Smart Parenting Awards 2025: 12 Trusted Home Picks

No matter how many times we hear the cliche “Home is where the heart is,” its meaning stays the same. Our home is where our hearts lie. It is where we share good laughs with family, share meals, and run for comfort and protection. This is why we work hard to create the best home for our family. 

Smart Parenting Awards presents this year’s winners, products that are best suited to creating a home that is safe and sound.

Each product is carefully reviewed and evaluated for quality, value for money, innovation, and parent recommendations. The list is thoughtfully curated by the Smart Parenting team and experts, with votes from the 116-thousand-strong Smart Parenting Village.

One of the most challenging parenting chores is removing tough stains from clothes. No matter what we do, there will always be dirty stains on school uniforms, clothes, bed sheets, and even home surfaces.

Voted this year’s best bleach, Zonrox Color Safe Bleach is the perfect solution to your laundry concerns. Its advanced germ-killing technology has been tested against a leading detergent brand, proven to eliminate 99.9% of germs. And with its gentle, color-safe formula, you get powerful cleaning without worrying about fading or damage. You get bright, fresh, confidently clean clothes every time.

It can also be used to clean kitchen sinks, tiles, flooring, and toilet bowls.

“Nagkaroon talaga ako ng great experience sa Zonrox ColorSafe Bleach. Ang pinaka-nagustuhan ko, super gentle siya sa colored clothes—hindi nakakaputla—and it keeps our shirts looking fresh and malinis,” said Bianca Lozano. As a mom, she added that it’s a big help with stains from school activities and everyday kalat. “Ang bilis niya mag-lift ng dumi without damaging the fabric. Mas madali ang laundry day, and panatag ako na our clothes stay bright, soft, and odor-free. Super helpful for busy moms like me!”

Apple Gutierrez also relies on Zonrox ColorSafe Bleach for stained colored clothes. “Mabilis niya natatanggal ang mantsa without kupas, at mabango ang damit kahit hindi ko gamitan ng fabcon,” she shared. She added that sometimes she even uses it like soap. “Mabula na siya, mas tipid, at safe talaga sa labada."

Laundry is one of those chores that are repetitive and continuous. It’s just like washing dishes. Sometimes, it feels like all you do is laundry, fold clothes, and repeat. The magical laundry basket is never empty; it just keeps piling up.

Find a reliable laundry soap, and laundry might even feel a little fun. Surf Sun Fresh is this year’s best laundry soap. It penetrates tough stains on clothes and leaves clothes smelling fresh. It is safe to use on different fabric types and does not leave residue in the washing machine.

For Jhoanna Nicasio, Surf Sun Fresh has become a dependable part of their laundry routine because of how long-lasting the freshness is. “We love Surf Sun Fresh because it keeps our clothes smelling so fresh and fragrant—parang bagong sampay all day!” she shared. “Ang gaan ng feeling as a mom kasi sure kaming kulob-free all day."

Erica Juan has a similar experience. She used to jump from one brand to another, trying to find something that kept clothes smelling good even when they weren’t dried under the sun. “Honestly, I used to try different brands before, pero napapansin ko talaga na pag hindi naiinitan yung damit, mabilis siyang nagiging hindi maganda ang amoy,” she said. After trying several options, one stood out. “Nung nag-Surf Sun Fresh ako, doon ako nag-stick. Super bango ng damit kahit maulan, walang amoy kulob at fresh pa rin. Sobrang saving grace ko lalo na pag tag-ulan.”

She adds, “Ang laking difference for me and my family kasi wala na kaming worry sa amoy ng damit. Plus, very affordable siya, swak sa grocery budget.”

This year’s best fabric softener, Del Fabric Softener Gentle Protect (1000ml), offers germ protection and a gentle touch for sensitive skin with its hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula. It also leaves a long-lasting, gentle fragrance, and 24-hour antibacterial protection.

For Chedelle Florido-Cruz, Del Fabric Softener Gentle Protect has become their household favorite for one simple reason—the scent. “Kami mismo na adults yung gumagamit ng Del Fabcon kasi we find other fabcon scents overpowering. Si Del Gentle Protect kasi hindi nagka-clash with perfumes and hindi nag-aamoy pawis. The scent also lasts even if naka-store lang ang clothes,” she shared.

She adds, “We were able to use perfumes again. It might be a small thing, but honestly, big issue 'yun for me kasi, I love my perfumes. Ang hirap mag-hanap ng fabcon na hindi nagka-clash yung scent with my perfumes and hindi amoy pawis after mapagpawisan. Others kasi, kahit konting pawis, mejo di na kanais-nais ang amoy,” she explained. She also loves how it makes ironing easier.

For Trisha Ocampo, the experience is just as consistent. “We love the scent of the Del Gentle Protect Fabric Softener. Even after a long day of wearing our clothes, the smell still lingers, and we still smell fresh—no need to wear fancy perfumes. It’s our go-to fabric softener ever since my eldest was born,” she said.

This year's best dishwashing soap is Joy Dishwashing Liquid (475ml, Kalamansi).

