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Cleaning is a drag, but you don’t have to drag it out to a long process.

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Cooking can feel like a total chore. But it really adds insult to injury when you've gotta clean up the kitchen afterward. Woe is me! If you, like most of us, have ever thought, "Eh, I'll get fast food because I don't wanna cook and then clean," well, this is the story for you. As someone living in a NYC apartment without a dishwasher, I think it often. But I persist (definitely thanks to my beloved Dawn Powerwash Spray). From personal experience and basically every kitchen-cleaning annoyance I could possibly conceive, I gathered all kinds of problem-solvers to help you quickly and efficiently clean your cookspace *and* all the stuff you dirty up while cooking. 

Promising review: "This product, my drill, and the flat sponge type cleaning pad were the only thing that worked transforming this very dirty tub into cleaner than clean. Very little muscle power necessary. A little goes a long way. It takes off the worst of things and leaves a kind of ceramic coat behind. It’s amazing." —Glinda

Check out a TikTok of the Dawn Powerwash Spray to see it in action! 

I live in an apartment without a dishwasher, and I honestly use that as an excuse to order takeout food instead of cooking. But, as soon as I got my hands on a bottle of this stuff (regular Dawn is my go-to dish soap, BTW), I put it to use on both a saucepan I used to make homemade enchilada sauce *and* the casserole dish I baked those enchiladas, which had a ton of caked-on food. It really does work like I say it does! Like, scary well.

Get the starter pack from Amazon for $17.50.  

Promising review: "Absolutely works as described. Removes the gunk, discoloration, and crud from the bottom of pots easily. Wet the sponge with water, start scrubbing and watch the magic begin in seconds. Minimal elbow grease needed." —Marty Marion

Hope's is a small business based in Missouri that makes cleaning supplies. 

My colleague Maitland Quitmeyer has this and LOVES it: "I bought this for my white porcelain kitchen sink and I've since texted five people about it, which is really a lot for such a boring grown-up product. It cleans beautifully, but the *best* thing about it is its ability to repel stains after cleaning. You know that thing when you rinse out your coffee cup and the coffee water just lingers in your sink and you have to purposefully rinse it out for two minutes? You don't have to do that — the coffee can't stick to the sink and just goes RIGHT down the drain. Time saved, sink clean — this is really a Virgo dream product right here."

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! 10 year old sink looks brand new! Plus water beads right off, sweet stuff for a clean freak!" —Jenny Lynn

Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two sizes).

Check out a TikTok of the drink dispenser in action. 

Promising review: "Super happy with this purchase. Our two little ones (5- and 3-years-old) can now easily fill their own drinks. We also purchased a dual cereal dispenser from Amazon, so now the kids can get their own breakfast cereal with milk!" —April M. Ramos

Get it from Amazon for $17.49 (available in four colors and in multipacks). 

Get a box of six liners from Amazon for $3.18.

Promising review: "Saw on TikTok (don’t judge) and automatically added to cart. So easy to use, takes probably a minute to fully bubble up and clean, and you’re left with a clean sink! I use with other drain cleaning products, but would 100% recommend for weekly maintenance." —Jessica Hamilton

Promising review: "Do you ever remove the rubber cap between your sink and disposal? It is beyond gross! This is shaped just right and makes quick work of a yucky job. Good to do to keep odors away." —Mom328LSA

Promising review: "I bought this to wash baby bottles and pump supplies. Good build and does not feel cheap. I like that it is collapsible for storage and it has a drain on the bottom which makes it super convenient to drain after a soak. I can fit a lot in the tub for soaking." —Lacey D. 

Promising review: "The Boon Countertop Lawn has been an unexpectedly versatile and adorable addition to my kitchen! While marketed for baby items, I quickly found it incredibly useful (and cute!) for so much more. It's perfect for drying small glasses, reusable straws, bottle parts (yes, still!), and even delicate utensils. The design is genius: the 'blades of grass' hold items up just enough so they actually dry properly, unlike flat mats where water can just sit. No more puddles or damp spots! It's easy to clean, adds a playful touch to the counter, and truly excels at airing out those tricky-to-dry items. Highly recommend it for any small, air-drying needs!" —Amanda S. 

