In preparation for the Spring Clean Sweep, I updated my cleaning supplies. I knew there was a problem when I went to pull out my cleaning “tool kit” and the bucket itself needed to be scrubbed and overhauled! I mostly used what I had and then bought a few extras. Here are my secret weapons in the war on grime:
I once learned from a cleaning guru that you should keep all your cleaning supplies together in a handled bucket to make zipping from one room to the next easier. Works for me! Aside from the handled bucket, I also use:
1. Mrs. Meyers concentrate and spray bottle (filled with Mrs. Meyers, diluted– the large Mrs. Meyers has now lasted 3+ years and it’s only half gone!)
2. Vinegar cleaning solution
3. Windex
4. Pledge
5. rags and paper towels (I use mostly rags, but the paper towels do come in handy…)
6. Magic Eraser
7. gentle scrubbing sponge
8. rubber gloves
9. microfiber mitt
10. serious scrubber
11. trash bags (I usually use large plastic shopping bags for trash, but use these in a pinch– and I do mean a pinch, I’ve had this box for years)
My friend “baking soda” is missing from the photo. I hope she’ll forgive me. I use her for everything from cleaning grout to scrubbing my sinks.
I love Mrs. Meyers products. They are eco-friendly, smell fantastic, and considering a whole bottle of the all-purpose cleaner has lasted over 3 years {with half still in it} they are cheap as well!
As for floors, I must admit I still use a Swiffer. I tried using the Rubbermaid mop
because you can use your own cleaning solution and wash the cleaning pad. SO much more eco-friendly, but it wasn’t as easy to dispense the cleaning solution as the Swiffer. Any other great floor cleaning tools to share?
I also added a few organizational goodies (not in the photo), very handy to have when you want to quickly label something for jot down a note:
labeler
post-its
pen and marker
used plastic grocery bags
rubber bands
If you want to expand your “green” cleaning tools, my friend Jenny will be blogging about it here in a few days. Can’t wait to hear about some environmentally friendly {and cheap– BONUS!} ways to clean.
PoetessWug says
Ooooo! You’re so exciting to….clean. :-/ I’d do it, but I wouldn’t be excited about it!!!….I’m cheating. I’m paying someone else to do it for me! ^_^
Tim says
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bluecottonmemory says
I need to check out magic eraser – don’t know what it does – but with all my boys, it sounds like I need it:)
donnamarie says
How about adding an old toothbrush and a narrow plastic paint scraper to your tools? The scraper helps you clean up the stove or any counter build-up or smuushed raisings off of the floor! It is a great way to clean away most of the gunk so you use less elbow-grease! You can use both tools in small spaces like around fixtures to clean them. I sometimes put a cleaning rag around the scraper to get into the hard to reach places…
HTH!
Drama queens mum (Kimberly) says
Hi. I just did a post on my blog about the Spring clean sweep. I posted the info & your button to your blog. Can’t wait till Monday.
Robin says
I still use our swiffer– just knot an old towel or tshirt around the head instead of using disposable pads, ans spray solution directly onto the floor rather than buy the swiffer ones.
Dayngr | Dayngrous Discourse says
We’ve got one of those SHARK steam mops. It works great, no solutions needed, just water (which becomes steam) and the pads are washable. Plus and plus!
LocalFunForKids says
Sounds like a plan… I am ready to clean!
Eva Gallant says
I wish you were tackling my house and closets! Thanks for stopping by Wrestling with Retirement.
Tulip and Turnip says
Found you on CG….great list of supplies! 🙂