Basic Cleaning Tools

There are lots of cleaning tools available, but which ones do you really need and which ones really work?  Here is what we have in our cleaning caddy:

1. Green scrubbing pads like these.  You can use the generic or name brand.  I use these for all of my scrubbing: showers, tubs, sinks, stove tops, microwaves, etc.  These are great b/c they really get the scum off without too much effort.  When your done, just toss them in with your laundry and you can reuse them.

2.  Stainless Steel scrubbies like these.  Use these on non-scratch surfaces.  I use them for ovens, stoves, and glass showers. 

3. Toilet brush:  there are all types and sizes of toilet brushes.  Find the one that fits your toilet.

4. Pumice Stone or lava rock:  great for getting off those nasty hard water rings in your toilet bowl.  Look in the beauty section of the grocery or discount store to find one.

5. Microfiber cloth- great for dusting and also mopping floors, washing walls, etc.

6. Cobweb duster with extension pole.  These are necessary especially if you have high ceilings.  You can use this to also clean fans, ducts, light fixtures, etc. 

7. A good mop- if you have a lot of hard surface floors.  If you don't then I would suggest hand mopping.  I love the Butler Cham Mop because you can remove the head and wash it.  I have tried lots of mops out and this one is by far my favorite.  You can purchase it at Fred Meyer.

8. Bucket- for cleaning.

9. A caddy to organize all your cleaning supplies.

10.  If you have young kiddos:  I also recommend keeping some Goo-Gone and Mr. Clean  Magic Eraser on hand for any kid related disaster clean ups (gum, paint, crayon, stickers, etc)