HGTV Editors' Clean Home Awards 2026

"I love it when a product promising to have clean, sustainable ingredients also works well! This dish soap, in an elegant clear bottle, cleaned a messy stainless pan in just minutes and worked great even on foods like dried-on egg. Best of all, it has a bright citrus smell that felt energizing while I was washing dishes." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"These tabs really got even baked-on food cleaned off, and nearly everything was nice and clean. It's a potential sign that you may want to use exactly what the manufacturer suggests (or in this case, the cleaning product the manufacturer created)." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester and owner of a Miele dishwasher

"I love that someone hates cleaning dried-on dough from mixing bowls as much as I do — and actually did something about it! As someone who makes a LOT of pizzas with homemade dough, this product makes cleanup a whole lot easier. Dough even washes easily away from dishes left sitting overnight." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"After trying this out on my grodiest coffee mug, I ransacked my cabinet looking for other mugs and bottles to wash! It's satisfying to watch the tablet fizz away the dirt, and any remaining gunk is easy to wipe away with a sponge." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"This might be the best-smelling dish soap I've ever used! It has a sophisticated, woodsy aroma like a fancy candle. Fortunately, it works just as well as it smells ... food residue washes away efficiently with no trace of greasiness or filminess." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"The first thing that stands out about the product is its design. Many vacuums are designed to look like vacuums, whereas this is clearly styled to exist among kitchen gadgets and appliances. The battery, while it does take a few hours to charge, uses a basic USB-C cable and doesn't require the entire vacuum to be present like those without removable batteries. When placed on its side, it's able to fit into a standard kitchen drawer; however, for sanitary reasons, I wouldn't [recommend keeping] a vacuum with cooking or eating utensils." - Ian Claro, product tester

"With a swipe of a damp cloth, this prep paper stays in place, making it easy to keep countertops clean when you're dealing with messy, sticky tasks like baking and frosting. It's strong enough to stand up to large-scale spills, rolling, cookie cutters and even a knife without leaking through." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"I was initially skeptical of a powdered dish soap but I found myself loving the extra cleaning boost I got from the initial grittiness of the powder before it turned into suds. A little goes a long way with this powdered dish soap, which dispenses from a cute rubbery shaker." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"This is the perfect storage item for a large pantry or home with plenty of counter space. It's great for knickknacks or snacks, and the ways it turns really does feel like magic." - Keri Sanders, product tester

"This dish cloth is just abrasive enough to scour stuck-on gunk from my dirtiest pans. I particularly liked that it rinsed clean even of sticky stuff like dough or peanut butter." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"These are so handy! I could hardly decide where to use them, because they are ideal for so many things. Whether it's storing bathroom essentials or keeping the pantry organized, these stackable bins make it easy to stay organized." - Keri Sanders, product tester

"This was the only dishwashing detergent that managed to get all of my silverware clean — a massive feat! Since it's scoopable, you can add a little extra for a very dirty load." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"This kitchen spray has a super-sustainable story, with ingredients verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). I was really pleased with how well it worked to wipe away greasy splatters from the front of my microwave and to loosen dried residue from my counters. It cleaned every surface I tackled with a streak-free, film-free shine." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"The Everything Organizer Drawer Organizers prove the power and efficiency of organization by freeing up space as a form of addition by subtraction. While the multi-piece design creates the illusion of customization (there's only one "proper" way to orient the sections, but if you want to divide them between multiple drawers or omit some altogether no one is stopping you), the true advantage of the format is the ability to remove the various compartments one at a time, which comes in handy most when cleaning the drawer or dividers themselves. Each unit is made of durable plastic with rubber feet to prevent them from flying around the drawer every time it's opened, or when a utensil is pulled out with a real sense of urgency (we've all forgotten to have the slotted spoon ready when making fried chicken). Silverware dividers are a staple for any kitchen, but the ease of access provided by this product shows the blatant advantages of kitchen utensil dividers that you never knew you needed." - Ian Claro, product tester

"With just a few swipes, this cleaner removes sticky messes like jam and chocolate sauce and drippy oil and water spots from stainless steel fridges and dishwashers. Not only does it get rid of smudges and greasy fingerprints, it leaves appliances with a smooth, shiny finish and even masks small scratches. I really appreciate the nice wide spray that covers a lot of ground with a single spritz." - Sharon Franke, product tester

