These cleaning products may not be the flashiest, but they're so good, you won't care. (Amazon)(Amazon)
I firmly believe that all cleaning products can be separated into two categories: Exciting ones like Dysons and robovacs, and boring ones, like sponges. The exciting cleaning products are those you desperately want. The other category — the boring category — is pretty much everything else: the "unsexy" cleaning products that look like they belong on the shelves of your local hardware store.
The thing is, much like the nice guy in the rom-com that our hero doesn't notice until it's almost too late, these boring cleaning products are the true heroes. I'm talking about steam cleaners, drain snakes and dryer vent cleaners. They'll save us time and again, if only we can pay attention. Scroll for the best utilitarian cleaners you can grab on Amazon right now. (You can thank me later.)
Related: I've tried just about every weird cleaning product, and these 9 are life-changing
This isn't your average mop and bucket set. For starters, it practically cleans itself, thanks to its nifty wash chamber and wringing system. Plus, it has a 360° mop head for getting into corners and crevices, along with an extendable handle for easier reaching. You'll also get three reusable microfiber mop pads.
Check out our full Joymoop Mop review for more.
Aching to get the deep dirt out of your floors? Last month, more than 20,000 Amazon shoppers bought this handheld gadget that uses, well, nontoxic steam to clean any and every surface.
"I was very surprised at how much power this little guy has!" said one shopper. "I was worried that with it being so small that it might somehow be weak, but it's not. I’ve used it to clean out tile grout, get the build up off our shower doors, clean the oven."
Oh, you didn't know you're supposed to be cleaning your washing machine? Pop a tablet in and run the machine to remove odor-causing residue and grime. The result? Cleaner, fresher clothes. With over 30,000 reviews on Amazon — and a collective 4.6 out of 5 stars — this product is a fan favorite.
"Been using this for years," explains an Amazon customer. "My front-loading LG washing machine gets smelly especially if I forget to keep the door open, but this thing is magic. It takes away the smell completely, and I notice less gunk by the door seal."
Speaking of laundry, did you know the lint tray is only the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to keeping your dryer vent clear? There's more going on in there. This brush (the set comes with two) goes super deep to corral and remove all excess lint. It keeps your dryer running smoothly and also reduces the risk of fires!
"I can’t believe how much dryer lint was trapped in my dryer, even though I ALWAYS empty my lint trap after every load," shares a happy customer. "I admit it took me a good 15 minutes to remove all the entrapped lint. You really have to dig and be persistent because the tool is not super sturdy, but it is very effective. Now my lint trap slides effortlessly in and out of the dryer vent space. This is a great tool, and I'm glad I bought it!"
Thousands upon thousands of Amazon reviewers agree: the Bissell Little Green is a cinch to assemble, use, store and clean.
Not-so-fun fact: Your dishwasher doesn't actually get clean every time you run it. These little tablets, according to the manufacturer, prevent limescale and mineral buildup. Yup, they clean your dishwasher. And a cleaner dishwasher means cleaner plates!
"These tablets work wonders!" shared one Amazon reviewer. "I use them monthly, and they keep my dishwasher sparkling clean and odor-free. It's easy to use — just pop a tablet in and run a cycle. It's reassuring to know that my machine is clean and functioning at its best!"
The last thing you want to think about is that horrifically gross hairball in the depths of your shower drain, but you know it's the reason the tub is draining so slowly. Eventually you're going to have to reckon with it, right? Instead of pouring chemicals down there and crossing your fingers, why not solve the problem in a couple of minutes with this Amazon bestseller? This drain snake is armed with patented micro hooks to grab onto the hairy clog and lift it up and out.
"I have used a bunch of the cheap, long plastic sharp rods to snake shower drains and sinks, and this is far better," wrote an Amazon customer. "Super easy to use and picks up a ton of hair. The only thing that isn't great is they are pretty much good for one use, and depending on how much hair gets picked up, you may need to use two. Still love it and will for sure keep buying these."
If you knew how much dirt is left behind every time you "dust" (read: lightly flutter over) your blinds, you'd be alarmed. This little tool helps you really swipe them clean.
"Prior to getting this blind cleaner, I have been cleaning my blinds one slat at a time. It takes FOREVER because I have a lot of them," shares an Amazon shopper. "This contraption fits very snugly in between several slats at once and cleans all of the dust off very easily. Wish I had found it years ago."
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
