Keeping your home clean and organized is important for both health and happiness. However, knowing what cleaning supplies to have on hand can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. This ultimate cleaning supplies list covers all the basics you need for whole-home cleaning.
Introduction
Having the right cleaning tools and products is essential to keeping your home looking its best. A well-stocked cleaning closet leads to faster, more effective cleaning sessions. You can tackle every room and surface efficiently with a strategic arsenal of supplies.
This comprehensive cleaning supply list has everything you need for sparkling floors, streak-free windows, polished bathrooms, dust-free furniture, and more. We’ll go over must-have gear like vacuums and mops as well as versatile cleaners and accessories suited for every space.
Kitchen Cleaning Supplies
The kitchen takes a lot of abuse on a daily basis. Grease splatters, food drips, and grimy countertops are par for the course. Having the right cleaners and tools at the ready makes kitchen cleaning fast and easy. Here are the most useful kitchen cleaning supplies to keep stocked:
All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is designed to tackle most messes on a variety of surfaces. Counters, tables, appliances, sinks, and backsplashes all benefit from a regular all-purpose cleaner. Look for plant-based ingredients or a formula safe for granite and other stone. Spray or wipe on and let sit briefly before wiping away grease, dirt, and germs.
Dish Soap
A mild, grease-cutting dish soap is fundamental for washing dishes, pots, pans, and cooking utensils by hand. Look for concentrated formulas that don’t require a lot to effectively clean and degrease. Dish soap is also handy for wiping up oil splatters and energetic food prep messes on kitchen surfaces.
Antibacterial Cleaner
Sanitizing the spaces where you prep and serve food is smart for stopping bacteria in their tracks. An antibacterial cleaner designed for the kitchen kills 99% of germs on surfaces and in the sink. Use antibacterial cleaner on cutting boards, countertops, handles, taps, appliances, tables, and chairs. The cleaner you choose should be food-safe once surfaces are rinsed.
Glass Cleaner
Keep your glass cleaner stocked for smudge-free windows, mirrors, glass-top tables, and appliances. A foam formula coats vertical surfaces well and cleans effectively without major streaking. For appliances like oven doors, refrigerators, and microwaves, apply a glass cleaner to a microfiber cloth before wiping to avoid getting cleaner on edges.
Degreaser
Pots, pans, and vent hoods are magnets for grease buildup. A concentrated degreaser helps dissolve caked-on oils so you can wipe surfaces clean. Let the degreaser soak briefly before scrubbing with a sponge or cloth. It also works well for cleaning grimy kitchen tools like spatulas and whisks. Check that the formula is safe for cookware materials before use.
Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfecting wipes make sanitizing kitchen surfaces fast and convenient. Keep a tub handy to quickly wipe down appliance fronts, cabinets pulls, sinks, counters, tables, chairs, and more. The portable wipes eliminate bacteria, viruses, and grime in one efficient step. Look for plant-based options or wipes safe for granite.
Baking Soda
Baking soda isn???t just for baking. This pantry staple pulls triple duty as a deodorizer, scrubber, and polish for kitchen cleaning. Sprinkle baking soda in the fridge, sink, and trash can to absorb odors. Make a paste with water to scour pots, pans, and surfaces. Or add a little water to clean and shine stainless steel appliances and chrome fixtures.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are must-have cleaning tools that trap and remove dirt, grease, and dust without chemicals. Their ultra-fine fibers and slight positive charge grab onto particles and germs. Use them dry or damp for all-purpose cleaning. Have plenty on hand for cleaning and drying kitchen surfaces. Wash cloths regularly to keep them free of germs.
