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A Comprehensive Guide to Organizing Your Cleaning Gear

Updated on March 9, 2023 by Joseph D. Nielson

Table of Contents

If you’ve just moved into a new house or apartment, you might be (understandably) eager to get started on some deep cleaning. As with most tasks, having your supplies and tools properly organized is key to making the job a smoother and easier experience. But what exactly do you need? Where should it all go? And how can you keep everything in order moving forward? Preparing your cleaning supplies and tools can feel boring (we get it!) and even daunting.

As with most household items, many people find that they don’t have enough storage space for it all, or that they can’t decide what to keep and what to purge. They may also struggle with figuring out the best way to organize their cleaning supplies so that they know exactly where everything is when it’s time to use them. Furthermore, it can be hard to know which products are right for each cleaning task. Without a strategic plan, it can be difficult to stay on top of the necessary items needed for the job while making sure that you always have them in stock.

Don’t worry! We understand how challenging it can be to both organize, and store your cleaning supplies. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you prepare your cleaning supplies and tools so that the next time you have some deep cleaning to do, you’ll be more than ready!

Benefits of Preparing Your Cleaning Supplies and Tools

Preparing your cleaning supplies and tools can help make your job easier in several ways. First, it saves you time because you know exactly where everything is located when it’s time to use them. Second, organizing your supplies will help ensure that you always have the right items on hand for whatever task needs tackled that day.

This can save you money in the long run, since you won’t be having to purchase repeat items unnecessarily. Finally, properly storing your cleaning supplies and equipment will help ensure that they last longer and will keep them out of reach of curious children or pets.

Now that you know why it’s important to prepare your cleaning supplies and tools, let’s get started on how to effectively prepare them!

What You Need to Get Started

Before you start organizing your cleaning supplies, you’ll need to make sure that you have all the necessary items on hand. Here is a list of must-haves:

  • Vacuums, mops, and brooms.
  • Cleaning products such as glass cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and bathroom cleaners.
  • Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and masks.
  • Cloths, silicone sponges, scrubbers, and other tools.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials for your cleaning tasks, it’s time to organize them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Cleaning Supplies and Tools

After gathering your materials we can start organizing them:

Vacuums, Mops, and Brooms

Vacuums, mops and brooms are essential for any cleaning job. When choosing a vacuum, consider the size of your space and what type of flooring you have. Upright vacuums work best on carpets while canister vacuums are better suited for hardwood floors or tiled surfaces.  Make sure to store your vacuums in an area that is both easily accessible, yet they’re not going to be in your way all of the time.

Mops and brooms should also be stored in an accessible location. You may want to consider investing in a mop bucket with a wringer.

Cleaning Products

Having the right cleaning products on hand will vary based on different households. Make sure to purchase the appropriate product for each task, as using the wrong cleaner can damage surfaces and materials. A bonus tip is to regularly take inventory of your existing cleaning supplies and replace any items that are outdated or empty. 

Organize your cleaning supplies by type and store them in a cool, dry place. You may want to consider keeping a separate basket for frequently used items so you don’t have to search through your entire supply every time you need something.

Safety Equipment

Safety is paramount when it comes to cleaning. Before you start any job, make sure you have the appropriate protective gear on hand such as gloves, goggles and dust masks. Store these items in an easy to find location so you don’t forget to put them on when needed.

Sponges, Scrubbers and Other Tools

The best sponges, scrubbers and other tools are essential for cleaning tasks. To keep them organized, consider investing in a caddy or basket to store them in.

Organize Your Supplies into Containers or Baskets

Once you have all the necessary items in place, consider organizing them into containers or baskets for easier storage and retrieval. Labeling each item clearly will help you stay organized and make it easy to find what you need when you need it. Furthermore, this will help with sanitization — you don’t want to use the same cloth that you used to clean your toilet on your kitchen counters! Yikes!

Floor Care Items

Floor care is an essential part of a good cleaning routine. Make sure to have the right supplies on hand, such as mops and brooms for sweeping, vacuums for deep cleaning carpets and rugs, and appropriate cleaners for each type of flooring. Store these items in an accessible location so you can reach them quickly and remember to wind up vacuum cables when you’re finished using it.

If your floors are prone to scratches, consider investing in felt pads or furniture sliders. To keep things organized, label each item clearly and store them in containers or baskets. Lastly, use mats at all entryways to help protect flooring from dirt and dust.

Kitchen Cleaners

When it comes to kitchen cleaning, you’ll need the right supplies on hand. This includes multipurpose cleaners for countertops, degreasers for stove tops and ovens, scrubbers or brushes for pots and pans, dish soap and sponges, and a sink cleaner. Make sure you have specific products designed specifically for each material, such as stainless steel or granite countertops. 

Store these items in an accessible place and label each container clearly so you know which one is which. You may also want to consider investing in a caddy or basket to keep all your kitchen cleaning supplies together for easy access.

Glass and Window Cleaners

Having the right glass and window cleaners on hand is essential for a clean and streak-free shine! Choose products designed specifically for glass surfaces, such as alcohol or ammonia-based solutions; DIY window cleaners work well, too! 

Make sure to use lint-free cloths or paper towels (reusable paper towels are a great option if you’re a fan of eco-friendly cleaning solutions, too!) — these options will leave behind no lint or streaks on glass surfaces. For hard-to-reach places, consider investing in a squeegee or microfiber cloth to easily clean corners and edges.  

