Electric scrubbers have gained popularity through social media showcasing their ability to simplify cleaning routines. These battery-powered tools can scrub countless surfaces, from cooktops to bathtubs. But what exactly are electric scrubbers, and should you add one to your cleaning arsenal?
While electric scrubbers reduce cleaning time and the effort required, they do have drawbacks. Before purchasing one, learn how it works, its best uses, and when to stick with manual scrubbers.
What Are Electric Scrubbers?
Electric scrub brushes are great for household and outdoor cleaning jobs, particularly tasks that take a lot of effort to do manually. The cordless, battery-operated tools are rechargeable and typically have a battery life of 60 to 90 minutes while charging time can take 30 minutes to three hours.
Most electric scrubbers come with various brush heads in different sizes, shapes, and stiffness—including pads that scrub, scour, and buff. When selecting a scrubber tool, opt for a model with the most attachment options, as they will double or even triple the amount of cleaning jobs you can perform. Additionally, look for an adjustable head to make cleaning tight or awkward spaces easier.
Types of Electric Scrubbers
Electric scrubbers vary in size and design, with the most versatile featuring long adjustable handles and multiple brush and pad attachments. Short-handled electric scrubbers come in two styles—one with standard-sized scrub brush attachments like their longer counterparts, and another resembling an electric toothbrush, equipped with small brush heads for detail work around drains or under sinks.
What to Clean with an Electric Scrubber
Any surface that can be cleaned with a manual scrub brush can also be cleaned with an electric scrubber. Always test the tool in an inconspicuous area first to prevent potential damage. The tools are handy for cleaning tasks that typically require extra elbow grease, including:
What to Know Before Buying an Electric Scrubber
Electric scrubbers can make all cleaning tasks look like a breeze in the snippets shown on social media, but don’t be fooled. Like with most products, electric scrubbers have their disadvantages. Be aware of their cons before purchasing one of your own.
May Be Uncomfortable to Use
Before buying an electric scrubber, consider it may be uncomfortable to clean with for long periods. The handle’s vibration during scrubbing can lead to fatigue, and long-handled models may cause sore arms due to their uneven weight distribution. While they may seem helpful for those with arthritis or grip issues, the vibration and weight distribution can make them difficult for these individuals to use.
Can Be Messy
In addition to being cumbersome to use, electric scrubbers can be messy. The force of the rotating brush head tends to fling cleaning agents, water, calcium buildup, and debris, leaving splatters everywhere and sometimes creating a bigger mess than the one you originally intended to clean.
Avoid using an electric scrub brush with chlorine bleach or bleach-containing cleaning agents to prevent contact with the caustic liquid if it splatters.
Not Ideal for Daily Tasks
Most electric scrubbers require assembly before use, including changing the brush head and assembling the handle. Because these tools take time to set up, they aren’t ideal for daily or weekly cleaning. Instead, reserve them for infrequent or seasonal deep cleaning tasks.
