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Whether spring cleaning, daily cleaning, or moving home, having the right cleaning supplies makes removing stains, odors, and dust faster and easier. But the huge selection of products and brands makes it hard to know which ones to buy. To help you, we’ve compiled a checklist of cleaning products that will leave every room fresh, tidy, and germ-free.
After reading this guide, you’ll know which must-have household cleaning products are missing from your cupboard. You’ll explore the most powerful cleaning products and the eco-friendly options too. And as an added bonus, you’ll get tips on which cleaning products work best for each room, as well as tips for organizing and disposing of your cleaning products.
Must-Have Cleaning Products for Every Home
To start, make sure you’ve got the basics, as some household cleaning products should be a permanent fixture in every home.
All-purpose cleaner
Disinfectant spray/wipes
Glass cleaner
Microfiber cloths
Scrub brushes
Broom and dustpan
Mop (spray or traditional)
Vacuum cleaner
Sponges and scouring pads
Rubber gloves
Toilet brush and bowl cleaner
Trash bags
Paper towels or reusable rags
Eco-Friendly and Safe Household Cleaning Products
When it comes to stocking must-have household cleaning products, there is no reason why they cannot be eco-friendly. Sustainable cleaning products are better for the environment, safer for children and pets (and adults too), and often just as unforgiving on dirt as synthetic chemical options.
Environmentally Friendly Household Cleaning Products
To find sustainable cleaning products, look for products labeled “biodegradable,” “cruelty-free,” or “made without phosphates or ammonia.” This way, you’ll ensure they’re not tested on animals and that they protect the planet, the atmosphere, and our wildlife. Some of the eco household cleaning product brands to consider include Seventh Generation and ECOS.
Non-Toxic Household Cleaning Products
Non-toxic household cleaning products may seem an obvious choice, but they are even more important if your household includes someone who likes to lick or chew surfaces (such as small children or pets). Check the ingredients in cleaning products for particularly strong chemicals, such as bleach or formaldehyde, and choose plant-based formulas where possible.
DIY Cleaners Using Household Items
Sometimes, an old natural trick or recipe from grandma really does work (and it can save you money, too). Some examples within cleaning include:
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
Baking soda can deodorize carpets, fridges, and drains.
Lemon juice removes grease and leaves a fresh scent.
Castile soap is a gentle cleaning agent.
Room-by-Room Cleaning Supply List
Each room in a house is subject to a different type of dirt. For example, a kitchen is more prone to grease, a bedroom to dust, and the bathroom to hair and hygiene product stains. Here’s a breakdown, with a cleaning supplies checklist for each room:
Kitchen
Degreaser spray and/or white vinegar cleaning solutions
Dish soap, sponges, and dishwashing gloves
Dishwasher tablets and dishwasher salt (if you have a dishwasher)
Stainless steel cleaner for pots, pans, and cooking appliances
Garbage disposal bags
Baking soda for cleaning the fridge and microwave
Anti-bacterial spray and cleaning cloths/paper towels
Floor mop and floor cleaner
A vacuum
Bathroom
Toilet bowl cleaner and toilet brush
Bleach-free shower and bathtub cleaner
Disinfectant spray or wipes
Mildew remover or hydrogen peroxide spray
Glass cleaner (your vinegar solution will work wonders here!) and cleaning cloths
Scrubbing brush for tiles and grout
Living Areas
Upholstery cleaner or spray foam
Wax spray or wood polish for wooden furniture
Duster and wiping cloths
Carpet cleaner and stain remover
Robot vacuum for constant automated cleaning
For the full list in an easily printable format that you can take to the store, consult the cleaning supplies checklist table further down this article.
Cleaning Tools That Make a Real Difference
Sometimes, even the right products won’t help us keep a clean and tidy home. Why? Because we don’t have the time. This is where cleaning tools can make a real difference to a working household. Below you’ll find the top household cleaning products to shake up your cleaning routine and slash your cleaning time in half.
Robot Vacuums
The robot vacuum is a revolutionary cleaning product that will take care of the cleaning itself. And the best part? It’s affordable. Robot vacuums like the Dreame X50 Ultra Robot Vacuum will map your home and respond to a schedule, meaning your house will be cleaned at times that work for you (so there’s no need to trip over your vacuum helper when carrying a much-needed glass of red wine over to your white sofa). Robot vacuums are especially good for pet owners, as consistent cleaning can reduce dander, and thus allergic reactions.
