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The right power scrubber can make many dreaded chores—cleaning the bathroom, banishing grease and grime from car tires, or washing a heavily trafficked tile floor or cement walkway—much more bearable.
With a rapidly rotating stiff brush, these portable power tools can reduce the time and effort it takes to clean manually with a standard sponge or brush. But are they robust and versatile enough to warrant an investment in yet another power tool? We wanted to find out, so we selected an array of scrubbers and put them through their paces.
Our top pick is the Ryobi One+ 18V Power Scrubber Kit. Its compact design made it easy to handle, even for tough jobs that took more than 30 minutes, and its battery lasted for well over an hour. The Ryobi wasn’t the only power scrubber that earned high marks from testing, though. Keep reading to learn more about the best power scrubbers for all of your indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks.
- BEST OVERALL: Ryobi One+ 18V Power Scrubber Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Losuy Electric Spin Scrubber
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Ryobi One+ 18V Telescoping Power Scrubber Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DESIGN: Dremel Versa 4V Power Scrubber Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR GROUT: Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ATTACHMENTS: Klever Powerspin Electric Scrubber
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR DISHES: Black+Decker PKS160 Power Scrubber Brush
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Casabella Power Spin Scrubber
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: SonicPower Electric Power Scrubber
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Time spent testing | 4 weeks |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $20 to $150 |
Our Top Picks
The following power scrubbers and attachments all earned a spot in this lineup by excelling in our hands-on tests. We didn’t go easy on them! After charging their batteries (or inserting fresh ones), we started cleaning everything in sight. We scrubbed car tires, house siding, shower stalls, tiles, and more. We analyzed their power, dependability, ease of use, and effectiveness. Here are the top performers.
Best Overall
Ryobi One+ 18V Power Scrubber Kit
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 1; 6 inches
- Corded or cordless: Cordless; 18 volts (V)
- Rotating speed: 210 revolutions per minute (RPM)
What We Like
- Powerful motor provides good scrubbing action
- Runtime up to 1 hour of constant use
- Battery and charger included
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar options
Our top pick in the lineup is made by Ryobi, a well-known power tool brand. Being familiar with the high quality of other Ryobi products, we expected great things from the company’s 18V handheld power scrubber, and we weren’t disappointed.
We charged its 18V lithium-ion battery on the included charger, inserted it into the water-resistant case at the tool’s base, and got busy. We started outdoors because the tool’s ample rotating brush (6 inches in diameter) is well suited for scrubbing siding, decks, concrete steps, and automobiles. We used it on dirty tires, a muddy truck bed, and the bowl of a water fountain that had gunk buildup. To test its water resistance, we sprayed the Ryobi with a garden hose.
The scrub head on the Ryobi spins at around 210 RPM when the battery is fully charged. Some scrubbers rotate faster, but the Ryobi kept on spinning even when we exerted firm pressure against the surfaces we were cleaning—a sure sign of a powerful motor. It ran strong for about an hour before the battery began to lose power and needed to be recharged. When we removed the battery to do so, we were pleased to find that no water had gotten into the sealed battery case.
We found the nonslip grip comfortable, and the trigger has a lock that allows for continuous operation without having to be held down. We found this powerful scrubber to be a valuable addition to any DIY or car care tool kit.
Get the Ryobi handheld power scrubber at The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Losuy Electric Spin Scrubber
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Ergonomics 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 7
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 300/400 RPM
What We Like
- Includes 7 cleaning attachments
- Works with or without the included extension rod
- 2 speeds for customizable scrubbing power
What We Don’t Like
- Scrubber head position not adjustable
While soft scrub brushes are great tools for breaking down grime on showers and sinks, attachments like sponges, wool cloths, and polishing cloths help tackle other household chores, which is where the Losuy electric spin scrubber comes in. This power scrubber includes seven attachments, a towel, an extension rod, a charger, and a storage hook, all at an affordable price.
Upon receiving this spinning scrub brush, we charged it and put it to use. We attached the small brush and scrubbed the buildup around the rim of our kitchen sink. The brush spun at a fast rate of 300 RPM on high, allowing us to banish all the dirt with only water.
