Cleaning Hacks from Wirecutter Experts

Speakers don’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter senior audio writer Brent Butterworth tells us about some surprising hacks to improve the sound setup you may already have, and affordable speaker upgrades worthy of consideration. Products we recommend: Best ultra-portable bluetooth speaker: JBL Go 4Best budget bluetooth speaker: Tribit StormBox Mini  (sold out)Best bluetooth speaker with solid bass: Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2Best computer speakers (upgrade pick): JBL Professional 305P MkIIBest passive bookshelf speakers (they’ll need an amp): Polk Signature Elite ES15Best budget bookshelf speakers: Micca MB42X G2Best amp: WiiM AmpBest stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190Brent loves this screwdriver: Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD Additional reading: The 5 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2025The 5 Best Computer Speakers of 2025The 5 Best Bookshelf Speakers for Stereo and Surround Sound of 2024The 3 Best Home Bluetooth Speakers of 2025The Best Stereo Amplifiers and Receivers Under $300 of 2025How to Build the Best Multiroom Wireless Speaker System for YouWhat Do You Get When You Spend More for Speakers?How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio SystemHow to Get Great Sound in Your Backyard  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Plant expert Darryl Cheng, of the popular Instagram account @houseplantjournal, teaches us how to keep those pothos and monsteras alive. He also reveals a few tips from his most recent book, The New Plant Collector, for helping various plants thrive. Then senior staff writer and plant collector Rose Maura Lorre shares her insider secrets for scoring cheap or totally free houseplants. Things We Recommend: Rose likes: Who Gives a Crap 100% Recycled Toilet PaperHow to use your phone as a light meter More from Darryl Cheng: His first book The New Plant Parent (2019)His latest book The New Plant Collector (2024)His website: houseplantjournal.com Additional ReadingFill Your Home with Houseplants for Practically No MoneyThe 2 Best Places to Buy Plants Online of 202525 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers of 2025The 7 Best Fake Plastic Trees and Artificial Houseplants of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Concerned about tariffs spiking prices? Wirecutter’s senior tech editor, Caitlin McGarry, explains how new trade policies might affect the cost of Wirecutter-recommended products—at least for now. Additional Reading: Wirecutter's Expert Advice on How to Navigate the New Tariffs  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Skin care doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. We cover the basics anyone might need in their skin-care regimen, and our favorite drugstore brands that we’ve tested.Guests: Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology, and Rory Evans, Wirecutter’s senior beauty writer. Products we recommend:Facial Moisturizers: Vanicream Daily Facial MoisturizerLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face MoisturizerCeraVe Moisturizing CreamAugustinus Bader The Rich CreamRetinols:SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0Trader Joe’s Retinol Night SerumVitamin C Serums: SkinCeuticals C E FerulicTimeless Skin Care 20% C + E Ferulic Acid SerumNaturium Vitamin C Complex SerumLa Roche-Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C SerumDr. Dhingra likes these facial cleansers: Cetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserCeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial CleanserRory likes: East Fork Everyday Bowl Additional Reading:The 7 Best Moisturizers of 2025The 6 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2025The 5 Best Retinol Products of 2025So You’re Ready to Start Using Retinol. Here’s What You Should Know First.The 12 Best Sunscreens for Your Face of 2025   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Our staff experts reveal time-tested methods for cleaning the most neglected (and grimy) areas of your home–from greasy ovens to stained patio furniture.  Guests: special projects director Christine Cyr Clisset, editorial director Marguerite Preston, senior writer Doug Mahoney, senior writer Rachel Wharton, staff writer Thom Dunn and senior editor Harry SawyersProducts We Recommend: Dish soap for all kinds of cleaning tasks: Seventh Generation Dish SoapAn abrasive cleaner that comes in handy for lots of tasks: Bar Keepers Friend All-Purpose Cleaner and PolishA good descaling product for coffee machines: Urnex Descaling Powder Solution Additional Reading: Clean Everything NewsletterHow to Clean Your Coffee MakerHow to Clean Your OvenHow to Clean a Toaster OvenHow to Clean a HumidifierHow to Clean Patio Furniture CushionsExtremely Satisfying Pressure Washer ProjectsHow to Clean Your DishwasherHow to Clean Your Front-Loading Washing MachineHow to Clean Your Shower Curtain  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

