It’s critical to use the right cleaning supplies when housework looms. That is because using the right products is often vital to keeping the surfaces you are cleaning from getting damaged. The wrong products can also create more effort and ultimately take up much more time when a better product will remove the dirt more easily.
Before you buy any cleaning product, be sure to read the label carefully. The label should name the product’s uses and any important precautions. Keep in mind that products labeled “all-purpose” may not be good for every surface when you look more carefully at the smaller print on the label. Products that contain strong chemicals like ammonia may permanently damage laminates or other plastic surfaces. Anything that is labeled for use on “nonporous surfaces” should not be used on granite or other stone surfaces. Sometimes all you need is a mild soap with warm water, so while using the right products is important don’t assume that means you need to use the strongest cleaners for everything.
Whether you are doing a light clean or a deep spring clean, it is a good idea to get your essential cleaning supplies together before you start your cleaning. But, what are the essential supplies that will be needed most often? Well, think about the things that you plan to clean that day. Start from the ceiling and work your way down to the floor.
One essential cleaning supply would be rags to dust cobwebs in the corners, ceiling fan blades, and the tops of shelves and ledges. While there are a lot of products out that advertise “a better way to dust,” the truth is that an old rag will work just as well as these new products. Socks that have lost their mates are great candidates for dust rags, especially since you can wash and reuse them. For cobwebs, rags are all you need, but if you are dusting shelves and ledges a touch of furniture polish will help.
Another essential cleaning supply to add to your cleaning kit would be window washing liquid. Most brand name products advertise a streak free shine with their product but truly bargain brands are just as effective – the trick is to avoid using paper towels that leave particles behind. Use a cloth instead.
Other essential cleaning supplies include anti-bacterial sprays. There are a lot of products out there that work well and are specifically made for cleaning different parts of the house. Most are okay to use on an array of surfaces. So, in your cleaning kit, I’d advise that you keep two — a spray that is specifically designed to clean hard soap scum and mildew, and a milder spray that can be used on kitchen or bathroom surfaces.
The last thing to clean in a room is the floor. Mop, bucket, and floor cleaner are essential for cleaning a non-carpeted area but it is hardly practical to carry these things from room to room. Keep these things together and pull them out when you are ready to use them. Instead, keep a rug freshener like a powder or spray in your cleaning kit.
When your cleaning supplies are organized and easily accessible, the job of regular household cleaning can be fast, easy and efficient.
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