Cleaning is an inevitable and important fact of life, and while most people don’t relish doing household chores, they have many benefits. To name just a few, regularly cleaning your home promotes good health and hygiene, reduces stress and extends the lifespan of your belongings.
Our cleaning expert, Jolie Kerr, has more than a decade of experience in the field. If something is in need of cleaning, chances are she knows how to do it. To inform this collection of articles, she’s called upon her extensive knowledge and sought out other experts to help you choose the right cleaning agents and tools for the job, detailing the techniques to use and explaining the science behind the mess.
Do you need help with laundry and fabric care? Check out our coverage for guidance on everything from how to wash your gym clothes so they don’t come out smelling like last week’s spin class to how often to change your sheets. Is organizing your passion (or your curse)? We’ve got help for that too, with expert tips and product recommendations for organizing every room in the house.
How to clean the kitchen
How to clean your refrigerator
Our six-step guide to cleaning a refrigerator will have your fridge looking #FridgeGoals-worthy in no time. Start by taking everything out — and we do mean everything. Then toss old or spoiled food; wash the shelves and drawers; clean the interior of the unit, including stains and spills; and finish by cleaning the appliance’s exterior.
Dobie pads, non-scratch scrubber sponges, are the perfect thing for scouring refrigerator surfaces without causing any damage to plastic or glass.
Dish soap is a great choice for cleaning the interior parts of the refrigerator like shelves and drawers. After all, it's formulated to cut through food residue, and if it's good enough for your dishes, it's good enough for cleaning the fridge.
To treat stubborn stains in the refrigerator from spills, try a Magic Eraser. To use it, wet the eraser sponge, squeeze it out then rub it vigorously on the stain.
How to clean every part of your oven
There are three methods to choose from when it comes time to clean your oven: commercial oven cleaner, DIY cleaning solutions or, if your model offers it, a self-cleaning function. Each method has pros and cons, and our guide explains what they are so you can choose the method that’s right for you. We’ve also got guidance for cleaning stovetops and vent hoods.
To use oven cleaner to clean your oven, coat the interior of the oven, the racks and the door with oven cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s exposure time directions. Then, using a sponge or rag, first remove the grates, wipe and rinse them clean; set the grates aside; and wipe the interior of the oven and the door clean, rinsing the sponge frequently.
Use a plastic scraper tool, spatula or knife to scrape away dried or baked-on foods on the stovetop. Don’t scrape with anything made of metal, which can leave scratches.
Sticky, grimy vent hoods need to be cleaned with a degreasing product that can penetrate and break down baked-on cooking particles. A grease-cutting dish soap can be used, but when something stronger is needed, reach for a commercial degreaser like this one.
How to actually clean a microwave
Let’s face it: Your microwave probably needs to be cleaned. Fortunately, it’s a simple task — once you know the secret to doing it with very little effort on your part. To break down the steps involved in this easy kitchen chore, we spoke to cleaning experts and microwave manufacturers about how, and how often, to clean a microwave to keep it in good working order.
To clean a microwave with distilled white vinegar, combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar to make a vinegar solution that can be used to wipe down the outside or inside of the microwave.
To clean the interior of the microwave, use a microfiber cloth or nonabrasive sponge to wipe all sides of the microwave. The steam created by heating a bowl of water should loosen stuck-on food such that it can simply be wiped away.
To clean the grease filters in a microwave, slide the filter out and pull down to remove. Soak the filter in hot water and dish soap, then rinse well and shake to dry. Very greasy filters may require a second pass; using a dish spray will allow you to better cover the surface area of the filter with soap.
How to clean a dishwasher
It can be easy to overlook or put off cleaning major kitchen appliances, and that’s especially true of the dishwasher — after all, we use the dishwasher to clean things, so we don’t think of it as getting dirty. But a dishwasher does need regular cleaning and maintenance to operate properly and prevent foul odors from developing.
Dishwasher cleaning tablets can be used in an empty or full dishwasher. To clean the machine with a load of dishes, place the tablet in the bottom of the unit; to clean it while empty, place the tablet in the detergent dispenser.
As an alternative to commercial dishwashing tablets, clean a dishwasher by placing a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher prior to running a normal cycle, with or without dishes.
If the spray arms need deeper cleaning, use a toothpick to dislodge debris from the holes. Spray arms can also be removed from the unit to facilitate deeper cleaning; consult the user’s manual for instructions.
How to clean toasters and toaster ovens
Cleaning and maintaining a toaster or toaster oven is an important kitchen chore that can easily go overlooked. But it’s critical to show these small appliances regular TLC to keep them in good working order and, more importantly, to keep your family and home safe.