My colleague and new mom Emma Lord is obsessed: "I lived in a tiny NYC apartment when my son was born, so making space on the counter for this was a gamble, but oh my STARS, I would have been lost without it. As a first-time, very anxious solo mom who was deeply overwhelmed by the number of bottles my VERY HUNGRY late-term preemie went through, I was both on high alert about everything being perfectly sterilized and also the amount of upkeep bottles took. This bottle washer made everything a breeze. As soon as I hit four bottles, I just filled up the reservoir tank, plopped the bottles in with one of the detergent tablets, and watched all the bottles magically get taken care of in an hour without the hullabaloo of running the dishwasher or boiling water on the stove. I adore mine so much that I put stickers all over it to express my undying gratitude. (You can see in the photos I also decorated the Baby Brezza — my version isn't on sale, but the Baby Brezza Formula Pro is 20% off, and having a Brezza if you're formula feeding at all is also worth its weight in gold!)" 

Get it from Amazon for $299.99 (available in two shades). 

This is also a great way to sterilize pacifiers and small toys! 

Promising review: "I love this bag! I don’t have a dishwasher, and when it came to sterilizing my baby's bottles, I was dreading it. My girl had a NICU start, and there they used these plastic sterilizer microwave bags. I came to Amazon to look them up, but the ones the hospital used were only good for 14 washes. That’s when I found this guy. It’s silicone, so you can keep using it. It definitely gives peace of mind and ease of use." —Victoria

Promising review: "I got this because my mother has dementia and she kept putting away dirty dishes. 🤦🏽‍♀️ And believe it or not, she has actually been using it and it definitely has been working! So I highly suggest buying this for parents or someone you know who has a similar problem!" —Raquel

"Exactly as described, adhesive is good quality, and now my household knows when the dishes are clean. 10/10 would buy again." —Naes181

Get it from Amazon for $6.92 (also available in black).

Wine Wash Co. is a woman-owned small biz that specializes in dishwasher attachments. 

Promising review: "I had a hard time finding wine glass holders for my dishwasher. My previous dishwasher had built-in holders, but my current dishwasher does not. I got tired of having wine glasses break during dishwashing cycles. These holders are sturdy and fit the bill for standard glasses. They can fold up when not in use. I would not use them for expensive Waterford crystal wine glasses, but they are perfect for everyday glasses. A must-have for wine drinkers!" —Alicia

These work on almost any surface: leather, fabric, furniture, hardwood, pans, metal, WHEREVER. And! They'll clean up grease, oil, tar, dirt, ink, lipstick, nail polish, food, and a whole lot more.

Promising review: "I know this sounds cliché, but I literally never write reviews. And here I am. I did it. Why did I do it? Because this product is absolutely unbelievably unreal. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill Clorox cleaning wipes; there’s something in this product that actually legitimately works. I have dogs who pee and poop in the house sometimes, and I use this product to clean their messes. And it is miraculous. No stains, no smell, nothing. I’ve used it on the inside of my car and removed marks that have been on there for years. It almost works like an eraser. And it works on fabric. wood, rugs, glass. I buy three or four tubs at a time, because I don’t want to run out. I’m a clean freak, and have OCD (for real), and this is my go-to wipe for pretty much everything. And they’re really not that expensive. Kudos to the Inventors of this!!!" —Jim

Get a pack of 90 from Amazon for $14.98 (available in nine sizes/packs).

They can be used wet or dry and on basically every type of flooring and even drywall if you're so inclined. Since they can be thrown in the wash, one microfiber pad can replace up to 100 single-use pads. These are from a small biz!

Promising review: I bought these for my friends when I house-sat. I picked up GIANT-sized bunny monster balls!! She usually uses the throw-away Swiffer wipes, which I told her were a waste and not very effective at actually picking up dust. So I showed her what these mop heads picked up, right after she 'dusted' with the Swiffer. Giant fur balls of dust!!!! These need to be in every household with hardwood or hard surface floors. Seriously, I'm a clean freak and do a 'white glove' test in my own household. The cling picks up everything...and not wasting any more money on disposable dusters is a bonus. I just wash them in cool water, but then don't throw them in the dryer, unless I forget it was in the load of laundry. I find they stay softer, and more durable longer, if I don't dry them in the dryer. I'll buy more for my mom's house!" —Maria_O

Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.75. 

