The Secret of a Well-Stocked Cleaning Caddy

I’d be lost without my grab and go cleaning caddy. Everything is right there, all together, for me to grab and get things done. What consists of a well-stocked cleaning caddy? Let me show you mine.

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Why Have a Cleaning Caddy?

I see so many people who just store their cleaning supplies willy-nilly. Some under the kitchen sink, some in the bathroom, some in a hall closet. It’s unorganized and haphazard at best. They get sidetracked during cleaning by having to stop and find a cleaning supply.

How Organizing Your Supplies Will Save You Time

Having a well-stocked cleaning caddy keeps all of your essentials close at hand at all times. It streamlines your process so it will take you less time to clean your home from start to finish.

How Keeping Your Supplies at Hand Will Save You Money

Ever go looking for a cleaning supply, find one, and then start cleaning only to come across another bottle that you forgot you had? Knowing what supplies you have on-hand at all times will keep you from wasting money on supplies you already own.

How To Set Up Your Cleaning Caddy

Setting up your cleaning caddy is based on your personal preferences on what you use to clean your home. You may stock it with commercial cleaners, or with homemade cleaners.

This is a judgement free zone, so no one is going to tell you which way is better. Some things I purchase, others I make myself. It’s all personal preference on what you thinks works best while you are cleaning your home.

Choose Your Cleaners

What cleaners do you use? Take stock of each room and what it requires to clean it. Make a list of each room and what you use. Most times, the kitchen and the bathroom use the most. Living spaces typically just require a duster.

My list looks like this:
Kitchen & Bath: all-purpose cleaner, abrasive powder, disinfectant, toilet cleaner, window cleaner
Living Spaces (bedrooms, family room, home office): dusting spray, carpet deodorizing powder

If you use a disposable floor cleaning system, then the cloths for that will also be on your list. Anything that you use should be noted.

Choose Your Tools

What tools you use to clean with can be just as important as your cleaners. I choose microfiber towels for most jobs. But even an old cut up t-shirt can work to get rid of dirt.

For dusting, a Swiffer duster works just as well as a feather duster. Your tools are just up to your own personal cleaning style.

If you have a lot of hardwood or uncarpeted areas in your home, maybe investing in an EyeVac would be your best option. Maybe you have pets and need a vacuum that can deal with their hair, in which case I would recommend the Shark Self-Cleaning Brushroll vacuum.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you have all of your tools in one spot so that they are easy to grab as you clean your home.

Do I Need a Cleaning Cabinet?

I would recommend having one, but even just a spot where everything can be all together would be best. I do not have a cleaning cabinet per se, but all of my tools are stored in a cabinet in the kitchen. Using a hanging closet organizer and boxes in it to store my cleaning caddy plus all of my extras keeps me more organized.

My extra microfiber cloths, my Swiffer pads, and all of my larger cleaners are stored within these boxes for convenience. I love knowing that everything is not only close at hand but seeing what needs to be added to the shopping list.

How to Set Up Your Cleaning Caddy

First, choose what kind of caddy you want to use. The size depends on how many supplies you will need to have in it. I recommend choosing your caddy size after you inventory what supplies you will keep in it.

This caddy is great for those who use only a few basic cleaners, and this one is what I would recommend for larger supply lists. Which you choose is totally up to you and what will function best for your needs.

Next, place all of your cleansers into your caddy. If you use a Swiffer mop, take a few from the larger container and place them in a freezer bag (or similar). This keeps them close at hand, but saves you space in the caddy for other tools. Do the same with paper towels if you need them to clean mirrors or windows. The entire roll takes up too much room, so having a folded stack will keep them with you, but reduce the bulkiness.

Using Your Cleaning Caddy

Now that your well-stocked cleaning caddy is all set up with the essentials, you can grab it any time to get your whole house clean. You will have all the tools you need close at hand in every room so that you save time during the process. Simplifying your routine makes things so much quicker!

Restock your supplies as needed. I recommend doing this after you use your caddy and before putting it back in its home. That way the next time you need to clean something it’s all ready to grab and go.

Need More Help Cleaning?

I have set up cleaning cards to add to your caddy to make sure that you are getting each room completely clean. Not only are these great reminders for you, but they’re wonderful gifts for students just getting out on their own, or for teaching tools for your little ones. Every task is set out for them to learn how to clean each room to the best of their ability.

Get them for HALF OFF for a limited time! Just click the image below!