How To Choose The Best Cleaning Supplies For House Cleaning?

House cleaning is essential for maintaining a clean and organized home, creating a more comfortable and inviting environment while promoting hygiene and overall well-being. Whether you’re doing a deep clean after moving into a new place or tackling a seasonal refresh, cleaning can be time-consuming. Many Americans dedicate a significant amount of time to this task.

According to the American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) 2024 spring cleaning survey, nearly 75% of Americans engage in spring cleaning at least once a year. Additionally, 45% of respondents plan to increase their cleaning efforts this year. The ACI’s 2021 survey highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted 55% of Americans to clean and organize more frequently, underscoring the rising importance of cleanliness in households.

To streamline your cleaning process, it’s crucial to have the right cleaning supplies at your disposal. Whether you're preparing for a quick touch-up or a comprehensive cleaning session, check out our list of essential cleaning products for every room in your home. Having these tools ready will help you maintain a spotless and stress-free living space.

Basic Cleaning Essentials

Before diving into specialized products for each room, it's crucial to stock up on essential cleaning supplies. Whether you're doing regular cleaning of a large four-bedroom house or a cozy one-bedroom apartment, having the right basics on hand will help you keep your space tidy and clean with ease.

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner is one of the most versatile and indispensable cleaning products. Available in a variety of formulas, some even include antibacterial properties for added hygiene. With a multipurpose cleaner, you can wipe away fingerprints from countertops, tackle sticky spills, and clean up general messes in one easy sweep. This is especially useful for vacation or Airbnb rentals that require a quick turnaround between guests, ensuring that every surface is spotless and ready for the next stay.

Pro Tip: While all-purpose cleaners are effective at cutting through grime, for particularly stubborn messes, reach for white vinegar. This household staple can help break down grease and dirt that your regular cleaner might struggle with, making it an excellent backup for tough cleaning jobs.

Having these basic supplies ensures you’re prepared for everyday cleaning tasks, no matter the size of your home.

Broom

Sweeping your floors regularly is a simple yet effective way to maintain a clean home. Whether it's crumbs in the kitchen, broken glass, or everyday dust and dirt, a broom will help you gather debris into hard-to-reach corners and sweep it into a dustpan for easy disposal. Daily use of a broom ensures that your floors stay free of dirt, reducing the buildup of grime and keeping your space fresh.

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are an essential tool for a variety of cleaning tasks. Their absorbent and durable material makes them perfect for wiping down countertops, cleaning kitchen appliances, polishing mirrors, and dusting furniture. Unlike cotton, microfiber doesn’t leave behind streaks or lint, ensuring a thorough clean with minimal effort. Plus, using microfiber cloths is an eco-friendly way to reduce paper towel waste while achieving better results in less time.

Mop

For gleaming, spotless floors, a mop is your go-to tool. Choose one with a bucket and wringer to easily manage dirty water and keep your mop in top shape. If you're working with a smaller area, a microfiber flat mop is an excellent choice. It can function both as a wet mop with the appropriate cleaning solution for your floor type and as a dry mop for collecting dust and pet hair, making it a versatile addition to your cleaning supplies.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When cleaning your home, it's important to prioritize your safety by using proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Harsh cleaning agents like bleach or ammonia can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. To protect yourself, always wear gloves and eye protection while scrubbing or spraying chemicals. If you're using strong chemicals with potent fumes, consider wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth to prevent inhalation of toxic vapors, keeping your lungs safe during the cleaning process.

Vacuum Cleaner

A reliable vacuum cleaner is a must-have for both routine cleaning and handling bigger messes. When choosing a vacuum, look for one that works across various surfaces. For carpets and rugs, a vacuum head with stiff bristles is effective at pulling up dirt and dust. However, on hardwood or tile floors, you should remove the bristles to avoid scratches. Additionally, many vacuums come with useful attachments, such as an upholstery brush and a hose, making it easier to clean tight spaces, corners, and areas under cushions.

Having the right equipment not only ensures a clean home but also protects you from potential harm while tackling any cleaning task.

