Whether you live in an apartment in Phoenix or a home in Kansas City, maintaining your space by performing routine cleanings is essential.
When it comes to cleaning, it’s hard to know what cleaning tools you should use. Don’t worry; we’ve got that taken care of for you. Here are the essential cleaning items you need to have in a solid cleaning kit that will clean every room of your apartment.
Make your own cleaning kit
There are certain things to consider before you start building your cleaning kit. With many different cleaning products and essential oils on the market and several DIY cleaning recipes online, you should take a minute to think about what you want to clean with. If you can’t decide just yet, don’t worry. Here are some tips and ideas for both DIY and store-bought essential cleaning tools.
Essential cleaning tools you need
Whether you end up going with natural cleaning supplies or store-bought cleaning products, there are still some essential cleaning tools you should have. Here are some tools that every cleaning kit must-have.
1. Cleaning caddy or utility belt
Once you have all your cleaning kit supplies, you’re going to need a place to put everything. Entrepreneur and author, AsrorJon Shukurov shares how a “sturdy cleaning caddy makes it easy to transport supplies from one room to another.” There are many different options to pick from. With this, you won’t have to go back and forth to get all your different supplies. It’s also great for storing your supplies when you’re not using them as it stores away nicely under your sink or even in your pantry.
For those looking to make their cleaning kit as accessible as possible, Ronk Monk, founder and CEO of 12-Steps Cleaning Service recommends using a “sturdy apron with [the following] essentials: premium quality microfiber cloths, an all-purpose cleaner, and a disinfectant spray.”
2. Scrub brush and other brushes
All cleaning kits should have a good scrub brush. These are great for cleaning all your hard surfaces. These are best used in rooms like your kitchen or bathroom on the countertops, tile, showers, or tubs. A scrub brush is a great tool to help scrub away soap scum and grime.
If you really want to get into the tiny details of cleaning, then you’ll need a detailed cleaning brush like a toothbrush. These are great for getting into those tiny spaces that the larger brushes just can’t reach.
Another type of brush you’ll want to keep on hand is a good toilet brush and toilet brush holder. It’s best if you keep your toilet brush away from your other cleaning kit supplies. A good place to tuck it is beside your toilet.
3. Cleaning cloths and sponges
Along with a good brush, you’ll want to have a couple of good cloths on hand. They’re a great, reusable alternative to paper towels.
Jay with The Bundl Home Team says, “At a minimum, any home cleaning kit should include microfiber cloths for dusting” because they’re also designed to make the hard work easier. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning countertops, kitchen appliances, tough grease stains on the stove, and so much more. The best part is that you can just throw them in the wash and use them again and again.
After using a microfiber cloth, the team with The Clean Agenda recommends “gently wiping down your appliances with a dryer sheet. The residual anti-static properties create an invisible barrier that repels dust and reduces fingerprints, keeping your appliances cleaner between deep cleaning sessions.”
If you don’t want to use microfiber cloths, it’s not a problem at all. Another great reusable scrubbing tool is sponges. They’re a cheap option that can also be reused and can help clean off many different household surfaces.
4. Vacuum, mop and broom, oh my!
It might seem obvious but having a good vacuum and broom are essential to any cleaning kit. While a good vacuum — such as a Dyson — is a bit of an investment, it’s so worth it in the long run and you can use it in every room of your home from your kitchen to your stairs.
If you’re not quite ready for that, it’s no problem at all. A good broom and dustpan can get the job done for your tile or wood floors.
When you’re finished getting all the crumbs and dust off the floor, the next thing you’ll want is a good mop and bucket. Mopping is a great way to finish off a room.
5. Duster
Everyone should have a good duster, as well. General manager of Chicka Chicka Broom shares that, “A handy extension duster is great for reaching corners and clearing out cobwebs!”. Dusters make it easy to walk around your room and quickly wipe off dust. You can search Google or YouTube for reviews on the best duster.
Cleaning solutions
Once you have all your tools ready to go, the next thing you’ll want to invest in is cleaning solutions. If you aren’t quite sure what cleaners you should keep in your cleaning kit, fear not, as we have some ideas for items to keep on hand.
6. All-purpose cleaner
All-purpose cleaner is a one-and-done cleaner for your cleaning kit. You can use it in every room for the most part and is an essential and cheap must-have in every kit. You can use it on different surfaces from tile to plastic to ceramic. It can clean up dirt, grime, soap scum, grease and much more. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that not every all-purpose cleaner is a disinfectant. It’s best to read the bottle to make sure you know what you’re getting.
The team at House Cleaning 4U, a Seattle-based company suggests exploring “eco-friendly options” when choosing an all-purpose cleaner; they recommend exploring options that include “biodegradable formulas with natural ingredients.”