The included extension rod was easy to install, screwing into the plastic handle of the scrubber and featuring a reach of 43.3 to 54 inches. We used the scrubber without the extension rod to tackle sinks. We then attached the extension rod for floors, showers, walls, and tires. We tried all the attachments and were impressed with the versatility. The polishing cloth was soft enough to clean our glass cooktop; the pointed brush was a good soap scum remover in the shower; and the sponge attachment brought our tire’s rims to a shine.
Get the Losuy power scrubber at Amazon.
Best Heavy-Duty
Ryobi One+ 18V Telescoping Power Scrubber Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 1
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 210 RPM
What We Like
- Pole extends up to 51 inches
- Lock-on power button prevents hand fatigue during use
- Waterproof battery case helps protect from splashes
- Includes an extra handle for balance
What We Don’t Like
- Quite pricey due to all the added features
Balancing on a wobbly ladder to clean the eaves of a home can be treacherous, but the Ryobi telescoping power scrubber takes the danger out of such overhead chores. The sister to our Best Overall pick, this Ryobi model features the same powerful 18V lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included) and delivers just as much power. The difference? The spinning brush sits atop a sturdy pole that extends to 51 inches.
This extended version also has a nonslip grip and features an additional auxiliary handle that is essential for successfully balancing the scrub brush overhead. It has a lock-on power button, so we didn’t have to continuously hold the trigger to power the scrubber head. We found this to be a huge plus—until wasps took too much interest in our activities and caused us to drop the scrubber into some vines. It kept spinning, and tore out quite a few vines. Oh well!
The battery ran constantly for nearly an hour as we scrubbed under eaves, along walkways, and on brick steps. And when we took the battery out for recharging, we were happy to see that its compartment was bone dry even though we’d sprayed the scrubber directly with the garden hose. This is a powerful scrubber improved by its telescoping pole, which makes tasks like cleaning vinyl siding easier. Just be sure to wear protective eyewear if working overhead since this Ryobi dislodges stuck-on dirt and debris and sends it flying.
Get the Ryobi telescoping power scrubber at The Home Depot.
Best Design
Dremel Versa 4V Power Scrubber Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 5
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 2,200 RPM
What We Like
- Includes a variety of attachments
- Ergonomic design is easy to handle
- Powerful scrubbing action quickly banishes dirt and grime
- Small size makes for easy storage
What We Don’t Like
- When pressed firmly, scrubber sometimes stops
- Flings cleaner/water as it scrubs
Dremel is best known for its high-powered rotary tool, but the company also produces other products, including the Dremel Versa scrubber. Unlike the other models on our list that boast handles or extension rods, the Versa is a compact handheld scrubber with an easy-to-grip ergonomic design. It comes with five Scrub Daddy sponges, including a FlexTexture scrubbing pad, ArmorTec mesh scouring pad, ResoFoam sponge pad, 10x eraser pad, and ArmorTec steel mesh scouring pad.
Right off the bat, the Dremel Versa scrubber was one of our favorites. The design was unlike any of the models we had previously tested, and the five included pads meant that we could use this cleaning tool on several surfaces. We first used the ArmorTec scouring pad and a bit of soap to dislodge stuck-on food from our kitchen sink. We then switched to one of the softer attachments and scrubbed the hardware in the shower and our bathroom faucets to a shine.
The Dremel Versa was so powerful that it took a fraction of the time to clean as other scrubbers. But with that power came a lot of splatter. We installed the included splash guard, but when we used a cleaner, especially overhead, it would fling all over the place. We also noticed that as the battery died, the motor weakened and would sometimes stop altogether if we pressed too hard. Despite its flaws, we’d still recommend this to anyone looking for a small, easy-to-store scrubber that offers impressive cleaning action.
Get the Dremel power scrubber at Amazon.
Best For Grout
Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 1
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 3,600 RPM
What We Like
- Spins very fast; great for stubborn stains
- Stiff brush bristles dislodge dirt and debris
- Lightweight tool is comfortable to use
- Compact size helps reach into tight spots
What We Don’t Like
- Only 1 brush included, depending on retailer
Our first impression of the Rubbermaid Reveal power scrubber was that it closely resembled an electric toothbrush, but that’s where the similarities ended. The stiff-bristle brush on the Reveal spins up to 60 times per second—that’s 3,600 RPM. It has a nonslip rubberized grip that makes it comfortable to hold and features a lock-on power button.