Bathroom Cleaning Supplies
Bathrooms require regular scrubbing, disinfecting, and sanitizing to stay clean and limit mold and mildew growth. Here are the best bathroom cleaning supplies to include in your arsenal:
Disinfectant Cleaner
A daily disinfecting cleaner designed for bathrooms eliminates bacteria and viruses from sinks, faucets, counters, tubs, showers, and toilets. Look for natural ingredients or formulas that specify they kill respiratory illnesses like cold and flu viruses. Spray or wipe on, let sit, and rinse.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Toilet bowl cleaners provide the cleaning power needed to break down organic waste, remove stains, and sanitize the bowl. Look for a formula with natural acids like citric acid to clean and deodorize. Check the cleaner is safe for septic systems if needed. Always check ingredient compatibility with your toilet.
Grout Cleaner and Brush
Grout tends to get grimy with soap scum, dirt, and stains over time. A dedicated grout cleaner foam formula penetrates and lifts residue from grout lines. Apply with a grout brush and scrub before rinsing. Whitening cleaners can help brighten discolored grout.
Tile and Stone Cleaner
Shower tiles, natural stone sinks, and other surfaces need a specially formulated cleaner for safe, effective cleaning. A natural stone-safe daily cleaner removes soap scum, hard water marks, and dirt buildup. For periodic deep cleaning, use a stone tile and grout cleaner.
Glass Cleaner
Keep shower doors, mirrors, and chrome glistening with a weekly glass cleaning. Foam cleaners cling to vertical surfaces and remove soap scum effectively. Dry glass with a squeegee or lint-free cloth like microfiber to prevent water spots.
Mild Abrasive Cleanser
For soap scum on shower walls and mineral deposits on sinks and tubs, a gentle abrasive cleanser helps scrub surfaces clean. Look for cream cleansers with natural scrubbers like baking soda, pumice, or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid harsh, gritty cleansers on tile grout or natural stone.
Toilet Brush and Plunger
Don’t forget about the humble toilet brush and plunger. These bathroom basics make sanitizing and unclogging toilets a breeze. Look for brushes with comfortable grips and plungers designed to effectively clear clogs. Replace your toilet brush every few months for maximum cleaning power.
Microfiber Cloths
Have a stash of microfiber cloths to clean and dry bathroom surfaces like mirrors, glass, chrome, shower walls, and counters. The ultra-fine fibers grab and remove grime and water quickly and easily compared to sponges or paper towels. Wash cloths often in hot water.
Floor Cleaning Supplies
Floors take a lot of abuse and need the right tools and cleaners to keep them looking their best. Here are floor cleaning supplies no home should be without:
Broom and Dustpan
For quick tidying between deeper cleanings, always have a broom and dustpan at the ready. Look for a broom with tightly trimmed bristles designed for hard floors or carpets. The dustpan should have a deep lip, long handle, and rubber edge to trap debris. Sweep up dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and other debris.
Mop and Bucket
A solid mop and bucket system makes washing all your hard floors a breeze. Choose a mop designed for your flooring – string mops are versatile for cleaning wood, tile, and other surfaces. Microfiber mops are great for trapping dirt. Have a bucket with a wringer to quickly soak and wring the mop.
All-Purpose Floor Cleaner
An all-purpose, residue-free floor cleaner is safe and effective for mopping wood, laminate, tile, stone, and other sealed surfaces. Dilute concentrate or ready-to-use formula in your mop bucket or apply directly with a microfiber mop. Steer clear of oil soaps or harsh cleaners not meant for your floors.
Hardwood Floor Cleaner
For wood floors, use a cleaner specially formulated for hardwood. Wood floor cleaners protect the finish while gently removing dirt, scuffs, and grime. Avoid acidic cleaners that degrade wood over time. Check cleaner compatibility before use and dilute as directed.
Grout Brush and Cleaner
Grout lines in tile floors trap dirt, soap scum, and debris. Get into grout with a handheld grout brush and concentrated grout cleaner. Scrub stained or discolored grout to restore a like-new appearance. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Vacuum
Vacuuming carpets, area rugs, and bare floors regularly is key for removing embedded dirt and allergens. Choose a vacuum suited for your flooring – uprights and canisters excel on carpets while stick vacs are great for hard floors. Check for adjustable suction, height settings, and accessories.