The crumb tray should be emptied often to avoid food buildup; failure to regularly clean out crumbs can create a fire hazard. Use a pastry brush to brush out crumbs.
Diluted dish soap makes a gentle cleaning solution that will remove stuck-on food and buildup from the exterior of toasters and toaster ovens.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the exterior of toasters and toaster ovens, and to buff away fingerprints and splatters.
How to clean every kind of coffee maker
Regular cleaning can only go so far in keeping your coffee maker in good working order. From time to time, a deeper cleaning is required to remove buildup that can cause your cup of coffee to taste bitter, stale or just downright nasty. This deep-cleaning process is called descaling, and it’s designed to clean the inner components of a coffee maker as well as to deep-clean removable parts like filter baskets and carafes.
Even with regular maintenance, all coffee makers need to be descaled. While commercial descalers are available, white vinegar is recommended by experts and is a more cost-effective choice than descaling agents sold by coffee maker manufacturers.
For those who hate the smell of vinegar, commercial descalers will be a good alternative. Urnex descaling powder can be used on a variety of coffee makers, including drip brew models, espresso machines, single-serve pod/capsule machines and other small appliances that tend to develop scale such as tea kettles, clothes steamers and humidifiers.
If washing the inside of a coffee carafe with a traditional sponge causes discomfort, a long-handled coffee pot cleaning brush is a great solution to the problem of washing an awkwardly shaped item.
How to clean an air fryer
The air fryer has quickly become a beloved kitchen tool that everyone from the most inexperienced cook to the dedicated baker can enjoy. Air fryers, like other small kitchen appliances, need to be cleaned regularly, and they need to be cleaned the right way to prevent damage.
Dish soap is the right choice for both regularly and deep-cleaning an air fryer. To deep-clean an air fryer, mix dish soap and about an inch of water in the basket, put it back into the slot and turn to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Once it’s finished, dump out the water and wipe clean.
Baking soda and water can eliminate lingering odors, including manufacturing residue, in an air fryer. Sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge and clean the basket the way you would with dish soap.
Perforated parchment paper liners make air fryer cleanup super easy, and can be especially helpful when cooking odoriferous or splattery foods.
How to properly clean cast-iron skillets
We tapped two seasoned cast iron experts to explain the best way to clean a cast-iron pan after cooking in it. The experts agree that the best method is to wash cast-iron cookware by hand with soapy water and a scrub sponge.
Cast-iron pans should always be washed by hand, but never soak cast iron to avoid damage from rust. A scrub brush can be helpful for removing stuck-on food.
Chainmail scrubbers are another helpful tool for removing stuck-on food from cast-iron pans. Coarse salt can also be used to scrub out a cast-iron pan.
Small polycarbonate pan scrapers are another tool that can safely scour stuck-on food from cast iron without disturbing its seasoning.
How to clean your nonstick cookware
A great nonstick pan is a kitchen essential, but these stovetop workhorses can be temperamental, and one wrong move can leave you with a ruined pan. To break down the proper way to use, clean and store nonstick cookware, we tapped experts to explain the do’s and don’ts of caring for nonstick surfaces.
When washing nonstick cookware, be sure to use a sponge that is safe for the material and won’t cause scratching or degradation of the nonstick surface. Avoid using harsh scouring pads, and never use steel wool on a nonstick surface.
After washing a nonstick pan, dry it thoroughly using a lint-free dish towel before storing. Flour sack dish towels can also be used to protect nonstick pans while being stored; simply place the towel in the pan before stacking another pan on top.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining a nonstick pan. Felt and silicone pot and pan protectors are another way to ensure a nonstick pan doesn’t get damaged while not in use.
How to clean enameled cookware
Enameled cast-iron cookware is equal parts functional and beautiful, and you’ll want to care for these pieces properly so that they last many, many years. The porcelain enamel coating is smoother and easier to clean than uncoated cast-iron cookware, but it also needs to be cared for differently from uncoated cast-iron cookware.
Use a scrub brush to scour stuck-on food from enameled cast-iron cookware without scratching or causing other damage to the interior.
Deep staining on the interior of enameled cast-iron cookware can be removed by boiling OxiClean and water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, allow the solution to cool completely before dumping it out and wash the pot as usual.
Proper storage can help to extend the life of your enameled cast-iron cookware. A pot rack organizer can also help to protect enamel from scratching or chipping while the pieces are being stored.
