Cleaning supplies and having the proper ones are the two fundamental necessities when it comes to house cleaning. To ensure effective cleaning it’s very important that the proper supplies are used with the areas that you want to clean. Using the proper cleaning supplies also allows you to get the job done more effectively. The overall time and effort spent to finish specific cleaning tasks when using the proper supplies also decreases making it more suitable for you and your own personal schedule.

First, you will need to map out the areas of the house that need to be cleaned. Once you know what areas you will be cleaning you will need to determine what type of products you will need. If you are cleaning windows you will need a window cleaner. If you are cleaning kitchen surfaces an all purpose cleaner often works best. If you’re looking to clean toilet bowls a powdered cleaner with added disinfectant will work well. For bathtub stains you will need either an abrasive or non-abrasive cleaner based on your tub.

Before purchasing a product it is highly recommended to read the label on the product for its common uses, pre-cautions, and any solutions it offers. Products that contain very strong chemicals like ammonia can possibly permanently damage laminates and plastic surfaces. Sometimes depending on what needs to be cleaned and the type of surface, a cleaner with strong chemicals may not be necessary at all. Hot water and soap, surprisingly enough may sometimes be all you need in order to clean up small messes.

When dusting the house I often use a feather duster or rags for cleaning out cobwebs and dust buildup from corners, shelves, and ceiling fans. Many products advertise a “new way to dust” offering an expensive tool for dusting. But truth be told, old rags and hand dusters work just as well if not better and do just as good a job, so save yourself the money and use what you have. Paper towels also work as well but can scratch delicate surfaces so be careful what surface you use them for.

For cleaning windows you will need a window washer. A lot of products advertise their cleaners to leave crystal clear windows with a streak free shine. Again, let the truth be told there are alternative methods to achieving the same result without having to fork out the extra dough for an expensive product. Using a generic based cleaner or vinegar and water (which works just as well) on your windows and then wiping it down with a microfiber cloth will achieve the same result.

Other supplies that are good to have for a thorough clean are products like all-purpose cleaners. These are good for a variety of different surfaces and work well to eliminate soap scum and mildew in the bathroom areas. There are many individual products out there you could use specifically for these areas, but an all purpose cleaner generally will get the job done just as well. Make sure to include in your supplies an all purpose cleaner. This will come in handy and save you time and money from trying to find individual products when one can handle most of it all.

The final area to clean of a room is usually the floor. Depending on the type of flooring you have and your personal preference a vacuum and mop may be all you require. But when you want to get a thorough clean for your floors you will need to add to your arsenal of cleaning supplies a floor based cleaner. Depending if you have either wood flooring, laminate, tile, or carpet there are specific products that are specifically designed to clean these types of flooring.

Once you have all of your cleaning supplies you will be stocked and ready to tackle all areas of the house. Having your supplies easily accessible will also help to make the job faster, easier, and more efficient so you can finish up quicker and have more time to enjoy your day.