This post is all about the cleaning essentials you need in your home.
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Growing up, my way to manage anxiety was by deep cleaning. And I wasn’t the only one in my family who managed stress this way. My now roommate once house-sat for me and said she had never seen a house so clean. It was normal for me to get stressed and head to the store to buy all the cleaning supplies. Sometimes I would take it a step further by making a color-coded chart for each room.
Thankfully my mental health is now managed in a much healthier way. However, cleaning is a task that I have learned so much about. It may seem overwhelming to take care of your space, especially if it is your first home or apartment. But it is easier than you think! I created a list of cleaning essentials that will help you get started on the right foot.
Here are the cleaning essentials you need to get started
Cleaning tools
These are the most basic things you should have in your home at all times. Some of these are investment pieces that will last you for years.
Sponges – the most basic item that you can use for washing dishes to cleaning walls. You don’t need expensive ones to get the job done. Any sponge at your local Target or even dollar store will work.
Dish clothes – another basic item that works similar to a sponge, but with more flexibility. You can also get them from any store. (important to note that dish clothes are different than washcloths. Here is an example of dish clothes).
Microfiber clothes – similar to a dishcloth, bus these have a special grip that is great for dusting.
Mop – there are many options for mops out there. But essentially, you just want something to clean your floor. Currently, I am using a steam mop that I found at Goodwill. But a basic mop like this is also a great go-to.
Important note: a lot of people like to use swifters, but there are two concerns with this. Swifters will not give you as great of a clean. They also can be expensive. Second, swifters can hurt certain types of flooring. So unless you are sure, I would stay away from them.
Broom: once again, any broom will do. Even one from the dollar store
Vacuum- I love vacuums and it is my dream to own the fancy Dyson vacuum (this is where my cleaning obsession comes out). But you don’t need to purchase a fancy vacuum to get the job done, I have this Bissell and have bought this Amazon vacuum for someone else. Both work great and get the job done. If you have pets, it could be beneficial to purchase a nicer vacuum to catch all the fur.
Bucket – This was the best $5 dollar investment for my cleaning life. You don’t think you need a bucket until you have one. It makes cleaning tasks so much easier. It is easy to throw all your cleaning supplies in and go room by room. Or it can be used to mop and do deeper cleanings when moving around so you don’t have to keep running to the sink.
Spray bottle – like a bucket, this is one of those items that will make a difference. It is great for making homemade solutions or turning your cleaner into a spray so you don’t drip everywhere.
Paper towels – these are great for small messes or when you need to clean up something quickly on the floor.
Cleaners
Now to the overwhelming part, cleaners. There are so many options out there for cleaners. And they all seem to specialize in something. But I promise you don’t need to fall for all of it.
Everyday cleaner – you can do almost everything with an everyday all-purpose cleaner. These cleaners are designed to do multiple rooms and surfaces. This Mrs. Myers cleaner has been my go-to for years and does an amazing job.
Toilet bowl cleaner – this is the one cleaner I recommend that you have for your bathroom. Everyday cleaner does not do as good of a job and can sometimes be too soapy.
Window cleaner – good old Windex is all you ever need. This is perfect for cleaning windows and mirrors around the house.
Disinfectant wipes – I know these are great for the environment, but sometimes you need them. I always have a thing of Clorox wipes around the house. These are great for cleaning the super germy areas such as the toilet, and counters after cutting meat, or to wipe down door handles during flu season.
a few Natural cleaner options
Vinegar – vinegar is a perfect disinfectant for around the house. You can get a simple thing of distilled vinegar in the baking or cleaning ilse. Some stores will mark up and offer ‘cleaning vinegar’ but don’t fall for it. Any vinegar will do.
Dawn soap – Dawn specifically is designed to be a strong cleaner. This is a great option for disinfecting and cleaning. I always keep a small bottle in the house.
Note: a great cleaning solution is vinegar and dawn soup. Fill a spray bottle ⅔ of the way with vinegar. Dump the vinegar into a pan and heat until warm ( do not boil). Pour the vinegar back into into the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with dawn, shake, and you now have a great cleaning solution.
Baking soda – this is one of the best cleaning items for hard stains and surfaces. You should always have 3 boxes of baking soda in the house, (one for cleaning, one inside the fridge for freshness, and one for cooking). You can always pour baking soda onto a hard surface with a little bit of water and let it sit. This helps with fighting stains or burns on food. For harder areas, use a SMALL amount of vinegar. Remember that this creates a chemical reaction so don’t go crazy!
Optional items
These are items that you don’t need in your cleaning cart, but I always keep one around because they make such a difference.
Magic erasers – these are magical little sponges that can clean up anything. Great for scrubbing stubborn areas. A little hack, these are expensive, so don’t be afraid to cut them in half or even fourths to make them last longer.
Sponge Daddy – I know I said any old sponge will do, but this one is amazing. We keep two in my house, one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom.
Duster – microfibers clothes do great, but a duster can be beneficial for those hard places. I like this extended one because I can use it to dust high places I can’t reach, or to take down spider webs.
Stove cleaner – I like to have a small thing of stove cleaner for those times when my stove is a mess. Aka I burned something on it.
Having the right cleaning essentials makes all the difference
Cleaning is already a chore, but having the right things will make it so much easier. Of course, there are tons of other cleaning supplies you can purchase. But these cleaning essentials will help you get your daily work done.
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