- Using the correct cleaning tools will make keeping your house clean less of a hassle.floor cleaning #3 image by stassad from Fotolia.com
Cleaning a house is easier when you have the typical supplies for dusting, scrubbing and vacuuming. Buy household tools that are economical and do not create waste and pollute the environment. - Two brooms--one for inside and one for outside--are necessary for the house. You also need a mop and bucket. Get a sturdy, reusable mop instead of a mop with disposable pads. This saves you money and does not contribute to waste in the environment. A vacuum cleaner is necessary for houses that have carpets. Buy latex or non-allergenic gloves made from nitrile rubber and polyvinyl chloride, generally sold under the brand name of Nyplex. Alternatively, use vinyl gloves if you have a rubber allergy. Basic cleaning implements include sponges, microfiber cloths, window squeegees and cotton dust cloths. Clean diapers are soft and absorbent cloths. Sponges made from melamine are useful for getting out tough scuffs. Buy toothbrushes to clean in corners. Purchase an apron to keep your clothes from becoming dirty.
- Garbage bags are necessary for keeping debris contained. Use kitchen-sized bags in a tall garbage can to keep the kitchen area tidy. Purchase yard bags if you have trees that will shed leaves in autumn. It is not necessary to rake after you mow because cut grass left on the ground will decay and nurture the soil.
- A soap-scum remover, glass cleaner for the mirrors and toilet bowl cleaner are the essential cleaners that you will need for the bathroom. The necessary implements for the bathroom are a toilet bowl cleaning brush and brush caddy, sponges, toilet plunger, and rags.
- You will need oven cleaner, dishwasher detergent (if you own a dishwasher) and dishwashing soap for the kitchen. An abrasive cleaner is also useful for cleaning tough stains, but do not use this on coated, non-stick cookware because the cleaner will scratch the cooking surface. You may choose to use environmentally healthy alternatives to these cleaners such as baking soda for a mild cleaning abrasive or vinegar as a window cleaner. Silver or polishes for other metals such as copper or brass are optional, depending on what flatware you own. You will need pot-scrubbing sponges, dishtowels and absorbent cloths to wipe up spills.
- The cleaners that are essential in the laundry room are detergent, stain remover, chlorine bleach and non-chlorine bleach. You will need fabric softener liquid or sheets to cut down on static cling during the winter.
