The latest in home appliances and a line-up of domestic doyens including TV gardener Don Burke ensured the exhibition at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre was bursting at the seams with a crowd 20 per cent bigger than last year.

"Steam mops have just been huge," show spokeswoman Tracy Kearney said.

"We had to get a semi-trailer [full of more mops] in from Brisbane."

The three-day event, which ended yesterday, showcased more than 400 exhibitors, and for some spectators it was a chance to talk stains with cleaning guru Shannon Lush.

For those less enamoured with stain removal, there were displays of floor boards, decks and outdoor furniture.

The cooking demonstrations were also popular.