10 genius cleaning tools that target your home's secret dirty spots
As if we don’t have enough things to do around the house, there’s a bunch of spots you actually should be cleaning but probably aren’t. Like the garbage disposal. The clothes dryer. And the dishwasher—yes, you’re even supposed to clean a machine meant for cleaning!
But the payoff is big: When you keep on top of these nitty-gritty places, the items work better and your home feels fresher. And with spring cleaning just around the corner, the time is right. We’ve scoured (get it?) the market to find the best, easiest-to-use tools to tackle the jobs you never thought you’d have to.
From a microfiber ceiling fan duster to an ergonomic brush for window and door tracks, these gizmos will inspire you to dole out some serious elbow grease.
FlexiSnake Drain Millipede Hair Clog Tool
Bathroom sink clogged? No need to remove the stopper—just weasel this guy down the drain and give it a spin. The “micro hooks” on the pipe cleaner-like gizmo will dislodge all that nastiness. You’ll be free-flowing in no time.
Shop it: FlexiSnake Drain Millipede Hair Clog Tool, $6, amazon.com
Deflecto Dryer Duct Cleaning Kit
Scary but true: Lint buildup in your dryer can cause fires. Eliminate the risk by cleaning those ducts with this tool that extends up to 12 feet. Turn it manually, or for longer ductwork, attach it to a drill. And prepare to be shocked at the amount of gunk that comes out.
Shop it: Deflecto Dryer Duct Cleaning Kit, $20, amazon.com
Sure, you can toss in a lemon to spruce up that garage disposal. But to really sanitize the pipes, you’ll want something stronger. These biodegradable lemon-scented foaming packets eradicate grime and odors from all parts of the disposer—sidewalls, blades, and under the splashguard—and leaves behind a nice fresh scent.
Shop it: Glisten Disposer Care Cleaner 2-Pack, Lemon Scent, $6 (free shipping), walmart.com
Antibacterial Silicone Bottle Brush — ON SALE
Your water bottle needs more than a rinse-and-go. Harmful bacteria could be lurking in those crevices. This antibacterial long-handled silicone brush will do the trick while repelling mold and mildew (unlike standard sponges).
Shop it: Antibacterial Silicone Bottle Brush, $10 (was $13), amazon.com
Pumie Toilet Bowl Ring Remover
Sometimes no matter how hard you scrub the toilet, stains just won’t budge. That’s because the spots are actually lime buildup or rust. This pumice-stone-on-a-stick works insanely well, but it’s gentle, so it won’t scratch your beloved bowl.
Shop it: Pumie Toilet Bowl Ring Remover, $10, amazon.com
Heepo 1 Pc Durable Mini Useful Comb Hair Brush Cleaner
Thought picking out random hairs was enough to clean your brush? It’s not. This mini rake-like gizmo gets every last strand. And if you want to really sanitize your brush, follow by rinsing it in hot soapy water.
Shop it: Heepo 1 Pc Durable Mini Useful Comb Hair Brush Cleaner, $7 (free shipping), walmart.com
6-Pack of Cleaning Cups for Keurig K-Cup Machines by Quick & Clean
Sometimes your morning sanity-saver (a.k.a. Keurig brewer) starts turning out odd-tasting joe or inconsistent pours. When that happens, run it with one of these cleaning pods and then again with just water, and you’ll be back to that yummy coffee you depend on in no time. Non-toxic and biodegradable.
Shop it: 6-Pack of Cleaning Cups for Keurig K-Cup Machines by Quick & Clean, $10, amazon.com
Fuginator Scrub Brush for Tile and Grout
Super-stiff nylon bristles and an easy-to-grab handle make light work of pesky grout lines (think tubs, backsplashes, floors, anywhere tricky tile presents itself). The bright brush is designed to handle heavy duty cleaners without bending or damaging the bristles. So go hard, or go home.
Shop it: Fuginator Scrub Brush for Tile and Grout, $13 (free shipping), amazon.com
Rienar 2pcs Window Track Cleaning Brushes
If you clean your sliding glass door tracks regularly, then you don’t need to be reading this article. If you’re like the rest of us, get this brush immediately! Use it to sweep away debris from door and window tracks; the scraper on the other side dislodges stubborn crud. Then grab a wet paper towel or hand vac to get the gunk out of your life for good.
Shop it: Rienar 2pcs Window Track Cleaning Brushes, $6, amazon.com
Fanbladecleaner Ceiling Fan Duster
Like a cozy mitten for your ceiling fan, this microfiber sleeve slides over blades, trapping dust so it doesn’t make its way onto your floor—or head! Best part: it’s machine washable.
Shop it: Fanbladecleaner Ceiling Fan Duster, $15, amazon.com
Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:
• My toilet paper gave me ‘micro-cuts’ — and this fluffy Amazon TP literally saved my butt
• I’ve tested just about every weird cleaning product — here are the 10 that were truly life-changing
• Amazon can barely keep these $25 sheets in stock
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