Like it or not, we all have to deal with chores like scrubbing toilets, picking up pet hair, and wiping fingerprints off shiny appliances. But keeping a clean home doesn’t have to mean working harder — it just means using smarter tools.
With the right products in your corner, you can stay on top of messes without always feeling stuck in cleaning mode. Sure, a deep clean now and then is still needed, but smart time-saving tools — like self-emptying vacuums and surface protectants — can make everyday cleaning much easier.
Instead of running after dirt and grime once it’s already spread, these handy solutions can do the heavy work and help stop messes before they start.
1. Robot Vacuum
Roborock Qrevo 2R3W Robot Vacuum and Mop
Robot vacuums, like this top pick from Roborock, may not tackle stairs or dig out deep dirt as well as regular vacuums, but they’re amazing at daily upkeep. They’re small enough to clean under beds and couches, where it’s hard to reach. Most also come with side brushes that sweep dirt out from corners and edges your normal vacuum misses.
Set it to sweep a few times a week and it’ll catch dust, pet hair, lint, and light dirt before it builds up.
2. Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Whisker Litter-Robot 4
Scooping litter isn’t fun, but a self-cleaning litter box can save you the trouble. These smart boxes sense when your cat uses them and quietly scoop waste into a sealed compartment. We found this model from Whisker worked best — it’s quiet, controls odors well, and lets you adjust settings to your liking.
3. Drop-In Toilet Cleaner
Scrubbing Bubbles Drop-Ins Toilet Cleaning Tablets
These dissolving tablets make toilet cleaning easier. Just drop one into the tank, and it keeps your bowl fresh every time you flush. It doesn’t replace deep cleans, but it helps reduce how often you need to scrub.
4. Shower Squeegee
Casabella Clip-On Squeegee
A quick swipe with a shower squeegee after each rinse helps stop water spots, soap scum, and even mold. This Casabella model cleared water in one pass. It clips onto the showerhead or door handle, so you don’t need to install a hook.
5. Self-Emptying Stick Vacuum
Samsung BESPOKE Jet AI Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Stick vacuums are light and slim, perfect for quick cleanups like kitchen crumbs. The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI goes further — after vacuuming, place it on its charging base and it empties itself into a disposable bag, keeping dust out of the air.
6. Motion-Activated Trash Can
Simplehuman Voice + Motion Dual Compartment Sensor Can
Motion-activated trash cans keep things cleaner and more hygienic. Just wave to open the lid. This model even listens to voice commands — say “open can” and it pops open.
7. Mattress Protector
Coop Home Goods Premium Mattress Protector
A waterproof mattress protector can make your mattress last longer and cut down on deep cleanings. It covers most sides to block spills, sweat, dirt, and even allergens or bugs. Pillow protectors work the same way to help them stay fresh.
8. Water-Repellant Coating
EnduroShield Glass Treatment Kit
This glass treatment helps water, soap, and grime slide off bathroom glass surfaces. Just clean the glass first, then apply the treatment with the soft cloth. After that, water beads and rolls off instead of sticking.
9. Leather Conditioner
Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream
Leather furniture can crack or stain if left uncared for. This protection cream keeps leather soft and shiny while guarding against spills and dirt. In our tests, it even made ink marks easier to wipe away.
10. Fabric Protective Shield
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
If spills are common at your house, spray this on fabrics and upholstery to make cleaning up easier. It helps stop dirt and liquid from turning into stains — it even works on things like kids’ backpacks.
11. Stainless Steel Cleaner
Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes
Stainless steel looks great, but it shows smudges and fingerprints easily. These wipes clean those marks and leave behind a thin shield that helps block future smears.
12. Electric Spin Scrubber
Rubbermaid Reveal Cordless Battery Power Scrubber
Scrubbing tile grout and tight corners by hand can take forever. This electric spin scrubber does the hard work for you. With its fast-spinning brush head and cordless design, it easily scrubs sinks, tubs, and shower tiles in less time and with less effort.
13. Disposable Dusting Cloths
Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Starter Kit
These fluffy dusters trap and lock dust, hair, and allergens from surfaces fast. The extendable handle helps you dust high shelves, ceiling fans, and hard-to-reach corners without climbing on chairs or ladders. Once you’re done, just toss the used cloth in the trash.
14. Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
A clean dishwasher runs better and leaves dishes spotless. These tablets break down mineral buildup, grease, and odors inside the dishwasher. Just drop one into the machine and run a cycle — no scrubbing needed.
15. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Pack
These soft, reusable cloths make wiping surfaces faster and streak-free. They’re perfect for cleaning mirrors, windows, counters, and even electronics. Because they grab dust and dirt easily, you don’t need much spray cleaner — just a quick wipe and you’re done.