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When my husband and I were dating, one of the first deal-breakers I laid out was that I needed someone who wouldn't stand in the way of my clean space obsession! I come from a long line of cleaning fanatics. I swear, my family has probably broken their backs from a lifetime of cleaning marathons! While I don’t plan on taking it that far, my standards are still pretty high.

In this post, I’m sharing 17 cleaning essentials from my very own home. Whether you’re a fellow cleaning junkie or just looking for some solid recommendations & ideas, with these in your cleaning kit, your home will be pristine without risking your back in the process!

Here’s The List At A Glance:

1. Microfibre Cloths

If there’s one game-changing item in my cleaning caddy, it’s this! Microfiber cloths are truly magical pieces that make every cleaning job a breeze. By swapping out paper towels for these, you not only save tons of paper, but you'll also notice how much more effectively they clean.

If you don’t already have a set, I highly recommend grabbing some. They’re super affordable and come in multiple colors, which makes it easy to color-code by cleaning task. For example, I use green ones for countertops, yellow for car cleaning, pink for electronics, and blue for general dusting on furniture and decor.

Product Recommendation: Pack of 12 Cloths

2. Swiffer Duster

When it comes to cleaning those hard-to-reach window panes or tight spots like under the fridge, the Swiffer duster is your best friend. With a variety of sizes, I personally have the 3-foot long flexible duster, and it's a game-changer. It’s perfect for areas that typically require a lot of bending, like baseboards, which can be tough on your back! I also use mine to clean under large appliances that are hard to move and the tops of kitchen cabinets where dust tends to collect.

Product Recommendation: Extendable 3ft Long With 12 Refills

3. Spin Mop

Before we bought our first house, we lived in an apartment that was carpeted throughout so there was no way to use it. I had my eye on this product ever since we started house hunting, and I couldn’t wait to try it out! Needless to say, it was the very first thing I bought for our new home.

However, I do have a small regret: I tried to save a few bucks by not getting the version with two separate tanks—one for clean water and one for dirty water. Definitely invest in the one with separate tanks! But honestly, even without that, it’s still the most fun way I’ve ever cleaned floors.

Product Recommendation: O-Cedar Spin Mop & Bucket

4. Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

A cordless vacuum cleaner is an investment that’s absolutely worth it. Just thinking about the days of dragging around a vacuum with tangled cords makes me cringe, ugh! Switching to a cordless vacuum has been a total breakthrough for my cleaning routine. I personally use the Dyson vacuum cleaner, and let me tell you, it’s an extraordinary machine that gets the job done like it’s nobody’s business.

Product Recommendation: Dyson V11 Animal Vacuum Cleaner

5. Carpet Cleaner

The satisfaction I get from emptying the dirty water after cleaning the carpets is truly unmatched! There’s something oddly rewarding about seeing just how much grime comes out. It feels like a fresh start for the entire home.

I recently invested in a Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pro, and it quickly became a non-negotiable part of my cleaning arsenal. Every spring and fall, the first thing I tackle is deep cleaning the carpets and rugs. Not only does it lift away dirt, but it also leaves behind a long-lasting fragrance that makes the entire space feel fresh and renewed, almost like walking into a brand-new home. If you have kids or pets, this is the ultimate carpet cleaner you need in your caddy.

For uphosltery cleaner, this little green machine is a forever best seller!

Product Recommendation: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pro

6. Lysol Floor Cleaner

I admit, after COVID, I’ve become pretty particular about the floor cleaners I use. I now only look for ones that claim to kill the COVID virus too. That’s why I’m completely committed to the Lysol floor cleaning solution. It has an amazing citrus fragrance that smells absolutely divine and leaves the house feeling so fresh. My go-to method is mixing it with hot water in my spin mop bucket. Not only does it disinfect, but it also makes mopping feel like less of a chore with that uplifting scent.

Product Recommendation: Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner

7. Isopropyl Alcohol

When I first learned how to make a DIY cleaner, there was no turning back! With all the scary chemicals in store-bought cleaners, I quickly realized it’s a much safer choice to DIY your own, unless you’re ready to splurge on those pricier, cleaner alternatives. Ever since, I’ve found myself always needing to stock up on isopropyl alcohol. I prefer the 91% version. It’s strong, effective, and you don’t need much to get the job done. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable!

My go-to recipe is super simple: 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol, 1 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp dishwashing liquid, and of course, 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent. This is a multi-purpose cleaner, I use it to clean the kitchen countertops and for dusting other surfaces.

Product Recommendation: 91% Isopropyl Alcohol

8. Essential Oils

Speaking of DIY cleaners, I also like to stock up on essential oils based on the type of use. For kitchen countertops, I’m all about lemon oil—it leaves behind a fresh, citrusy fragrance that’s perfect after a day of heavy cooking. For bathrooms, I like to create a more relaxing vibe with a combination of lemon and eucalyptus oil or sometimes lemongrass, which gives the space a spa-like feel. And for general dusting, I go with orange oil, not just for its fresh scent, but because it helps keep insects and bugs at bay. It’s amazing how versatile essential oils can be for cleaning different areas of the home!

Product Recommendation: Essential oils set of 6

9. Room Freshener

When we’re hosting, which we do a lot!, I love to spray the house with a chemical-free room freshener. It creates a beautiful scent that feels warm and welcoming for our guests as they step inside. This luxurious ambiance not only enhances the overall experience but also leaves a fantastic impression of our home, making it an absolute must-have for me!