23andMe, maker of popular DNA test kits, has filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer. Here’s why customers should delete their info before it’s sold.Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Max EddyTo delete your 23andMe data:Log in to your account and select Settings.Scroll to the bottom of the page and select 23andMe data, then View. (Download a copy of your genetic information).Select Delete Data and then Permanently Delete Data.In Settings, you can also opt to have your genetic material destroyed.Navigate to the Research and Product Consents section and revoke permission to allow your genetic material to be used in research projects. (Doing so revokes that permission only for future research).23andMe notes that you have to provide additional verification before your data-deletion request can be processed, and that you must follow instructions detailed in a 23andMe confirmation email for your request to be processed. The company recommends emailing [email protected] if you have issues submitting the data-deletion request. Additional Reading: 23andMe Just Filed for Bankruptcy. You Should Delete Your Data Now.The 2 Best DNA Testing Kits of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

In the final part of our stain series, we tackle trickier listener questions–from eliminating fishy odors to whether you can truly remove paint stains. Guest: Senior writer Andrea Barnes Products we recommend:A good stain remover for ink or sugary stains: Amodex Ink & Stain RemoverA good stain remover for cat odors: Nature's MiracleA good way to remove odors from clothes: Downy Rinse & RefreshFor acrylic paint stains, you might try: Dawn PowerwashFor oil paint stains, you can try mineral spiritsA good stain remover for old blood stains: Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color BrightenerThe best liquid laundry detergent & a great product for pre-treating stains: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentThe best powdered laundry detergent (with oxygen bleach) for dirt and clay: Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent Additional reading:The Wirecutter Show Episode 32: The Art of Stain Removal Part 1So You Stained Your Shirt. Now What? The 6 Best Stain Removers of 2025Skip the Stain Removers. This Detergent Is All You Need.The 5 Best Laundry Detergents of 2025The Wirecutter Show Episode 1: The Secret to Better LaundryThe Best Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

In part one of our stain series, we tackle your toughest questions–from reviving dingy whites to rescuing clothes from stubborn oils and baked-on gummy bears.Guest: Wirecutter senior writer Andrea Barnes Products we recommend:The best liquid laundry detergent & a great product for pre-treating stains: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentThe best powdered laundry detergent (with oxygen bleach)  :Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry DetergentAnother great laundry detergent: ​​Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday CleanIf you want an “eco-friendly” detergent or to support a smaller brand, we like: Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry DetergentA good stain remover for most starch or protein food stains: ZoutA good stain remover for ink or sugary stains: Amodex Ink & Stain Remover Additional reading:So You Stained Your Shirt. Now What? The 6 Best Stain Removers of 2025Skip the Stain Removers. This Detergent Is All You Need.The 5 Best Laundry Detergents of 2025The Wirecutter Show Episode 1: The Secret to Better Laundry  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Digital hygiene rarely tops spring cleaning lists—but it should. Our tech editor shares how to declutter your phone, and why you need a password manager. Guest: Wirecutter Senior Tech Editor, Caitlin McGarry Products we recommend: The best Password Manager: 1PasswordThe best free Password Manager: BitwardenTwo-Factor Authenticator Apps: Duo Mobile and Google AuthenticatorThe best bluetooth tracker: Apple AirTag Additional Reading: How to Organize and Store Your Phone’s Camera Roll PhotosThe Best External Hard Drive You Don’t Need a New Phone. Here’s How to Make the One You Have Last Longer.How to Clean Your PhoneThe 2 Best Password Managers Step 1 to Simple Online Security: Always Use Strong PasswordsThe 2 Best Two-Factor Authentication AppsThe 2 Best Bluetooth Trackers  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

You don’t need to settle for a bad vacuum. Our expert reveals how to pick one that’ll actually make your life easier—and your home a lot cleaner.Guest: Deputy Director, Editorial Operations & Testing Courtney Schley Products we recommend:Best upright vac: SEBO Felix PremiumBudget upright vac: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352Best canister vac: SEBO Airbelt K3 PremiumAnother canister vac we love: Miele Complete C3 Calima PowerLineBest stick vac: Dyson V12 Detect SlimBest robot vac: Roborock Q5 Max+Budget robot vac: Eufy RoboVac 11S MaxCourtney loves: Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven TOB-260N1 (and Trader Joe's frozen chocolate croissants!) Additional Reading:The 15 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025 We Spent a Weekend With Dozens of Vacuum Enthusiasts. Here’s What We Learned. What’s the Best Vacuum for Pet Hair?How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast