Cleanliness/Catalogs/Home cleaning items

Prior to every home cleaning there are certain cleaning items and products you should have ready and at your disposal. Having the proper cleaning materials ensures not only a job well done; but also enables you to clean in a more time-efficient manner. Below we list some cleaning items we consider as “must-haves” before you tackle cleaning your home.

Wet Mop: Very important to clean tile and vinyl flooring, a wet mop is an essential cleaning item. Make sure to change the mop water frequently; as cleaning an area with dirty water is worse than leaving it as is.

Dry Mop: This is to be used after an area is wet-mopped to absorb all excess water and moisture from the floor. The mop-head should be cleaned or changed regularly to ensure it is dirt free. Soft and Micro-fiber cloths: These are great to clean plasma television screens and many other surfaces because of their non-abrasive qualities. They can be washed and re-used as well, making them environmentally friendly.

Broom: Make sure to have a broom agile and sized correctly to be able to sweep under furniture and in tight corners and smaller areas. Also purchase a dustpan that attaches to the broom, making the process more efficient.

A large plastic water bucket: This is multipurpose and can be used for mopping, cleaning the exterior of appliances, and cleaning windows. As mentioned previously make sure to change the water often, as cleaning with dirty water defeats cleaning to begin with.

Large, porous sponges: These are cheap, efficient, and have a multitude of uses from cleaning your kitchen sink to cleaning window sills. Make sure to have a few on hand, as you will want to use one that has not been previously used in other areas of the home.

Leather Wipes: Great for cleaning and wiping-down anything leather, these work great for leather couches and furniture. They also have the added bonus of keeping your furniture looking newer and lasting longer.

Tile Cleanser: An essential item for cleaning showers, tubs, tile back-splashes and sinks, this item is especially important for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Soap Scum remover is also an item you should consider purchasing if you have shower doors.

All-In-One Cleanser: (without bleach). Essentially good for cleaning anything, these cleansers are economical and can often be diluted for certain areas, helping you stretch your dollars even further.

Liquid detergent: Liquid detergent can be used to clean dishes, stove-tops, and has many other applications. It can also bu purchased in bulk; simply refill a small bottle when it runs-out.

Murphy’s Oil: A great item that when mixed with warm water helps bring the luster back to your wood floors. Make sure any and all excess water is dry-mopped immediately after application, as wood can absorb water and over time crack and split.

A Multipurpose Vacuum: You will want one with the appropriate attachments to be able to clean furniture (especially between couch cushions) as well as one that is rated highly for cleaning pet hair (assuming you have pets that shed in your home). Make sure to change the filter regularly to get the best results.