Cleaning goods tested, tried
There may be no substitute for good old elbow grease, but more and more cleaning products are sold with words like “magic,” “easy” and “swift” on the label.
More than half of Americans surveyed recently by International Communications Research indicated they don’t clean like their mothers used to. Fifty-five percent said they use different cleaning products than the previous generation.
The biggest change is time. Recent innovations make dusting and sweeping a breeze. There’s a world of wipes for every room in the house from floor to window.
With the help of the expert cleaners at Merry Maids, a household cleaning service, we tested nine leading products. Deep-cleaning products are the preferred choice for expert jobs, but for spot cleaning, most convenience products rated above average.
Here’s how the products stacked up:
Mr. Clean Reach ($12.99)
Description: A tool designed for hard-to-reach places in the bathroom, including around the sink, behind the toilet, and all tub and shower surfaces.
Grade: C
Comment: “It’s too awkward to use and difficult to get into the corners of modern upright showers.”
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ($2.69)
Description: One side of product cleans dirt and grime; the other wipes away messes.
Grade: A
Comment: “It really takes off the scuff marks on kitchen linoleum.”
Gonzo Window and Door Screen Cleaner ($2.98)
Description: A sponge that is used dry to clean Fiberglas, metal or plastic.
Grade: A
Comment: “This is easy to use and really took off the dirt and pollen on window screens.”
Top Job Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner ($2.64)
Description: A spray used to quickly remove soap scum.
Grade: A
Comment: “This did what it said it would do - removed soap scum easily. Be sure to use gloves, because the strength of this product can really irritate your hands.”
Swiffer Dusters ($3.95)
Description: A fluffy disposable cloth attached to a handle.
Grade: B
Comment: “This works well for pictures and banisters, but should only be used for light dusting. There’s no substitute for Pledge and a cloth.”
Fresh Brush ($3.97)
Description: A flushable, septic-safe toilet brush attached to a durable handle.
Grade: A
Comment: “This works great, and it’s nice that you can flush it away after use.”
Windex Glass and Surface Wipes ($3.19)
Description: Pre-moistened wipes.
Grade: C
Comment: “The cloths are too wet, and after using them you have to wipe the surface again with a dry cloth. Windex and paper towels take about as much time.”
Easy-Off One Step Stovetop Cleaner ($3.97)
Description: A liquid applied with a wet cloth or paper towel.
Grade: B
Comment: “It has a good smell but leaves a residue if not wiped off.”
Upshot Overhead Stain Sealer ($3.95)
Description: An oil-based vertical spray paint.
Grade: A
Comments: “Covers large water stains on ceiling area in minutes. Tinted to match most aged and acoustical ceilings.”