Cleaning Your Kitchen and Dining Space

Maintaining a clean kitchen and dining area is vital for a healthy home. It helps prevent pests like ants, mice, and roaches, removes harmful bacteria from surfaces where you prepare food, and keeps you and your family safe from foodborne illnesses. Here are the essential cleaning supplies every kitchen needs.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is a staple in most households, used daily to tackle dirty dishes, pots, and pans. When selecting a dish soap, choose a formula that's strong enough to cut through grease and remove stuck-on food. Some dish soaps even contain antibacterial properties, which are particularly useful for sanitizing utensils and surfaces that come into contact with raw meat.

Pro Tip: Dish soap isn’t just for your dishes! You can also use it for a variety of other cleaning tasks around the home. It’s effective for removing stains from carpets and upholstery, de-griming your refrigerator, and even trapping fruit flies, making it a versatile and powerful tool in your cleaning arsenal.

By keeping your kitchen clean and using multipurpose products like dish soap, you can ensure a safe, hygienic environment for preparing and enjoying meals.

Magic Eraser

While regular sponges are great for everyday cleaning, when faced with tough grime, reach for a melamine foam sponge, commonly known as a Magic Eraser. This abrasive sponge, made of melamine, is highly effective for tackling challenging kitchen cleaning tasks. Whether it’s built-up grease on stovetops, stains on your refrigerator, or grime in the microwave and sink, the Magic Eraser can handle it all with ease.

Oven Cleaner

It’s easy to overlook the inside of your oven since it’s out of sight, but a dirty oven can produce unpleasant smells, excessive smoke, and even harmful gases when in use. A good oven cleaner makes scrubbing away baked-on food and grease less of a hassle. Remember, if you own a self-cleaning oven, avoid using traditional oven cleaners, as they can damage the interior.

Sponge

A quality sponge is a versatile tool in your kitchen cleanup routine. You can use it to wash dishes, clean countertops, scrub the sink, and tackle other appliances. Look for a sponge with both a soft side and a non-scratch abrasive side for tackling tough, stuck-on food. Consider using reusable sponges, or choose disposable options made from recycled or biodegradable materials to reduce waste.

Pro Tip: To maintain hygiene, keep separate sponges for different cleaning tasks. For instance, don’t use the same sponge for washing dishes that you use to scrub the oven. This simple step helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps your kitchen cleaner.

Steel Wool

When the job calls for heavy-duty cleaning, steel wool is a go-to option. Its abrasive texture makes it perfect for scrubbing stubborn food off of grills and heavily soiled ovens. However, be cautious about using steel wool on delicate surfaces, such as plastic or stainless steel, as it can cause damage.

Kitchen and Dining Room Cleaning Hacks

Keeping your kitchen and dining area spotless doesn’t have to be time-consuming. These simple hacks can help you maintain a cleaner space with minimal effort.

1. Tackle hard-to-reach Crumbs

Crumbs tend to accumulate behind and beneath appliances, attracting pests. Use vacuum attachments to access and clean these tricky spots with ease. This will help keep your kitchen tidy and free from unwanted critters.

2. Microwave Cleaning Made Easy

You can clean your microwave with common household ingredients. Combine water with either lemon, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture on high for three to five minutes. Once done, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe down the inside of the microwave using a sponge or Magic Eraser. This method helps loosen grime and eliminates odors, making it a quick and chemical-free solution.

3. Vinegar for Fridges and Stovetops

White vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool, especially in the kitchen. To clean your refrigerator, mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spritz the interior while scrubbing down removable drawers and shelves. For a dirty stovetop, vinegar works wonders when mixed with baking soda and lemon juice. This natural combination cuts through grease and grime, leaving your stovetop sparkling clean.

These simple yet effective hacks will help you maintain a clean kitchen and dining space without the hassle.

Cleaning Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is where cleanliness is key, so maintaining a sanitary environment is crucial. Here are the essential cleaning products you need for a sparkling bathroom:

Glass Cleaner

To keep your shower doors and bathroom mirrors crystal clear, invest in a quality glass cleaner. Spraying and wiping them down weekly with a microfiber cloth will prevent streaks and smudges, leaving your glass surfaces shiny and spotless.

Porcelain Cleaner

Porcelain fixtures, like your bathtub and sink, give your bathroom a polished, sleek appearance—if they're clean. A dedicated porcelain cleaner is the best way to eliminate stains, soap scum, mold, and mildew. Regular use ensures that your sink and tub stay gleaming and free from grime buildup.