It has been tested and trusted for years and is is known for effectively removing grease and “sebulok at lansa.”

For Flong Aragones, dishwashing isn’t her forte—but luckily, her family has it covered. “I’m not really good at washing dishes. It’s our firstborn son who’s assigned to do it, and also my hubby,” she said. After trying different brands at home, her family kept returning to one. “Among all the brands we tried, they both requested that we stick with Joy Kalamansi,” she said.

“They love that it cleans fast and no sebo,” Flong added. And because it makes chores easier, it also frees up more time for what matters. “Makes doing chores fast and effective, para more time for homework and family bonding moments.”

Not all dishwashing sponges are created equal. This year’s best home scrub is Scotch Brite, a household brand we have known for years. Scotch Brite’s Tough Clean Technology provides strong scrubbing power for even the toughest, stuck-on messes. It is safe to use on cast iron, stainless steel, non-coated cookware, and oven racks.

Hanna Panoringan, Smart Parenting News Desk writer, recommends the Scotch-Brite Easy Clean: “I’ve used Scotch-Brite Easy Clean for years, and it never lets me down. I’ve also tried the Gentle Clean version, which doesn’t have the scrubbing pad on top, and true to its name, it’s very gentle. It doesn’t scratch my rice cooker’s inner pot, but both versions still tackle tough stains and grease with ease and remain durable over time.”

Most of the time, we rush from one place to another: home, school, work, parks, sports, errands, and more. It’s hard to keep up, and even harder to pack food and snacks with everything happening.

A grab-and-go storage solution makes meal prep and storage simple. Pre-pack snacks for the coming days, then grab them on your way out. This year’s best storage solution is Cheers Multi-Purpose Storage Bags. They are BPA-free, food-contact safe, and contain no plasticizers. Each bag features a double seal for strong protection and a write-on panel for easy labeling, making it perfect for meal prep.

For Zayla Malimban, Cheers has become her go-to brand for everyday essentials. “Cheers almost has everything that I need—from durable ziplocks to house cleaning materials. Kahit party essentials meron sila,” she shared.

“Cheers Ziplock Bags are actually my favorite kasi it’s very helpful lalo kapag nagta-travel. Packing our essentials became more organized,” she said. As a mom of two toddlers, durability is a must. “Kahit itodo ko pa yung pag-pack, hindi talaga siya madaling masira. It makes my life easier bilang mom of two toddlers.”

The ziplocks also give her peace of mind, especially since they use regular travel or gym bags instead of hard-shell luggage. “Dampot na lang ako ng dampot ng gamit depende kung ano'ng kailangan ko dahil pre-packed na siya using ziplocks, tapos worry-free pa na mabasa yung nasa loob kasi double seal yung ziplock,” she explained. With their cloth bags, accidents are easy to happen. “We can’t afford luggage yet, so travel bag/gym bags lang gamit namin ngayon. It’s made of cloth kaya ma-mali lang ng tapon sa bag, for sure pati laman sa loob eh basa.”

Cheers’ practical, durable essentials make travel—and mom life—a lot easier for Zayla.

As we work to build a home that is truly safe and sound, choosing baby- and child-safe cleaners becomes essential. With all the possible illnesses and accidents out there, peace of mind comes from knowing you have done your best to keep your home clean and safe.

This year’s best baby/child-safe cleaner is Tiny Buds Nursery & Toy Cleaner. It is a safe cleaner for babies’ rooms, toys, school supplies, and more. With its natural, non-toxic ingredients, Tiny Buds offers a safe choice for babies and kids. Use it daily or bring it on the go to ensure your baby stays protected wherever you are.

For Elaine Cordova, this cleaner quickly became a must-have for her baby’s things. “I used this product on my baby’s playpen and high chair. It thoroughly cleans the surfaces, removes grease, and has a natural smell—which I like. I am totally impressed!” she shared. Knowing she can keep her baby’s space malinis and safe without harsh scents gives her extra peace of mind as a mom.

If you are the designated ‘cleaner’ at home, then you probably know that cleaning is a continuous chore. Sometimes you clean the house in the morning, and lo and behold, there’s still more cleaning to do at night. It never ends.

As a stay-at-home mom for six years, one thing I learned to ease the cleaning burden is to use reliable products. When I use something effective, I know our home is safe and clean, and I don’t have to redo the work again and again.

Domex Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Lemon) is this year’s best multi-purpose cleaner. It is an all-around home cleaner that effectively removes stains and germs. It works best in toilets, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

For MaAnn Montances, Domex Multi-purpose Cleaner Lemon has become a reliable part of her cleaning routine. “Aside from being effective, it doesn't smell too strong. Hindi masakit sa ilong. It feels safe to use for our household,” she shared. “It helps our home feel more like home. It made our home cleaner and safer.”

Mommy Irine feels the same way. She loves how fresh the cleaner leaves their space, especially their kitchen and bathroom. “What I really liked most about it is how fresh and clean it leaves our home, lalo na sa bathroom and kitchen namin. The lemon scent is not overpowering, and it makes everything smell fresh, clean, or maaliwalas,” she said. “It made a big difference for me because mas at ease ako knowing the surfaces my toddler touches are properly cleaned and disinfected. It really helped me maintain a safer and more hygienic space for my family.”

