SAN ANTONIO – Cleaning the floors can be a real chore, so Consumer Reports tested some products to help you get the job done.
One solution is a washable rug, especially for high-traffic areas. Consumer Reports tested several, including the popular Ruggable brand.
One panelist was particularly wowed by the Ruggable Moroccan Ornate Plush Rug for $309 because of its washability and softness.
If your home has more carpet than bare floors, CR said you’ll need a good full-sized vacuum to get deep-down dirt. The Hoover WindTunnel Max UH30600 for $200 is a top-performing upright vacuum in CR’s tests.
For a deeper clean, they suggest the Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700. It earned very good scores in tests, which consist of removing red clay stains from carpets.
A lightweight stick vacuum is handy for quick cleanups. The Shark Vertex Ultralight HZ2002 for $300 aced CR’s tests for cleaning bare floors and picking up pet hair.
When cleaning a tile floor, skip the old squeeze mop and consider a steam mop like the Bissell PowerFresh Slim 2075A Steam mop for $165.
For wood floors, stick to a damp mop and a cleaner formulated for your floor’s finish.
Adding a coir doormat outside your entry can help cut down on dirt tracked into the house.