I can’t rave enough about the entire Mrs. Meyer’s line of products, but my top pick has to be the lemon verbena room fragrance. Its fresh, uplifting scent instantly brightens the space and complements any gathering perfectly.

Product Recommendation: Mrs. Meyer’s Room Freshener

10. Broom and Dustpan

With a vacuum in the house, a broom and dustpan set might seem unnecessary, and I won’t judge you for thinking that way. I felt the same! But once we moved into our home, I quickly realized how often I needed to sweep the floors. A broom and dustpan are fantastic "gap cleaning" tools, especially if you have a baby, elderly family members, or anyone working from home who doesn’t want to deal with the noise of a vacuum cleaner.

Brooms provide a quiet way to clean up messes and are also an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your vacuum filters. At the end of each day, I usually sweep the floors to collect as much dirt as possible before running the vacuum for a final clean. It’s a simple routine that keeps our home looking tidy without the disruption!

Product Recommendation: Broom and Dustpan With Long Handles

11. Spray Bottles

Since I make a lot of cleaners at home, I need a good supply of glass spray bottles. I discovered these amazing clear glass spray bottles in the laundry aisle at Walmart, and while they’re a great, affordable option, I’ve found that amber glass with a sturdier spray nozzle is the way to go. If you’re into making your own cleaners too, it’s essential to use glass bottles rather than plastic or other materials. The essential oils in your cleaning solutions work best when stored in glass, as it helps preserve their potency and effectiveness.

Investing in quality glass spray bottles not only enhances the longevity of your cleaners but also adds a touch of elegance to your cleaning routine!

Product Recommendation: Amber Glass Spray Bottles Set of 2

12. Degreaser Spray

When it’s time to deep clean those greasy cabinets and light fixtures in the kitchen, nothing beats a good degreaser spray. I recently added one to my cleaning caddy, and let me tell you, it has been a total game changer! With just one spray and a good scrubber, the grease comes right off, making the entire process so much easier. It’s incredible how quickly it tackles tough messes, leaving my kitchen looking fresh and clean. If you haven’t tried a degreaser yet, I highly recommend adding one to your cleaning arsenal!

Product Recommendation: Degreaser Spray

13. The Pink Stuff

Speaking of tough stains, I’m sure you’ve heard of ‘The Pink Stuff.’ It’s the miracle paste that works wonders on those stubborn stains and food spills that just won’t budge. While there are other products in this brand's lineup, this one is my absolute favorite. I even use it to clean the base of my cast iron pans, and it truly performs like a miracle! If you don’t have a jar of this yet, I highly recommend picking one up. You won’t be disappointed!

Product Recommendation: The Pink Stuff Paste

14. Disposable Gloves

An absolute must-have in my cleaning caddy is disposable gloves. I can never have enough of them, and I’ve stashed them everywhere. The bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, laundry room, garage, you name it! Anywhere I know I’ll be springing into cleaning action, I keep a pair handy. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that disposable gloves are the best choice for me. Unlike reusable gloves, which can develop tiny tears and become useless, disposable ones ensure I’m always prepared for whatever mess comes my way. They make cleaning feel so much more hygienic and hassle-free!

Product Recommendation: Disposable Gloves

15. Fabric Shaver

If you have a lot of upholstered couches and chairs in your home, a fabric shaver is an absolute must-have! Those tiny lint balls and fuzz on the upholstery can be really bothersome, but a fabric shaver is the best tool to tackle them. It’s incredibly easy to use and instantly rejuvenates your couch, making it feel like new again! I love how quickly it transforms the appearance of my furniture, giving it a fresh, polished look. If you haven’t added a fabric shaver to your cleaning toolkit yet, I highly recommend doing so!

Product Shaver: Fabric Shaver and Lint Remover

16. Lint Roller

If you have pets in the house or experience a lot of hair fall (lol), a lint roller is your best friend for quick clean ups! It’s perfect for those end-of-the-day tidy ups or a last minute sweep before guests arrive. Just roll it over the couch or rug, and it effortlessly picks up hair and debris. I also love using a lint roller on my lampshades. You’d be surprised at how much dust, lint, and hair they can collect! It’s such a simple tool, but it makes a big difference in keeping my home looking clean and fresh.

Product Recommendation: Lint Roller Set

17. Hair Scraper For Carpets

Take your hair cleaning game to the next level with a hair scraper! This innovative tool is absolutely perfect for families with pets. It excels at picking up hair from small areas where a vacuum might struggle to reach or do a thorough job. I love using it under the bed, on the staircase, and even on the rug from time to time. It’s a simple yet effective solution that makes a noticeable difference in keeping my home free of pet hair.

Product Recommendation: Uproot Cleaner

In conclusion, having the right cleaning essentials at your fingertips makes all the difference in maintaining a tidy and welcoming home. From versatile microfiber cloths to innovative tools like hair scrapers, these 17 must-haves have become indispensable in my cleaning routine.

I hope you found some inspiration to enhance your own cleaning cabinet. Remember, a little organization and the right tools can make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity. Happy cleaning!

17 Cleaning Must-Haves in My Home: Essentials I Can't Live Without