This year’s best insect killer, Baygon Multi-Insect Killer Water Repellant, has a fast-kill formula and leaves no strong odor after spraying. Its technology prevents damage to house plants and makes it safe to use indoors, including on carpets, draperies, and garden plants. Baygon is formulated to quickly kill flying and crawling insects like cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants, and flies.

"We've tried many pest repellents, but our family always goes back to Baygon. It's effective and I feel assured that all my bases are covered," says Ronna Capili Bonifacio, mom of three and Editor-in-Chief. "Its spray is top-notch and unparalleled."

Another example of “work hard, but work smart” is this year’s best cleaning tool, the Ninja Home Stainless Steel Anti-Microbial Cyclonic Spin Mop.

You no longer need to scrub floors and end up with back pain. This mop does the work efficiently. It has a high-quality microfiber head that absorbs liquids fast while lifting dirt from the surface. The 360-degree mop head can reach tight spaces and corners. It can be used on all hard surfaces such as laminated wood, hardwood, ceramic, stone, tile, concrete, or linoleum.

For father of two and project manager Rommel Cruz, choosing the right mop wasn’t just a small household decision—it was a must. “I’m OC about mopping floors, so I specifically looked for one that can last for some time at home with regular use,” he shared. That search led him to the Ninja Home Mop, and it didn’t disappoint.

“I chose the Ninja Home mop because it’s made from stainless steel, which compared to plastic ones should prove to be durable—and I was not disappointed. This mop is made to last,” he said. While many mops feature a cyclone spin design, Rommel noted that “most of them break down after a few uses, but not this one. The steel design also looks more sleek sa bahay.”

Dyson Vacuum is this year’s best vacuum, and yes, you can definitely work smart with it. The Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy Cordless Vacuum Cleaner helps you clean effectively without breaking a sweat. Enjoy tough, powerful cleaning that stays gentle on your floors, supported by up to 40 minutes of consistent, fade-free suction. It comes with multiple attachments, from a crevice tool for tight spaces to a suction tool ideal for mattresses.

"Our Dyson Vacuum is a game-changer. It's great for keeping rooms clean daily and in between deep cleaning. It's the most powerful I've tried, plus it stores easily," says Ronna. "Its cordless feature and Fluffy Optic cleaner that illuminates really helps us make sure floors are clean. Our older kids can use it to learn chores, too."

LG Electronics Front Load Washer with AI Direct Drive and Pet Care Wash Cycle is this year's Best Appliance. It has a larger capacity in a slimmer body for better space use. It features AI technology that optimizes cleaning based on fabric type and weight. Need speed? Its multi-directional spray completes a full wash in just 39 minutes. Pet owners will also appreciate the dedicated pet care wash, designed to tackle stubborn pet odors and stains with powerful cleaning performance.

For Joelie Tinambunan, the LG Front Load Washer with AI Direct Drive and Pet Care Wash Cycle has been a game-changer in her busy household. “What I loved most is how smart and gentle it is,” she shared. The AI feature automatically adjusts the wash cycle based on the fabric type, giving her peace of mind. “I don’t worry about clothes getting damaged, lalo na my daughter's uniforms and my work clothes."

The Pet Care Wash Cycle has also made a big difference. “It’s a big help for removing fur and deep dirt without needing extra effort,” she said. For her, the impact goes beyond cleaner clothes. “As a single mom who’s juggling work, parenting, and everything in between, this washer saves me so much time and energy. I can cook, help with homework, or rest while trusting that our laundry is taken care of.”

All in all, it’s made everyday life smoother. “It honestly made chores less stressful and everyday life a little lighter.”

No matter how regularly you clean, there are always hidden corners of your home that need a deep clean. Don’t stress too much. Call for a deep home cleaning service instead. Voted the best cleaning service of the year, Busy Bee Cleaning Co. offers a variety of services to meet all your cleaning needs.

My husband and I schedule a deep home cleaning once or twice a year, which helps us avoid the stress of neglected areas. Busy Bee Cleaning Company promises a home that is clean, polished, and sanitized.

For Bettina Santos, Smart Parenting Associate Publisher, the experience with Busy Bee was nothing short of impressive. “Busy Bee turned our house almost upside down! They did the cleaning thoroughly—by hand—even with their tools!” she shared. With a home that spans three bedrooms, three baths, and three floors, she expected the cleaning to take a while. But she was pleasantly surprised. “They were able to finish in 3–4 hours!”

The Busy Bee experience was also satisfying for Marivie Rase. “I am very happy with their service and satisfied with their cleaning services,” she shared, noting how reliable and consistent the team has been for her home.

Get a quote from Busy Bee Cleaning Co.

Produced by the Smart Parenting Team

Editor-in-Chief: Ronna Capili Bonifacio

Asst. Managing Editor/Co-Producer: Em Cruz

Videographer and video editor: Rolando Pingco Jr.

Art Director: Mariella Lao

Associate Publisher: Bettina Santos

Photographs by Paola Aseron