Is Ryobi's Cleaning Detail Scrubber Really Worth Buying?

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Some cleaning tools get all the glory, but when it comes to getting the crustiest, cruddiest stuff off your sink rims or window sills, it's hard to beat a small power scrubber. Sure, you could wedge a kitchen sponge into those corners or sacrifice your fingernails in the name of cleanliness. And yes, plenty of us have drafted an old toothbrush into service, desperately scrubbing away at stained grout or the base of a toilet with bristles that were meant for gums, not gunk. Sometimes the smallest tool in your arsenal turns out to be the biggest help, especially if it saves both your wrists and your patience. Ryobi's cleaning detail scrubber promises to do all that. Although a few users aren't impressed with the battery life for bigger cleaning jobs, most reviewers describe it as a versatile and powerful tool that's worth the price.

Available at Home Depot for just under $40, the Ryobi USB Lithium Cordless Compact Detail Scrubber Kit comes with a 2Ah battery, charging cable, three brush heads, and two-year manufacturer's warranty. The tool itself is about the length of a pencil and weighs around a pound. Its water-resistant design anticipates the kind of cleaning that happens around sinks, toilets, tubs, and outdoors. The cordless tool is charged via USB cable, and an LED indicator lets you know when the small battery is fully charged or about to quit on you. With medium, hard, and scouring heads that oscillate 6,300 times per minute at the push of a button, many users say the tool is ideal for those dirty scrubbing jobs you'd rather not do by hand.

There are a lot of Ryobi tools that are great for cleaning your home, and according to over 100 users on Home Depot's website who've left five-star reviews, the cordless compact detail scrubber is one of them. After detailing all the ways they've used their Ryobi detail scrubber so far, one reviewer explained that it saved their joints and hands from wear and tear. From deep cleaning their coffee maker to hard-to-reach moldy spots in the shower, the user also wrote that they expect the tool will be a must-have for future cleaning projects. That sentiment was echoed by other reviewers who appreciate that the small, lightweight tool doesn't just make cleaning more convenient — it also makes it more comfortable.

Along with offering effective scrubbing power, other reviewers appreciate the versatility and long battery life. Another happy customer said they use the tool for automotive, household, and even jewelry cleaning. Others said it was ideal for microwaves, detailing work trucks, and getting into weirdly awkward spaces where a sponge or rag simply won't reach. Some users reported that the medium brush was soft enough to clean shoes, while others mentioned that the hard bristle and scouring brushes were tough on grout stains, making it a good choice if you want a cleaning tool that can handle everyday maintenance or heavy-duty deep cleans.

Other reviewers thought the cordless detail scrubber should be added to the list of Ryobi tools that are a waste of your time and money. Complaints came down to a lack of overall power and trouble finding replacement parts. Ryobi's website does list a variety of replacement parts, including the brush heads that come in the starter kit, as well as a 12-pack of scouring and sponge pads. Some sets even include both the medium and large versions of the same bristle type. All of the replacements are priced under $20. 

These accessories are available directly through Ryobi's website. Still, access doesn't necessarily equal easy-to-use. One reviewer wrote that changing the heads was practically impossible, suggesting a design flaw that could lead to breaking the tool if too much force is used during the process. And while customers in the United States can also find the accessory packs at Home Depot, Canadian reviewers voiced frustration that replacement heads weren't available through the Home Depot Canada website. In fact, the majority of unhappy feedback revolved around the inconvenience of tracking down or swapping out its essential parts.

Another downside of the Ryobi Cordless Compact Detail Scrubber is that it only provides enough power for detail work. You'll want to consider larger Ryobi scrubbers if you're tackling a tougher job over a large surface area. One customer compared it to an oversized electric toothbrush. Before making the investment, it's important to understand that the brush head fibers aren't what's oscillating. Rather, the tool vibrates intensely, which another reviewer compared to an ultrasonic cleaner.