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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on CleaningCriteria follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Surface first
Every recommendation starts with the floor, fabric or finish, using its maker's care instructions.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the equipment suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use manufacturer specs and manuals, flooring manufacturers' care instructions, the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval program, EPA Safer Choice and disinfectant registrations, and Pressure Washer Manufacturers' Association ratings.
What we check, by product type
| Vacuums | Type, run time, bin size, filtration, floor heads, weight and parts cost. |
|---|---|
| Carpet and floor machines | Tank sizes, heat, brush type, dry time guidance and approved floor types. |
| Pressure washers | Rated PSI and GPM, cleaning units, power source, hose length and nozzles. |
| Cleaning products | Use surfaces, pH and chemistry, EPA registration for disinfectants, concentration and cost per use. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email [email protected] and we'll check it and fix it.