7. Disinfectant wipes
Disinfectant wipes are another essential and easy-to-use surface cleaner. Because they’re disinfectants, these wipes will kill germs and bacteria living on your surfaces. They’re great because they use half the cleaning products of other supplies. All you need is the wipe straight from the bottle and you’re good to go.
There are some tips you should know when using disinfectant wipes. It’s best if you let the place you’re cleaning stay wet for a couple of minutes to best ensure the killing of germs and bacteria. You should use these most in high traffic areas in your apartment, such as the bathroom, kitchen and doorknobs.
8. Glass cleaner
As the name suggests, this is a glass-specific cleaning solution and is best to not use on other surfaces. And although you can use some all-purpose cleaners on glass mirrors or windows, there’s a chance it could leave a streak. The best solution is to use a glass-specific cleaner to ensure a smooth and streak-free surface.
9. Toilet bowl cleaner
Since we all visit the bathroom every day, keeping your toilet clean is something every adult should do. It’s as simple as putting the cleaner in the bowl and scrubbing away.
10. Dish soap
Whether it’s dish soap pods for your dishwasher or a bottle of liquid dish soap, this is also essential for any kit.
Moses Jones, operation manager for Denver-based cleaning service, TJ’s Spotless Cleaning recommends using “Dawn dish soap.” Moses states, “As a pet-friendly, eco-conscious, and powerful degreaser, Dawn works wonders on everything from dishes to countertops.”
The team with Midwest Cleaning Company recommends using Dawn dish soap and calls it “effective for dishes and cutting grease.” Dawn can also be used as an ingredient in your own cleaning mixture if necessary. Andrea, owner of Western Mass House Cleaning shares, “Houses that do not have cleaning products, I will make a mix with a little bit of dawn dish soap and one drop of Murphy. [Adding this] to a bottle with 70% will make the perfect solution for furniture and windows.”
11. Stain remover
Pesky stains are inevitable and you don’t want to be underprepared in the event tomato sauce splashes on your new white sofa.
Andrew Schutt with Syracuse Cleaning recommends “adding a stain remover for unexpected spills” to your cleaning kit. By keeping this on standby he says that “Renters can be ready for everyday messes, surprise clean-ups, and regular cleaning maintenance.”
For those looking to use a non-toxic stain remover, Sharmaine Brannon, owner of Holistically Clean Cleaning Service based in Richmond, VA recommends mixing “white apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and a little peroxide.” In the event you’re faced with a tougher challenge, Sharmaine recommends using a “magic eraser.”
DIY cleaning kit & DIY cleaning solutions
If you don’t want to use some of the harsh chemicals that store-bought cleaners can contain, there’s another way to keep your apartment clean. You can always make a DIY cleaning kit.
12. Baking soda and white vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are must-haves for any DIY cleaning kit. They’re great for people looking for a more natural cleaning option. They have very basic ingredients and are a go-to for all DIY cleaners.
People have used baking soda for years as a cleaner and odor reducer. One of the best places to keep your baking soda is in the fridge. While sitting in there, it will eliminate all the odor keeping your fridge smelling fresh.
White vinegar is another natural option that’s great for removing grease and dirt from around the home. Vinegar has a disinfectant quality to it, although not to the level of a commercially made disinfectant. Keep a bottle handy and you can also add a drop of essential oil to the mix to add a nice smell.
You can combine half baking soda and half vinegar as a good solution to clean your drain. Just be careful as it does tend to fizz.
13. Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can also be kept in your DIY arsenal. It’s good to remember that there are differences between them, mainly what they’re made of. Rubbing alcohol is a form of ethyl alcohol while hydrogen peroxide is a mix of hydrogen and oxygen.
Although they’re made up of different compounds, you can use them on similar items. You can use them to clean your fridge and they’re great for removing stubborn mold. Fill a bottle of each and keep it on hand in your own cleaning kit.
14. Castile soap
You can use castile soap for a myriad of things depending on its form. Originating from Spain, you can use it for anything from body soap to dish soap. It’s not harsh on the skin, either, like other products are. It’s a great tool for anyone looking to create their own cleaning solutions.
Clean away
Cleaning is a hard and daunting task but with the right tools, it’s much easier. These cleaning kit essentials are a must for any apartment owner looking to keep their home clean and fresh or looking to refresh the apartment before moving out. As you assemble your cleaning kit, Keon White with House Cleaning Baltimore states, “By incorporating eco-friendly alternatives, high-quality tools, and efficient organization strategies, your cleaning routine becomes not only effective but also enjoyable.”