Whether you live in an <\/span>apartment in Phoenix<\/span><\/a> or a <\/span>home in Kansas City<\/span><\/a>, maintaining your space by performing routine cleanings is essential. <\/span>When it comes to cleaning, it\u2019s hard to know what cleaning tools you should use. Don\u2019t worry; we\u2019ve got that taken care of for you. Here are the essential cleaning items you need to have in a solid cleaning kit that will clean <\/span>every room<\/span><\/a> of your apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n There are certain things to consider before you start building your cleaning kit. With many different cleaning products and essential oils on the market and several DIY cleaning recipes online, you should take a minute to think about what you want to clean with. If you can\u2019t decide just yet, don\u2019t worry. Here are some tips and ideas for both DIY and store-bought essential cleaning tools.<\/a><\/p>\n Whether you end up going with natural cleaning supplies or store-bought cleaning products, there are still some essential cleaning tools you should have. Here are some tools that every cleaning kit must-have.<\/p>\n Once you have all your cleaning kit supplies, you\u2019re going to need a place to put everything. Entrepreneur and author, <\/span>AsrorJon Shukurov<\/span><\/a> shares how a \u201csturdy cleaning caddy makes it easy to transport supplies from one room to another.\u201d There are many different options to pick from. With this, you won\u2019t have to go back and forth to get all your different supplies. It\u2019s also great for storing your supplies when you\u2019re not using them as it stores away nicely under your sink or even in your pantry.<\/span><\/p>\n For those looking to make their cleaning kit as accessible as possible, Ronk Monk, founder and CEO of <\/span>12-Steps Cleaning Service<\/span><\/a> recommends using a \u201csturdy apron with [the following] essentials: premium quality microfiber cloths, an all-purpose cleaner, and a disinfectant spray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n All cleaning kits should have a <\/span>good scrub brush<\/span><\/a>. These are great for cleaning all your hard surfaces. These are best used in rooms like your kitchen or bathroom on the countertops, tile, showers, or tubs. A scrub brush is a great tool to help scrub away soap scum and grime.<\/span><\/p>\n If you really want to get into the tiny details of cleaning, then you\u2019ll need a detailed cleaning brush like a toothbrush. These are great for getting into those tiny spaces that the larger brushes just can\u2019t reach.<\/span><\/p>\n Another type of brush you\u2019ll want to keep on hand is a good toilet brush and toilet brush holder. It\u2019s best if you keep your toilet brush away from your other cleaning kit supplies. A good place to tuck it is beside your toilet.<\/span><\/p>\n Along with a good brush, you\u2019ll want to have a couple of good cloths on hand. They\u2019re a great, reusable alternative to paper towels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Jay with <\/span>The Bundl Home Team<\/span><\/a> says, \u201cAt a minimum, any home cleaning kit should include microfiber cloths for dusting\u201d because they\u2019re also designed to make the hard work easier. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning countertops, kitchen appliances, tough grease stains on the stove, and so much more. The best part is that you can just throw them in the wash and use them again and again.<\/span><\/p>\n After using a microfiber cloth, the team with <\/span>The Clean Agenda<\/span><\/a> recommends \u201cgently wiping down your appliances with a dryer sheet. The residual anti-static properties create an invisible barrier that repels dust and reduces fingerprints, keeping your appliances cleaner between deep cleaning sessions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to use microfiber cloths, it\u2019s not a problem at all. Another great reusable scrubbing tool is sponges. They\u2019re a cheap option that can also be reused and can help clean off many different household surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n It might seem obvious but having a good vacuum and broom are essential to any cleaning kit. While a good vacuum \u2014 such as a <\/span>Dyson<\/span><\/a> \u2014 is a bit of an investment, it\u2019s so worth it in the long run and you can use it in every room of your home from your kitchen to your stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re not quite ready for that, it\u2019s no problem at all. A good broom and dustpan can get the job done for your tile or wood floors.<\/span><\/p>\n When you\u2019re finished getting all the crumbs and dust off the floor, the next thing you\u2019ll want is a good mop and bucket. Mopping is a great way to finish off a room.