How to clean the bathroom
How to deep-clean your entire bathroom
When it comes to cleaning the bathroom, you don’t need a lot of cleaning products, and in fact, cutting down on the number of products you use will make the job go faster. Using the right cleaning tools, too, is critical to getting the job done right.
Scrubbing Bubbles is a foaming bathroom cleaner. It quickly penetrates and breaks down product buildup like toothpaste spittle, soap scum and residue from products like hairspray and dry shampoo, without requiring a lot of scrubbing on your part.
Microfiber cleaning cloths are essential when it comes to bathroom cleaning. Microfiber cloths work better than cotton rags or sponges when cleaning because they have more cleaning surface area per square inch than cotton, making them better at grabbing and picking up dirt and grime.
Windex Multisurface Cleaner cleans both glass and chrome, so you can use it to polish mirrors and faucets. It also works as an all-purpose cleaner that can be safely used on countertop and flooring materials from Corian and formica to granite and marble.
How to clean a toilet
Cleaning a toilet is, as the saying goes, not rocket science — and you probably already have a pretty good idea of how to do so. But do you know the truly correct way to clean a toilet? We enlisted a true toilet pro to break down, step by step, the correct way to clean a toilet.
Gel toilet rim cleaners are a more viscous formula than their liquid counterparts, allowing them to cling to the sides of the bowl. There are a number of toilet cleaners available, including formulas that range from gel and liquid to powder cleansers and drop-in tablets. To help you sort out which product is best for your needs, check out our guide to the best toilet cleaners.
A toilet brush is an essential tool for scrubbing the bowl. Look for a brush that comes with its own holder for storing it when not in use.
Let's face it, cleaning a toilet can be a gross job. Wearing rubber household gloves will protect your hands from germs, bacteria and all the other unpleasant buildup that makes an appearance in, on and around a toilet.
How to clean, install and replace a shower head
Plumbing jobs can be intimidating, even to the most confident at-home DIYer. But removing a shower head, either to clean it or to replace it outright, is a simple and straightforward job that most people will be able to successfully take on. Are you looking for the best shower and bathtub cleaners? We’ve got recommendations for those, too.
Distilled white vinegar breaks down mineral deposits that are commonly found on showerheads, and will eliminate any mold and mildew growth.
Spray cleaners are formulated to remove soap scum, mineral deposits and mildew, and are convenient to use since they can be applied directly to the surfaces.
When it comes to basic DIY plumbing jobs, a set of adjustable wrenches will be enough to perform jobs like replacing faucets or showerheads. They are inexpensive, so it’s a good idea to have a few wrenches in multiple sizes.
Problem-solvers for a bathroom with no ventilation
Living with a poorly ventilated bathroom can be a miserable experience, but these expert-approved tips and tricks can breathe new life into a stuffy, humid, damp bathroom.
DampRid is a desiccant: It absorbs water from the air, helping to regulate humidity and moisture levels. Bathrooms that are prone to dampness because of environmental or design factors can be unpleasant, for one thing, and difficult to keep clean, for another, as high moisture levels will encourage bacterial growth and contribute to lingering odors. DampRid addresses that problem, helping to keep moisture-borne odors like mold and mildew at bay.
A stand-alone dehumidifier can help with short-term humidity issues — though they do take up a lot of space. Frigidaire's dehumidifier was the top pick in our review of dehumidifiers. And don't forget to regularly clean and maintain the dehumidifier.
Excess moisture breeds mold, mildew and Serratia marcescens, the pinkish-orangish bacteria commonly found around bathroom drains and on grout lines. Keeping the shower dry by using a squeegee to wick water off the walls after bathing will help to keep those bacteria at bay.
How to clean your bedroom
A 7-step checklist to deep-clean your bedroom
Does your bedroom need some TLC? Our bedroom cleaning checklist has you covered, with guides to the right way to clean mattresses, pillows, duvets and comforters, plus a handy list of the right order to work in when deep-cleaning a bedroom.
When washing bedding like pillows, sheets and comforters, use a good stain-fighting laundry detergent to eliminate buildup from body soils.
Dryer balls help to redistribute and fluff the stuffing in bulky items like pillows, duvets, comforters, mattress pads and toppers, and speed up drying time.
Mattresses should be cleaned twice a year to remove allergens, eliminate odors and address any stains that have occurred. Use a vacuum fitted with an upholstery attachment on flat surfaces, and a crevice attachment to remove dirt, dust, hair and allergens from the seams of mattresses and upholstered furniture.
How to clean bonus rooms and outdoor spaces
Everything you need to clean all your workout equipment
When it comes to keeping home workout equipment clean, there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that cleaning exercise equipment is very easy — a spray here, a wipe there, and you’re done! The bad news is that you actually have to do it. These expert-approved cleaning products will help you keep your home gym clean and germ- and bacteria-free.
