Best cleaning products 2023 UK, tried and tested

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From sparkling dishes to the ultimate fresh laundry scent, these are our winning cleaning essentials

We’ve all been there – you buy a new cleaning product that promises the world but then you get it home and it fails to deliver. There's so much choice out there, but which products can you truly rely on to save you extra elbow grease?

We turned to our resident cleaning experts at The Good Housekeeping Institute for answers so you can invest in cleaning supplies that won't let you down. From a hypoallergenic washing up liquid with dried food blasting power to a daily shower spray that will have your bath sparkling all week long, read on for the products that have become our go-to staples for sparkling results.

We take cleaning products seriously at the GHI. With rigorous testing that factors in everything from scent to spray strength, price to ease of use, packaging to perfect smear-free results, there's no way for miracle claims to sneak through without real-life evidence. These are the products that went above and beyond, acing their cleaning tasks while truly impressing our experts.

Score: 92/100

If you’re on the hunt for that winning surface cleaner that can go from kitchen to bathroom to dining table quicker than you can say "sparkling results", then add this spray to your arsenal. A multi-surface showstopper that dazzled across all tests, you just need to mix 30ml of the liquid concentrate in with 470ml of water and you’re ready to banish dirt from bathroom taps, kitchen counters, hobs and more. Impressively, our panel found it even delivered a streak-free finish on glass coffee tables. Already have a spray bottle? Invest in the £2.50 standalone refills instead or opt for this starter bundle that includes the multi-surface cleaner.

Score: 96/100

No matter the cycle or food stain, these dishwasher tablets excelled. They scored full marks on a standard cycle, leaving glassware shining. However, burnt pasta sauce on a Pyrex dish proved to be too big a challenge even for these high performers. Still, with no chalky residue in sight and glimmering dinner party-ready results – even on an economy wash – they’re an undeniable kitchen must-have.

Score: 95/100

No one likes having to deal with a dripping mop, but Leifheit's spin technology means you can say goodbye to excess water mess. You simply push the mop into the sturdy basket, press the handle and it will make light work of anything from spillages to nasty stains. The microfibre swivel head can get into every nook and cranny and the bucket also has wheels for speedy cleaning from room-to-room. A truly brilliant mop.

Score: 91/100

Tomato puree, curry sauce, chocolate ice, baby food; those are just some of the food stains this laundry detergent tackled with ease. Removing over 90% of staining from cotton fabrics, our testers couldn't help but sing this detergent's praises, commenting on its ability to keep colours vibrant and its delightful honeysuckle and jasmine fragrance. The only pesky mark this cleaner couldn't contend with was tea staining, but our panel didn't seem to mind – most of them said they would continue to use this product over their current detergent.

Score: 89/100

Want shining plates and soft hands? This winning washing up liquid not only lifted dried food and grease off plates effortlessly, its hypoallergenic formula also left our hands feeling soft after use. We also loved its subtle grapefruit scent, which made for a relaxing washing up experience. It may seem pricey at first glance, but as it's concentrated, a tiny amount really does go a long way.

Kitchens have a terrible habit of getting messy just as quickly as you can clean them. Often the epicentre of home life, the best way to keep your space spick and span is to build small cleaning habits into your daily routine. Even the dreaded oven clean can be improved by putting a heat-resistant bowl of water inside the oven after each use. Just heat it at a high temperature for 20 minutes and the steam will assist in loosening dirt and grease.

You can also do a quick fridge audit for anything that may have gone off when selecting your dinnertime ingredients each night, to avoid any smelly seepage. And if you’re a tea enthusiast, use those precious moments while the kettle boils to wipe down surfaces and cupboard handles – be sure to change your kitchen cloths at least twice a week or sterilise them daily for the most hygienic results. Keeping a spray mop, such as the tried and tested Flash Power Mop Starter Kit, in or near your kitchen is also a great way to ensure any spills are quickly taken care of.

It's also worth noting that handheld vacuums and attachable crevice tools can make quick work of removing crumbs from behind toasters and between hobs – just go gentle on metal surfaces to avoid scratching. Finally, keep your microwave looking brand new by placing lemon slices in a bowl of water and heating on high power until it boils. Here's to a sparkling kitchen day-in day-out.

Score: 94/100

The Finish Powerball Quantum Ultimate tablets are our highest performing dishwasher detergent, but this own-brand option came a very close second during testing. At under 10p per tablet, they’re testament to the fact that you don't always need to spend a lot for pristine and professional results. They also performed best on an economy cycle, making them an all-round savvy purchase.

Score: 89/100

If you’re convinced that all washing up liquids are the same, think again. This hypoallergenic option lifts dried food off effortlessly and removes fatty residue but will also reward your cleaning efforts with lovely soft hands. In case you need any more incentive to get the dishes done, our panel also noted that it has a "beautiful relaxing scent that makes washing up more calming". You will need to buy a dispenser separately or reuse an old one as it's only available as a refill pouch, but – great news for those looking to reduce our plastic waste – once the pouch is empty you simply pop it in a pre-paid returns envelope and Bower will refill it for you. Perfect.

