Spring is on the horizon, and for many, that means spring cleaning. We’ve shared tips/a checklist for spring cleaning (you can find that here), but before you get to the cleaning part, you may want to organize your supplies. This often-overlooked task can make spring cleaning – or everyday cleaning – much quicker and easier. Here are some tips to help you organize your cleaning supplies.
What Supplies You Need
The first step in organizing anything is first determining what you are organizing/how many items need storage space. What all you need will depend on your home, its surfaces, and your preferences on methods of cleaning. However, Real Simple has a checklist of items they suggest including in your cleaning supplies:
- Microfiber cloths
- Toilet brush
- Scrub brush
- Spray bottle
- Rubber gloves
- Old toothbrush
- Dry-cleaning sponge
- Squeegee
- Broom
- Sponge mop
- Disinfecting wipes
- Mild abrasive
- Dust mop
- Extendable duster
- White vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid
- Vacuum
- All-purpose cleaner
- Baking soda
- Supply caddy
Where to Store Cleaning Supplies
After you know what you are organizing, the next step is to figure out where you will store the supplies. If you’re looking for a clear-cut answer on where to store your cleaning supplies, sorry, we can’t give that to you. Where to store supplies depends on your home and what space you may have available to you. One option is designating a closet (or part of a closet) as your cleaning supplies closet, then organize within that space. If your laundry room has extra cabinets or shelf space, that could be another option. Don’t have a closet or space in your laundry room? You can also use under-sink space in one or multiple rooms. In fact, if your home is larger, buying multiples of cleaning items and stashing them under sinks in more than one room could be incredibly beneficial.
How to Organize Cleaning Supplies
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to organize your cleaning supplies. This is another instance where your personal situation and preference comes into play, but here are a few ideas on how to organize that may work for you.
Baskets: Baskets are a great way to organize pretty much any space. Whether you are corralling cleaning cloths, sponges, or bottles of cleaning products, baskets are a great way to separate items and keep them organized. Before buying any baskets, come up with a plan on how you will be organizing items within them and measure the space where the baskets will be stored. This will give you an idea of how many baskets you need and what sizes will fit in your storage area.
Caddies: Cleaning caddies are a fantastic option not only for organization but also for making cleaning multiple rooms easier. Place the most used/needed items in the caddie, then when it’s time to clean, just grab it and take it to the room you are cleaning. Need to do another room after that? Take the caddie with you again.
Tension Rods: If you will be using under-sink space, a tension rod is a great way to maximize the space. Place the tension rod near the top of the cabinet, then hang gloves, cleaning cloths, brushes, or cleaning bottles on it (just to be safe, turn any cleaning bottles to the “off” position first). With these up off the bottom of the cabinet, you now have that space for other items. If you live with kids or pets, you’ll want to add a child lock to the cabinet door to prevent them from getting into these potentially hazardous products.
Hooks: Hooks – whether they are Command Hooks or more traditional hooks that are screwed in – can be very helpful in organizing supplies. Add them to the back of cabinet doors to hang gloves, cleaning cloths, and brushes. This is especially great for after cleaning when hanging items that may be wet will help them dry and not get moldy or musty. Hooks are also great for organizing brooms, mops, dust pans, and other similar tools. Use the back of a closet door or attach them to the wall. Getting these items up off the floor helps prevent them from falling over, and it can reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and mold they collect.
Lazy Susans: Lazy Susans are popular in pantries, and they can work well in cleaning supplies organization as well. Instead of just dumping items on a shelf or in a cabinet, add a Lazy Susan to make finding what you need easier.
Shoe Organizer: Yes, the over-the-door shoe organizers are great for shoes, but they can also be used to hold many cleaning supplies sold in stores. Simply tuck the supplies in the pockets and hang on the back of a door. Along the same lines, sweater organizers used in clothes closets also fit paper towel rolls, towels and other linens, and baskets well.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County. Contact us today to get started building your new home.
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