Microfiber Mop Pads
Microfiber mop pads attach to the base and absorb and trap dirt and moisture from floors. The microfiber material is machine washable and reusable over and over. Have plenty of pads on hand for dusting and washing floors efficiently.
Furniture and Upholstery Cleaning Supplies
From couches to coffee tables, here are the best ways to care for soft and hard furniture:
Upholstery Cleaner
Protect your upholstered furniture and rugs from dirt and stains. Look for an upholstery cleaner safe for fabrics, leather, microfiber, and other delicate surfaces. Test cleaners first on a hidden spot and avoid over-wetting. For spot cleaning, apply a small amount and blot gently with a clean cloth.
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Keep leather looking like new with leather-specific cleaners and conditioners. Use a mild soap formula regularly to remove dirt. Then apply leather conditioner to hydrate, restore, and protect leather’s natural oils. Avoid products with harsh detergents, acids, or dyes.
Dusting Spray
A lightly moistened microfiber cloth picks up dust thoroughly. Use a dusting spray to coat surfaces and attract pesky dust particles. The anti-static properties cut dusting time. Avoid heavily fragranced products or formulas that leave greasy residue behind on wood.
Furniture Polish
Wood tables, cabinets, and other furniture benefit from an occasional buffing with furniture polish. Look for plant-based polishes without harsh petroleum solvents or a polish with beeswax or carnauba wax to condition wood. Apply a thin coat with a soft cloth and buff to a glow.
Glass Cleaner
Keep glass coffee and side tables spot-free with regular glass cleaning. A foam formula works great to remove fingerprints and smudges without dripping. Polish mirrors, picture frames, lamps, and other glass pieces while dusting the room.
Multi-Surface Cleaning Supplies
Some go-to cleaners and tools tackle jobs all around the home. Here are versatile cleaning supplies to include:
Microfiber Cloths
Stock up on microfiber cloths for dusting and cleaning all over your home. The ultra-fine fibers are lint-free and excel at attracting and trapping dirt, dust, and grime. Dampen to clean or use dry for dusting. Wash regularly in hot water. Have different colors designated for different rooms.
Duster
Disposable dry dusters or reusable microfiber dusters with extendable handles make dusting ceiling fans, baseboards, ceiling corners, vents, light fixtures, and other high or hard-to-reach spots easy. Swipe dusters over surfaces to trap dust and allergens.
Scrub Brushes
For heavy-duty cleaning jobs, keep an assortment of scrub brushes on hand. Grout brushes, toilet brushes, bottle brushes, and stiff-bristled scrub brushes tackle grime on tile, grout, appliances, cookware, bottles, collectibles, sinks, tubs, and more.
Magic Eraser
These melamine foam blocks erase scuffs, marks, grime, and dirt from walls, floors, counters, bathtubs, appliances, and other areas with just water. The abrasive foam lifts stains effortlessly. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Vacuum Cleaner
A full-size vacuum tackles carpets, rugs, drapes, furniture, ceilings, walls, and more. Look for adjustable suction power, height settings to transition between carpets and hard floors, and attachments like crevice tools, brushes, and upholstery nozzles.
Handheld Vacuum
For quick cleanups in between full vacuum sessions, a handheld model is convenient. Look for strong suction, washable filters, attachments for furniture and stairs, and a lightweight model easy to grab for tasks like cleaning up pet hair or spilled snacks.
Lint Roller
Keep lint rollers stocked around your home for quick removal of pet hair, lint, crumbs, and dust from furniture, beds, carpets, fabric window treatments, and textiles. Roll over surfaces to pick up debris the vacuum misses. Refill with sticky sheets as needed.
Outdoor Cleaning Supplies
The outside of your home needs care too. Here are the best supplies for outdoor cleaning:
Outdoor Surface Cleaner
Patios, decks, siding, furniture, grills, and other outdoor surfaces need a gentle but effective cleaner. Look for an all-purpose, biodegradable formula safe for the outdoors. Always check cleaner compatibility before applying to delicate surfaces. Rinse completely after use.
