FIVE MUST HAVE CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR EVERY HOUSEHOLD: NO MATTER THE SIZE

The cleaning aisle can become overwhelming with options very quickly.  And some cleaning products can do more damage to the surfaces in your home, rather than good.  From sponges, to mops, to air filters and disinfectants - there are about ten options for each item.  Before you hit the cleaning aisle, let’s make an inventory list of what our home’s surfaces are and then let’s do a little research on what cleaning supplies we actually need.

In this article we will look at cost-effective ways to use the correct disinfectant, dusters, floor cleaners, glass cleaners, rags and sponges.  After all, it's not only about finding the right cleaner for your home (although that is very important) but if I can save you money and possibly recommend healthy products as well - then I feel that I am giving you some helpful advice.  I hope you think so too.  Let's get started...

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photo credit: kleer001 via photopin cc

Disinfectant

Vinegar + Water + Tea Tree Oil + Baking Soda

The two main areas in your home that need to be disinfected on a regular basis (because of their grimy use) are the kitchen and the bathroom.  If you want to save money you can make your own disinfectant that will take care of both areas.  A mixture of White Distilled Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil and Water will disinfect better than bleach.  This solution, when diluted correctly, is also better for your health than spraying bleach or Lysol.

When you need to scrub and disinfect at the same time, just add a generous sprinkle of baking soda to the surface and then spray your homemade solution. 

If you don’t have time to create your own solution (because let’s admit it…we barely have enough time to clean our own homes), choose a disinfectant that is not harsh to the surfaces and the air in your home.  Remember that just because it smells like bleach doesn’t make it good for your home and it can be doing more damage than good.

Dusters

Find a duster that grabs the dust rather than spreading the dust around.

Lambswool dusters, oil based products and microfiber rags are all you need for dusting.  Don’t forget to analyze and research your household furniture items before spraying something on it.  We recommend never spraying an oil-based cleaning solution directly on a surface.  Spray your cleaner on the microfiber rags and then attack the dust.

Floor Care Cleaners

From carpets, tile, wood, to specific kinds of flooring please be sure to buy a cleaner designed especially for your type of floor.

Keep in mind that everything you apply to the floors must be removed or it will build up over time.  Think of it sort of like applying nail polish to your nails for a shine....after time you need to remove the old clear coat to apply a new one.  The less polish you apply to your floors the better.  Try to keep the natural shine in all types of flooring simply by upkeep.  Vacuum and damp mop all floors at least once a week to keep them looking new. 

Cheaper is not always better when it comes to your vacuum.  

• If you suffer from allergies then the first thing you need to look for when purchasing a vacuum is a HEPA filter.  
• Don’t buy a used vacuum - ever!  
• Change your vacuum bags on a regular basis and wash the filters out on your vacuum because they do clog with dust. 

When choosing a mop we believe a microfiber floor mop is the way to go.  They have removable mop heads that are simple to wash in the washing machine and dry in the dryer.  No one wants to see or smell a cotton drying mop hanging in the garage or on your apartment balcony!

Glass Cleaner

Good old vinegar and water diluted correctly will give all glass and mirrors a streak free shine. Most people don’t want to take the time to make this version; however, once you see the cost to make it compared to buying the store brand you may change your mind.  Vinegar can be as low as 12 cents and water is free.  If you buy a gallon of White Distilled Vinegar it may last you half a year (depending on the glass cleaning use in your home).  So compare 12 cents to your average $3.99 store bought cleaner.  I say save the money and use the extra change to buy a latte! 

Rags/Sponges

The item that you use to clean with could actually be spreading germs!  Use a different color of sponge and rag for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas as to not cross contaminate.  Throw your sponges in the dishwasher upon every wash cycle.  We also recommend throwing them away weekly or biweekly.  Rags can be washed separately from clothes on a very hot cycle in the washing machine.  Keep a rag and sponge under each counter of your bathrooms and kitchen or specify a cleaning bucket for your home’s cleaning needs to keep your supplies.

If under your kitchen cabinet is filled with cleaning supplies that you really don’t use, don’t be afraid to let go of them.  Dispose of them by dropping them off at your local recycling center.  We also offer pick-up of harmful supplies from our clients to rid their homes of harmful sprays and toxins.  Place a cleaning bucket with the cleaning solutions needed and keep it either under your kitchen cabinet or in your specific cleaning supply area.  No need to rummage through years of old supplies....Just grab your cleaning caddy and attack the dirt when needed.

We've Got the Right Supplies To Get The Job Done!

Choosing the right cleaning supplies for your home can be overwhelming.  I hope these tips have helped as you choose the healthiest, most cost effective, and best products for your family’s needs.  Are there any products that you simply can’t live without in your cleaning routine?  Please let me hear about them in the comments section below.  Or do you have any specific cleaning questions that I can answer for you?

Choosing the right supplies can be difficult – but finding time to get your home clean can be even more exasperating!  If you find that you need a little help getting that chore done so that you have time to take care of all of the many other “to do” items on your list, please give us a call at (512) 248-0097 or click the above link.  And, don’t worry, we know just the right cleaning agents to get the job done right for your home!