Wet and Dry Vacuums
Using a traditional vacuum on a moist surface can result in the harboring of bacteria within the vacuum and even cause damage to the internal components; however, a wet and dry vacuum, such as the Dreame H14 Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum, can tackle all surface types safely and efficiently. Using a wet and dry vacuum means better cleaning flexibility, since you can equally vacuum living areas and bathrooms, but it can also mean a longer usage period since it is less prone to breakage.
Cordless Vacuums
Cordless vacuums offer a neat and compact vacuum experience for easy cleaning around the home; however, it’s important to check that your cordless vacuum of choice has a good battery life before you purchase it. The Dreame Z30 Cordless Stick Vacuum’s compact design and sturdy battery make it a great option for daily touch-ups and for reaching those high-up places that are out of reach for a traditional vacuum.
Technology in cleaning is constantly evolving and offering new gadgets to simplify and speed up this sometimes-mundane task. If you’re interested in learning how to choose the right automatic cleaning tools, we’ve got a guide for that too.
Cleaning Supplies Checklist
To help simplify your shopping trip for cleaning products, we’ve compiled a household cleaning supplies checklist that is easily readable and printable. You could also stick it on the back of the cupboard door to encourage the other members of your household to do their bit!
Item
Use Area
Eco Option Available
All-Purpose Cleaner
All rooms
Yes
Glass Cleaner
Kitchen, Bath
Yes
Disinfectant Spray/Wipes
High-touch areas
Yes
Baking Soda
Kitchen, Bath
Yes (DIY)
White Vinegar
Kitchen, All rooms
Yes (DIY)
Lemon Juice
Kitchen, Bath
Yes (DIY)
Robot Vacuum Cleaner
All rooms
Energy-efficient
Mop/Wet & Dry Vacuum
Hard floors
Yes
Cordless Stick Vacuum
All rooms
Rechargeable
Microfiber Cloths
All rooms
Yes
Scrub Brushes
Bath, Kitchen
Yes
Trash Bags
All rooms
Compostable options
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Bathroom
Yes
Dish Soap
Kitchen
Yes
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner
Living Areas
Yes
Cleaning Supplies Organization and Disposal Tips
How to Organize Your Cleaning Closet
Use separate boxes or clean bags to separate your cleaning products by room
Label everything
Store sprays the right way up and away from heat and moisture
Where to Buy Household Cleaning Products Affordably
Bulk buying is usually cheaper, so head to warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club
Buy your basics, such as gloves and scrubbers, at dollar stores
Eco-conscious stores like Grove Collaborative often offer competitive pricing
How to Dispose of Household Cleaning Products Safely
Chemicals should NEVER be disposed of down drains or put in the trash
Take chemical products to hazardous waste disposal sites
Finish the product before recycling the container
For additional guidance on how to safely dispose of chemical cleaning products, consult the EPA’s guide to disposing of cleaners.
Where to Donate Unused Cleaning Products
Community centers and local shelters often accept unopened cleaning products
Ask at the local schools, churches, activity centers, and mutual aid groups
Bonus: What NOT to Mix When Cleaning
You may think that cleaning products are harmless, but remember that a lot of them are chemicals, and mixing them can cause strong (often unwanted) chemical reactions. Stay on the safe side and refrain from mixing the following ingredients:
Bleach and ammonia can cause toxic chloramine gas
Bleach and vinegar can cause chlorine gas
Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can cause peracetic acid, which can burn your skin
Baking soda and vinegar placed together in a sealed container can cause a pressure buildup that can eventually blow up
Stay safe by always reading product labels and don’t mix anything unless the instructions specifically ask you to. After reading this, you may wonder, “Are household cleaning products dangerous?” The truth is that they can be misused. So, handle them with care and don’t give chemical-based cleaning products to children.
Conclusion
Keeping a tidy home can seem like an impossible task, but when armed with a reliable cleaning supplies checklist of top household cleaning products, it gets a lot easier. In addition, today’s market means you can choose the cleaning products that align with your values (such as eco-friendly options) or the cleaning tools that will do the work for you (such as robot vacuum cleaners), meaning more clean surfaces with less stress.
