Cleaning tools that’ll break before you get $20 worth out of them

Some cleaning tools look like a bargain until you realize they don’t hold up long enough to be worth the money. Cheap materials, flimsy parts, and poor designs mean you’re replacing them again before you’ve gotten even $20 worth of use.

Instead of saving money, you end up spending more in the long run. Knowing which tools to skip can keep your budget in check and save you from frustration when you’re in the middle of a job.

Plastic spin mops

Those spin mops with plastic handles and pedals may feel convenient, but they’re notorious for breaking fast. The wringer mechanisms often crack or stop spinning within a few weeks.

Once that pedal gives out, you’re left with a flimsy mop head and no way to wring it out properly. A sturdier mop and bucket system lasts longer and ends up saving you money.

Dollar-store brooms

A broom with thin plastic bristles might sweep a few messes, but they quickly lose shape and flatten out. Within a month, it feels like you’re just pushing dirt around.

The handles are often poorly attached, too, which means they can snap off if you’re pressing down hard. Spending a little more on one with solid bristles and a wooden or metal handle goes much further.

Collapsible dustpans

Dustpans with foldable or snap-on handles seem space-saving, but they rarely survive more than a few uses. The hinges loosen, making it hard to sweep debris inside without spilling it right back out.

They also tend to crack along the edges, which leaves gaps where dirt slips under instead of going in. A sturdy one-piece dustpan is worth the extra couple of bucks.

Cheap sponge mops

Sponge mops that rely on plastic clips to hold the sponge break far too easily. Once the clips snap or the wringer fails, you’re stuck buying replacements constantly.

Even before that, the sponges themselves can crumble or peel apart quickly when used on textured floors. A microfiber mop holds up better and won’t have you running back to the store.

Extendable dusters with weak handles

Those telescoping dusters often come with thin, hollow handles that bend or snap under the slightest pressure. Once the handle breaks, the whole tool is useless.

The dusting heads also tend to wear out fast, leaving you with a floppy mess instead of something that actually traps dust. A sturdier duster with a washable head is a much better investment.

Spray mops with refill cartridges

Spray mops sound practical, but the refill cartridges are fragile and prone to leaking. Once the seal breaks, liquid runs everywhere, making them more hassle than help.

On top of that, the spray nozzles can clog or quit working entirely after a short time. A standard mop and a reusable spray bottle last longer and don’t lock you into replacements.

Lightweight plastic plungers

Thin plastic plungers don’t provide the suction needed for serious clogs, and they often crack at the base after a couple of uses. That leaves you with both a broken tool and a bigger mess.

A heavy-duty rubber plunger with a wood handle will outlast several of the flimsy versions and actually work when you need it.

Cheap squeegees

Plastic squeegees with rubber blades glued in place often peel or warp within weeks. Once the edge curls, it leaves streaks instead of pulling water away.

Handles can also snap off when too much pressure is applied, which makes them useless for shower doors or windows. A silicone or stainless steel version is far more durable.

Disposable lint rollers

While they seem handy, cheap lint rollers run out quickly and don’t hold up under real use. The sticky sheets lose tack fast, and flimsy handles can bend or break.

Reusable lint removers or sturdier rollers last longer and save you from buying roll after roll that barely makes a dent in pet hair or lint.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.