What You Need and Where to Get It
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Shelter magazines are filled with advertisements for sleek brooms, fancy lamb’s wool dusters (don’t look at me like that, it looked useful), luxury vacuums, and French laundry soaps. You don’t need all that for starter essentials. I mean, you can get it if you really want it, but you don’t need it.
If you are on a budget, most of the basic cleaning essentials can be purchased at your local dollar store. Big box and budget grocery stores will also have a decent selection that won’t cost an arm and a leg. If I had to start from scratch, I’d start at a dollar store and go from there.
Essentials
- Broom/Dustpan: I like the angled brooms that get into corners. Some brooms come with a dustpan. If you buy it separately, try to find one that will clamp onto the broom handle to streamline storage.
- Microfiber cloths: These are one of my favorite tools. They can be used for all kinds of tasks, from mopping to cleaning the tub, polishing mirrors, and dusting.
Hint – if you find the cloths in your store’s cleaning section too expensive, check the automotive section. They may not be as attractive in terms of color, but they might be less expensive, and they usually come in big packs.
- All-purpose cleaner: For general cleaning purposes, I really like the Mrs. Meyers All-Purpose cleaners. They come in a variety of scents, and the big bottles last forever.
- Disinfecting cleaner or wipes: Good to have for daily ick and also for when illness visits your household.
- Mop: Your home likely has a hard floor somewhere, and you’ll want a mop. There are a million varieties; choose one that works for you. I prefer clamp mops because I can use a microfiber cloth or an old towel and toss it in the laundry when I’m done. I find that sponge and string mop heads can get stinky; look for one that you can wash if you decide to go that route.
If you’re short on space and don’t have an entire house to clean, another option is a stick mop that can be used with disposable dusting or wet mop pads. I’ve found the refills to be kind of expensive, so I use a microfiber cloth instead. They can be tossed in the wash when you’re done and reused for the next cleaning session.
- Dish Soap: For hand washing dishes and cleaning greasy messes
- Dishwasher Detergent: Never use dish soap in a dishwasher. I promise you’re going to have a bad time. Dishwasher detergent comes in liquid, powder, and pod options; choose the one that works best for you and your budget.
- Sponges: While I don’t use them for dishes, they are useful for other cleaning projects.
- Tea towels: Mostly used for drying hands and dishes in the kitchen, they also make a handy makeshift potholder.
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush: When toilets become self-cleaning, please let me know.
- Paper towels: I generally like things I can wash and reuse, but when the cat horks up a hairball, I’d rather just dispose of it immediately.
- Empty spray bottles: These are handy for diluting concentrated cleaning solutions. Dollar stores have them for super cheap.
- Laundry detergent: These come in liquid, powder, sheets, or pods.
- Dust mop or vacuum: If you have hard floors and no carpets, you can probably get by without a vacuum, but you do need a dust mop. Dust mops generally have removable mop heads for washing. Consider getting a spare mop head so you always have a clean mop. If you already have a stick mop, pop a microfiber cloth on it, and you’re good to go.
If you have carpet, consider investing in a vacuum if you don’t already have one. This Consumer Reports guide can help you choose the best type for your situation.*
Level Up
- Cleaning rags: These are great for bigger messes, like mopping up spills or other really dirty tasks. I keep old towels that have nothing left to give, cutting some of them up into smaller rags.
- Floor cleaner: If you have a floor other than linoleum or tile, you’ll want to make sure to use the right cleaner for your floor type.
- Glass cleaner
- Squeegee: These are especially good for glass shower doors. Scraping the water off after each use will help prevent hard water spots and keep your shower looking clean longer.
- Laundry baskets, bags, or hamper: The wicker ones are pretty, but the plastic totes are less expensive and more durable.
- Stain pre-treater: These come in a stick, bar, or spray.
- Laundry brush: This is good for scrubbing when you’re pre-treating stains
- Bathroom cleaner: All-purpose cleaners can also be used, but bathroom cleaners are often specially formulated to target soap scum.
- Scrub brush
- Furniture polish or beeswax: If you have a lot of wood, these will help keep it looking amazing.
If You’re Feeling Fancy
- Robot vacuum/mop
- Electric scrubber: These are great in the bathroom
- Long-handled duster: If you have ceiling fans or crown molding, these make dusting a quick job. Mine is lamb’s wool, but if I had it to buy again, I’d get a microfiber duster I can chuck in the wash.
Okay, So Where Am I Supposed to Put This Stuff?
Most of us don’t have giant cleaning pantries. Many kitchens have space in the cabinet under the sink to store supplies. Bathrooms might also have space under the sink. If you’re short on space, you can get a caddy at the dollar store to help keep supplies corralled. A broom clamp works great behind a door to store brooms and mops. You can get the kind that’s permanently installed or one that hangs over the door if you’re renting.
I Like Products With Ingredients I Can Pronounce
Making your own cleaning supplies is usually pretty simple, can save you money, and is a great choice for people who want a more natural approach or have sensitivities to common chemicals found in commercial cleaners. Click on the DIY Cleaners button in the sidebar for recipes.
*I have no affiliation with Consumer Reports; this is informational only.
