Simple cleaning appliances that do the hard work for you

Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean scrubbing on your hands and knees or lugging heavy appliances from room to room. Thanks to our expert reviews, you can find the tools to cut cleaning time and leave more hours for the things you love.

From window vacs that make streaky glass a thing of the past to robot vacuums that get to work while you put your feet up, we’ve rounded up a selection of easy-to-use cleaning appliances designed with convenience in mind.

Take a closer look at Which?-tested clothes steamers, air purifiers, hard floor cleaners and more below. If you're a Which? member, you’ll get instant access to our test scores, including the high-scoring Best Buys.

1. Clothes steamers for effortless crease removal

If you dread ironing, a clothes steamer could be your new best friend. These compact appliances blast out hot vapour to smooth away creases on everything from shirts to curtains, with no ironing board required.

Clothes steamers are especially handy for quick touch-ups or delicate fabrics, and ideal if you’re short on space. To find the best, we put the most popular models through rigorous lab tests, assessing how well they remove creases from a range of fabrics, as well as their ease of use, durability and heat-up time.

Our top-scoring clothes steamer is extremely effective at removing creases. In our tests, it delivered near-perfect results on cotton, linen and silk. It also performed well on polycotton, making it a great all-rounder for tackling a range of fabrics. It's easy to use, too, with a large, easy-to-refill water tank and a trigger lock that lets you steam continuously without having to hold down the button.

The table below reveals the best clothes steamers from our tests. Click on the product links to read our reviews:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best clothes steamers.

2. Window vacs for streak-free windows

Say goodbye to streaky glass with a high-scoring window vacuum. These handy gadgets make it quick and easy to get gleaming windows, mirrors and even shower screens. A window vac works by sucking up dirty water after cleaning, so you're left with a clear finish and no drips.

They're surprisingly versatile gadgets, with many models tackling condensation, tiles and car windscreens (see also: household cleaning jobs you can tackle with a window vac). But, as always, it’s worth doing your homework before you buy.

The table below reveals the best window vacs from our tests. Click on the product links to read our reviews:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best window vacs.

3. Vacuum cleaners for banishing grime

From daily mess to deep-down dirt, there’s a vacuum cleaner for every job. Whether you want something lightweight for quick clean-ups, powerful for carpets, or smart enough to clean on its own, the right vacuum can take the effort out of keeping your floors spotless.

We test all kinds of vacuum cleaners in our labs, from traditional corded models to compact handhelds and high-tech robot vacs, so you can find one that fits your lifestyle without the guesswork.

• Cordless vacuums – Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, they’re great for quick daily cleans, from kitchen crumbs to pet hair on the sofa. Cordless models are especially handy for stairs or awkward spaces. However, some struggle with suction, so check our cordless vacuum cleaner reviews before buying.
• Corded vacuum cleaners – If you're looking for consistent power without worrying about charging, a classic corded vacuum could be the best choice. They tend to be better for deep cleans, especially on carpets, and are ideal for larger homes where a battery might not last the distance. Our corded vacuum reviews highlight the top-rated models.
• Robot vacuum cleaners – They quietly patrol your floors, picking up dust and debris while you get on with something else. Most can be controlled via an app or set on a schedule, and higher-end models map your rooms to clean more efficiently. However, some struggle on thick carpets or with pet hair. See our guide to the best robot vacuum cleaners for our top picks.
• Handheld vacuum cleaners – Many are cordless and can even be wall-mounted for easy access. They're also great as a second vacuum – especially upstairs, where you might not want to drag a full-sized cleaner. But be warned: the worst models run out of puff fast. Our handheld vacuum reviews uncover which ones are worth keeping charged.

The table below reveals the best cordless vacuums from our tests. Click on the product links to read our reviews:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best cordless vacuum cleaners.

4. Air purifiers for dealing with dust and pollen

Air purifiers don’t replace your duster, but they do tackle a different kind of mess – the stuff you can’t see. By removing airborne dust, pollen and odours, an effective purifier can make your home feel cleaner and more comfortable, which is especially valuable if you have allergies.

Most use HEPA filters, which trap microscopic pollutants, while some combine these with activated carbon to neutralise odours from cooking or pets. Higher-end models may also include smart features such as air-quality sensors, app controls and auto modes that adjust performance in real time.

That said, not all purifiers are worth the investment. In our tests, some were noisy, struggled in larger rooms, or needed costly replacement filters. Choosing the right purifier for your space is key – bigger isn’t always better, especially in smaller flats or bedrooms.

The table below reveals the best air purifiers from our tests. Click on the product links to read our reviews:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best air purifiers.

5. Steam cleaners for loosening dirt

Steam cleaners use high-temperature steam to loosen dried-on dirt without the need for harsh chemicals. They're suitable for cleaning hard floors, tiles, grout and worktops, while many models can also be used on shower screens, upholstery and other surfaces around the home.

We test steam cleaners on a range of hard floor surfaces to see how well they remove dried-on stains and clean tight crevices. Our experts also assess how easy they are to manoeuvre and use, helping you find the models that perform well in everyday cleaning.

The table below reveals the best steam cleaners from our tests. Click on the product links to read our reviews:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best steam cleaners.

Also consider:

• Carpet cleaners – Vacuuming alone might not do the trick if you’re dealing with muddy pawprints, spills or deeply ingrained dirt. Carpet cleaners use water and cleaning solution to deep-wash carpet fibres, restoring freshness and colour. They’re bulkier than standard vacuums and need drying time after use, but for families, pet owners or people with allergies, they’re worth considering. See the best carpet cleaners.
• Hard floor cleaners – If you’ve got vinyl, laminate or tiled floors, a hard floor cleaner could be a major upgrade from your mop. These gadgets scrub and suck up dirty water in one motion, so you're left with cleaner floors that dry faster. See the best hard floor cleaners.

Cleaning essentials for your home

• Cleaning sprays – Whether you're tackling greasy kitchen worktops, soap scum in the bathroom or everyday spills, the right cleaning spray can make all the difference. We've tested bathroom, kitchen and all-purpose cleaners to find the ones that shift grime most effectively. See the best cleaning sprays.
• Drain unblockers – A good drain unblocker can clear slow-draining sinks, showers and baths without the need for expensive plumbing callouts. Our tests reveal which products cut through blockages quickly and which aren't worth buying. See the best drain unblockers.
• Oven cleaners – Burnt-on grease and baked-on food don't have to mean hours of scrubbing. We tested a range of oven cleaners to find the ones that remove stubborn grime with the least effort. See the best oven cleaners.

Don’t know where to start with your clean? Read our spring cleaning tips or our guide on how to declutter your home.