Like many, I follow a strict order when tackling chores: bathrooms first, then the kitchen, followed by dusting and finishing with a good vacuum. My trusty set of microfibre cloths and sponges, each colour-coded for specific tasks, has served me well for years.
So, when I first heard about electric cleaning brushes, I wasn’t exactly rushing to try one. If it works, why change it, right? I thought my home cleaning routine was already efficient, and problem areas seemed manageable.
That was until I tested an electric cleaning brush for the first time—and everything changed.
How does the Bosch electric cleaning brush work?
The concept is simple: a rechargeable, motor-powered scrubbing brush that makes cleaning faster and easier. Think of it as an oversized electric toothbrush, but for your home surfaces!
Many models include interchangeable heads for different cleaning jobs, multiple brush sizes for hard-to-reach spots, and some even offer dishwasher-safe attachments.
I tested the Bosch UniversalBrush, the top pick in our roundup of the best electric cleaning brushes. It includes two brush heads (one for large areas and one for detailing) plus four scrubbing pads: microfibre, kitchen, heavy-duty, and melamine eraser pads for tougher stains.
How I found using the Bosch electric cleaning brush
Bathroom
Creatures of habit don’t change easily, so I started where I always do—cleaning the bathroom. After spraying my regular bathroom cleaner into the sink, I attached the main brush head and switched on the Bosch. Calling it “scrubbing” isn’t quite accurate; the brush does most of the work. All I had to do was guide it in circular motions as recommended.
My sink had a stubborn limescale film that I’d long accepted as permanent. But within seconds, the electric brush removed it effortlessly. The surface gleamed like new and felt silky smooth. I even treated the plughole and was amazed at the sparkling results.
Next, I moved on to the shower. While my grout looked fairly clean, faint orange discolouration lingered. Again, the electric brush impressed me, restoring the grout to a bright white without hard scrubbing. The tiles got the same treatment, and the transformation was remarkable.
For the shower screen, I swapped to the microfibre pad for buffing glass. Despite daily squeegeeing, watermarks often lingered, especially where old towel marks sat. After a quick polish with bathroom cleaner, the glass looked noticeably clearer. Some stubborn limescale remained, but another round would easily sort that out.
The detailed brush head was perfect for tricky areas like the sink overflow and awkward corners, spots I usually ignore because they’re so hard to reach.
Kitchen
Bosch recommends the microfibre pad for stainless steel sinks, so I gave it a go. The results? Impressive. The sink sparkled, and manoeuvring the brush was far easier than using a sponge. Plus, it reached the sides effortlessly.
Next up, the hob. I was initially concerned the pad might scratch, but after testing in a discreet spot, I went ahead. It lifted fresh stains and sticky residue quickly, leaving the surface polished and streak-free. Honestly, it looked like a professional finish, with a fraction of the effort.
I also tried the brush on my stainless-steel Dualit toaster. After unplugging it and using a damp (not wet) pad, the results were fantastic. If your appliance is still under warranty, always check the manufacturer’s advice before using any powered tool.
The heavy-duty pad was my final challenge: cleaning the oven. This is my least favourite job, so I was curious to see if the brush could handle it. After spraying on degreaser and waiting a moment, I set to work. It didn’t look promising at first, but after 30 seconds, stains started disappearing. Even the stubborn baked-on marks began to fade. The process was far less exhausting than scrubbing by hand. I also gave the oven door glass a quick polish with the microfibre pad for a final touch.
Verdict
The difference was night and day. The Bosch UniversalBrush turned tedious scrubbing into an almost effortless task. Even if the final result matches your usual cleaning, the reduced strain and time savings make this tool worth it. With the right attachments, an electric cleaning brush is versatile enough for bathrooms, kitchens, and those awkward nooks you normally avoid.
Performance does vary between models, so check our best electric cleaning brush guide to find one tested and approved for top results.
