The ultimate cleaning supplies checklist – 16 products for perfecting your chores

Accidents, spills and staining are an inevitable part of life. But, if you want a truly clean home, it helps to be able to deal with everyday mess without having to run to the store first.

You certainly don't need to overstock your home, filling it with cleaning supplies, solutions and gadgets, but having the essentials on hand at all times will make your life easier, and prevent dirt from taking over your space.

Here, our cleaning experts share the cleaning supplies they always rely on for putting cleaning tips to good use – from cleaning glass to disinfecting surfaces.

The ultimate cleaning supplies list

1. All-purpose cleaner

From shining surfaces in the bathroom and bedrooms to cleaning glass tables, a general household all-purpose cleaner can be used for almost anything.

As Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, says, 'You can't go wrong with an all-purpose, multi-surface cleaner, such as the Method Pink Grapefruit All Purpose Surface Spray available at Target.'

Usually comprising of a mild disinfectant and a degreaser in one, these versatile cleaners come in a wide range of unscented and fragranced versions, meaning they're a great way to make your home smell nice, too.

Just remember when choosing cleaning products to opt for products that are certified safe for use by EWG or EPA Safer Choice, helping to clean your home without harming the planet or your health.

All prices correct at time of publication

2. A disinfectant

Even with a multi-purpose spray, it is important to have a dedicated disinfectant, such as the Seventh Generation Disinfecting Spray from Walmart, to keep your home germ-free. While you can use a spray, cleaning expert Karina also suggests having some disinfectant wipes, such as the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes available at Target, for quick and convenient disinfection of high-touch points like doorknobs, light switches, and handles.

If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals around your home, you can make an eco-friendly, non-toxic household disinfectant by cleaning with hydrogen peroxide for a greener approach to fighting bacteria.

3. Microfiber cloths

With a stocked supply of cleaning sprays, you'll need something to use them with. For a perfect pairing, the essential cleaning tool everyone needs is the humble microfiber cloth.

Perfect for removing dust and debris, the cleaning experts at KK Cleaners love them for their streak-free, lint-free finish, and the fact that you can wash microfiber cloths in the washing machine to keep them soft and absorbent and be sustainable at home.

Similarly, Carolina Kazimierski, president at Sophia's Cleaning Service, recommends a microfiber car wash mitt, such as the Amazon Basics Absorbent Microfiber Car Wash Drying Mitts available at Amazon, which she has previously used and loves.

She explains, 'This might sound a little strange, but I've found these to be great for cleaning, and especially for dusting in hard-to-reach spots you might struggle to catch with your typical microfiber duster.

'I also like them for cleaning knick-knacks and similar, since I can put on a microfiber mitt and just clean them off in my hand. They really make dusting open shelves or similar a breeze.'

4. An enzyme cleaner

According to Jade Piper, cleaning pro and operations manager at BetterCleans, 'You are missing out if you don't have this.'

Working on all organic messes, such as food, drinks, sweat, and body oil, and keeping a clean home when you have pets, enzyme cleaners break down stains at a molecular level, so there are no lingering odor residues left behind.

'I swear, the Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator available at Amazon really works!' says Jade, who used to struggle to keep a clean home with her beloved cat, describing the smell as 'unbearable' before trying an enzyme cleaner.

She adds, 'This spray is a lifesaver.'

5. A good vacuum cleaner

They might be bulky to store, but the importance of investing in one of the best vacuum cleaners can't be understated.

Nick Valentino, cleaning expert at Bellhop suggests that every household should include the best cordless vacuum cleaner to make cleaning quicker and easier, with an upright vacuum a great bonus for deeper cleaning – such as a vacuum for pet hair.

He explains, 'Handheld vacuums are ideal for quick jobs. They can help you clean up spills, dust baseboards, clean up after sweeping, and sneak a little cleaning in whenever your kids aren't actively making more messes.

‘Keep it somewhere convenient and accessible, like in the kitchen or living room, so that anyone and everyone can grab it when they need it.'

Consider picking up a handheld vacuum cleaner, too. I use a handheld vacuum cleaner every day to stay on top of small messes before they get bigger.

6. A lint roller

For removing pet hair from fabric, cleaning expert Jade recommends a lint roller.

She says, 'This is perfect for those quick touchups without diving into a whole cleaning session. This is helpful for me when getting rid of cat hair on my couch, bed, and clothes.

'My trusted options are the Scotch-Brite Everyday Clean Lint Roller available at Amazon, and the Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller available at Walmart.

You can also, of course, use these to remove lint from clothes to restore well-loved pieces to near new condition.

7. Glass cleaner

Whether you are cleaning windows or cleaning glass shower doors, the experts at KK Cleaners note that a quality glass cleaner, such as the Method Mint Cleaning Products Glass Cleaner Spray Bottle available at Target, is a must for removing streaks.

You can also try making the best homemade window cleaner using only two ingredients – Castille soap and vinegar. Simply shake to combine in a spray bottle, such as the Plastic Spray Bottle available at Amazon, and apply.

You can then reuse newspaper to shine up the glass for a nostalgic cleaning tip that actually works for a spotless, sparkling finish, and is also a clever way to save money at home.

8. White vinegar and baking soda

We simply couldn't put together a cleaning compendium without including tips for cleaning with vinegar and cleaning with baking soda.

As Jess Farinha, cleaning expert with London House Cleaners says, 'These two pantry staples are some of the best cleaning tools any homeowner can have on hand and are ideal for everything from removing limescale to unclogging shower drains.