The Reveal worked right out of the package, thanks to the four preinstalled AA batteries. We tested the scrubber along with one of the best grout cleaners on our kitchen tile grout lines. We also used it along the narrow inner seals of our casement windows where months’ worth of dust and dirt had accumulated and in the little crevices between the bathroom sink faucet handles. We were uniformly impressed. Although a beveled grout brush did not come with the tool, the standard all-purpose brush is plenty stiff for cleaning even stuck-on gunk in grout lines.
The Reveal spin brush cleaner ran continuously for just over 40 minutes before the batteries started to run down. Still, we had no idea how long the batteries had been in the tool, so we installed new batteries, and it ran an additional 1 hour and 10 minutes before beginning to wane again. We really liked the little Reveal power scrubber. It comes in a tiny package but packs a big cleaning punch. Its small head makes it suitable for cleaning grout and reaching tight spots. The scrubber got wet multiple times during testing, but the battery compartment remained dry.
Get the Rubbermaid power scrubber at Amazon, The Home Depot (contains 2 heads), or Target.
Best Attachments
Klever Powerspin Electric Scrubber
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 8, in a variety of shapes and bristle stiffness
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 200 RPM
What We Like
- Well made with a comfortable rubberized grip
- Comes with 8 sturdy brush attachments
- Simple device charges directly via USB port
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with an extendable rod
We found the Klever power scrubber to be quite clever for indoor bathroom and kitchen cleaning chores. Rather than the user needing to remove and recharge a battery, the Klever scrubber comes with a built-in battery and a cord that plugs into a standard USB port. After charging the scrubber, we attached a half-sphere black brush and squeezed the power button. The Klever jumped into spinning action.
The scrubbing spin brush head spins at about 200 RPM, and it ran for just over 45 minutes on a full charge. We scrubbed many surfaces, including the inside of a glass shower door, the bottom of a stainless steel sink, and even the cast iron legs of a garden bench, switching out the brush heads as necessary to suit the task.
The tool has a nonslip rubberized grip for comfort and a lock-on power button, making it handy to use without constantly needing to hold the trigger. The eight attachments were easy to switch out, allowing us to go from room to room, changing brushes as we found items to clean. Our main complaint was the lack of an extension rod, which would’ve made it easier to scrub the shower and tub.
Get the Klever power scrubber at Amazon.
Best For Dishes
Black+Decker PKS160 Power Scrubber Brush
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 2
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 160 RPM
What We Like
- Scrubs baked-on food and grease off dishes
- Built-in scraper for stuck-on grime
- Small size makes it easy to store by the sink
- Works for cleaning stovetops and inside fridge
What We Don’t Like
- Not rechargeable; takes 4 AA batteries
- Limited versatility compared to other scrubbers
Dishes with baked-on food can be difficult to hand-wash or clear before placing in the dishwasher. Fortunately, the Black+Decker power scrubber, with its fully submersible design and heavy-duty scrub pads, makes this job less strenuous. This scrubber comes with two easy-to-swap cleaning pads and four double AA batteries so that it can be used right away.
When the Black+Decker power scrubber arrived, we had the perfect test surface: a frying pan with burnt-on butter. The mess was so bad that we were about to toss the pan in the trash, but we decided to give this little scrubber a chance. We squirted some dish soap on the pan, splashed in some water, and let the power scrubber work its magic. The burnt mess immediately started coming up, and we had the pan cleaned in about 5 minutes.
We also used the pads to clean inside our refrigerator and give our sink a good scrub. The scraper at the bottom of the handle was convenient for tackling gunky messes, and the scrubber’s small size enabled us to store it in a drawer beside the sink. We used this scrubber for more than half an hour at a time, and the design was easy and comfortable to handle. It isn’t quite as versatile as other scrubbers on our list, but it is a solid option if you want help washing the dishes.
