Perfectly equipped cleaning cabinet: learn how to replenish this without spending too much
Efficiency is everything when it comes to household cleaning: having the right products and following the best practices to do everything as efficiently and quickly as possible is the goal. To achieve this, then, let's start with the necessary equipment: what should be in your cleaning cabinet/drawers?
What you need in your cleaning cabinet: the essentials
Freepik
Considering the most common cleaning chore that need to be done in most homes, it is certainly possible to make a list of products that you should always have to hand.
For detergents:
- A multipurpose detergent, preferably one that sanitizes (an/or is an antibacterial). Sprays, in general, are easier to use, but this detergent could also be liquid or powdered (if you have a favorite in this form);
- Choose detergents that are safe for children and pets, if appropriate;
- A product to clean glass: these are usually alcohol-based and come in sprays;
- Dishwashing detergent: the vast majority of these are in liquid form, but there are also powdered versions (usually organic and eco-friendly brands);
- A laundry detergent that is as versatile as possible;
- Toilet cleaners: these are the more "aggressive" detergents and gels, normally with bleach included;
- A mild bleach: for use where needed but without running the risk of irreparably ruining fabrics and various materials (or polluting the environment).
For cleaning tools and accessories:
- Rubber or latex gloves;
- Sponges, both with abrasive and non-abrasive sides;
- Microfibre cloths;
- A magic eraser or a melamine sponge;
- Brushes or toothbrushes for cleaning chores: there are sets with brushes of various sizes available so you can get into hard-to-reach spots.
The ingredients for DIY alternatives
Creativo
If you prefer all-natural products, or want to try alternative cleaning techniques based on DIY remedies, the products you'll need are as follows:
- White vinegar: to be on the safe side, use alcohol (or distilled) vinegar. Otherwise, white wine vinegar can be used;
- Baking soda: store this in a dry area and/or store it in airtight glass or plastic containers;
- Hydrogen peroxide: when you need to sanitize, combat mold or remove stains from clothes with risking damage, hydrogen peroxide is a valid choice to make.
In addition, and depending on the situation, you may also need:
- Marseille soap: this soap can be used for laundry and to clean most of the surfaces in your home (including the floors). Use Marseille soap when you have, for example, run out of your regular detergent - it will probably do as good a job;
- Citric acid: this is a gentler and even more environmentally friendly alternative to using vinegar. Additionally, due to its granular consistency, citric acid is also a good substitute for baking soda.
Now, all that remains, is to get your supplies in
With the above products and accessories, you will have a "cleaning kit" that will cover every eventuality. Keep these items on your shopping list and mark of those you need to replenish next time you pop out to the shops.
And, if every now and then, you to want to try a new/different product, you can test it out at home first and then decide if it's "worthy" of being added to your shopping list!
What's on your list of must-have cleaning products?
