Cleaning Supplies Checklist

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Use this free printable 2-page cleaning supplies checklist and 100 tips to keep your home clean and fresh. Explanations about both the basic cleaning supplies starting list of equipment and supplies and also a more advanced list. Natural cleaning ideas are included. You pick what works best for you.

I love a clean and fresh home – it makes day to day life better (and healthier). But as much as I appreciate a clean house, I do not like cleaning and I don’t like shopping. To make keeping a clean home environment possible, I rely heavily on both a cleaning tasks checklist and a cleaning supplies checklist. My checklists are the only way to get me over the hurdles of not liking shopping or cleaning so I can get to my goal of a gloriously clean home.

What is the purpose of a cleaning checklist?

A cleaning checklist can be used to help you in maintaining a clean, healthy home.

• Use it to purchase the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment for a new home.
• Use it to set up a daily, weekly and regular cleaning routine for your entire house.
• Use it to give your home a good deep cleaning before visitors, holidays or other occasions.
• Use it to guide your spring cleaning routine.
• It helps you teach children cleaning routines and important life skills.
• It can be used to divide household cleaning tasks between family members.
• It can be used to track which cleaning tasks have been completed and which still remain.
• It’s helpful if you’re unable to complete your regular cleaning routine due to travel or illness and someone else is stepping in.

Cleaning Supplies Checklist

This ultimate cleaning supplies list discusses everything you need to consider to maintain a clean home.

What you need on the basic Cleaning Tools and Supplies Checklist

Cleaning Equipment

• Cleaning Cloths & Sponges – Used with cleaning products to clean and sanitize surfaces. Microfiber cloths are popular with many, but I prefer sturdy cotton cloths because I’m concerned about the impact of microfibers on the oceans.
• Feather Duster, Duster or Dusting Cloths – To remove dust and dry debris from furniture, counters and even vertical surfaces, like mini blinds. use a combination of a duster with a washable cloth and a Swiffer duster for jobs when I want to throw away the dirt and yuck.
• Broom & Dust Pan – To sweep debris up on hard surface floors.
• Mop & Bucket – To clean spills and dirt on hard surface floors.
• Swiffer – A Swiffer style floor cleaning tool can replace both a broom and a mop since you can use both dry and wet cleaning cloths with it.
• Rubber Gloves – Wear them to protect your hands from caustic cleaning chemicals.
• Scrub Brush – Used when a sponge or cloth just can’t do the job, like in cleaning a shower floor. You can repurpose an old toothbrush for scrubbing and cleaning grout.
• Shower Squeegee – This simple tool used after every shower will reduce how often and how long you have to clean the shower. This is definitly the case of “a stitch in time saves nine.”
• Toilet Brush with Stand – You can use a sponge or disinfecting wipe to clean the toilet, but many prefer to use a toilet brush to scrub and clean the toilet bowl.
• Vacuum – A necessity for rugs, carpets and upholstery that can also be used to clean hard surface floors in place of a broom.
• Cleaning Caddy – Place all your favorite products to create a cleaning kit. This makes locating your cleaning supplies and carrying them from room to room much easier. Anything you can do to make cleaning easier is worth it.

Cleaning Supplies

Always check the safety of cleaning supplies on the surfaces in your home. And always read the directions and use the product accordingly for your safety and the safety of your surfaces.

These are cleaning products you can purchase. DIY and natural products are mentioned in the advanced cleaning section below.