Promising review: "I have tiles that the builder put down. As you can imagine, they are not the best quality and feel porous. Everything shows on the floor, but this cleaner truly makes a difference. It goes deep into the tile and grout and leaves it super clean without much effort. Truly effective. The floor looks super clean and shiny after using it. It comes well-packed, so there is no leakage. Best floor cleaner in my opinion. A little goes a long way." —Michelle O 

Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.61. 

The plant-based, lavender-scented cleaner comes with a microfiber cloth for you to use on your appliances, and reviewers say you only have to use a little bit of the cleaner to clean your entire fridge or oven, which means one bottle will last you a really long time.

Promising review: "This stuff works great... and that’s coming from a clean freak. This cleaner/polish works awesome on stainless steel and any other material that the appliance is made of. It comes with a high-quality microfiber cloth, and it smells good. A little goes a long way, so it lasts through daily use." —RMK

Get the set of cleanser and polish from Amazon for $19.95+ (also available in a larger size and two-pack).

FYI, this is the pre-mixed version (which saves you a bit of time). But you can also try the original powder version. To understand just *how* versatile this product is, check out our review of Bar Keepers Friend and prepare to be amazed!

Promising review: "This is the best cleaning product I have ever bought in my 40+ life...bar none. Coming from a clean freak, I recommend this product 111% (yes)!" —DA

Get two 13 oz. bottles from Amazon for $17.99.

Useful Products is a US-based small business established in 2007 by car wash owner, electrician, and former bodybuilder Anthony LaPolla that specializes in drill-cleaning brushes and attachments. 

Each of the different brush colors indicates which tasks the brushes are meant for based on their bristle type, so be sure to check which one is best suited for whatever you need to for! Yellow is the “all-purpose” medium bristle, but some are softer and harder depending on what types of surfaces you’re cleaning (but none of them will scratch!). 

Promising review: "I have been thinking about getting these brushes for a while. I finally did and I’m soooo happy! I would definitely describe myself as a bit of clean freak. After spending so much time hand scrubbing the bath tub, it was never quite enough. After a couple of minutes with these brushes, it’s cleaner than ever before! The beauty is that I no longer have to work so hard to get results! These are worth every penny and I wish I would have bought these ages ago. I used the black and yellow ones for the tub. These are a total game changer!!" —Mom4

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six colors and stiffness levels).

(Though if you're curious about the best way to clean a blender, put some hot water and soap in it and then run it. It cleans itself!)

Promising review: "Surprisingly easy to use! The most convenient juicing appliance I have ever had. Now when I'm lazy in the morning and don't wanna wash the juicer, I just blend some veggies and fruit in the cup and take it to work." —Jessie Cui

Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "The towel kept falling from the handlebar on the dishwasher. I got sick and tired of constantly picking it up from the floor. Saw this clip on Amazon — it is absolutely perfect. The towel stays in place, and I just love it." —Dee

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.

Psst, as you can see above, this set also comes with a crumb catcher where your stove top meets your countertop!

Promising review: "I've been using the foil ones and while they do the job, they're not so nice to look at. I like that this is black so it matches the original color of the appliances, but more importantly I like that this has a larger surface area to catch the drips that the foil ones never could before. They're also trim to fit, so they get right up into each burner without leaving gaps where drips can burn where it's hardest to clean. Overall recommended." —Michael

Get an 8-pack from Amazon for $12.99+ (also available in silver).

Promising review: "I started to make lunch boxes recently and was looking for reliable containers. Didn't want to have plastic ones, so after searching decided to choose this five-pack glass set and have no regrets so far. The size is just ideal for lunch — not too big or too small, it'll fit just the right amount of food to eat but not overeat. They are microwave safe and it's very convenient if you have a microwave in the office." —AlmaMater

Get a set of five from Amazon for $29.99 (also available in various sizes, compartments, and sets).

Quick & Clean is a small biz specializing in descaling products. 

