Free Printable Cleaning Supplies List

I created this Free Printable Cleaning Supplies List to make it easier to keep everything I need for cleaning on hand. Cleaning is already my least favorite chore and it’s even worse when I don’t have the right supplies readily available.

Plus, my daughter is about to head off to college. Unlike my son, who manages to keep his apartment “clean”, with paper towels and dish soap, I think my daughter will be looking for this supply list after she moves out of the dorm and into an apartment.

Another reason I was inspired to create this list is that I recently had to raid my kitchen’s paper towel supply to wipe down the bathroom faucets. Yes, I keep a separate supply of paper towels for cleaning (or try to). I can’t carry a roll into the bathroom that will be later used in the kitchen. 

Which Cleaning Supplies Do You Need?

Throughout the week, I use a lot of different items to clean my house. I use different cleaners and tools to clean my kitchen than I do to clean the living room. I put EVERYTHING I use on the cleaning supplies list.

In general, the items on my cleaning supplies list fall into three categories: tools, cleaners, ingredients for cleaners.

Cleaning Tools

Just like you need specific utensils and cookware to prepare a meal, you need different tools to get your house clean. These are the basic cleaning tools that are a critical part of your cleaning supply kit:

• Paper towels: Essential for wiping up wet messes, great for wiping surfaces dry for a spot-free clean.
• Duster: To easily whisk away dirt from surfaces.
• Microfiber cloths: To use with cleaners to wash surfaces without scratching.
• Old rags: For drying floors after mopping.
• Squeegee: Makes window, glass, and shower cleaning a breeze.
• Rubber gloves: To protect your hands from harsh cleaners.
• Spray bottle: Essential if you make your own cleaners or buy cleaning solution in bulk.
• Scrub brush: For stubborn stains and mildew.
• Toilet brush: Because the toilet is the only place you’ll use this.
• Old toothbrush: For crevices and small spaces where grime accumulates.
• Vacuum: To suck away dirt throughout the house.
• Broom: To sweep up larger residue than the vacuum can handle, and to keep the porch, walkway, and garage clean.
• Dustpan: To make it easier to dispose of the dirt and debris you sweep up with the broom.
• Mop: To wash away all the germs on your hard floors.
• Bucket: Great for cleaning with concentrates so you can dilute easily, either for mopping, washing the car, or cleaning the bathroom.

Cleaning Solutions

Different items in your home need different types of cleaners. These are the types you’ll use most often:

• Glass cleaner: For windows, glass furniture, and mirrors.
• Multipurpose cleaner: For most hard surfaces like counters, walls, and appliances.
• Disinfectant: When disinfection is needed, choose a product labeled for that purpose and follow the label directions.
• Mild abrasive cleaner: Helps get burned on food off of drip pans and toaster ovens, also great for soap scum.
• Furniture polish: Helps protect your wood furniture and keeps it looking new.
• Floor cleaner: Depending on what your floors are made of, they’ll need special care so a dedicated floor cleaner is important.
• Oven cleaner: Just about the only thing that makes cleaning the oven and grill grates somewhat easy.

Ingredients for Everyday Cleaning

Routine cleaning with soap or detergent removes dirt and most germs from surfaces. When disinfection is needed, use a product labeled for disinfecting and follow the directions carefully. Never mix cleaning products or disinfectants with each other.

• Distilled white vinegar: Useful for some everyday cleaning tasks, but it is not an EPA-registered disinfectant. Check the surface manufacturer's guidance before using it.
• Isopropyl alcohol: Use only for appropriate cleaning or disinfecting tasks and surfaces, following the product directions.
• Olive oil: A wonderful all-natural way to polish wood.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Can be useful for certain cleaning and stain-removal tasks. If you're using a hydrogen peroxide product for disinfection, use one labeled for that purpose and follow the product directions.
• Borax: To whiten surfaces and deodorize.
• Baking soda: Great for cleaning bathroom sinks and tubs since it whitens and acts as a mild abrasive.
• Salt: Use instead of a mild abrasive cleaner to tackle soap scum and drip pans.

Printable Cleaning Supplies List

I’ve added everything I’ve listed above to my printable cleaning supplies list. I also left several spaces for you to fill in any items you use that aren’t already listed.

Just click the image below to download your free printable cleaning supplies list.