# CleaningCriteria

> Cleaning equipment and supply guides: stick, upright and canister vacuums, carpet cleaners, steam mops, wet-dry floor washers, pressure washers, laundry and cleaning chemicals, for homes and cleaning pros.

CleaningCriteria publishes cleaning gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://cleaningcriteria.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://cleaningcriteria.com/glossary): cleaning gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://cleaningcriteria.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Vacuums](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/vacuums): Cordless stick, upright, canister, handheld and wet-dry vacuums.
- [Floor & carpet care](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/floor-carpet): Carpet extractors, spot cleaners, steam mops, wet-dry floor washers and mops.
- [Laundry & supplies](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/laundry-supplies): Laundry detergents and stain removers, surface cleaners, descalers, microfiber and tools.
- [Outdoor & pro](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/outdoor-pro): Pressure washers, surface cleaners, commercial vacuums, floor scrubbers and janitorial gear.
- [Kitchen & bathroom](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/kitchen-bath): Kitchen degreasers, bathroom and shower cleaners, descalers and specialty surface cleaners.
- [Air & odor](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/air-odor): Odor eliminators, enzyme sprays, deodorizers and fabric fresheners. HVAC filtration is covered by HomeSystemsTested.
- [Eco & refill](https://cleaningcriteria.com/category/eco-refill): Refill systems, cleaning tablets and concentrates, and reusable cleaning tools compared on cost per use.

## Buying guides
- [Cleaning Chemistry: Acidic vs Alkaline Cleaners and What Never to Mix](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides/cleaning-chemistry-ph-guide): Acidic cleaners remove mineral scale, rust and soap scum; alkaline cleaners cut grease and food soil; pH-neutral cleaners are safest on natural stone, wood and finished surfaces. Clean before you disinfect, and leave a disinfectant wet for the full contact time on its EPA-registered label. Never mix bleach with ammonia or with acids such as vinegar, which releases toxic gases.
- [Cordless vs Corded Vacuum: Which Fits Your Home and Floors?](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides/cordless-vs-corded-vacuum): Cordless stick vacuums are light, quick to grab and great for hard floors, small homes and daily touch-ups, but most run 15 to 60 minutes depending on power mode, hold small bins and need battery replacement after a few years. Corded uprights and canisters run without limit, hold more dirt and usually clean deep carpet better. Many homes use both.
- [How to Choose a Pressure Washer: PSI, GPM and Nozzles](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-pressure-washer): Compare pressure washers on both PSI (pressure) and GPM (flow); PSI × GPM gives cleaning units, a better single number. Electric models around 1,500 to 2,300 PSI suit cars, patio furniture and decks. Gas models around 2,800 to 4,000 PSI handle driveways and large jobs faster. Use the widest nozzle that works: 40 degrees for wood and cars, 25 or 15 for concrete, and never the 0-degree red tip on soft surfaces.
- [How to Clean Pet Accidents From Carpet (and What Equipment Helps)](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides/how-to-clean-pet-accidents-from-carpet): Act fast: remove solids, blot (never rub) as much liquid as you can, then apply an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine and let it sit as directed so the enzymes break down the odor-causing compounds. Avoid steam and hot water on fresh protein stains, which can set them. A portable spot cleaner rinses and extracts the area; a full-size extractor handles old or widespread stains.
- [Laundry Detergent Types Explained: Pods, Liquid, Powder and HE](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides/laundry-detergent-types-explained): High-efficiency (HE) washers need low-sudsing HE detergent. Liquid detergent is good on grease and oily stains and for pretreating; powder is often better on mud and clay and costs less per load; pods are convenient but fix the dose and must be stored out of children's reach. Enzymes such as protease and amylase help with protein and starch stains. Compare cost per load, not cost per bottle.
- [Is a Steam Mop Safe for My Floors? A Floor-by-Floor Guide](https://cleaningcriteria.com/guides/steam-mop-floor-safety): Steam mops suit sealed ceramic and porcelain tile and some sealed vinyl. Most hardwood, laminate and many luxury vinyl plank makers advise against steam, because heat and moisture can swell seams and void warranties. Unsealed stone, unsealed grout and waxed floors are also poor matches. Always check your flooring maker's care instructions; a damp microfiber mop or a wet-dry floor washer is the safe alternative.

Contact: info@cleaningcriteria.com