<\/span><\/p>\n Everyone should have a good duster, as well. General manager of <\/span>Chicka Chicka Broom<\/span><\/a> shares that, \u201cA handy extension duster is great for reaching corners and clearing out cobwebs!\u201d. Dusters make it easy to walk around your room and quickly wipe off dust. You can search Google or YouTube for reviews on the best duster.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you have all your tools ready to go, the next thing you\u2019ll want to invest in is cleaning solutions. If you aren\u2019t quite sure what cleaners you should keep in your cleaning kit, fear not, as we have some ideas for items to keep on hand.<\/span><\/p>\n All-purpose cleaner is a one-and-done cleaner for your cleaning kit. You can use it in every room for the most part and is an essential and cheap must-have in every kit. You can use it on different surfaces from tile to plastic to ceramic. It can clean up dirt, grime, soap scum, grease and much more. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that not every all-purpose cleaner is a disinfectant. It\u2019s best to read the bottle to make sure you know what you\u2019re getting.<\/span><\/p>\n The team at <\/span>House Cleaning 4U<\/span><\/a>, a <\/span>Seattle<\/span><\/a>-based company suggests exploring \u201ceco-friendly options\u201d when choosing an all-purpose cleaner; they recommend exploring options that include \u201cbiodegradable formulas with natural ingredients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Disinfectant wipes are another essential and easy-to-use surface cleaner. Because they\u2019re disinfectants, these wipes will kill germs and bacteria living on your surfaces. They\u2019re great because they use half the cleaning products of other supplies. All you need is the wipe straight from the bottle and you\u2019re good to go.<\/span><\/p>\n There are some tips you should know when using disinfectant wipes. It\u2019s best if you let the place you\u2019re cleaning stay wet for a couple of minutes to best ensure the killing of germs and bacteria. You should use these most in high traffic areas in your apartment, such as the bathroom, kitchen and doorknobs.<\/span><\/p>\n As the name suggests, this is a glass-specific cleaning solution and is best to not use on other surfaces. And although you can use some all-purpose cleaners on glass mirrors or windows, there\u2019s a chance it could leave a streak. The best solution is to use a glass-specific cleaner to ensure a smooth and streak-free surface.<\/span><\/p>\n Since we all visit the bathroom every day, keeping your toilet clean is something every adult should do. It\u2019s as simple as putting the cleaner in the bowl and scrubbing away.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s dish soap pods for your dishwasher or a bottle of liquid dish soap, this is also essential for any kit.<\/span><\/p>\n Moses Jones, operation manager for Denver-based cleaning service, <\/span>TJ\u2019s Spotless Cleaning<\/span><\/a> recommends using \u201cDawn dish soap.\u201d Moses states, \u201cAs a pet-friendly, eco-conscious, and powerful degreaser, Dawn works wonders on everything from dishes to countertops.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The team with <\/span>Midwest Cleaning Company<\/span><\/a> recommends using Dawn dish soap and calls it \u201ceffective for dishes and cutting grease.\u201d Dawn can also be used as an ingredient in your own cleaning mixture if necessary. Andrea, owner of <\/span>Western Mass House Cleaning<\/span><\/a> shares, \u201cHouses that do not have cleaning products, I will make a mix with a little bit of dawn dish soap and one drop of Murphy. [Adding this] to a bottle with 70% will make the perfect solution for furniture and windows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Pesky stains are inevitable and you don\u2019t want to be underprepared in the event tomato sauce splashes on your new white sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n Andrew Schutt with <\/span>Syracuse Cleaning Company<\/span><\/a> recommends \u201cadding a stain remover for unexpected spills\u201d to your cleaning kit. By keeping this on standby he says that \u201cRenters can be ready for everyday messes, surprise clean-ups, and regular cleaning maintenance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For those looking to use a non-toxic stain remover, Sharmaine Brannon, owner of <\/span>Holistically Clean Cleaning Service<\/span><\/a> based in <\/span>Richmond, VA<\/span><\/a> recommends mixing \u201cwhite apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and a little peroxide.\u201d In the event you\u2019re faced with a tougher challenge, Sharmaine recommends using a \u201cmagic eraser.