• Abrasive Cleanser – This cleaning product is used to remove soap scum, mineral deposits and other gunk on hard surfaces.
• All-purpose Cleaner – Often people use all-purpose cleaner spray because it’s more convenient. But you can also pour it into a bucket or sink and use a cloth or sponge. This product is used for general cleaning and hard floors like tile and linoleum.
• Bleach – Bleach is helpful in removing mildew and in disinfecting surfaces, especially in the kitchen. It is also used with laundry detergent to clean stains from white fabrics.
• Glass Cleaner – Glass cleaner works for windows, mirrors, and minimally dirty glass shower doors.
• Metal Surface Cleaner – If you have stainless steel appliances or other metal fixtures, you’ll want to consider specially formulated cleaners for metal surfaces.
• Disinfecting Spray or Wipes – Disinfectant cleaner does more than clean up dirt, it also kills bacteria and viruses. Read labels carefully to make sure it will work with your surfaces and needs.
• Paper Towels – While I use cleaning cloths as often as I can, there are just some extra dirty jobs that need a disposable paper towel.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner – This specially formulated cleaner is designed for cleaning the interior of the toilet bowl.
• Rug Cleaner – A spot cleaner for spots on rugs and carpets, because we all know those spots are going to happen.
• Stone Surface Cleaner – If you have granite, marble or other stone countertops, you’ll want to use a cleaner specially formulated for stone surfaces. I know it’s counterintuitive, but stone surfaces need special handling in cleaning.
• Wood Cleaner – This is important if you have hardwood floors or certain types of wood cabinets and furniture. Always research the proper care of wood surfaces and purchase the right supplies.
• Duster Refills – If you choose to use a duster wand that requires duster refills rather than one that can be washed, you’ll need to purchase the refills.
• Swiffer Dry and Wet Refills – If your personal preference is to use a Swiffer style mop in place of a broom and/or mop, you’ll need to purchase additional refill pads.
• Toilet Wand Refills – If you select a toilet wand instead of a toilet brush, you’ll need replacement brush heads since they’re designed for single use.

What you need on the advanced Cleaning Supplies Checklist

These lists include nice-to-have products that make your cleaning job easier. It also includes ideas for making your own cleaning solutions.

Equipment

• Grout Brush or Grout Steamer – These products make cleaning grout between floor tiles and bathroom tiles much easier.
• Pet Hair Squeegee – This rubber tool makes removing stubborn pet hair from upholstery and even rugs much easier.

• Portable Upholstery Steamer – If you allow pets on your furniture or want to freshen and sanitize your couches and chairs you want an upholstery steamer.
• Roomba – A robotic vacuum helps you maintain clean floors by doing the work while you are doing other things. Today’s robotic vacuums can be programmed to operate when and where you want.
• Shower Spin Scrubber – A power scrubber saves your hands, arms and back when cleaning stubborn bath and shower scum.
• Steam Mop – I love using my steam mop for cleaning and sanitizing my floors. It works on multiple types of hard surface floor materials and the cleaning pad is reusable and washable.
• Window Washing Kit – This kit makes washing windows less of a chore and helps you reach upper floor and difficult-to-reach windows easier and more safely.
• Lint Roller – A simple lint roller is a life saver in picking up pet hair, threads, lint and dirt from upholstery, rugs, and even picks up broken glass.

Supplies

• Bathroom Cleaner / Shower Cleaner – This product is designed to tackle soap scum, mineral deposits and other bathroom specific cleaning challenges. If you have a shower curtain, be sure to check the directions to see if you can use the product to clean shower curtains.
• Oven Cleaner – Depending on your cooking style, you’ll need to clean your oven once a month up to once a year. You can purchase oven cleaner to make this job easier. My favorite way to clean my oven is with baking soda and water. It’s natural and very easy to do. There’s more information below.
• Furniture Polish – Many people like to use this product to keep furniture shiny and to repel dust. Be sure to check your furniture’s finish and the product’s ingredients to make sure it’s safe to use.
• Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water – This is my personal favorite way to clean my granite counter tops and my painted wood cabinets.
• Natural Cleaners –
  • Baking Soda – Does a good job of replacing a commercial abrasive cleanser.
    • It can scour grimy spots, mineral deposits and more without harming most finishes. I like to use it to clean my kitchen sink on a daily basis and also on my bathroom fixtures.
    • It can be used with water to create a paste to clean an oven.
    • Pour a cup or two down a disposal, add white vinegar until the foaming stops and it will clean the interior of your garbage disposal.
  • White Vinegar – Vinegar is often recommended as a natural cleaning product and used in DIY cleaning recipes. Be sure to check these 9 things you should NOT clean with vinegar.
    • Stone surfaces
    • Electronic screens
    • Flooring
    • Dish washers and clothes washers
    • and more
  • Rubbing Alcohol – Can be used for disinfecting areas of your home (and can also remove ink stains on fabric).
  • Hydrogen Peroxide – Can be used to kill germs, but be sure to research when and how to use it.
  • Essential Oils – Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties, but thoroughly research them before use. This article from the National Institute of Health is a great start to your research.
  • Hot Water and Lemon Juice – Lemon juice and hot water is my go to cleaning option for microwaves. Lemon juice is often an ingredient in alternative recipes for household products.
• Non-Toxic Cleaners – If you’re not interested in making your own products, many of the best cleaning products for non-toxic options are found from these companies. It’s a good idea to always read the ingredients since formulations change and research provides new information on ingredients.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s
  • Seventh Generation
  • Method
  • Read about more non-toxic cleaning products from my friend, Holly at Pink Fortitude.
• Distilled Water – Is water with the minerals removed so it is often recommended for irons and steam cleaning machines. It’s also often used as part of the recipe for natural cleaning recipes.
• Washing Machine Cleaner – We should be cleaning our clothes washers every month. This keeps soap residue, minerals and gunk from getting trapped and growing bacteria.
• Dishwasher Cleaner – It’s recommended that we clean our dishwashers every month or every other month to prevent the build up of food gunk and minerals.
• Damp Rid – If you have moisture in your home, use a moisture absorbing product to collect the moisture to reduce that musty smell and the discourage the growth of mildew.