Scrub Brush

For those stubborn areas where grime clings to surfaces—especially in the grout between tiles—a scrub brush is a must-have. This tool will help you scrub away tough dirt and soap scum that a sponge or rag can’t handle, making your sink, tub, or shower look freshly cleaned.

By using these essential cleaning supplies, you can maintain a clean, healthy, and inviting bathroom with minimal effort.

Shower Cleaner

Shower cleaners are effective on a variety of surfaces and help keep your shower fresh and clean. You can find daily shower sprays that prevent the buildup of mildew and soap scum with minimal effort. These cleaners come in both spray and foam formulas, allowing you to choose the one that works best for your shower material and personal preferences.

Toilet Brush

A toilet brush is an essential tool for maintaining a sanitary bathroom. Paired with a quality toilet bowl cleaner, it helps remove stubborn stains, limescale, and grime from the inside of your toilet. Opt for a reusable brush that comes with a stand for convenient storage. Some options even come with decorative containers to seamlessly fit in with your bathroom’s decor while keeping the brush hidden when not in use.

Bathroom Cleaning Hacks

Make your bathroom cleaning routine more efficient with these handy household hacks:

• Organized Storage: Designate a specific cabinet or storage area in your bathroom for all cleaning supplies. Label everything, including sponges and brushes, so you always know where each item is, making your cleaning process quicker and easier.

  
  

• Magic Eraser Everywhere: When buying a Magic Eraser for your kitchen, grab an extra one for the bathroom. It’s a versatile tool that works wonders on showers, countertops, sinks, and even toilet bowls.

  
  

• Toothbrush for Tight Spaces: If your scrub brush is too big for hard-to-reach areas, apply some cleaning solution to an old toothbrush. This lets you clean corners, grout lines, and other tight spots with precision.

  
  

• Cooking Spray for Soap Scum: Stubborn soap scum on shower doors or bathtubs? Try using cooking spray. Spray it on the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off to make cleaning a breeze.

These clever tips and products will help keep your bathroom spotless and fresh with minimal effort.

Cleaning Your Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home, where families gather, relax, and entertain. Keeping it clean and cozy ensures a welcoming space for everyone. Here are the essential cleaning tools you need for a tidy living room:

Carpet Cleaner

Carpets can trap dirt, dust, and debris, making them difficult to keep clean, especially after spills or pet accidents. Invest in a carpet spot cleaner for small messes and a carpet-cleaning machine for a deeper clean. These machines use a combination of cleaning solution, water, and agitation to loosen dirt, helping your carpets stay fresh and prolong their lifespan.

Duster

Dust can quickly accumulate on surfaces, affecting air quality and making your home appear dirty. A good duster, whether feather or microfiber, will help keep your living room dust-free. Opt for one with a long or extendable handle to reach high places like shelves or ceiling fans.

Wood Cleaner

Wooden furniture requires special care to maintain its beauty and durability. Use a wood-specific cleaner to protect the finish and ensure your wooden pieces stay in top condition. This will help preserve the natural look and feel of your wooden furniture.

Living Room Cleaning Hacks

Since the living room is used daily, it’s easy for clutter to build up. Here are some useful tips to keep it tidy:

• Clean from the top down: Start by dusting high surfaces first, like shelves or ceiling fans, and work your way down to the floors. This prevents you from having to clean twice, as dust will fall to the lower surfaces.

• Organize small items: Keep items like remote controls, magazines, and coasters organized by using decorative baskets or shelves. These storage solutions keep your space clutter-free while adding a sleek touch to your decor.

• Use vacuum attachments: Don’t limit your vacuum to the floors. Use attachments to clean drapes, couches, bookshelves, and other surfaces, removing dust and dirt from hard-to-reach spots.

• Remove stains with club soda: For tough stains on upholstered furniture, such as wine, blot the area with club soda. It helps lift the stain without damaging the fabric.

• Stick to a regular cleaning schedule: Create a routine that works for your household. Declutter and vacuum daily, dust once or twice a week, and schedule seasonal deep-cleaning sessions to keep your living room in tip-top shape.