"This is one of those items you don't know you need until you have it, but I'm so glad I do! It fits perfectly under my small sink and houses two items I regularly use and buy in bulk." - Keri Sanders, product tester

"My new favorite dish sponge! This sponge is the best of both worlds: a spongy side for wiping up counters or cleaning the insides of glasses and a more abrasive loofah side for scrubbing away stuck-on food. This sponge is stiff when it's dry but quickly becomes soft and flexible enough to work its way into crevices." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"It does really well underneath tables and around chairs, easily maneuvering around the legs. Emptying the dirty water reservoir is super easy — it just lifts out. The robot self-empties into the base after mopping. It runs for quite a while on a single charge, easily cleaning the entire first floor of my home. When the battery is low, it goes back to the dock automatically to charge." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"This is a very reasonably priced unit, considering it vacuums dry and wet messes, mops and separates dry from liquid particles. It's well-made and easy to use." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"This hardwood cleaner effortlessly cleans general grime and sticky residues. The light pine scent is nice, too." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"The navigation and overall functionality of this robot vac are premium. It works quickly and efficiently, effortlessly avoiding obstacles and detecting mess types in its path and cleaning accordingly." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"This is a reliable product that gets the job done. It's great to have on hand for cleaning hard floors. The built-in spray function is really convenient. My kids love using it, too." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"This is a very efficient vacuum, and I’d happily use it in a home with four kids and pets, but it’s very noisy." - Brigitt Earley, product tester

"This robot vac stops before bumping into obstacles and reroutes accordingly. It also seems to know what obstacles are temporary (like people, a cardboard box or shoes that aren't put away) and goes back to clean those areas later. I also like that it empties dry debris into a sealed bag so you don't re-expose your indoor air to allergens." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"This hard-flooring cleaner is great for cleaning smaller messes (that don't call for mopping) on laminate floors. A few sprays and a wipe-down with a microfiber cloth do wonders. It's unscented — good for sensitive noses." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"This upright cordless cleaner does excellent work sucking up both wet and dry messes. It had no problem picking up the spilled cereal in a single pass. Then it mopped the area clean." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"The light is so good for seeing what you've been missing on your floors and carpets — prepare to be grossed out! The vacuum is powerful and does an excellent job of getting up everything from Cheerios to crumbs, and it especially excels with pet hair." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"This hard-floor cleaner is great for cleaning tile floors. I sprayed it onto a spot in the bathroom that had dried drops of lotion, and wiping up the mess was a breeze. The mild lemon scent is nice, too." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"I love how whisper-quiet and fast this robot is — it whips effortlessly around my home, only making a soft whirring sound. I also appreciate that it empties into a sealed bag on the dock so you avoid exposing your indoor air to the contents when you toss it out." - Theresa Holland, product tester

"If you're looking for a shower and tile cleaner that's effective and doesn't require a scrub brush, you'll like this CLR spray. I applied it to our 'less used' shower that's never on my priority cleaning list, and it did quick work of cutting through soap scum and buildup and was easy to rinse clean." - Diana Kelly Levey, product tester

"This is a great, cost-effective, space-saving, plant-forward bathroom cleaner that is good for everyday cleaning. [It] did some good work on soap scum." - Diana Kelly Levey, product tester

"You get 32 sheets for less than $8, so I think these are a great value. They're easy to use, and you don't have to wait long for them to dissolve before you can start scrubbing and then flush. It left the room smelling nice. I could see these being a great option for a quick cleaning of the bowl when you need a scent to neutralize bathroom smells." - Diana Kelly Levey, product tester

"I'm a fan of Attitude cleaners, and this one did a great job in the bathroom. I like having the option of one bottle that cleans the tub, tile, toilet, vanity and sink well, and this one delivers on that, with a refreshing citrus scent." - Diana Kelly Levey, product tester

"I don't know which I like better: the elegant frosted glass bottle or the wonderfully woodsy scent of this hand lotion. Both give this product such an upscale vibe, and using it feels so luxurious and indulgent." - Jessica Harlan, product tester

"This product stayed put on my shower curtain and blended into a light blue shower curtain, having it tucked on the bathtub side. It was easy to use and worked around edges like where the shower walls and tub meet. Highly recommend for reducing buildup that could lead to soap scum." - Diana Kelly Levey, product tester