Now that you’re armed with the right cleaning products for you, you’re ready to go pro. Read our blog to learn cleaning strategies, including how to clean your room efficiently, and how to take care of specialty surfaces, such as how to care for hardwood floors.
Trying to find the perfect vacuum in 2025? You're not alone. With all the choices, from robot vacuums to sticks, canisters, and uprights, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But if you need serious cleaning power, an upright vacuum cleaner might still be your best bet in 2025.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of upright vacuums and compares them with other vacuum types. Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, thick carpets, or just want something simple and powerful, this guide will help you decide if an upright is right.
What Is an Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
An upright vacuum cleaner is the classic "push-and-go" vacuum with a standing design. The motor, dustbin, and cleaning head are all housed in one unit. Unlike canisters (which have a separate wand and body) or stick vacuums (which are lightweight and slim), uprights are built for deep carpet cleaning and large spaces.
Key features:
Built-in motor and floorhead
Often corded (but cordless options are growing)
Designed for strong suction, especially on carpets
Large dustbin or bag capacity
Some people ask whether cordless sticks or wet and dry vacuums count as uprights. Technically, cordless stick vacuums are a lighter, more maneuverable subtype of upright, while wet/dry vacuums are a separate category.
Pros of Upright Vacuum Cleaners
1. Strong Suction Power for Deep Cleaning
Uprights excel at lifting embedded dirt thanks to their motorized brush rolls and strong suction, which can reach up to 20,000 pascals (Pa) in premium models. This makes them great for carpets and pet hair.
2. Large Capacity = Less Emptying
Most hold 1–2 liters of debris, meaning fewer interruptions to empty the bin or replace the bag.
3. Faster for Large Spaces
Their wide cleaning path (12–15 inches) covers more ground quickly, ideal for bigger homes
4. Durable & Long-Lasting
Fewer moving parts than robots = less maintenance over time.
5. Integrated Design
Their upright, all-in-one unit makes them easy to store and typically means no assembly is required.
Cons of Upright Vacuum Cleaners
1. Heavy & Bulky
Weighing 10–20 lbs (4.5–9 kg), they’re harder to carry upstairs or store in closets. This makes them ill-suited for smaller apartments.
2. Limited Hard Floor Performance
Without a brush roll shutoff, they can scatter debris on tile or hardwood.
3. Corded Models Restrict Movement
You’ll need outlets nearby or to pay extra for cordless uprights (which have shorter runtimes).
4. Less Flexibility
Due to their rigid design, they are less flexible for cleaning under furniture or in tight corners.
5. No Wet-Cleaning Features
Unlike wet and dry vacuums or robot mops, they can’t mop or handle liquid spills. This means you’ll need separate cleaning tools for floors needing both vacuuming and mopping.
Pro-tip If you have mostly hard floors or need versatile cleaning, consider a stick vacuum with mopping attachments or a robot vacuum-mop combo instead for all-in-one convenience. Opt for the Dreame H14 Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum with 180° lie-flat reach, enabling it to reach under furniture.
Upright Vacuum vs. Other Types: Which One Suits You Best?
Stick Vacuum vs. Upright Vacuum
Stick vacuums are lighter and easier to maneuver, especially cordless ones.
Uprights win on power and dustbin size.
Use a stick if you clean daily and want quick touch-ups.Use an upright if you need deep cleaning on carpets.
Canister vs. Upright Vacuum
Canisters are great for versatility: cleaning stairs, drapes, and cars.
Uprights are better for large floor areas and ease of use.
Use a canister if you need flexible reach and plan to clean non-floor areas.Use an upright if you want fast floor cleaning without setup time.
Robot Vacuum vs. Upright Vacuum
Robot vacuums clean for you and are ideal for daily maintenance.
Uprights clean deeper but require manual operation.
Use a robot if you want low-effort, frequent upkeep.Use an upright if you need strong suction and don’t mind pushing it around.
Wet and Dry Vacuum vs. Upright Vacuum
Wet and dry vacuums handle spills and heavy-duty messes.
Uprights are better for standard floor cleaning and daily dirt.
Use a wet/dry if you have a workshop, garage, or frequent liquid messes.Use an upright if you want a cleaner focused on household floors.