By using the right tools and following these hacks, your living room will stay clean, comfortable, and inviting year-round.

Cleaning Your Bedroom

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, and maintaining its cleanliness contributes to a stress-free, relaxing environment. With the right supplies, you can keep it tidy and comfortable with ease.

Fabric Spray and Laundry Supplies

If you don’t have a dedicated laundry room, keep laundry essentials like detergent, fabric spray, and stain removers in your bedroom for convenience. Fabric spray is perfect for refreshing stored clothing, comforters, duvets, and upholstered surfaces. Having detergent and dryer sheets near your clothes hamper makes it easy to manage laundry.

Tip: For efficient cleaning, toss your bedsheets, blankets, washable rugs, and pillowcases into the washing machine while you tackle the rest of the room.

Lint Roller

Lint rollers are incredibly handy for picking up lint, pet hair, dust, and other debris from clothes and soft surfaces. They’re especially useful if you have pets, as fur often accumulates on bedding, chairs, and rugs.

Tip: Keep a lint roller in each room for quick touch-ups, so you can easily maintain cleanliness throughout your home.

Steam Cleaner

A steam cleaner is a versatile tool, especially if you have carpets in your bedroom. These machines use steam to sanitize surfaces without harsh chemicals. Steam cleaners can be used on carpets, rugs, upholstery, drapes, and even some mattresses, making them an excellent investment for a deeper clean.

Bedroom Cleaning Hacks

Bedrooms tend to get cluttered quickly, but with a few simple strategies, you can keep your space organized and clean:

• Spot-clean carpets and rugs as needed and give them a deep clean once a month. This might involve steam-cleaning or machine-washing a washable rug for a thorough refresh.

• Maximize storage by using a media cabinet, closet organizers, or under-bed storage to keep clutter at bay. Ensuring everything has a designated place helps maintain order.

• Revive mirrors with vinegar and water. Instead of using glass cleaner, spray a mixture of white vinegar and water on your bedroom mirrors and wipe them down to restore their shine.

By incorporating these tools and cleaning hacks into your routine, your bedroom will stay clutter-free, organized, and fresh, making it a more peaceful place to unwind.

Cleaning Forgotten Areas

Some parts of your home often go unnoticed during regular cleaning routines. Here's how to keep those commonly neglected spaces tidy and fresh:

Baseboards

Baseboards are easily overlooked, but they collect a lot of dust and dirt over time. Start by using a microfiber cloth or duster to remove any accumulated dust. Afterward, wipe them down with a rag and water to keep them looking clean and polished.

Foyer

As the first space visitors see, the foyer is a high-traffic area that needs regular attention. Clean it from top to bottom, starting with light fixtures and working your way down to the floor. Use a shoe organizer to keep shoes tidy and wipe down any furniture, decor, or mirrors in the area to maintain a neat and welcoming entrance.

Hallways

Hallways often get forgotten, especially when you focus on individual rooms. Start by removing rugs, then sweep and vacuum the floor. If you have machine-washable rugs, throw them in the laundry or steam-clean them after the floor dries. Don't forget to wipe down wall decor, photographs, and light switches with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.

Laundry Room

The laundry room can accumulate dust and lint, making it crucial to clean regularly to keep your clothes clean, too. Dust and vacuum the area, and wipe down surfaces weekly. If there's a sink, clean it with all-purpose cleaner. Sanitize the washer and dryer once a month using a cleaning solution designed for the appliances.

Pantry

Your pantry might be out of sight, but it shouldn't be out of mind. Periodically sort through food, donating unexpired items and discarding stale ones. Wipe down shelves, vacuum up crumbs, and clean out the corners with a narrow hose attachment.

Tip: Use airtight glass or plastic containers for dry goods like pasta and cereal to keep them fresh and organized. Label containers and shelves so every item has its place, making the pantry easier to navigate.

Trash Cans

Even though trash cans are designed for messes, they need regular cleaning, too. Rinse, scrub, or soak the inside with an all-purpose cleaner to remove odors and food residue. If a trash can smells particularly bad, sprinkle baking soda inside and add vinegar to neutralize the odor and keep pests at bay.

By focusing on these often-forgotten areas, you'll maintain a cleaner and more organized home, even in the spaces that usually get missed.