"This stain remover was great at taking care of lingering shower and bathtub stains, especially around the tub-tile line. It was easy to use, didn't have an overpowering scent, and I like that the directions say it could work on fabric and carpet stains, too." - Diana Kelly Levey, product tester

"I was quite impressed with how this ground-mount hose reel stayed firmly in place during use, even though it was just "installed" directly into the grass. The way the unit pivots on the base makes it easy to reach every corner of your yard without having to lug around a portable reel." - Amy Marturana Winderl, product tester

"This bin is useful in pretty much any cabinet, shelving unit or closet that could use a little more organization. I loved using it to corral my cleaning products, garbage bags and other odds and ends in the always-messy cabinet under the kitchen sink, and it was equally as helpful organizing my daughter's craft supplies — again, another category that's in constant disarray in our home." - Amy Marturana Winderl, product tester

"I want to organize everything with these straps. They're so simple but so helpful, and even the small one fits a surprising amount of power cord or hose." - Amy Marturana Winderl, product tester

"These hooks are really versatile and so easy to throw on the wall if you realize you need an extra spot to hang something here or there. My husband's hats never seem to have a home, so this helped me quickly solve the problem of finding them adorning my furniture!" - Amy Marturana Winderl, product tester

"If you like to keep a tidy garage — especially one where you do projects or have a dedicated workbench — this vacuum does a solid job handling most small to medium messes while also staying reasonably organized between uses. Where it really stands out, though, is car cleaning; the included attachments make it much easier to reach between and under seats, as well as into the trunk. It’s not a replacement for a traditional high-powered utility vacuum, but at this price point, it’s a strong value for routine dry cleanup tasks." - Sal Vaglica, product tester

"Hoses are surprisingly cumbersome to carry. This strap made it super simple to wrap multiple up and get them stored so that they won't be a tangled mess next time I try to get them out. I love that it's also easy and comfortable to carry, which made it more convenient to tote from my basement out to my garden." - Amy Marturana Winderl, product tester

"The weight-to-power ratio is outstanding, and the compact size makes it easy to take anywhere. I’ve used it in the kitchen to dry plastic items, outside at the grill to get coals going and in the car to blow dust out of vents, fans and even my keyboard. Once you have it on hand, it effectively replaces any situation where you’d normally reach for a duster or try to blow debris away yourself. The main caveat is noise — on high, especially for extended use, it’s loud enough that hearing protection is worth considering." - Sal Vaglica, product tester

"I was impressed with the flow rate of this hose reel, which beat out other brands despite being smaller in diameter. I'm also a big fan of the added quick-connect fittings — they make it easier and more efficient to get jobs done." - Amy Marturana Winderl, product tester

"I liked everything about this cleaner. The scent is very mild and pleasant. It performed extremely well on all the surfaces — wood, tile, and my bathroom counter. It left the surfaces gleaming without leaving a sticky residue. It even cleaned in the rough grout lines of bathroom tiles, unlike many products I've used." - Christine Colby, product tester

"For light to moderate messes in the bathroom and kitchen, this is a great product to have around. It banishes soap scum on tiles, scuffs on porcelain finishes and stuck-on gunk on cookware with minimal scrubbing. I love how easy is to apply the paste exactly where you need it, which came in handy when I cleaned the white trim on black shoes. However, don't expect The Pink Stuff to work miracles. It can't clean a heavily stained oven or moldy grout." - Sharon Franke, product tester

"The squeezable form of The Pink Stuff is just as effective as the paste version at removing stains throughout the house but is easier to apply and rinse off." - Sharon Franke, product tester

"I prefer the lemon-scented Fabuloso to their purple lavender product, which I've used before. The fragrance is bright, sweet and clean. [This spray] cleaned dried egg and other breakfast messes from my stovetop with no effort at all and left my kitchen counters spotless and shiny. I highly recommend this for keeping hard, shiny surfaces clean, although I'd feel better about using it if it had some environmental and sustainabilty certifications." - Christine Colby, product tester

"These wipes smell ... luxurious? Even the refillable container leans high-end. I've loved using one of these at the end of the day to wipe down my counters. Even though the smell is light and fresh, it still lingers enough to make the whole room feel instantly clean." - Keri Sanders, product tester

