We’ve all fallen for a cleaning product that promises miracles—only to find it languishing under the sink after one disappointing use. That’s why we turned to our editors, who are as discerning about their stain removers and steam mops as they are about their sofas and sconces. From an upholstery cleaner that takes the stress out of spills to a leather conditioner that revives sticky, snack-covered furniture, these are the holy-grail products we swear by. Each one has been put to the test in real homes (think: smoothie mishaps, pet accidents, and plant dirt disasters) and emerged victorious.
The Upholstery Cleaner
I’ve had this upholstery cleaner for five years and I still find a reason to use it multiple times a month. My kid’s purple smoothie splashed onto the sofa? Turn it on. Dog tracked mud onto the rug? Rev it up. Spot of coffee on the stair runner? Plug it in. It’s so satisfying watching the stain lift away! And the cleaning solution that comes with it has a light, fresh scent that’s not overpowering. Having it handy has made me much less anxious about everyday spills, because I know I can deep clean before a stain sets in. —Kristen Flanagan, contributing editor
The Spot Cleaner
This spot cleaner is formulated by Leif for Armadillo rugs, but I’ve found it to be a lifesaver for picking up messes on any floor covering made with natural fibers. Leif is an Australian brand that makes body and home care products in scintillating scents like blue cypress, desert lime, and buddha wood. The rug cleaner, made with native ingredients like eucalyptus oil, is non-toxic, plant-based, and biodegradable. You might guess that means it’s less effective than something made from chemicals, and you would be wrong. It’s swiftly wiped up red wine, coffee, and pet accidents from our wool and jute rugs. —Samantha Weiss Hills, managing editor
The Broom & Dustpan
I can’t stand when cleaning products create a second chore when you’re using them. Example: Having to pick out the dust clumps from the bristles in your broom. That’s why I’ve never loved sweeping as much as I do with Dotti’s adjustable option. The bristles are made out of silicone, so they don’t accumulate fuzz clumps, and I love that it works on rugs as well as hard surfaces. I recently spilled plant dirt all over my living room carpet and scooping it up was a breeze—no vacuum needed. —Lydia Geisel, home editor
The Soap Scum Remover
I recently did a deep clean of my apartment, focusing closely on cleaning the soap scum off of my shower floor. I’ve seen videos of people using The Pink Stuff cleaning paste to remove stains from appliances, so I figured I’d give it a try. I was shocked at how well it worked. I found that if you let the paste sit for a few minutes, it will be easier to scrub off that stubborn dirt and soap scum. Then you just rinse it away with water! I also found the scent to be quite nice. There are no heavy bleach or chemical smells that linger. —Belle Morizio, staff photographer
The Steam Mop Solution
I religiously steam mop my entire house on Sunday mornings—chalk it up to being a Virgo, if you must. I add about a cap full of this scented demineralized water to the tank and my home fills with the heavenly aroma of eucalyptus and mint while my floors get a deep clean. Talk about a win-win. It works with any floor steamer (mine’s from Shark). —Lindsey DeSimone, senior marketing manager
The Hard Water Stain Destroyer
Since moving to the countryside and transitioning to well water, my cleaning rounds now include removing hard water stains from my bathtub, sink. and toilet. The Pumie is 100% pumice, which means it doesn’t impact my bathroom’s hard fixtures but does completely remove unsightly stains and rings, scale and rust. It’s also non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals, so it’s safe to use around my pets and kid. Pro tip: opt for the version that has a handle so there’s no need for gloves. —Andie Diemer, photography director
The Leather Saver
If you live with the lethal combo of kids and leather—whether you’ve got leather couches, chairs, car upholstery, or handbags—you need Leather Honey. The brand has been rejuvenating leather since the 1960s and has proved a formidable adversary to my toddler’s sticky hands (and the smorgasbord of snacks he spills on a daily basis). The brand’s Leather Cleaner removes grime, and its Leather Conditioner keeps furniture soft and supple. They even make the products in wipe form, which are perfect for stashing in the car. —Amelia Mularz, contributing writer
The Dishwasher Cleaner
A few years ago, I learned that I should be cleaning the interior of my dishwasher regularly, which was news to me. So, if it’s also news to you, thankfully the process is not difficult. I pop one of these dishwasher cleaning pods into the same dispenser as my preferred detergent once a month, and it ensures that my dishwasher is as clean as my kitchenware. —Kelly Dawson, contributing writer