Sweat can harbor bacteria and fungus. Use an antibacterial spray cleaner or wipes to quickly clean handheld weights and other small workout accessories, including exercise mats.
While mat sprays are not strictly necessary, they are formulated with a mat’s grip and stickiness in mind, which can be important if you clean your mat after every use as recommended by experts.
Keeping home gym equipment clean is especially important during cold and flu season. Pre-moistened wipes make it easy to quickly clean hand weights, mats and handlebars after each workout.
How to clean outdoor furniture
Proper care, cleaning and storage of outdoor furniture is an important part of keeping those pieces looking their best and ensuring they last a long time. Exposure to the elements can leave patio, deck and lawn furniture dirty and damaged, but simple routine maintenance — including the use of outdoor furniture covers — will keep outdoor furniture looking great all year long, and for many years to come.
Removing stubborn dirt and grime from outdoor furniture may require the use of a soft-bristled brush, but be careful when using a brush on painted or wood furniture to avoid damage.
Use a large cleaning sponge to wipe down outdoor furniture using a solution of soap and water, scrubbing as necessary. Rinse the furniture by spraying with the garden hose.
Removing stubborn dirt and grime from outdoor furniture may require the use of a soft-bristled brush, but be careful when using a brush on painted or wood furniture to avoid damage.
Grill looking rusty? Here’s what you need to clean it
Clean grills perform better, and better performance equals better food! We tapped grilling experts to find out the right way to clean charcoal and gas grills, to keep them in good working order.
A grill brush is an essential tool for both routine and deep-cleaning a grill. Use it before and after grilling to keep the grates clean, which will prevent the need for heavy-duty cleaning down the line.
Use warm, soapy water, or a grill exterior cleaner, and a microfiber cloth to clean the outside lid, side tables, porcelain-enameled and plastic surfaces outside of the grill. Avoid using stainless steel and other abrasive cleaners or polishes on a grill’s exterior.
Always check your grill for rust before each use. Surface rust, which is often found on welded joints, can be easily removed using a non-acidic oil like WD-40.
General home care and cleaning
How to clean all your appliances
It can be easy to overlook cleaning the things we use to clean other things, like the washing machine and dryer, but it’s important to maintain them to ensure that neglect doesn’t cause permanent damage to these expensive appliances and keep them in good working order.
Washing machines should be cleaned approximately every 30 washes to keep them in good working order, and to ensure your laundry comes out clean. A washing machine cleaning tablet makes performing routine maintenance an easy job.
Cleaning and properly maintaining a major appliance like a dryer is critical to optimizing its performance and to ensuring the safety of your household. Cleaning a dryer’s venting system is a straightforward job that doesn’t require calling in a service technician — an inexpensive dryer vent kit contains everything you need to clean the vent’s interior walls.
Clean the exterior of stainless steel appliances with a stainless steel cleaner and a microfiber cloth to buff out fingerprints, smudges and spills.
How to clean every type of floor
We’ve got all the resources you need to clean every type of flooring in your home — the right way! Plus, our product testing team has recommendations for the best tools, from mops to vacuums to carpet and upholstery cleaners, that will leave your floors clean enough to eat off of.
The top pick in our review of mops, the O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop combines a hands-free wringing bucket with a lightweight, triangular mop head that’s perfect for both mopping and spot-scrubbing on any surface.
Named the best upright carpet cleaner overall, the Hoover SmartWash+ is built around simplicity, thanks to its automatic carpet spraying system.
Grout can be a real challenge to clean, but oxygen bleach is the secret to deep-cleaning grout with very little effort on your part.
Tools for cleaning hard-to-reach places
Places in our home that fall outside our sight line — like baseboards, moldings, window casings and ceiling fans — can be easy to overlook during routine cleaning. We’ve got tips for cleaning these hard-to-reach places, including the best tools for the job.
A large microfiber dust mop is the right tool for cleaning baseboards and moldings. Look for a swivel style that allows the mop to get into tight spaces.
When it comes to cleaning moldings and window casings, skip the ladder and get a telescoping cleaning tool. The extended wand allows you to get into high-up nooks and crannies, where dust builds up.
Vacuum cleaners can be used for cleaning plenty of hard-to-reach places in your home, and attachments — either ones that come with your machine or that are purchased separately — are the key to getting the most out of those machines. An extension wand attachment can help to clean cobwebs in ceiling corners and dirt on windowsills or in sliding door tracks.