"I like the Bona cleaner because the smell is very pleasant and soothing and not strong or like a bleachy cleaner. I put it through its paces on tile, stone counters and a mirror, and it worked very well on each. I also like that the liquid is clear and not a bright blue or something artificial." - Christine Colby, product tester

"Nothing beats this classic cleaner for getting stainless steel cookware clean and shiny. When I ignore baked-on stains, it takes a little scrubbing and sometimes multiple applications, but I'm rewarded with pans that look brand new. And I love the fact that it also quickly removes any marks left on my porcelain sink. In the bathroom, I use it for hard water stains in the tub and soap scum on my shower door. While I'm not fond of the powder formulation, it's worth putting up with for the great results." - Sharon Franke, product tester

"The eco-friendly system will save many paper towels from being used and probably a whole bottle of window cleaner, if they really last for 300 uses. I like that they don't have any scent and no visible soap when wetted, yet seem to clean as well as the typical cleaners I've used. It will save cabinet space to just stock these cloths and not need a bottle of window cleaner as well. They performed better than I expected, but the fact that it's a two-step system did make it take a little more time." - Christine Colby, product tester

"I find the Steve's Cleaners packaging and design very appealing, and the fresh lemon-scented product worked very well. The fragrance is very pleasant and refreshing compared to most cleaning products I've used. You can't go wrong with a dog on the label!" - Christine Colby, product tester

"If you're a thrifter or tend to hold onto leather items for a long time, you need this kit in your arsenal because it renews the look of vintage and thrifted finds. The leather kit transformed one of my luxury vintage finds from a dingy burnt orange to a vibrant pumpkin. It grabbed all the mess from the tiny crevices without leaving a residue and restored it to nearly new." - Belle DuChene, product tester

"The CleanCult cleaner did an amazing job on almost every surface I tasked it with. I'm most impressed with how it worked on the kitchen counter and the wood floor, although I wish it didn't leave a sticky residue feeling on the wood floor. I love the aluminum bottle as opposed to plastic and also that the label design is cute enough that I wouldn't mind keeping it around and refilling it. I will be purchasing a refill (in the Lemon Verbena, as I love the fragrance!) liquid in the paper containers to continue to use it." - Christine Colby, product tester

"Coway is often on best-of lists for top air purifiers, and it's easy to see why — it can cover large spaces, is sensitive to changes in air quality and quickly handles air pollution. It's sleek-looking and attractive and doesn't try to get fancy — it just cleans the air effectively." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"If you have pets — especially cats — this air purifier is worth a look. On its Pet Purify mode, it's heavily focused on pet hair, cleaning up hair and dander from the air and the ground, masking odors, addressing particulate matter in the air and tracking what's happening with your air quality inside and outside the home." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"For a small space, the Dyson Hushjet offers a super quiet purifier, even on the loudest setting. It offers a long-lasting filter that lasts for years, making it a cheaper investment over the long run. It did well at picking up on cooking odor and gases but didn't remove fragrance from a candle as quickly as others." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"This air purifier is meant to cover the biggest spaces and blend in with your home — at least, if you have a modern style sensibility — as it can double as a table. It's pretty quiet, even on the highest settings, and quickly dispatches with odors, smoke and pollen." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"This high-end air purifier can manage larger spaces and clear away viruses and bacteria in addition to dander, mold spores and other contaminants. It's easy to set up, and it quickly detects and removes odors and smoke." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"If you're looking for a small-space air purifier, this is an all-in-one that provides an alarm clock, nightlight/light alarm, plus a charging port in addition to basic air purification. It offers basic air purification — no sensors — but with a lot of other bells and whistles." - Lisa Milbrand, product tester

"Wishing Well's laundry detergent is convenient to use and smells fantastic. I appreciate the pump dispenser so that I don't have to get anything sticky on my hands, and I also don't have a sticky measuring cap to deal with, either. I think the scent is complex in the best way, and I really think it's a unique, appealing fragrance for a scented laundry detergent. It doesn't have any third-party certifications, but the company says it is vegan and cruelty-free." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"I like the canister with the tablets inside. There is no mess, and it's easy to dispense the detergent into my washing machine. You use one tablet for normal loads and two for especially dirty or large loads." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"Those wrinkles had no chance — this iron is a beast and so easy to use (it looks great, too!) The cordless, lightweight design made the task feel effortless and fun. The precision tip gets into every nook and cranny, so you end up with a shirt that looks like it was ironed by a professional. It heats up in less than 30 seconds, has a safety feature to keep it locked into place on the base and the bright green light tells you exactly when it's ready." - Belle DuChene, product tester

