Cleaning products may not be the most thrilling items to purchase, especially when budgets are tight. If you're looking to trim your cleaning expenses, or if you're considering splurging on a new vacuum or cleaning gadget, it’s essential to know which products offer the best value vs performance vs versatility ratio.
Experts have tested a variety of popular cleaning supplies and appliances to help you decide what to keep and what to skip. Here are the insights you need to optimize your cleaning purchases:
1. One Spray to Rule Them All
Many grocery store detergents contain the same active ingredients in different, usually highly diluted quantities to tackle cleaning tasks of varying difficulty whilst maintaining maximum safety, but with a strong concentrated general purpose cleaner, you can remove the middleman by simply diluting it yourself!
“Why spend on separate sprays for each room? A good multipurpose cleaner can handle it all,” advises our cleaning expert. Stop paying for water and labels, and gain the added benefit of more "oomph" when you need it.
2. The Truth About Floor Cleaners
Are you tempted by brightly packaged floor cleaners promising spotless results? Think again. Tests of popular commercial brands revealed that many perform no better than plain water. Instead, either stick with good old-fashioned mopping using hot water for a chemical-free and cost-effective regular clean, or invest in a dedicated floor cleaner which is both powerful enough for your needs, but compatible with your flooring materials to avoid damage.
3. Say Goodbye to Pricey Disappointments
Our extensive testing has found that many affordable cleaning products can outshine their expensive counterparts. You don’t need to break the bank for effective cleaning solutions. In fact, some high-priced items score just as poorly as plain water in performance tests.
For instance, certain popular surface cleaners, as well as overpriced dishwashing liquids, offer little value for the money. Check product reviews and active ingediant concentration to ensure you’re not wasting your hard-earned cash.
4. Stick Vacuums: Price vs. Performance
When it comes to stick vacuums, a low price tag often signals low performance. Our tests indicate that most affordable models under $150 struggle to deliver satisfactory results. Investing in a more reliable option (often around $600 or more) typically yields better cleaning power and longevity.
Cheaper vacuums may lack the necessary suction and quality components, making them less effective and potentially costing you more in the long run due to replacements.
5. Are Robot Vacuums Worth It?
Robot vacuums can be convenient, but they come with limitations. While many models offer advanced features, they often struggle with deep cleaning carpets and can get stuck easily. Additionally, their higher price range doesn’t guarantee superior performance.
Before investing, evaluate whether a robot vacuum suits your cleaning needs, especially if you have pets or lots of carpets.
6. The Case Against Top Loader Washing Machines
While top loader washing machines are often cheaper and quicker, they tend to use more water and detergent, and they don’t clean as effectively as front loaders. Our recent tests found no top loaders worthy of recommendation.
Front loaders, although initially pricier, offer better cleaning, gentler treatment of clothes, and improved energy efficiency over time. If you want the best cleaning results and cost savings in the long run, a front loader is the smarter choice.