Get the Black+Decker power scrubber at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Best For Bathroom
Casabella Power Spin Scrubber
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 4
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 420 RPM
What We Like
- Includes 4 scrubbing brushes
- Has an adjustable extension rod
- Head is adjustable; good scrubber for shower
What We Don’t Like
- Only has 1 speed
- Doesn’t include sponge or scouring attachments
The downside of most electric scrubbers is that they sling cleaner as they rotate. When scrubbing a shower, the last thing you want is a potent tub and tile cleaner to land on your skin or, even worse, in your eyes. Luckily, a power scrubber with an extendable rod, like this one from Casabella, prevents this from happening.
The Casabella power scrubber features a rod that extends up to 47.5 inches as well as four uniquely shaped scrub brushes, including a large flat brush, a small flat brush, a small cone brush, and a dome brush. It also has an adjustable head, enabling it to reach every nook and cranny in the shower or tub.
Assembling this electric bathroom scrubber was a breeze. It came in three pieces that snapped together. We first used it as a shower scrubber, spraying our surround with cleaner and then using the flat and cone brushes to expel dirt and soap scum. We also used the large flat brush to scrub our ceramic tile and linoleum bathroom floors. We were impressed by how much visible dirt was lifted from the linoleum after only one use. Overall, the adjustable head and reach provided by Casabella made this our top choice for a superclean bathroom, and it has become a staple product in our cleaning routine.
Get the Casabella power scrubber at Walmart or Target.
Also Consider
SonicPower Electric Power Scrubber
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Brushes included: 6
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Rotating speed: 250/260 RPM
What We Like
- LED display shows remaining battery life and speed
- 2 speeds for a customizable clean
- Includes 4 kinds of brushes
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t include an extension rod
The SonicPower scrubber features an easy-to-grip handle, a battery that can last up to a month, and an LED display that shows the remaining battery life and speed setting. It comes with four types of brushes: a hard bristle brush that felt similar to the stiffness of a toilet brush, a soft bristle brush, two scouring pads, and two polishing pads. It has two speed levels that you can change with the push of a button.
This electric scrubber came mostly charged with an 84 percent battery life, but we fully charged it before putting it to work. The typical flat brushes that come with most scrubbers don’t work well on our shower, so we used the soft-bristled brush, which came to a point. The brush fit into tight corners, making it easy to remove soap scum and grime.
We then switched to the polishing pad (which felt like a supersoft sponge) to clean the windows on our car. There was a little bit of soap splatter as we worked, but we were impressed with the scrubber’s ability to dislodge gunk. Our only complaint was the lack of an extension rod. More reach would’ve made cleaning the bathtub and tile floors easier.
Get the SonicPower power scrubber at Amazon, Target, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Power Scrubbers
When we set out to select power scrubbers for our hands-on tests, we initially looked at brand names—both Ryobi and Rubbermaid are highly regarded manufacturers of tools and household helpers, respectively. However, we soon discovered several new brands, so we depended on the manufacturer’s description of the tools plus the reviews from actual buyers when deciding which to test.
When the scrubbers arrived, we charged their batteries (if applicable) and put them to work. We tested each scrubber and any included attachments on various surfaces, using the manufacturer’s suggestions as our primary guide. We also dropped each scrubber on the ground to mimic real life wear and tear.
We used a rubric and awarded points for each feature or function, including effectiveness, durability, ergonomics, water resistance (when applicable), and overall quality. When testing was complete, we added and averaged the points for each scrubber and used the results to help categorize the award and best use for each product.
What to Consider When Choosing a Power Scrubber
Shoppers will want to keep in mind some key considerations when shopping for the best bathroom power scrubber, including brush attachments, bristle hardness, power source, runtime, rotation speed, and water resistance.
Corded vs. Cordless
Electric spin scrubbers are either corded or cordless. Cordless power scrubbers let the user clean surfaces in areas that don’t have a nearby electrical outlet. In the past, corded electric cleaning scrubbers were more common, but most products aimed at today’s consumers are cordless and run on batteries. Most of the corded power scrubbers manufactured today are heavy-duty models used in the commercial cleaning industry to clean and polish large floors in schools and retail outlets.
The batteries of cordless scrubbers need to be recharged or swapped out occasionally, and their runtime depends on the power capacity of the batteries. Some have built-in lithium-ion batteries, and others accept standard batteries that must be replaced once they’re depleted.
