Our new favorite dish soap

And some very sparkly sponges

View in browser July 24, 2025 We have a new favorite dish soap Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter After our latest round of testing 35 dish soaps, our experts are unveiling a brand-new recommendation: a fragrance- and dye-free dish soap that is an excellent cleaner. In our tests, this soap cut through grease with ease — even on industrially greased stainless steel tiles. A soap that won't make your sponge stink→ We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more › Plus: A cleaning powder that makes old look new again Illustration: Dana Davis; Photo: Bar Keepers Friend The cult-favorite cleaning powder, originally invented in the 1880s, is a mainstay in countless Wirecutter journalists' homes — because of how effective it is at brightening metal, removing rust, and cleaning all kinds of tough stains and gunk. "Sinks. Faucets. Stove-burner drip pans. I've shined them all with Bar Keepers Friend," writes journalist Christine Cyr Clisset. Why we all love Bar Keepers Friend→ What's new at Wirecutter All the gear you should bring to the beach Too hot? Too sandy? Too wet? These towels, totes, and coolers can keep beach complaints to a minimum→ "My neighbors stared. I cut my lawn with a scythe anyway." If used correctly, a scythe is very effective at cutting grass or an overgrown area→ The best diapers Our favorites typically perform as well as much more expensive diapers — and could help you save thousands of dollars over the course of a child's diaper-wearing years→ We tested more than 450 pairs of wireless earbuds. This is the best one. This versatile pair sounds great, fits great, and is loaded with features that work well no matter what phone you own→ 4 tips for getting rid of ants and roaches Image: NYT Wirecutter; source photos by iStock/LuckyTD Even if you spot just one ant or cockroach in your home, you should probably start thinking about how to deal with them, says pest control writer Doug Mahoney. This week on The Wirecutter Show, Doug shares his four-step plan for dealing with ant and roach infestations: Identify where they're entering from, secure all food, block their entry points, and place bait where you see them most. Plus, what to avoid when dealing with a pest problem and when to call in the professionals. Creepy crawlies, begone→ One last thing: Some, dare we say it, cute sponges Hawkins New York These glittering metallic sponges look fabulous — and somehow make scouring morning eggs out of the pan a little more fun. They're tough enough to tackle stuck-on gunk, but also useful for cleaning delicate pots and pans. Plus, when they get yucky, they can be thrown in the dishwasher. Get your dishes sparkling clean→ Sign up for Clean Everything A weekly nudge to keep everything in your home squeaky clean from Wirecutter's experts. Get it in your inbox Thanks for reading. You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can't always respond, but we do love to hear from you. If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Recommendation from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018