Promising review: "Perfect for in-between cleanings, keeps your coffee tasting great, and keeps your machine maintained. Highly recommended." —James P.

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in larger pack sizes).

The kit includes a 10-ounce bottle of Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner, one cleaning pad, and one scraper to make it a quick and easy job.

Promising review: "Works on my new range and cleans up beautifully so that my cooktop looks as shiny and clean as it did the day it was installed. Follow the directions exactly, and you can't go wrong. Very easy and quick to use. Not a lot of cleaner is needed, so the bottle will last a long time. I clean the cooktop with this almost every day, and I find that it cleans better than with regular cleaner." —Darcy

Get it from Amazon for $17.28+ (available in three styles).

Promising review: "After using this product, I am happy to report that my $5 investment saved me over $500. I was ready to replace my dishwasher due to super cloudy glasses, residue, and dishes just not getting clean. Then, I became aware that the water softener was no longer doing its job so I had the rental company replace it. Dishwasher performance improved somewhat. I decided to do two more loads before deciding to purchase a new one. Then I saw a product test review for Affresh. I was ordering some stuff from Amazon anyway so I added that to my order. When it came, I tossed one of the tablets into the bottom of the full machine per the instructions and ran the regular cycle. I did not expect the results I got! The glassware that I thought was permanently etched and ruined came out like new. Same with cutlery. The difference is unbelievable. I will use this faithfully every month, as recommended. I can even put it on my subscribe and save order so I will get a new pack every six months. I am amazed!" —Sheila

Get them from Amazon for $8.97+ (available in a carton and pouch).

This comes in a pack of four with two pockets each so everyone can get one! And because they're clear, you'll be able to see what's inside so you can actually use it.

Promising review: "I used the product to clear up space that was used for condiment packets, but they also worked out great to hold my mom’s insulin pens so they don’t get lost in the fridge." —GuVal

Promising review: "I wish I bought this years ago. I have dealt with mops falling over and being messy in my small hall closet. Now they are nice and neat. Bonus: There are hooks too, which I didn’t know when I ordered it. Woo Hoo!" —Andrea

Check out a TikTok of the Command spray bottle hangers in action. 

Promising review: "Love these! They have helped organize all my products underneath my kitchen sink. The Command hooks are strong and nothing has budged even with the weight of the spray bottles! Highly recommend." —Talayfor87

Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.69. 

Check out a TikTok of the "Angry Mama" microwave cleaner in action. 

Promising review: "This product is so amazing, I'm going to get one for all of my children. I am a teacher, and I let my students use my microwave. Usually it takes me half an hour of scrubbing after 31 students have made popcorn, and heated up lunches. This time I used the product, and I literally spent less than one minute just wiping down the microwave!!! I will now keep one in my classroom, and one at my home. A miracle product that actually does what it says, remarkable!!!" —Desiree Barlow

Also, check out a similar Godzilla microwave cleaner!

Promising review: "Something as simple as organizing your straws makes a world of difference. Sounds crazy, but I used to keep every drawer I got and practically took up a whole drawer. Now, after I threw away many I didn’t need, I have them all together (even my Stanley straws) and an empty drawer. Love it ." —Amazon Customer

I have VERY narrow kitchen drawers in my NYC one-bedroom apartment kitchen and buying one of these organizers has transformed my cutlery drawer. I'm able to safely reach in and grab whatever I need (like a manual can opener for tuna salad or a mini whisk for a hot chocolate) without having to sift tools around.

Promising review: "Honestly, way better than I thought it was going to be! Perfect size for my tiny kitchen drawer space, and organized very conveniently. It’s sturdier than expected and holds more than I thought it would. Just make sure you don’t have abnormally large/long cutlery and this’ll be great!" —Kaylie

* Products For Anyone Who Wants A Clean Home Without, You Know, Actually Cleaning

* Helpful Things For Anyone Whose Arch Nemesis Is Dust

* Cleaning Products That’ll Whip Your Home Into Shape

* Products If You’re Tired Of All The Stains, Slobber, And Stank Your Furry Friend Leaves Behind

* Products For Anyone Who Longs To Have A Clean, Organized Home

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.