Summary Comparison Table
Vacuum Type
Power
Portability
Carpet Cleaning
Hard Floor Cleaning
Wet Cleaning
Hands-Free
Upright
✅✅✅
⚠️
✅✅✅
✅✅
❌
❌
Stick
✅
✅✅✅
✅
✅✅
❌
❌
Canister
✅✅
✅✅
✅✅
✅✅✅
❌
❌
Robot
⚠️
✅✅✅
⚠️
✅✅
⚠️
✅✅✅
Wet/Dry
✅✅✅
⚠️
✅✅
✅✅✅
✅✅✅
❌
Legend:
✅✅✅ = Excellent ✅✅ = Good ✅ = Basic ⚠️ = Mixed ❌ = Not Supported
Features to Look For in an Upright Vacuum in 2025
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded models offer unlimited runtime but limited range (annoying cord management).
Cordless models are lighter and more convenient to move around but may have shorter battery life (often 40–60 minutes).
What is the best cordless upright vacuum?
The best cordless upright vacuum in 2025 combines strong suction with long battery life (at least 45 minutes), fast recharging, and a lightweight build. Models that include auto-suction adjustment for carpet vs. hard floors stand out.
Bag vs. Bagless
Bagged models trap more dust and allergens and are better for allergy sufferers.
Bagless models save on recurring costs (no bag replacements) and let you see what’s collected.
What are the best bagged and bagless upright vacuum cleaners?
The best bagged upright vacuum in 2025 should have a HEPA-sealed system and self-sealing dust bags to contain mess. A large capacity will mean fewer changes and less hassle.
The best bagless upright vacuum cleaner offers easy-to-empty bins, strong cyclone suction to prevent clogs, and washable filters to cut down on maintenance costs.
Weight & Noise
Some uprights are over 15 lbs (6.8 kg), which can be tough for seniors or multi-level homes. Noise is also a factor for early cleaners and apartment dwellers.
What is the best lightweight upright vacuum cleaner?
Weighing under 12 lbs (5.4 kg), the best lightweight upright vacuum cleaner should still deliver powerful suction without tiring out your arms or back.
What is the quietest upright vacuum cleaner?
The quietest upright vacuum cleaner operates at or below 70 decibels. Look for models with brushless motors, sound-dampening insulation, and variable power modes to reduce noise on hard floors.
Suction Power
Strong suction is key for pet hair, thick carpets, or heavy dirt. Check for air watt ratings or suction tests on real surfaces.
What upright vacuum has the strongest suction?
The upright vacuum with the strongest suction will have a high air watt (AW) rating, multi-surface settings, and motorized brush rolls that dig deep into carpets. Top models also auto-adjust suction based on floor type.
Recommended Upright Vacuums for 2025
Here are some top-rated picks across use cases:
For Hardwood Floors:
Dreame H12 Pro Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner: Though technically a wet/dry upright, this model is excellent for sealed hardwood. It vacuums and mops in one pass while protecting your floors with soft, non-scratch rollers.
For Pet Hair:
Dreame T30 Cordless Stick Vacuum: This lightweight upright delivers powerful suction with an advanced anti-tangle brush that resists pet hair wrap. It’s great for households with dogs or long-haired cats. Includes a mini motorized brush for sofas and pet beds.
For Carpet:
Dreame R20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: Designed with automatic suction boost and a smart brush that adjusts to carpet depth. It deep cleans thick rugs without getting bogged down, making it ideal for full-house floor care.
Look for height adjustment and deep-cleaning power. Check this guide on “How to Choose the Right Pet Hair Vacuum for Your Home.”
For Allergies:
Dreame T20 Pro Cordless Vacuum: Equipped with multi-layer HEPA filtration that captures 99.9% of fine dust and allergens. It’s bagless but still allergy-friendly, with a washable filter and sealed dust chamber to trap particles.
Is an Upright Vacuum Still a Good Buy in 2025?
Yes, if deep cleaning power and simplicity matter to you. Upright vacuum cleaners are still some of the most reliable tools for keeping carpets spotless and large homes clean.
While they may lack the bells and whistles of robots or the ultra-light feel of stick vacuums, they strike a great balance of power, cost, and performance.
Dreame Take At Dreame, we believe the best vacuum is the one that fits your lifestyle. Upright vacuums are a classic for a reason. As technology evolves, they’re becoming smarter, quieter, and more powerful, they’re still a go-to choice for whole-home cleaning in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're a first-time buyer or replacing an old favorite, we’ll help you find the right tool for the job.