Plastic buckets are essential tools for household cleaning and organization because they’re durable, lightweight, and easy to handle. Whether you’re washing floors, organizing items, or carrying supplies, the right plastic bucket can make a huge difference. Here’s a breakdown of the best plastic buckets for different household tasks:
1. OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Bucket
- Best for: General Cleaning and Storage
- Features:
- Smart Seal Lid: Prevents spills and odors, making it perfect for both cleaning and storing supplies.
- Comfortable Grip: The ergonomic handle ensures easy lifting and carrying, even when full.
- Sturdy Build: Made from durable plastic that can withstand regular use.
- Capacity: Typically 3-5 gallons, which is perfect for most household tasks.
- Why it’s great:
- Ideal for people who want a versatile bucket that can serve multiple purposes, whether for mopping floors or organizing household items.
2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products 5-Gallon FG263200BLA Plastic Bucket
- Best for: Heavy-Duty Cleaning
- Features:
- Durable Construction: Built from high-quality polypropylene, this bucket is resistant to cracking and can handle heavy use.
- Easy-to-Read Measurements: The bucket has printed measurements on the side, making it easy to mix cleaning solutions.
- 5-Gallon Capacity: Large enough for larger cleaning jobs like floor mopping or washing windows.
- Comfort Grip Handle: Makes carrying full loads easy without straining your hands.
- Why it’s great:
- This is a workhorse bucket for those who need a larger, more durable option for frequent heavy-duty tasks.
3. IRIS USA, Inc. 6 Quart Plastic Storage Bucket
- Best for: Small-Scale Cleaning and Organization
- Features:
- Compact Size: At 6 quarts, this bucket is perfect for small cleaning jobs or organizing small items.
- Integrated Handle: Offers a comfortable grip for easy carrying.
- Stackable: Can be stacked with other buckets for easy storage when not in use.
- Transparent Design: Allows you to see the contents inside, which is helpful for organizing small items like cleaning supplies, toys, or gardening tools.
- Why it’s great:
- A compact bucket for those who don’t need a large one but want something functional and versatile for light cleaning or organizing.
4. Sterilite 5-Gallon Heavy-Duty Bucket
- Best for: General Cleaning and Home Improvement Projects
- Features:
- Heavy-Duty Build: The reinforced plastic makes this bucket great for tough cleaning tasks like carrying heavy loads of laundry or holding supplies for home improvement projects.
- Ergonomic Handle: Designed to reduce hand fatigue when carrying heavy loads.
- Wide Mouth: Easier to fill and access, especially when used for mixing cleaning solutions.
- Why it’s great:
- A workhorse bucket for tough cleaning tasks or holding tools and materials for home improvement or renovation projects.
5. VIGRUE Plastic Cleaning Bucket with Pouring Spout
- Best for: Mopping and Floor Cleaning
- Features:
- Spout for Easy Pouring: Features a convenient spout for controlled pouring, making it easier to avoid spills when you’re transferring water or cleaning solutions.
- Large 4-Gallon Capacity: Ideal for mopping floors or washing windows, it holds enough liquid to cover a large area without needing frequent refills.
- Comfortable Grip Handle: Easy to carry, even when full.
- Why it’s great:
- Perfect for floor cleaning tasks, especially when you need a bucket with a pouring feature for ease of use during mopping.
6. Simplehuman 4.5-Gallon Bucket
- Best for: Versatile Cleaning and Storage
- Features:
- Built-in Drain Plug: A built-in plug for draining water easily, making it perfect for cleaning jobs where you need to empty dirty water quickly.
- Heavy Duty: Strong construction that can stand up to rigorous use.
- Sturdy Handle: The handle is designed for easy lifting and carrying, even when filled to the top.
- Why it’s great:
- Great for multi-use around the house and features a drain plug for easy cleanup.
7. Contico 6-Gallon Utility Bucket
- Best for: Heavy-Duty Household Tasks
- Features:
- Durable Design: Constructed from tough polyethylene that resists cracking and fading.
- Heavy-Duty Handle: Strong handle that can hold a significant amount of weight without bending or breaking.
- 6-Gallon Capacity: A larger option, perfect for those who need to tackle heavy-duty cleaning or carry larger loads.
- Why it’s great:
- Excellent for both cleaning and organizing, this large bucket can hold plenty of supplies and is great for tougher jobs like gardening, washing cars, or heavy-duty cleaning.
8. ULINE Plastic Bucket with Handle
- Best for: Bulk Cleaning and Organizing
- Features:
- Sturdy Plastic: Made with thick plastic to handle high weight loads without cracking.
- 2.5-Gallon Capacity: Perfect for smaller cleaning tasks or organizing a specific area.
- Easy-to-Carry Handle: Comfortable for prolonged use and carrying heavy items.
- Why it’s great:
- Compact but strong enough for bulkier cleaning items like cleaning rags, laundry detergent, or toiletries.
9. The Home Depot 3.5-Gallon Bucket
- Best for: Construction and Home Improvement Organization
- Features:
- Multipurpose: Ideal for holding tools, cleaning supplies, and even small household projects.
- Comfortable Handle: Offers an easy-to-grip handle for heavy lifting.
- Durable: Made to last with reinforced plastic that doesn’t crack easily under heavy loads.
- Why it’s great:
- Excellent for organizing home improvement tools and supplies or for use in general cleaning tasks around the house.
How to Choose the Best Plastic Bucket for Household Tasks:
- Capacity: Think about the size of the cleaning tasks you’ll be using the bucket for. Larger buckets (5+ gallons) are better for mopping, while smaller ones (2-4 gallons) are great for quick cleaning tasks or storage.
- Durability: If you need a bucket for heavy-duty use, choose one made from reinforced plastic like polypropylene or polyethylene for extra durability.
- Handle Comfort: A bucket with an ergonomic or padded handle will be easier to carry, especially when it’s filled with water or cleaning supplies.
- Functionality: If you need to pour liquid from the bucket often, look for one with a pouring spout or a drain plug to make cleaning easier.
Final Thoughts:
The best plastic bucket for your home cleaning or organization needs depends on the type of tasks you’re tackling and how much weight or liquid you need to carry. For general household cleaning, a durable, multi-purpose 5-gallon bucket works well. If you’re organizing smaller items or need a compact solution, a smaller, stackable bucket might be your go-to.
Are you thinking of getting a new bucket for a specific cleaning task, or just looking for something versatile for general use?