"While the scent is one of my favorite things about this detergent, the cleaning power is just as impressive. It was one of the top-performers in lightening tough stains like mustard and make-up. Finally, I like the single-dose pod format." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"Of all the products I tested, this is my favorite and something I plan to repurchase and recommend to everyone I know. It made my modest space smell so luxurious, and the scent lingers in the best way. It's understated but smells straight up expensive. I'm usually really sensitive to scents (headaches), but as long as I don't go overboard, this one hasn't bothered me." - Keri Sanders, product tester

"The ceramic soleplate glides like butter over fabrics, and the sharp pointed nose gets in all the tight spaces, like between buttons or around collars. It's easy to grip and maneuver, and it practically walks itself across the fabric, making the task feel effortless." - Belle DuChene, product tester

"These packets of detergent can be tossed right into the washer drum without measuring or pouring. They're fragrance-free so they'd be especially good for those with scent sensitivites but they also did a great job at leaving the laundry items smelling clean and odor-free." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"Despite a faint chemical scent from the box, there's no scent on towels or clothes after washing. For stain lifting, it's the best I've tested — removing 95% of coffee, 90% of grass and 100% of odor with no residual smell. It's the best stain fighter I've tried, with the best results, without treating the stains first." - Belle DuChene, product tester

"This has a really clean, almost citrus-like fragrance that freshens clothing without that overpowering laundry smell. I’d be especially inclined to use it for sweaty athletic clothes, sports uniforms and towels." - Brigitt Earley, product tester

"I appreciate how much less wrinkled my cotton sheets are when using this product. I was also impressed that I didn't find any stowaway socks or other items tucked into the corner of the fitted sheet." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"This steamer packs a punch and I was able to steam a silk blouse faster than I have ever been able to with other steamers. The two-sided attachment is a game changer for pet owners, with one side for lint removal and the other microfiber for tackling pet removal and steaming at once. The trade-off is the weight, which turns steaming into an arm workout." - Belle DuChene, product tester

"This laundry detergent is very effective at even tough stains. It has a strong scent, but it also obliterates odors. The large jug is easy to dispense using the push-button valve, and it's a good value. I think it would be especially good for families or anyone who washes heavily soiled, stinky loads of laundry." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"This fabric softener knocked out the mildewy smell from my towels that vinegar and bleach couldn't touch. My towels feel genuinely clean and soft to the touch--even with hard water — without any residual film or buildup. Best of all, it's not masking any odor with fragrance — it's actually eradicating it. After three days, the mildew smell is still gone." - Belle DuChene, product tester

"This laundry cart is attractive, sturdy and easy to use. I especially like it for wheeling dirty clothes to the laundry room. The wire sides also allow for airflow but aren't spaced so far apart that socks or other small items easily slip through." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it excellent for steaming and ironing while on the go. You won't get professional results, but it will take the wrinkles out of your linen clothes while on vacation so well that it exceeds expectations. The collapsible design packs down to take up less space in your suitcase. It's great for travelers who don't need professional results, just a quick refresh. Plus, its dual voltage and will work on international trips!" - Belle DuChene, product tester

"This fragrance-free laundry detergent proved to be tough on stains. The dispenser bottle makes it easy to pump detergent into the washer without any mess. There's no fragrance, and it has a slew of certifications related to being plant-based and sustainable. It's also vegan and cruelty-free." - Erica Puisis, product tester

"While it wasn’t perfect, I was genuinely impressed by how well it removed a juice stain — something every other stain remover I tested really struggled with." - Brigitt Earley, product tester

"It doesn’t smell like a laundry additive so much as a really good, subtle perfume — the kind where people think you smell amazing, not your clothes. The scent is faint but noticeable, especially once the dryer heats up, and even my kids’ sports uniforms came out smelling fresh without that overpowering synthetic fragrance." - Brigitt Earley, product tester

"The dryer balls are light blue, which I didn't think had any functional benefit, but then I realized that the blue color helps them stand out in your load so that you can hopefully leave them behind rather than scoop them up when you pull your laundry from the dryer. The dryer balls did leave my clothes much less wrinkled and softer, so that was a nice perk of using them." - Erica Puisis, product tester