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Expert Tips for Using a Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Review the checklist and identify equipment and cleaning supplies that you need.
Create your shopping list so you don’t forget any necessary items.

Create a recurring shopping list of cleaning supply refills you’ll need to purchase.

How do I access the free cleaning supplies checklist?

Fill in the exclusive content form above. The first time, you’ll fill in the form above. When you submit the form, you will promptly receive access to the pdf file. Sign up is only required once to access all exclusive content in all posts.

How do I print the pdf file?

When the pdf opens, you should see both a print and a download icon in the upper right corner. If you don’t see them, you can right click on the pdf and choose from the options there.

I’m worried about wasting printer ink – what can I do?

Most printers offer you the option to print in greyscale which is in black and white.

You can also look for the option to print in draft or economy mode. This usually means that the sheet is printed out with less ink. It still looks great and is a good way to print in color but use less ink.

What restrictions are there on use of the checklist?

You can print these pdf files as many times as you’d like for your personal or classroom use. Please do not share the file with family, friends or coworkers. Please do share the link to this post so they can access their own copy of the printable. All printables are copyrighted.

Looking for more cleaning checklists?

• House Cleaning Checklists (Areas You Usually Forget) – Free printable house cleaning checklist for areas usually forgotten. Life is busy & it’s easy to forget these areas that need to be cleaned on schedule.
• Printable House Cleaning Checklist – Free Printable House Cleaning Checklist for a quick 10-minute clean up before guests arrive. Welcome your guests with a clean, fresh home.
• Move Out Checklist for Cleaning – Free Printable Rental Move Out Checklist and move out cleaning tips. With this checklist, you’ll be sure to get your entire rental deposit back.
• Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist and Tips – These 50+ cleaning tips and the free 6-page spring cleaning checklist will help you with a thorough spring cleaning of 10 areas of your home.

Other cleaning ideas you might have missed

• Quick Daily Cleaning Routine for Busy Parents – 12 tips and checklists to create a quick daily cleaning routine that really works for busy parents and families. A clean home really is possible.
• Cleaning Granite Counters – Tips for cleaning granite counters in the kitchen & more. Knowing how to clean your granite counter tops will keep them beautiful for years.
• Dish Cleaning Caddy Tote – Organizing your kitchen sink with a dish cleaning caddy tote makes kitchen chores much easier. Here are 3 easy ways to make your tote match your decor.
• Tips to Wash Smelly Workout Clothes – Tips to Wash Smelly Workout clothes, athletic clothes and gym clothes, including an easy mesh laundry bag tutorial. You can have an active family and not have stinky workout clothes and sports uniforms.

Be sure to pin the cleaning supplies checklist resource so you can find it again and again (and again) because we both know the cleaning never ends.

You can find all our best cleaning ideas in the table below. You can scroll though the table and look for ideas or search for specific ideas with the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner (on desktop). Click on the topic and then click through the specific article.