Brush Hardness
Most power scrubbers have brush attachments made of materials of varying stiffness, each of which has its own application.
- Poly brushes, which are made from durable plastic material, are universally handy, and they work well when cleaning tile floors and other uneven surfaces. They can be used safely on vinyl, concrete, ceramic, and linoleum surfaces.
- Nylon brushes, which can be used on any type of surface, are strong enough to withstand abrasive surfaces such as concrete.
- Scrub grit brushes are softer and less aggressive, and they’re ideal for terrazzo, marble, and nonslip epoxy.
- Strip grit brushes are abrasive enough to remove serious grease stains from concrete, ceramic, and tile floors.
Attachments
The best power scrubbers come with a varied selection of attachments and replaceable brush heads. While large brush heads can clean large flat surfaces like floors, windows, and bathtubs, smaller heads are necessary for grout and detail work.
- Corner brushes work well to clean windowsill nooks and along tub edges.
- Flat brushes are useful when cleaning tiles and flooring.
- Round brushes are ideal for textured surfaces or tiles with deep grout.
- Sponges can tackle dishes and more delicate surfaces, like glass stovetops and countertops.
Runtime
Long battery life ensures that a spin brush scrubber won’t quit halfway through the cleaning process. Look for a model that runs on a single charge for at least 30 minutes, which is often enough time to tackle a typical household cleaning chore. Some models have especially powerful batteries that run for as long as 3 hours before needing a recharge. Note that continual use will shorten battery runtime. Users can extend the runtime by turning the tool off while rinsing or wiping down surfaces.
Rotating Speed
Power scrubbers’ rotating speed is measured in rotations per minute. As a general rule, look for a scrubber that runs at a minimum of 200 RPM to ensure it’s powerful enough to handle most household tasks. Unfortunately, not every electric scrubbing brush lists the RPM. In those cases, shoppers will want to read previous buyer reviews to help determine how powerful or effective the tool will be in practical use.
Water Resistance
Many power scrubbers are used in damp environments, so water resistance is a crucial consideration. Most power scrubbers aren’t entirely waterproof, so they can’t be submerged in water for long periods. They are, however, likely to be splash-proof, so they can come into contact with water.
Some products may have an ingress protection (IP) rating. A rating of IPX7 means that the device can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. A rating of IPX4, IPX5, or IPX6 means the product is both splash-proof and offers a degree of water resistance. Though some manufacturers will list the IP ratings, others won’t.
Additional Features
Along with the specs detailed above, some powered scrubbing brush tools include additional features that are useful.
- Extension handles/poles allow easier access to hard-to-reach areas. They’re particularly useful for users with mobility issues.
- Oscillating scrub heads spin at the same time the head moves in an elliptical pattern, which increases scrubbing power.
- Scouring pads feature a roughly textured surface designed for removing tough stains.
- Hanging hooks for storage allow power scrubbers to drip dry, helping prevent the development of bacteria.
FAQs
If shoppers still want more information about buying and using an electric brush scrubber tool for deep-cleaning, the answers to some frequently asked questions about these tools might just fill them in.
Apply an electric cleaning scrubber to the same surfaces and use the same cleaners as with a manual scrub brush or sponge. The powered scrubber spins, which lets the user hold it steady against the surface until a stain is gone, rather than employing the effort of elbow grease.
Brushes should be replaced when they wear down. Because they’re made of synthetic materials, most attachment brushes should last for several years, though some may need to be replaced after a few months, especially with heavy use.
The brush attachments on a power scrubber can get pretty dirty. Try rinsing with clear water after use or soak the brush in soapy water and then rinse. It may be OK to disinfect some scrubber heads with a steam cleaner or run them through the dishwasher, but read the owner’s manual before going that route.
Use the proper power scrubber attachment to avoid scratches in the bathroom. Soft-bristled brushes work well for most showers and tubs, but a soft sponge is better for delicate stonework.
Meet the Testers
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing and has tested dozens of cleaning products. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer. With experience in both residential and commercial building applications, she focuses primarily on construction, woodworking, and DIY tools and techniques.
Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.