Score: 89/100

There's no denying this product is something of a one-box-wonder. It includes the signature Oven Mate gel, a rack-specific gel, an applicator brush, large scourers, heat-activated wipes, and rack bags, not to mention gloves and arm protectors. After the minimum four hour wait time, our tester noted that the gel removed "90% of the burnt-on material in the first wipe". They also said the specially-designed ridges on the scourer sponge made cleaning the racks "almost a joy". High praise indeed.

GHI TIP: Dishwasher tablets are a nifty way to clean burnt-on food stains in pans. Pop the tablet in the pan and fill it with water, then place it on the hob. Bring the solution to boil and leave to simmer for ten minutes. Any nasty burnt bits will simply lift away. This method also works for hob-safe roasting tins!

When it comes to household cleaning, bathrooms are one of the germiest areas, requiring a lot of elbow grease and scrubbing. You’ll also inevitably face common issues like limescale, soap scum and pesky toothpaste marks. That's why it's key to make sure you’re using the right products for the job.

Frequent-use areas such as the toilet and sink should be cleaned at least once a week, but we’d recommend a light clean every couple of days to prevent the build-up of bacteria, particularly on the toilet flush handle or mechanism.

Baths, showers and grouting all benefit from weekly cleaning but you can minimise the workload with preventative measures, including using our top rated Neat daily shower spray and ensuring you give shower screens a wipe down with a quality silicone squeegee after every wash.

During your big weekly bathroom clean, don't overlook these easy-to-miss tasks. Scrub the underside of lever taps, wipe down shower hoses and vacuum any dust from the bathroom fan (or soak it in warm water if it's a removable grill).

It also goes without saying that you want your bathroom to smell clean and fresh, so when we’re testing bathroom products, we pay particular attention to fragrance, ensuring it's not overpowering or too subtle. Final note: if you're using harsh chemical cleaners, open a window if you can.

Score: 90/100

A sister product to the high-performing Neat anti-bac surface spray, this bathroom-focused number obliterated soap scum and scored full marks for its ability to thoroughly clean showers. A member of our panel noted their shower was "so shiny" and "free from hard water stains" after use. But rest assured, this isn't a one trick pony as it also worked a treat in the bath and on ceramic tiling. All in all, a lightly scented, fuss-free cleaning solution that offers easy daily use and glistening results.

Score: 88/100

Whether you’re looking to blitz your kitchen counter or clean up a greasy floor spill, this concentrated cleaner has got your back, but it also has real bathroom cleaning power. A great all-rounder, it blitzed sinks, taps, toilet bowls, toilet seats and baths with ease. We also loved that it left a glossy streak-free finish, "removing marks and leaving no smears". Be warned that the process of pouring two teaspoons of the concentrate into a spray bottle can be quite a messy business but overall, it's a top investment, and it's vegan and palm oil free too.

Score: 81/100

This toilet cleaner proved a hit from start to finish. Everybody found the instructions clear and said it was easy to apply – you just snip the sachet open with scissors, pour the powder into the toilet bowl, give it a little time to work its magic and then give the bowl a good brush. The foam effectively covered over 80% of the toilet bowl with minimal effort and one tester even commented that their previously stained toilet "looked like new". Thankfully, none of our testers reported any overflow issues with the product, but it may not be the right solution for you if you’re dealing with an aggressive build-up of limescale. However, for a speedy odour buster and cleaning blitz, we approve.

GHI TIP: An often-overlooked item in the bathroom cleaning checklist, showerheads should be cleaned regularly too. Simply make up a solution of 50% distilled vinegar and 50% water and pour it into a plastic bag. Fasten it over your showerhead with an elastic band and leave it to soak for an hour, then remove the bag and run the shower on a hot temperature.

Whether your go-to spray isn't showing optimal results on your new ceramic tiles, or you simply find yourself in a rut and fancy trying that new product you saw at the supermarket, switching up your cleaning supplies is an excellent way to take the mundanity out of the task.

From compact dissolvable laundry detergent sheets to compostable wipes that make grab-and-go cleaning jobs a breeze, these are some of the products we’ve recently tested that are worthy of of a spot in your cleaning cupboard.

Score: 83/100

Cheeky Panda claims these multi-surface wipes can be popped in your compost after use. Made from biodegradable bamboo fibres and designed to disinfect, sanitise and clean, they’re great go-to bathroom surface refreshers and the perfect thickness to keep your hands free of dirt. We did find the wipes were rather eager to leave the packet and often came out in clumps of two or three. If you’re willing to overlook this small flaw though, we’d say they’re an excellent product to have on hand for light cleaning jobs around the house, or to keep in your car or office for a swift tidy up.

Score: 81/100

A product for anyone who's constantly battling greasy sink stains, this Bio D cleaner scored almost full marks for its ability to thoroughly clear sink surfaces of food residue. A little patience is key though, as you’ll need to let it soak into any stains for at least 60 seconds. Once it's fully absorbed, you just wipe it off with a clean damp cloth. Our panel did find the need for two cloths – one for application, one for removal – a bit of a hassle, and it didn't work quite as efficiently on stained ceramic tiles, but we’d suggest you ‘add to basket’ if you’re on the hunt for a reliable sink solution. It also has a nice light citrus scent.