How to Be Eco-Friendly While Cleaning

Adopting eco-friendly cleaning practices benefits not only the environment but also your health and that of your pets. Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful. Here are some simple tips to help you go green while keeping your home clean:

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices

Use Reusable Cleaning Materials

Whenever possible, opt for reusable cleaning supplies instead of single-use products. Microfiber cloths are a great alternative to disposable duster pads or disinfectant wipes, as they can be washed and reused many times, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.

Switch to Reusable Dish Scrubbers

In the kitchen, choose durable, reusable scrubbers over disposable sponges. If you prefer disposables, select biodegradable options made from natural materials, such as walnut shells or cellulose, which break down more easily and are kinder to the environment.

Conserve Water

Minimizing water use is another way to lessen your environmental impact. When mopping or scrubbing, use a bucket to monitor how much water you’re using, and try to reuse water whenever possible, like rinsing multiple items with the same bucket.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Look for Eco-Certified Products

Many retailers offer eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are both effective and environmentally conscious. Look for products labeled with certifications like EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, or EWG Verified, which indicate that the ingredients are safer for people and the planet.

Choose Sustainable Packaging

Opt for cleaning products that come in recycled or biodegradable packaging. Concentrated cleaning solutions or tablets are also great alternatives as they use fewer resources and minimize packaging waste.

Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions

Homemade cleaners can be just as effective as store-bought ones. Use pantry staples like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to create all-purpose cleaners, window sprays, and deodorizers. Store your homemade solutions in reusable glass spray bottles to further reduce plastic waste.

By making these small changes, you can create a cleaner, healthier home while reducing your environmental footprint.

Safety Tips for Household Cleaning

To ensure a safe cleaning routine for you, your family, and pets, it's essential to follow these safety guidelines:

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Many cleaning products, including bleach and ammonia, release fumes that can be harmful if inhaled for extended periods. Always open windows or doors and turn on fans to promote air circulation while cleaning. This helps reduce the concentration of chemical fumes in the air.

Follow Product Instructions

Cleaning supplies come with specific usage directions for a reason. Before using any product, take a moment to review the label’s safety instructions. Avoid mixing chemicals—such as bleach and ammonia—as this can create dangerous fumes.

Keep Children Away from Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals can pose a health risk, especially to children. Store them securely and label all potentially hazardous products clearly. When cleaning, ensure that children are kept at a safe distance from areas where chemicals are being used.

Use Pet-Safe Products

Pets are also vulnerable to cleaning chemicals. Keep them in a separate room or crate while you clean to prevent accidental exposure. When possible, use pet-safe cleaning products to minimize the risk of harm to your furry friends.

Wear Appropriate Equipment

Protect yourself from potential harm by wearing the right safety gear. Rubber or vinyl gloves prevent skin contact with harsh chemicals, and protective eyewear shields your eyes. Indoor footwear helps reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors, and a mask can be useful when using particularly strong chemicals to avoid inhaling fumes.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure a cleaner, safer environment for everyone in your home.

Bottomline

Keeping your home clean and organized is essential for maintaining a healthy, comfortable living environment. By selecting the right cleaning supplies and adopting efficient techniques, you can simplify your cleaning routine and improve your home's overall hygiene. From all-purpose cleaners and eco-friendly products to the right protective gear, having the proper tools ensures effective and safe cleaning. Additionally, following simple hacks can help you save time while keeping every corner of your house tidy. Whether it’s deep cleaning or day-to-day maintenance, being well-prepared makes all the difference in maintaining a spotless, stress-free home for you and your family.

FAQs

What are the must-have cleaning supplies for every home?

All-purpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, and broom are essential for maintaining a clean home.

Can I use homemade cleaners for most cleaning tasks?

Yes, common household items like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda can be used to make effective, eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

How often should I clean my home?

High-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom should be cleaned weekly, while deep cleaning can be done seasonally.

What’s the best way to prevent pet hair buildup?

Use a lint roller or vacuum with attachments regularly to remove pet hair from soft surfaces like couches and rugs.

Is it safe to mix cleaning chemicals?

No, mixing chemicals like bleach and ammonia can create dangerous fumes. Always follow the product instructions.