Not everyone enjoys cleaning, but it’s a necessary evil if you want to live in a comfortable and presentable home. If you’re looking to streamline your cleaning routine or don’t know where to start, check out this list of 15 essential cleaning products that will help keep your home clean all year.
Here is a cleaning essentials list for your first apartment!
Standard Cleaning Essentials
These are the basics that can be used all around the house.
Vacuum Cleaner
There’s nothing like a good vacuum to make quick work of dirt and dust. If you have hardwood floors, look for a model with special attachments that can help get rid of pet hair and other debris. If you want a robot vacuum, go with the iRobot Roomba 694.
The Dyson V8™ Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is our top vacuum recommendation for everyday households.
Mop
For those times when your vacuum just won’t cut it, having a good mop on hand can make cleaning your floors a breeze. Look for a model with a detachable head so you can easily wash it in the washing machine.
This mop comes with two removable heads. It has an easy-wringing twist functionality. Use it on vinyl floors, tiles, and even hardwood.
Carpet Cleaner
If you have carpets in your home, it’s important to have a good carpet cleaner on hand for occasional deep cleaning Look for a model that comes with attachments for easy cleaning of stairs and upholstered furniture.
This best-selling carpet cleaner by Hoover is a must-have if you have carpets in your home. It does all the backbreaking work for you and leaves your carpets like new.
Microfiber Cloths
These versatile cloths can be used for everything from dusting to cleaning mirrors and windows. They’re especially good at picking up tough dirt and grime. For a more eco-friendly option, go with Swedish dishcloths.
These super soft, non-abrasive microfiber cleaning cloths won’t scratch delicate surfaces like vinyl, glass, painted walls, and finished wood.
They can also absorb up to eight times their weight!
All-Purpose Cleaner
This cleaner can be used on virtually any surface in your home, making it a great choice for small households and apartment dwellers who don’t have a large cleaning closet. Be sure to choose an eco-friendly option to help reduce your environmental impact.
This all-purpose cleaning spray by Lysol will sanitize any surface it touches. The disinfecting spray will also leave behind a fresh lemon scent! Say goodbye to germs and soap scum.
Window & Glass Cleaner
For streak-free mirrors, glass cleaner is a must. Choose an aerosol that doesn’t require any mixing or diluting for the easiest use. In addition to cleaning glass, you can also use it as a window cleaner for bright and light-filled windows. Choose a trigger sprayer for the easiest application.
Windex glass cleaner is top-notch when it comes to removing dust and fingerprints from any glass or mirrored surface in your home. Plus, the bottles have been eco-consciously made from 100% recycled plastic!
Furniture Polish
In addition to cleaning furniture with a vacuum, you’ll want to keep your furniture looking its best with good furniture polish. Be sure to choose a beeswax-based product to help protect wood finishes.
Use Pledge on wood, leather, granite, laminate, and quartz surfaces to shine them up and have a gleaming home! Remove fingerprints and dust with just a few swipes and leave a beautiful glossy coat without any wax residue.
Kitchen Cleaning Essentials
Here are the kitchen cleaning essentials to have stocked.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
If you have stainless steel appliances, you’ll need a good cleaner to keep them looking their best. Choose an aerosol that’s designed specifically for use on stainless steel for the best results.
This pH-neutral formula by Weiman rapidly cleans, polishes and shields just about any stainless steel surface at home. It conveniently eradicates surface fingerprints, moisture, grease, streaks, and various residue remnants. The protective barrier will reduce your cleaning frequency.
Use it on stainless steel ovens, stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, grills, range-hoods, sinks, and even trash cans!
Tile and Grout Cleaner
For tile floors and countertops, a dedicated tile and grout cleaner is a must. Most formulations require some scrubbing, so be sure to arm yourself with a stiff brush before getting started.
GooGone tackles tough dirt buildup on tiles, removes stains, and banishes soap scum. Even hard water stains are no match for this tile and grout cleaner. It’s safe for use on ceramic and porcelain tiles, too.
Oven Cleaner
Don’t forget about your oven when cleaning your kitchen! A good oven cleaner will help remove tough baked spills and splatters. Be sure to follow the directions carefully to avoid damaging the finish on your oven.
Baked and cooked spills are no match for this Easy-Off oven cleaner. Producing no fumes, this spray cleaner tackles tough heated oven grease and stains fast. It even works on self-cleaning ovens – just spray and wipe! It works on ovens, oven doors, broilers, broiler pans, and other kitchen stainless steel surfaces. It comes in a fresh lemon scent.
Dishwasher Detergent
To keep your dishes clean and your dishwasher running efficiently, be sure to use a good quality dishwasher detergent. Look for a product that’s designed to reduce spotting and streaking.
Get rid of grease on dishes and break down small food particles with these bestselling dishwasher pods.
Garbage Bags
Last but not least, don’t forget the garbage bags! Be sure to choose the right size for your trash cans and stock up so you never run out.
Buy these trash bags in bulk to save money.
Bathroom Cleaning Must-Haves
You can use the same vinegar solution or all-purpose cleaner to clean your shower and bathroom sink. Importantly, choose a product that will help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold.
Shower & Tub Cleaner
You should clean your shower and tub surfaces at least once a week using a bathroom cleaner formulated for these surfaces which can harbor a build-up of calcium from tap water.
Break down soap scum and hard water built-up with this OxiClean solution.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Keep your toilet smelling its best by using a dedicated cleaner on a regular basis. Choose a powerful formula that will leave your toilet bowl sparkling clean with every flush.
This powerful toilet bowl cleaning solution kills 99% of bacteria and viruses.
Toilet Brush
Another essential for preventing the spread of germs, a toilet brush should be part of your regular cleaning routine.
This marble toilet brush has been designed by fashion designer Monique Lhuillier and can be purchased with other 100% marble bathroom accessories.
Which of these cleaning essentials do you already have in your home? Are there any that you’re missing? Let us know in the comments!
