Must-have Cleaning Products for Your Apartment

Cleaning your apartment is an essential part of apartment living, but it’s not necessarily fun. You can make the task easier, though, with the right cleaning products and tools. While you’re stocking your apartment, pick up these must-have cleaning products.
Supplies

Below is a list of basic supplies that everyone needs in their cleaning cupboard. Keep in mind that there are many brands on the market, so shop around for the cleaning features you want. If you want the whitest bathtub ever, then go for products with bleach. If you prefer to go green, look for eco-friendly products. Also, choose scents that you like and packaging that you prefer — whatever it takes to make cleaning more fun for you. If you like to “do-it-yourself,” you can also make your own non-toxic cleansers from basic items found at the grocery store. Whether you are buying cleaning supplies off the shelf or concocting your own recipes, here are the main items you’ll need:

•All-purpose cleaner for sinks, countertops and stovetops

•Window & glass cleaner for mirrors, windows and glass furniture

•Dishwashing liquid

•Dishwasher soap

•Mopping solution

•Oven cleaner for ovens that aren’t self-cleaning

•Abrasive cleanser for bathtubs and sinks

•Toilet bowl cleanser

•Laundry detergent

•Wood polish

•Upholstery/carpet spot remover

•Air freshener

Tools

Now that you have a list of apartment cleaning supplies to buy, you’re also going to need some tools to scrub and scour with. There are a wide variety of choices on the market, from old-school sponges to new microfiber magic. Look for online recommendations, ask friends what cleaning tools they love or just hit the stores and pick the items that fit your budget and suit your style. Fill your shopping cart with these handy helpers:

•Sponges

•Scrub brushes

•Paper towels

•Soft cleaning cloths

•Toilet bowl brush

•Rubber gloves

•Microfiber or feather duster

•Broom

•Dustpan

•Microfiber dust mop

•Wet mop

•Mop bucket

•Vacuum cleaner & vacuum cleaner bags

Storage

Don’t forget that you’re going to need a place to store your super stash of apartment cleaning supplies. Bottles of cleanser and small tools can be tucked into a special cleaning supply caddy that is easy to carry from room to room when you are cleaning your apartment. You can store the caddy under the kitchen sink, or in the pantry or utility room after your chores are done. You may also want to put a container near your kitchen sink for wet sponges and scrub brushes. Mops typically are stored in their mop bucket. Brooms and floor dusters can be mounted on the wall or corralled together in a small trashcan.

Prepare yourself with a helpful set of cleaning tools and supplies, and you’ll be more likely to keep your apartment clean. As any mom will tell you, staying on top of your chores is half the battle of clean living.