Deck Brush or Broom
Scrub patio furniture, railings, siding, grills, and decks to remove dirt, mildew, and stains. A stiff deck brush is ideal for prepping wood decks before re-staining. A broom sweeps debris off patios, walkways, and large areas.
Garden Hose Nozzle
Aim to make outdoor cleaning tasks easier with handy hose attachments. Look for adjustable nozzles, pivoting sprayer heads, soap dispensers, and scrub brushes to attach to your garden hose for washing siding, cars, outdoor furniture, windows, and more.
Window Cleaning Tools
Cleaning outdoor windows is easiest with the right gear. Pick up a telescoping window wand for washing exterior windows safely from the ground. Use a squeegee on the wand to wipe windows streak-free. Have microfiber cloths ready to polish.
Pressure Washer
For cleaning vinyl siding, wood fences, driveways, garage floors, patios, and more, a pressure washer blasts away grime. Electric pressure washers are ideal for residential use. Adjust pressure for the surface you’re cleaning and maintain a safe distance to avoid damage.
Soft-Bristle Broom
For leaves, grass clippings, and debris on your porch, patio, deck, or driveway, sweep up with a soft-bristle outdoor broom. The gentle bristles won’t scratch outdoor surfaces. Use short sweeping strokes and collect debris. Avoid stiff plastic bristles.
Bucket and Scrub Brush
A basic bucket and scrub brush tackle many outdoor cleaning tasks like washing cars, siding, windows, and patio furniture. Use the brush to apply cleaners or give surfaces an extra scrub. The bucket holds cleaning solutions. Look for scratch-resistant buckets and ergonomic brush handles.
Specialty Cleaning Supplies
Tackle cleaning specialty items around your home:
Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Keep stainless steel appliances, sinks, and fixtures spotless with regular cleaning and polishing. A spray cleaner cuts through grease, water spots, and fingerprints. Follow with a polish to add a protective shine. Avoid abrasive pads or scrubs that could scratch the finish.
Granite Cleaner and Sealer
Use a specially formulated cleaner to keep natural granite countertops pristine and conditioned without etching or dulling the stone. Seal granite every 1-2 years to protect from stains and etching. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar.
Chrome Cleaner and Polish
Remove water spots and mineral deposits from fixture finishes like polished chrome. Use a spray cleaner weekly in your kitchen and bathrooms. To restore shine, apply a protective chrome polish to fixtures and buff out. Avoid abrasive scrubs.
Fabric Steamer
A handheld fabric steamer transforms wrinkled curtains, bedding, upholstery, and clothing with a quick pass of steam. The moist heat smooths wrinkles and refreshes fabrics quickly between washes. Look for adjustable steam levels and attachments.
Jewelry Cleaner
Keep jewelry sparkling with the gentle cleaning power jewelry cleaner solutions provide. Drop pieces into the prep tray filled with cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners use cavitation bubbles to clean jewelry immersed in water and solution. Rinse and dry after cleaning.
Must-Have Cleaning Gear
Quality cleaning gear makes your cleaning supplies more effective and cleaning faster:
Vacuum
A full-size vacuum is designed to deep clean carpets, rugs, hard floors, furniture, ceilings, walls, and more areas thoroughly. Key features to look for include adjustable suction power, height settings, attachments for upholstery and crevices, self-cleaning brushes, and filters to capture allergens.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Stock up on microfiber cleaning cloths that grip and remove up to 99% of bacteria, dirt, dust, and grime from surfaces with just water. The ultra-fine microfiber traps debris. Have designated cloths for bathrooms, kitchen, dusting, floors, and other areas.
Extendable Duster
Reach ceiling corners, fans, picture frames, light fixtures, vents, baseboards, and other high or awkward spaces easily with an extendable duster. The lightweight poles extend and lock in place. Choose feather, lambswool, or microfiber duster heads.