Walk down the cleaning aisle and you'd think you need a different bottle for every surface in your home. You don't. A handful of good products handles almost everything. If you've been working out What Affects the Price of a House Cleaning?, you've seen how supplies factor into a professional clean. Here's what you actually need at home.
The everyday basics
All-purpose cleaner. A good all-purpose spray handles most everyday surfaces: counters, appliance fronts, tables, light switches, doorknobs and cabinet fronts. Look for one that's safe on most sealed surfaces and doesn't leave a residue.
You can also make a simple version with warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. It's gentle and works well for daily wiping.
Check the label before using any all-purpose cleaner on natural stone, unsealed wood or specialty finishes.
Dish soap is one of the most useful cleaners in the house, not just for dishes. A little in warm water cleans greasy stovetops, sticky tables, cabinet fronts, high chairs and even many carpet spots. It cuts grease without being harsh.
Keep one bottle at the kitchen sink and a spare with your cleaning supplies. A plain, unscented one is the most versatile, since it won't leave a perfume on surfaces where food is prepared.
For the bathroom
Bathroom cleaner. Bathrooms need something a little stronger to cut soap scum and body oils on tubs, showers and sinks. A dedicated bathroom cleaner does the job faster than all-purpose spray. Choose one made for your surfaces. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs scratch more easily than porcelain, and stone needs a stone-safe product.
Hard water remover. In North Texas, a product that dissolves mineral deposits is a must. White vinegar works for lighter spots on glass, faucets and shower heads. For heavier buildup, a cleaner made for hard water or limescale is stronger. Always rinse well and dry the surface afterward.
Keep acids like vinegar and limescale removers off natural stone such as marble, travertine and granite. They can etch the surface.
Glass, germs and floors
Glass cleaner. Glass and mirror cleaner gives a streak-free shine. Many people skip it entirely and use a quality microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water, followed by a dry one. Either way works. The cloth matters more than the spray.
Toilet bowl cleaner. A dedicated toilet bowl cleaner with an angled nozzle reaches under the rim. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. For the outside of the toilet, your bathroom cleaner or a disinfectant works well.
A disinfectant. Cleaning removes dirt. Disinfecting kills germs. During cold and flu season, or after someone has been sick, use a disinfectant on high-touch spots: doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, remotes and the toilet flush lever. Read the label. Most need the surface to stay wet for a few minutes to actually work.
Floor cleaner. Pick a floor cleaner made for what you have. A pH-neutral cleaner is safe for most tile, sealed hardwood, luxury vinyl plank and laminate. Avoid oil soaps and wax on modern finishes, and keep vinegar off hardwood and stone. Use less product than you think. Too much leaves a sticky film that attracts dirt.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a gentle scrub for sinks, tubs, stovetops and grout. Mixed with a little water into a paste, it lifts stuck-on grime without scratching most surfaces. It also absorbs odors in the fridge, trash can and carpet. Sprinkle it on a rug, let it sit for a while and vacuum it up for a quick refresh. An open box in the back of the fridge keeps things smelling clean between fridge cleanouts, and a little in the bottom of the trash can helps in the summer heat.
What you can probably skip
- Separate sprays for every room. Most surfaces are fine with all-purpose cleaner.
- Heavy air fresheners. A clean house smells good on its own.
- Products that promise to "clean themselves" or never need scrubbing again.
- Harsh chemicals for everyday jobs that mild soap can handle.
Never mix these
Some combinations are dangerous:
- Bleach and ammonia create toxic fumes.
- Bleach and vinegar or other acids release chlorine gas.
- Different drain cleaners can react violently.
Use one product at a time, rinse between them and keep the room ventilated. Store cleaners in their original bottles, out of reach of kids and pets.
Rather we bring the supplies?
We bring our own cleaning supplies to every visit, and we're happy to use your preferred products if you have them.
Get a free quoteKeep it simple
A small, well-chosen kit cleans better than a cabinet full of half-used bottles. Know what each product is for, use the right one on the right surface and store them safely. For families across Ellis County and the south DFW area who'd rather skip the supply runs entirely, our house cleaning services come with everything needed.