloths can be reused according to the care instructions on the label. Replace a scourer, brush or mop when it becomes misshapen, holds on to dirt or no longer cleans surfaces evenly.
With a cordless vacuum cleaner, your main costs are electricity and possibly a replacement battery or filter. A robot vacuum may also need its brushes and filters maintained. A corded model doesn’t need charging, but uses electricity each time you use it. So compare not only the purchase price, but also the cost of parts and maintenance, and how you’ll actually use the appliance.