5 Cleaning and Organization Products: What Works & What Doesn’t

I love a tidy house, but I don’t love all the work that comes with maintaining one. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for cleaning and organization products that can take a little work off my plate.

Over the past several months, I’ve purchased and tested five products around my home. Some have earned a permanent spot, while others were useful but didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Here’s what I liked, what I didn’t, and which ones I’d actually buy again.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

1. Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Best for: Spot-cleaning stains on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces.

Shop the Shark StainStriker on Amazon

I purchased the Shark StainStriker for around $150 because I wanted something that could tackle stains on my rugs. With kids and everyday household messes, I thought it would be a worthwhile investment.

When it comes to cleaning performance, it does a wonderful job. I’ve used it on rug stains, and although some require several passes, I’m typically able to remove them completely. The suction is strong, and my rug generally dries within an hour or less. Of course, results can vary depending on the stain and type of rug.

The machine is easy to move around, doesn’t take up much storage space, and is convenient for tackling individual messes.

My biggest complaint is the cleaning process itself. Because it’s a portable spot cleaner, cleaning rugs means getting down on my hands and knees and manually working over the stained areas. That’s manageable for a small spot, but it gets tedious when you’re dealing with larger areas.

My verdict: The Shark StainStriker removes stains well, but I wouldn’t buy it again specifically for cleaning large rugs or carpets. I’d rather have a machine that lets me clean while standing. It’s a good product, just not the most practical choice for how I intended to use it.

2. Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber

Best for: Reaching higher surfaces, corners, and larger areas without relying entirely on a handheld scrub brush.

Shop the Leebein Electric Spin Scrubber on Amazon

I purchased this rechargeable electric scrubber for around $30, hoping it would make cleaning my shower walls less labor-intensive.

The extendable handle makes it a cinch to reach high areas and corners, and the rotating brush helps cover larger surfaces fast. However, the spinning action is slower than I’d prefer, and I still have to apply my cleaning solution and put some effort into scrubbing.

The battery life could also be better, but I appreciate being able to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to clean.

My verdict: It’s an affordable tool that serves its purpose, especially for hard to reach areas. I don’t regret purchasing it, but if I needed another electric scrubber, I’d probably try a different model.

3. 3M Command Broom Grippers

Best for: Keeping brooms, mops, and other cleaning tools organized and off the floor.

Shop the 3M Command Broom Grippers on Amazon

I bought these 3M Command Broom Grippers because I was tired of having cleaning tools leaning against the walls and taking up floor space in my laundry room. At around $8.50 per pack, they were an inexpensive solution that didn’t require drilling holes.

I have three grippers installed. One holds my broom and dustpan together, another holds my electric scrubber, and the third holds my small vacuum. The rubber grips keep everything securely in place while making the tools easy to grab when I need them.

After about 10 months of use, not a single gripper has fallen or come loose. My laundry room floor is less cluttered, and everything has its own spot.

My verdict: These are one of my favorite small organization purchases. They’re affordable, reliable, and have made a noticeable difference in how I store my cleaning supplies. I would buy these over and over again. My only regret is that I didn’t get them in black.

4. Kitsure Adhesive Shower Caddies

Best for: Adding extra bathroom storage without drilling holes.

Shop the Kitsure Shower Caddies on Amazon

My bathrooms have very little storage outside the cabinets under the sinks, so I needed somewhere to put all the products that were taking up space. I bought two sets of Kitsure Shower Caddies for about $15 per pack, giving me four shelves total. I installed one inside each shower and the other two above the toilets to hold additional bathroom essentials. And although they’re technically shower caddies, they work just as well as bathroom shelves.

Installation was ridiculously easy. I cleaned and dried the walls, applied the adhesive strips, and attached the caddies. No drilling, no complicated instructions. A solid 10/10 for installation.

I’ve had them since June, and four months later, they’re still holding strong. The adhesive hasn’t peeled, and there’s been no rust, tarnishing, or discoloration. They’re spacious enough for several products, and the hooks underneath are perfect for hanging shower caps, scrubbers, and washcloths.

My verdict: I love how much storage these add without taking up any counter space. They’re attractive, functional, and one of the easiest bathroom upgrades I’ve made.

5. Silicone Stove Gap Covers

Best for: Preventing crumbs, spills, and food from collecting between the stove and countertops.

Shop the Silicone Stove Gap Covers on Amazon

I was tired of crumbs, spills, and grease collecting in the gaps between my stove and countertops. For about $8, I purchased a two-pack of 21-inch silicone stove gap covers to keep those hard to clean spaces covered.

I simply placed one on each side of my stove, and they’ve stayed in place without needing adjustments. They’ve also made cleanup easier since food and liquids no longer fall into those narrow gaps.

After about a month of use, I haven’t noticed any staining, warping, or heat damage. I usually wipe them down when cleaning my stove, but I’ve also washed them with dish soap and water. The black blends nicely, and the covers can be trimmed to fit if needed.

My verdict: These have solved one of my most annoying kitchen problems. I’d absolutely buy the same ones again.

What’s Actually Worth It?

After trying these five cleaning and organization products, I’ve realized that the best purchases aren’t necessarily the most expensive or impressive. They’re the ones that help cut down on everyday upkeep.

The 3M Command Broom Grippers, Kitsure Shower Caddies, and silicone stove gap covers are easy recommendations because they’re affordable, simple to use, and solve specific problems around my house.

The Shark StainStriker and electric wall scrubber are a little more complicated. Both have their benefits, but neither is something I’d automatically repurchase. Great products, but weren’t the best fit for me.

And if you’re looking for ways to keep things organized beyond the house, check out my favorite car organization products for moms, too.

Here’s to finding more things that make keeping up with life a little less work.

Here’s to finding more things that make keeping up with life a little less work.

Thanks for doing life with me,

— Lexi 🤍