The 10 Best Cleaning Toys For Toddlers Of 2023

If your kid really loves to clean — no, like, really, seriously loves it — you might just want to go all out and splurge on this deluxe set from Melissa & Doug. For $109, it includes all of the beloved toy makers’ cleaning toys; the laundry set, and the mop, broom and brush set. It’d make a great Santa gift, if you’re still hunting for your big showstopper.

One of the best things about this little Dyson vacuum is that it actually cleans, which makes it stand out a bit from the toddler cleaning toys crowd. Sure, it doesn’t pick up a ton of stuff — do not expect your kid to actually be able to vacuum the living room — but they’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment when they go to empty the little dust tray and find that it’s full. It’s well-made, too, and will last through quite a few hand-me-downs.

If only they could actually help with all of the laundry they generate. But, at least this little laundry set gives them something to do while you pop in yet another load. We assume there’s not a lot of ironing happening if you’ve got a toddler at home, but the work of ironing is one that little kids seem to really love.

Ahh yes, the tasteful set. If you long for a toddler cleaning set that could living in your living room without making your eyes bleed, this soothingly-hued Pottery Barn one might just be for you.

They had you at “running water” and “color changing,” right? Clearly someone at JoyStone understands small children. As one reviewer put it: “This sink is nothing but great. Bright colors, smooth surfaces, sturdy parts. Great for kids age 1 to at least 10. Any kid with an imagination would love this.” Sold.

We love the pastel colors of this seriously gift-y laundry set. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but we have a feeling this is a cleaning-related toy with real staying power. Toddlers will enjoy it, but it also feels like a centerpiece toy that will be a playdate staple for years to come. Plus, it would make a big splash as THE Santa gift of the year.

If you’re not ready to spend $40 on a pretend sink, this $20 version might be more your speed. Kids love to play with water — perhaps as more or more than they love to clean — and this little sink does the job. Plus, we love the navy and orange combo — it’s not all-beige everything, but it’s not eye-poppingly loud, either.

What is it about spray bottles? While you could just literally buy your kid a spritzer and they’d have hours of fun, this complete “squirt and squeegee” play set is a bit more gift-worth than just a random squirt bottle. Will a pretend Comet-esque bottle keep them out of your actual can of Comet? Probably not (that should still be locked away and out of reach). But they will have a blast with it nonetheless.

This surprisingly attractive wooden cleaning set from Etsy seller CloudRinjani that has almost 1000 positive reviews is only $25, so it’s a great alternative if the Pottery Barn version isn’t in your budget, or if a darker wood suits your style a bit better. It’s also handmade from natural materials: teak wood, coconut fibers and husks, and cotton. Metal screws hold the pieces together.

This set is sort of a no-brainer starter set. For $25, your kid gets a hand-held vacuum, a few bottles, and some scrubby brushes. It’s colorful, inexpensive, and will probably provide years of amusement.