When picking up a vinegar, opt for a cleaning vinegar such as the Great Value Cleaning Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner available at Walmart, or a white vinegar with a high acetic content. These kinds are more effective for cleaning, and will not leave any sticky residues or sediment around your home.

9. Toilet bowl cleaner

It might not be glamorous, but cleaning your toilet bowl is wholly necessary, and should always be included as part of any achievable cleaning routine.

Cleaning expert Karina says, 'Although you can clean a toilet tank with vinegar, having a dedicated toilet bowl cleaner can be handy for removing limescale and staining without the need to scrub.'

Although we usually recommend keeping products that have more than one use, these cleaners, such as the Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner available at Amazon, are the most effective way to maintain bathroom hygiene, Karina explains, making them an easy exception to the rule.

10. A bucket and mop

From cleaning bathroom floors to cleaning real wood floors, the cleaning experts at KK Cleaners advise that you need a trusty bucket and mop, which helps to keep any space sanitary without damaging precious materials such as stone, tile, or hardwood.

A mop with an extendable handle and a washable head, such as the top-rated O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop available at Amazon, is a great storage-friendly option that will last you for years.

If you want to ensure a really deep clean, you can also clean floors efficiently with a steam mop, recommends cleaning pro Jade.

'If you're one of those who prefer to clean without harsh chemicals, this one is for you,' she says. 'Steam can naturally remove grime and even bacteria, leaving surfaces sanitized. Those spots you thought were permanent? A steam mop will effortlessly lift everything off.'

11. Dish soap

Of course, dish soap is a must for washing up, but it also has several other uses around the home for cleaning surfaces and removing stubborn grease, say the cleaning experts at KK Cleaners.

Cleaning with Dawn Powerwash, for instance, can help to remove water stains from taps and stainless steel while also being a great degreaser for cleaning a range hood without the need for harsh chemicals.

However, conversely, you shouldn't use dish soap to clean clothes, or put dish soap in the dishwasher in the place of your regular detergent.

12. Trash bags

It's not surprising that trash bags are a must have for a clean home, with Emma Thomas, cleaning expert and founder of Homeeon, describing them as an 'obvious addition to your cleaning stash.'

Pick out a few different sizes of sturdy bags, such as the Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags available at Amazon, to fit the trash bags around your home, and to carry around when testing decluttering tips or tidying your space.

Emma adds, ‘My favorite storage idea is to keep a roll in the bottom of each trash can for convenient replacement.'

13. Stain-removing laundry detergent

When it comes to the golden rules of stain removal, an effective laundry detergent is key.

Gabriella Dyson, former head of Solved at Homes & Gardens, says, 'Laundry detergent isn't just important for doing laundry – it is essential to have on hand for removing stains from garments and soft furnishings before they have the chance to set in place.'

Picking out a stain-removing detergent, such as the OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain Remover Powder available at Walmart, is a safe bet, especially if you have young children or pets, or are simply on the clumsier side.

14. Oven cleaner

There's no denying that cleaning an oven is one of the worst chores, but a suitable oven cleaner does half the work for you.

Jade shares, 'I used to clean ovens the regular way, whether with the self-cleaning feature, or the baking soda and vinegar combo, plus manual scrubbing. But, I've found commercial cleaners to be much better because I don't have to scrub for hours, and, even then, there were still always those caked-on bits that just don't budge.'

Jade's top pick is the Easy-Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner Spray available at Walmart. 'Heat the oven, spray generously, wait for at least five to ten minutes, then wipe with a clean damp cloth or sponge,' she continues. 'Way better than spending forever and using more elbow grease!'

if you want a more health-conscious approach, there are ways to clean an oven without chemicals, such as using the best steam cleaner to melt away grease. With some ingenuity, you can even deep clean a kitchen with a steam cleaner.

15. A squeegee

Squeegees are another handy tool that can have several purposes around your home. Most obviously, they make cleaning windows a lot easier, but, as cleaning expert Jess points out, they also have a place in your shower, helping you to clean down glass shower doors, tiles, and mirrors to avoid water marks and limescale, making cleaning a shower easier.

Cleaning down a shower after every use is one of the many things people who clean bathrooms always do.

16. A scrubbing brush

For deep-cleaning, such as cleaning shower grout, head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden recently tried a scrubbing brush and will never deep clean without one again.

They're great for gentle but effective abrasion, cost very little, and can get into even the tightest or awkward gaps. We recommend the SetSail Small Scrub Brush available at Amazon.

FAQs

What's the best way to store cleaning supplies?

How you store cleaning supplies will depend largely on the layout of your home and your cleaning routine. Some people like to have all of their supplies stashed together in one cleaning cabinet, using a cleaning caddy to make them easier to carry around. Others may like to keep cleaning supplies in the rooms they use them in (storing bathroom cleaners in the bathroom, for example), to make cleaning quickly easier.

How do I start liking cleaning?

If you want to enjoy cleaning and find the motivation to clean more easily, start by gathering your supplies and stocking up your cabinet. Pick products that are aesthetically pleasing and smell nice to help incentivize you to use them, even if it might seem superficial. You can then use clean-with-me videos to try body doubling, which makes tedious chores seem easy, or put on your favorite music and make it a dance party, helping you to breeze through the chores without it feeling like an effort.

When you have accumulated your arsenal of essential cleaning products, it helps to then organize cleaning supplies in the rooms where they are needed (keeping bathroom cleaners in the bathroom, for instance) to make cleaning easier. This way, if you have a spare few minutes, you can quickly whizz around the space and tackle some items on your to-do list, using a cleaning card system to help you stay on track if needed.