When it comes to cleaning, picking one of the cheapest available may seem sensible as they'll soon get dirty and need replacing, right?
However, it turns out that this short-term approach can lead to poor performance and regular replacements that end up costing you more than buying the higher-end option in the first place.
Here, professional cleaners have revealed the essential cleaning tools they always buy well and buy once, and why you should never skimp for smarter, more efficient cleaning.
Cleaning tools to buy well and buy once
1. Vacuum cleaners
Jade Piper, operations manager at BetterCleans begins, ‘If there’s one thing I can't stress enough, it’s the importance of investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner.
‘I’ve worked with plenty of cheap vacuums that start strong but lose suction power after a few uses. Get one with a strong suction and a good filtration system, like a HEPA. If you’ve got pets or kids, you need something that can handle fur, crumbs, and dirt without a hitch.
‘To keep it in top condition, I always clean my vacuum cleaner and keep the canister emptied or swap out the bag when it’s about three-quarters full. I also make sure to clean the filters regularly. Your vacuum will last when you take care of it!’
Learn more expert tips from our home tech editor and resident vacuum tester Dan Fauzi in our dedicated guide on how to choose a vacuum cleaner. Some of the best robot vacuum cleaners are on our list of cleaning appliances that are definitely worth the splurge, especially as ones like the eufy Omni S1 Pro, which we reviewed, slashed our canister vacuum usage by 90%.
This is the best vacuum you can buy for pet hair, in almost every way. It has the strongest performance on hair we've ever tested, as well as a green laser to illuminate hidden particles and an intuitive, easy-to-use design.
If you're looking for a corded vacuum cleaner with strong, reliable suction power, look no further than the Shark POWERDETECT. It's the best upright vacuum we've ever tested on all floor types, with floor detection and automatic suction power.
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect does away with separate floorheads and instead has two brushrolls in one, saving you from swapping them out as you move across different floors. It also has a flexible wand for easier cleaning under furniture and floor sensors to automatically adjust to the optimal suction power.
2. Steam cleaners
Bryan Griffin, founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Service feels similarly about the best steam cleaners and steam mops, saying, ‘These are invaluable for deep cleaning without chemicals. A high-quality steam cleaner can effectively sanitize floors, glass, and other surfaces, removing bacteria and grime with just heat and water. This tool is especially worth the investment for homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers.’
We certainly agree – I use a steam cleaner all over my home, favoring using a steam cleaner to deep clean my whole kitchen, including cleaning an oven without chemicals.
It is a non-toxic home essential I wouldn’t live without.
I swear by my Black & Decker steam mop for thoroughly sanitizing my home. It comes with attachments to clean carpeted and hard floors, tiles, grout, ovens, upholstery, and clothing, and a glove-like steaming mitt for easily sanitizing surfaces.
3. Washing machines
There are several reasons why you want to invest in the best washing machine the first time around.
Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning begins, ‘Choosing a heavy-duty washing machine is a must. The machine will handle larger loads, remove stains more efficiently, and last longer than the cheaper washing machines. Nothing is worse than a brand-new washing machine going out.’
Bryan Griffin adds they can also help you save money on laundry in the long run. He explains, ‘These larger appliances are worth the initial expenditure due to their long-term savings on water and energy bills. Look for models with a high energy star rating that offer various wash settings to handle different fabrics and soil levels effectively.’
The Beko WFTV10733XC Washing Machine, available at AJ Madison, was rated the best energy-efficient washer by Homes & Gardens, and is Energy Star certified to help save you money.
Choosing a more expensive one will also make one major difference to your home comfort, especially if you live in a smaller space or have an open-planned design: they're usually quieter.
Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden adds, 'I lived in large Victorian style home and though the utility room was quite far back from our living space, it could be heard in the living room, as the ground floor had a long but open plan U-shape design. The noise of the washing machine, and dishwasher in fact was a constant nuisance.'
When she upgraded her cleaning appliances, Punteha opted for one of the quietest and best washing machines and says the higher price was 'worth every cent.'
4. A high-quality duster
A big dusting mistake making your home dirtier is failing to use a good quality duster. This results in the particles being moved around, rather than removed outright.
Lilja Gudmundsdottir, expert cleaner and owner of Lilja’s Cleaning Service shares, ‘A great duster is non-negotiable. I recommend the Bona duster [availible at Walmart] – it’s new on the market, fantastic, and washable, which is great for both your budget and the environment.’
We also love the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster as it picks up dust from flat surfaces (such as tables and cleaning blinds) using its deep set ridges to avoid spreading it around. Simply rinse it off under a running faucet and you’re good to go.
The Damp Duster is great for allergy sufferers as it removes dust, pollen, pet hair, and more. It's affordable, reusable, and conveniently sized, and, better yet, is easy to clean – simply rinse the sponge under running water to remove dust and grime.
5. A motorized scrubber
Traditional scouring sponges have a place in our cleaning cabinets, but to save money overall, Vanessa Bossart, cleaning expert and owner of GreenTerra Cleaning suggests investing in a motorized scrubber instead. It’s the best cleaning tip to save energy
She says, ‘For tough grime on tiles, cleaning bathtubs, and cleaning floors, a motorized scrubber is a great tool to have. It does the scrubbing for you, making it easier to remove soap scum and clean grout without a lot of effort. Manual brushes work, but they take more time and energy.
‘A cordless power scrubber, like the Rubbermaid Reveal, from Walmart, can help speed up the process and get better results.’
This extending power scrubber will help you scrub at floors, high tiled walls, and more without the need to crawl around or clamber up ladders or step-stools.
6. A pressure washer
Jade Piper points out, ‘If you're someone who enjoys keeping your outdoor spaces spotless, whether it's cleaning your driveway, deck, or even your car, a good power washer is something you want to invest in. Cheap ones might give you a trickle of water that barely makes a dent in the dirt, and after a few uses, they start to lose pressure or break down completely. Get a model with strong PSI and multiple spray settings. This way, it’s perfect even for those big cleaning tasks.’
Given how many things you can clean with a pressure washer, it is more than worth the investment in the long run.
Without the hassle of gas, this electric pressure washer is ideal for light duty tasks like cleaning patio furniture, grills, windows, bikes, boats, campers, decks, and other outdoor applications.
High-quality cleaning tools will only last so long if you fail to keep your cleaning supplies clean. Staying on top of maintenance will ensure your tools and appliances stand up to regular use and abuse, and deliver perfect cleaning results time and time again.