Score: 78/100

Another multi-surface cleaner we recently put through its paces, this multi-purpose spray gave our worktops a streak-free shine – sans scrubbing – and we also appreciated that you could adjust the spray head to tailor your mist for different surfaces. It needed multiple applications to properly clean a cupboard door, but if you pride yourself on sparkling kitchen counters then it's a worthy investment.

Score: 75/100

With a fresh blood orange scent, this is the multi-surface cleaner to pick if fragrance is front and centre for you. Our expert declared it "the best smelling cleaner we’ve tested", and our panel agreed. Unfortunately, it wasn't able to remove hardened tomato stains without several applications, but it got top marks for its ability to leave the bath spotless.

Score: 74/100

One word came up time and time again when our panel was discussing these clever detergent sheets; easy. From their compact size to their no-fuss design, these sheets are ideal for holidays, camping trips. They’re also a great solution if you just want to quickly handwash a couple of items in your sink and yes, they did successfully remove staining.

You simply pop one of the sheets in the drum and leave them to dissolve during the wash. Our expert did note that, after multiple washes, the colour of our test swatch faded slightly, so they don't have peak performance when it comes to colour retention. Then again, you can't beat the convenience and scent – one panel member said they "made my washing a dream to smell and feel".

GHI TIP: Make a habit of leaving the washing machine door ajar after each use. This allows the air to circulate and dries out any remaining moisture, avoiding musty smells.

It's a tale as old as time but a big spend doesn't necessarily equal the best results. Case in point: when we washed over 3,000 items of crockery and glassware to find the best dishwasher tablets, budget own-brand options such as the Essential Waitrose tablets and Tesco's All-In-One tablets gave a brilliant performance. In fact, they did better than many of their more expensive counterparts.

Another way to save your pennies when shopping for cleaning supplies is to invest in winning multi-purpose options rather than multiple products for different rooms. The tried and tested Neat anti-bac multi-surface spray, for example, excelled at removing bathroom stains and wiping down dirty hobs, and delivered a sparkling, smear-free finish on glass coffee tables. One product; all of the cleaning power.

First things first, consider your space. Your cleaning products should be tailored to the individual needs of your household. It can be helpful to write a checklist of your preferences before facing the number of products on the market. Consider the following: Are you short on storage space? Would you benefit from a hypoallergenic option?

Now that you know exactly what you’re in the market for, these are the other important factors that our experts cover during testing.

No matter how lovely a fragrance may be or how smart the packaging, a product will quickly fall out of household favour if it's difficult to use. Outside of potential soak times, consider how quickly you’ll be able to apply or transfer the product from room to room before purchase. For your peace of mind, know that we also flag if a cleaning product is messy or has confusing instructions.

From the product's appearance to ease of use, our testers note how easy the packaging is to hold, use and store. If it's a spray bottle, we look at whether it provides good coverage – does it create a fine mist or does it drip? If it's a product you’re going to be using repeatedly over several months, you also want packaging that will last the distance without falling apart.

A quick reminder: check whether the packaging meets your recycling preferences before investing. There are a variety of household cleaning products that now offer return and refill options, including our best-in-class washing up liquid by Bower Collective.

Chances are you’re looking for a cleaning product that gives shiny results over unsightly smears. Our testers are always on the hunt for sparkling results, whether they’re trialling it on glass or tiling, noting any chalky residue or annoying wipe marks.

Our panel tend to always factor in scent when checking out a product, but it does of course come down to personal preference. These days, there's everything from blood orange to jasmine fragrances available so you’ll be able to find one that suits your home's scent profile. It's always good to consider the strength of the scent too. A robust floral scent may be lovely for a large open plan living space but could potentially be overwhelming in a small ensuite.

An excellent question. The first port of call is to check the instructions.

Especially when using a new product, it can be easy to assume that the directions for use are the same as your previous product, but always check the label or the brand's website before you start. Are you using the right amount of water if it's a soluble cleaner? Are you leaving the product for the right amount of time? Does the product need to be rinsed away after use? Is the product you’re using suitable for the surface you’re using it on? When in doubt, always read the instructions.

GHI TIP: A common household mistake is mixing bleach with hot water, which can actually deactivate its cleaning prowess. When diluting it, always use cold water.

Heidi Lauth Beasley is one of our resident homes writers, specialising in product reviews for everything from smoothie makers and coffee machines to barbecues and bedding.

Originally from Dorset, Heidi's simple pleasures include finding new and unique ways to rid her life of stray pet hairs and telling anyone who’ll listen that tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant.

Heidi has an MA in Creative Writing for Brunel University and was previously a restaurant critic for The Infatuation London. Her specialist subjects included natural wine bars, handmade pasta spots and restaurant accessibility. She has also written for The Sunday Times Style and OpenTable. She is currently working on her debut novel.

Heidi lives in Tottenham with an exceptionally sassy house rabbit called Gatsby. At the weekend, you’ll usually find her reading on her terrace or attempting to convert her friends to sparkling red wine. You can follow her on Instagram on @‌heidilauthb

Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens.

Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster.

In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.

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