Recently, Shop TODAY launched Ranked: a series dedicated to testing products in a single category to determine which one performed the best based on a series of tests and parameters.
Whether you're looking for simple basics to add to your everyday wardrobe or a shower cleaner that's actually going to get rid of that one stain, we've done all the work — from testing black turtlenecks to exercising elbow grease in every nook and cranny of our showers — to bring you the best of the best.
Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share the results of weeks-long tests and which products rose above the rest.
Ranked cleaning and home products seen on TODAY
Best overall dishwashing sponge: Scrub Daddy Sponge Daddy
Air-drying: 4.75/5 | Scent: 5/5 | Texture: 5/5 | Storage: 5/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.95/5
This hardworking sponge has a different texture on each side: one that's more coarse and another that's made with a softer foam. When ran under cold water, the sponge is more solid and firm — working to eliminate tough stains. Then, when in contact with warm water, it's a softer, more flexible sponge that easily wipes away messes.
"It has an ergonomic design, cleans all kinds of stains easily and dries relatively quickly," says commerce writer, Danielle Murphy, who used this sponge to clean all kinds of surfaces, from stainless steel to glass.
See more top picks for the best dishwashing sponges here.
Best overall water pitcher filter: Waterdrop Water Filter Pitcher
Filter speed: 5/5 | Freshness: 5/5 | Ease of storing: 5/5 | Taste: 5/5 | Aesthetic Design: 5/5 | Overall Score: 5/5
Personally, a water pitcher filter was always a mainstay in the fridge, regardless of if it was in my childhood home, my college dorm or my current apartment.
This filter, which I [Hoeger] tested, is easy to set up. After the filter itself sits in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, you simply place it in the basin and fill it. It as an automatic water inlet, meaning you don't have to lift a flap or an opening to fill it up; the weight of tap water does all the work for you.
Plus, the handle is easy to grasp, which came in handy (especially when the 10-cup pitcher was at full capacity).
See more top picks for the best water pitcher filter here.
Best overall bathroom shower cleaner: Clorox Bathroom Ultra Foamer
Average scent score: 5/5 | Average ease of use score:5/5 | Average compatibility score: 5/5 | Overall score: 5/5
A little goes a long way with this cleanser, according to SEO writer, Jannely Espinal, who says it "performed better than expected."
"With one press you can get a good section from the shower, with no back splash and a lot of foam," she says. "The smell is not overpowering and it leaves the tiles very clean while removing grime efficiently."
See more top picks for the best bathroom shower cleaner here.
Best overall makeup brush cleaner: Norate Makeup Brush Cleaner
Ease of use: 4.8/5 | Ability to clean: 4.5/5 | Ease of storing: 5/5 | Versatility: 4/5 | Overall rating: 4.8/5
Cleaning makeup brushes regularly can help prevent acne and even skins’ texture, according to experts. Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel is one of Shop TODAY’s resident beauty writers — and she tested five different makeup brush cleansers with her collection of brushes and beauty sponges.
This cleaning device outshined out the rest, thanks to the suction cup base that allows you to place it on any surface and the silicone bed that’s “gentle on bristles,” yet “tough on liquids and powders,” according to San Miguel.
See more top picks for the best makeup brush cleaners here.
Best overall handheld vacuum: KitchenAid Go Cordless Kitchen Vacuum
Weight rating: 3.5/5 | Average performance rating: 3.75/5 | Ease of use rating: 5/5 | Volume rating: 5/5 | Overall average rating: 4.31/5
This portable handheld vacuum outperformed others in this category — and was also on the more affordable side, which piqued associate editor Kamari Stewart's interest.
"It performed pretty consistently across testing a variety of messes and surfaces," she says. "Where it shined most, I think, was clearing crushed chips out of couch crevices with it’s concentrator attachment."
On top of that, Stewart noted that it's lightweight, easy to use and fairly quiet. Plus, the dust bin cup is dishwasher-safe.
See more top picks for the best handheld vacuum cleaners here.
Best overall smart trash can: Airdeer Automatic Trash Can
Scent containment: 5/5 | Size: 5/5 | Tech features: 5/5 | Volume: 5/5 | Design: 5/5 | Overall Score: 5/5
This was the obvious winner when it came to testing smart trash cans, according to commerce editor Amanda Fama. Not only is it rechargeable, meaning you don't need to remember to buy batteries, but its motion-activated — opening quietly when you need to toss something out.
"My favorite part about this trash can is that it arrived with trash bags," says Fama. "However, it takes a certain trash bag design from the Airdeer store which might be off-putting for some people."
Plus, it's self-sealing, meaning that it does the work of replacing the trash bag once the previous one gets taken out.
See more top picks for the best smart trash cans here.
More cleaning products we love
Best overall steam mop: Bissell 2075A Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo is a self-proclaimed stickler when it comes to cleaning — making her the perfect person to test steam mops. She lives with roommates and says debris is a constant on their floors.
"This mop is super versatile because it’s basically three mops in one: the regular steam mop, a steam rod and a handheld steamer," she says. It even comes with seven attachments to target different surfaces, such as grout, flat surfaces, fabrics and more.
It's also ideal for those in small spaces such as NYC apartments or dorm rooms, as all of the attachments sit in a compartment on the steam mop itself.
See more top picks for the best steam mops here.
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
According to the brand, this weekly spray can help eliminate the need for elbow grease.
$20.98
$29.99
Amazon
$20.98
Home Depot
Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
This cleaner promises to remove stains without scrubbing.
$4.68
$6.75
Walmart
$5.49
Target
Coralpearl Utility Brushes (Set of 2)
Hard to reach areas are now easier with these brushes.
$13.99
Amazon
The Pink Stuff The Miracle All Purpose Cleaning Paste
Editors love this easy-to-use paste for all kinds of messes.
$5.49
$5.99
Amazon
$5.97
Home Depot
$6.79
Target
Mr. Clean Small Reusable Latex Gloves (Set of 2)
Protect your hands with these gloves on cleaning days.
$7.25
Amazon
Oxo Wiper Blade
Keep mirrors, windows or showers streak-free with this tool.
$10.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
$10.99
The Container Store
Bar Keeper's Friend Soft Cleanser & Foam Spray
For all surfaces, this cleaner will be your best friend.
$15.00
$19.99
Amazon
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
Treat fresh or dried stains with this formula, says the brand.
$9.99
The Container Store
$7.97
$12.00
Walmart
Meet the experts
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
How we chose
Editors spent weeks testing products based on parameters such as filter speed (for water pitcher filters), smell containment (for smart trash cans), durability (for dishwashing sponges) and more.
They were asked to jot down notes throughout the testing period and rate them on a scale of 1 through 5, with 1 being a poor rating and 5 being exceptional. From there, an overall score was calculated, and a winner was determined. Each of the winners from already-published Ranked articles are featured here.
Why trust Shop TODAY
Sierra Hoeger is the associate editor at Shop TODAY who started writing and reporting for Shop TODAY in 2022, covering topics related to travel, clothing, beauty and more. She's also assisted in other Ranked testing processes, so she's familiar with the rating system we apply to our product picks.