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to use some of the harsh chemicals that store-bought cleaners can contain, there\u2019s another way to keep your apartment clean. You can always make a DIY cleaning kit.<\/span><\/p>\n Baking soda<\/span><\/a> and vinegar are must-haves for any DIY cleaning kit. They\u2019re great for people looking for a more natural cleaning option. They have very basic ingredients and are a go-to for all DIY cleaners.<\/span><\/p>\n People have used baking soda for years as a cleaner and odor reducer. One of the best places to keep your baking soda is in the fridge. While sitting in there, it will eliminate all the odor keeping your fridge smelling fresh.<\/span><\/p>\n White vinegar is another natural option that\u2019s great for removing grease and dirt from around the home. Vinegar has a disinfectant quality to it, although not to the level of a commercially made disinfectant. Keep a bottle handy and you can also add a drop of essential oil to the mix to add a nice smell.<\/span><\/p>\n You can combine half baking soda and half vinegar as a good solution to clean your drain. Just be careful as it does tend to fizz.<\/span><\/p>\n Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can also be kept in your DIY arsenal. It\u2019s good to remember that there are differences between them, mainly what they\u2019re made of. Rubbing alcohol is a form of ethyl alcohol while hydrogen peroxide is a mix of hydrogen and oxygen.<\/span><\/p>\n Although they\u2019re made up of different compounds, you can use them on similar items. You can use them to clean your fridge and they\u2019re great for removing stubborn mold. Fill a bottle of each and keep it on hand in your own cleaning kit.<\/span><\/p>\n You can use castile soap for a myriad of things depending on its form. Originating from Spain, you can use it for anything from body soap to dish soap. It\u2019s not harsh on the skin, either, like other products are. It\u2019s a great tool for anyone looking to create their own cleaning solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n Cleaning is a hard and daunting task but with the right tools, it\u2019s much easier. These cleaning kit essentials are a must for any apartment owner looking to keep their home clean and fresh or looking to refresh the apartment <\/span>before moving out<\/span><\/a>. As you assemble your cleaning kit, Keon White with <\/span>House Cleaning Baltimore<\/span><\/a> states, \u201cBy incorporating eco-friendly alternatives, high-quality tools, and efficient organization strategies, your cleaning routine becomes not only effective but also enjoyable.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMake your own cleaning kit<\/h2>\n
Essential cleaning tools you need<\/h2>\n
![\"cleaning](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cleaning_caddy_shutterstock_747330790.jpg\")
<\/p>\n1. Cleaning caddy or utility belt<\/h3>\n
2. Scrub brush and other brushes<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"cleaning](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cleaning_cloths_shutterstock_1230603469.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Cleaning cloths and sponges<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Vacuum, mop and broom, oh my!<\/b><\/h3>\n
5. Duster<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"duster\"](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/duster_shutterstock_1627695355.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCleaning solutions<\/b><\/h2>\n
6. All-purpose cleaner<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"all](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cleaners_shutterstock_1094637359.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7. Disinfectant wipes<\/b><\/h3>\n
8. Glass cleaner<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"glass](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/glass_cleaner_shutterstock_1682243260.jpg\")
<\/p>\n9. Toilet bowl cleaner<\/b><\/h3>\n
10. Dish soap<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"dish](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/dish_soap_shutterstock_316906976.jpg\")
<\/p>\n11. Stain remover<\/b><\/h3>\n
DIY cleaning kit & DIY cleaning solutions<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"baking](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/baking_soda_vinegar_shutterstock_528721798.jpg\")
<\/p>\n12. Baking soda and white vinegar<\/b><\/h3>\n
13. Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"castille](\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/castille_soap_shutterstock_1678542697.jpg\")
<\/p>\n14. Castile soap<\/b><\/h3>\n
Clean away with your new cleaning kit<\/b><\/h2>\n