Additionally, use protective furniture covers when cleaning windows to avoid scratching the frames or glass. Label all items clearly for easy identification.

Bathroom Cleaners and Accessories

Bathroom cleaning definitely requires the right supplies to keep it looking its best. This includes toilet bowl cleaners, sink and tub cleaners, scrubbers or brushes for tile grout, and shower-safe products to avoid damaging surfaces. Make sure to have specific products designed specifically for each material, such as porcelain basins and chrome fixtures. 
Store these items in an accessible place for adults, but out of reach for kids and pets as bathroom cleaners generally contain toxic-substances. A high-up cabinet or a closet with a lock is ideal. Additionally, make sure to have a supply of extra toilet paper and hand towels on hand for guests. To protect surfaces from moisture damage in the washroom, consider using bath mats and shower curtains.

Man in blue crew neck shirt holding squeegee cleaning window

Specialty Cleaners

For special cleaning tasks, you may need specialty supplies such as polishes and waxes for wood furniture, leather conditioners for leather surfaces and special fabric cleaners for cleaning fabric couches. Choose products designed specifically for each material to ensure the best results and store these items in an accessible place. Connect with manufacturers if you’re not sure which product is best for a specific furniture type and finish.

Label Your Containers and Baskets for Easy Identification

Labeling your containers and baskets for easy identification is a great way to stay organized and make sure you can find what you need quickly. Clearly label each container with the type of item it contains, such as “floor care” or “bathroom cleaners”. This will help you easily identify which supplies are needed for specific tasks. Store items in a caddie with a handle or a basket so that they can be moved easily from room to room when needed. This will help keep your cleaning supplies organized and accessible.

Store Your Supplies in an Accessible Location

Store items in a designated area, such as a closet or pantry, so you can easily find them when needed. If possible, keep specific room supplies within reach of the room they’re suited to. If you have a pantry or garage, put up hooks for brooms, dusters and cleaning masks so that they’re out of the way yet still accessible. 

Additionally — and we can’t say this enough — make sure to store chemicals out of reach for children and away from nose-level for pets to avoid any accidents. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your cleaning supplies are organized, easily accessible when needed, and most importantly, safe!

Review Your Stock and Replace Necessary Items Regularly

Reviewing your stock and replacing necessary items regularly is an important part of keeping your cleaning supplies organized. Make sure to assess the amount of each item you have on hand and replace any that are running low. 

Additionally, check expiration dates to make sure all items are safe to use and dispose of any expired products. This will help ensure you always have the supplies you need when it comes time to clean. Further, by regularly reviewing your cleaning supplies, you can save money by only buying what you need as you’re avoiding purchasing duplicate items. Hang a chalkboard or leave a notepad near your cleaning supplies so that you can easily jot down the items you need to pick up.

Conclusion

Having an organized and accessible supply of cleaning products is essential for keeping your home clean! It will also make cleaning feel like less of a chore. If you have to track down cleaning supplies every time you need to clean you’re sure to get tired fast.

Make sure to have a variety of supplies on hand for specific tasks, such as floor care or bathroom cleaners, and store them in an accessible place. Taking these simple steps will help ensure you are prepared with the supplies needed when it comes time to clean.

Women Cleaning the Bedroom

FAQ

Q: How do I store cleaning supplies?

A: Store your cleaning supplies in an easily accessible place, such as a closet or pantry. Keep them away from a heat source (this is especially important for aerosol cleaners). Label each basket or caddy with the type of item it contains for easier identification, or the room it’s designated for such as “floor care” or “bathroom”. This will help you quickly find what you need when it comes time to clean. Keep chemicals away from children and pets to avoid any accidents.

Q: How often should I review my stock of cleaning supplies?

A: Reviewing your cleaning supplies and replacing necessary items regularly is an important part of keeping your cleaning supplies organized. It also sets you up for success. Imagine setting yourself up for a day of cleaning only to find you’re missing key cleaning tools! Take a moment at the end of every cleaning task to review your cleaning liquids, tools and supplies to make sure you have enough of everything and that cleaning cloths are cleaned regularly to prevent them from getting stinky.​

Q: Is there an easy way to keep track of my cleaning supplies?

A: Yes! We’re big fans of labelling! Label each container with the type of item it contains for easier identification, such as “window cleaners” or “dusting supplies”. This will help you quickly find what you need when it comes time to clean. Additionally, consider using a checklist that you can refer to when checking your stock of supplies and replacing items regularly. This will help ensure you always have the products you need on hand for cleaning.

Q: What kind of containers should I use to store my cleaning supplies?

A: If you’re making DIY cleaners, consider using glass mason jars, pyrex dishes and stainless steel bottles — each of these items will keep your DIY concoctions fresh and potent. Plastic caddies are great for transporting your supplies across the home, from room-to-room.

Q: What is the most important thing to remember when organizing cleaning supplies?

A: The most important thing to remember when organizing your cleaning supplies is to make sure they are easily accessible and labeled correctly. Not only will this allow you to easily identify what is what, it will prevent you from cross mixing cleaning chemicals which can be dangerous.

Store your cleaning supplies in an easily accessible place — having to hurdle and clamber to retrieve your cleaning tools adds another chore to an already daunting task.

We hope that these simple steps will help keep your home clean and organized, and your cleaning processes smooth and satisfying!​ 

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!