To take care of any kind of dirt and mess you need to have certain products on hand, especially in case of emergencies that could leave stains. It’s easy to overlook something, so we prepared essential cleaning tools every home should have to keep it sparkling. Take a look at our list and feel free to make a few tweaks to make it your own.
1. Get all-purpose cleaning products
If you have to expose yourself to chemicals, buy products that can clean all surfaces in your home. Chances are you will have to use more than one cleaning agent to avoid damage to sensitive materials, like wood. For the bathroom, you can use products containing bleach that will efficiently kill bacteria and other microbes, as well as remove limescale from the tub, sink, and toilet.
Degreasers are perfect for the kitchen and dining room, although don’t use them on the table since they may remove the paint. However, you can make your cleaning products with white vinegar, essential oils, dish soap, baking soda, and water. This is a less aggressive option that you don’t need to wear a mask on when cleaning since it’s not toxic and dangerous for the environment.
2. Buy high-quality appliances
It may be more expensive than you hoped for, but high-quality cleaning appliances are one of the best home investments out there. A reliable vacuum cleaner can suck in the deepest dirt from carpets, furniture, mattresses, and even pets’ beds. They come with filters that will prevent dirt particles to spread in the room while you are vacuuming, improving even the air.
Top-notch dishwashers, dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, and freezers are made to keep themselves clean and free of bacteria. For example, you can set up a self-cleaning program on the washer and buy a fridge with a special coating that repels bacteria and bad smells.
3. Keep baking soda close
If you ask house cleaning experts from Melbourne, they will probably tell you that baking soda is a must-have product. You can use it to make a paste for scrubbing persistent stains and dirt, as well as limescale deposits in the bathroom. It’s great to sprinkle on the carpets and rugs, then vacuum them which will give them a fresh smell.
Placing baking soda in the laundry and dishwashers can remove dirt, mold, and other things that tend to accumulate in the drum after a while. Sometimes it may not be as efficient as bleach, but it’s better to scrub something twice than to expose yourself to toxic cleaning products.
4. Always have non-electrical cleaning tools
Sponges, cloths, mops, brooms, dusters, and other products are essentials that you can’t do without when it comes to daily cleaning. Since they also differ based on quality, it’s important to get those items that won’t damage the surface you are cleaning, as well as to use them for their intended purpose. For example, you shouldn’t use a wire scrubber on the stove but a scrub brush, to avoid scratching the paint or glass.
An old toothbrush is also a great cleaning tool for small and narrow spots that you can’t clean well with usual methods. A squeegee for the bathroom will keep the glass stall and mirror stainless after use, and you should have one to wash the windows, preferably with a retractable handle. Getting a spin mop will keep the floors free of dust, spills, and dirt, especially in areas, like the balcony, bathroom, and kitchen.
5. Keep yourself safe while cleaning
Protective items are also part of the essential cleaning tools and you should use basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) even when tidying your house. If you are using chemicals that release pollutants and toxic materials into the air, you need to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth.
When inhaled, these fumes can cause respiratory problems, burn mucous membranes, and harm your cornea. Glasses and masks are usually enough, but make sure that windows are open and ventilation is working properly in the room. Gloves, aprons, and shoe covers will protect your skin, clothes, and feet from being damaged by aggressive chemicals, like bleach.
The bottom line
On top of these essential cleaning tools every home should have, you need to create a schedule and regularly declutter. These tools can do a lot, but you may not always be in the mood to wipe, dust, vacuum, and scrub. So, creating a task reminder and adding it to your schedule can help break down the cleaning into smaller chores that won’t overwhelm you.
