This article is a listing of my favorite cleaning tools and cleaners that are my Go-To's in my own home and vehicle. Hopefully it can spark some ideas for you, as well.
Equipment:
I use essential oils to give my cleaners a clean, fresh fragrance. One of my all-time favorites that I tend to use the most is: geranium/lemon/begamot. This combination is so lovely. You will need to find your own personal combination that works for you. Another lovely one is orange/clove or lemon/orange. Good luck!
Because I use essential oils in my cleaners, I use Sally's Organics Empty Clear Glass Spray Bottles - 16oz. They are sturdy and don't leak or drip and I haven't had to replace any of them.
Microfiber cloths
bar mop towels
Windows and Glass:
My all time favorite window and glass cleaner is a homemade recipe. I use microfiber cloths for windows.
Glass/Window Recipe: Place & mix in spray bottle
1 1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tbsp vinegar (white)
1 1/2 tbsp rubbing alcohol
3 drops essential oils
Kitchen -
All Purpose: Place & mix in spray bottle
1 1/4 c water
1/2 cup white vinegar
10 drops essential oils
Disinfecting: Place & mix in spray bottle
1 1/4 c water
1/4 c white vinegar
1/4 c rubbing alcohol
15 drops essential oils
Sink Scrub: Place & mix in shaker top jar
2 cups baking soda
20 drops essential oils
Wet sink and then sprinkle generously over the entire sink. You can add a couple drops of dish soap (blue Dawn is great for this) and then scrub your sink and then rinse thoroughly.
Marble & Granite Cleaner: Place & mix in spray bottle
3 tbsp rubbing alcohol
1 1/2 c water
1 tsp blue Dawn Dish soap
Stainless Steel Cleaner: Place in spray bottle
White vinegar and a microfiber Cloth
You can add essential oil to cut the vinegar smell. But the vinegar smell dissipates fairly rapidly.
Garbage Disposal Cleaner: Mix in small bowl
Bathroom:
Toilet: Vanisol is my ALL TIME favorite and Lysol is my 2nd favorite.
Shower/Tub: Daily Shower Cleaner: Place & mix in spray bottle
1/2 c white vinegar
1 cup water
10 drops essential oils
Basin/sink: Granite Cleaner (above in kitchen)
Mold/Mildew Remover: Place & mix in spray bottle
1 cup water
1/2 cup hydrogen Peroxide
20 drops tea tree oil (melaleuca). (Tea Tree oil has properties in it to help remove/kill mold and mildew)
Dusting:
Wood: Microfiber cloth weekly. Pledge monthly
Electronics: Microfiber cloth weekly. Pledge Multisurface monthly
Scratches in Wood: Furniture Markers
TV/Computer Screens: Slightly dampened microfiber cloth
Flooring:
Laminate Wood floor: Mix equal parts water, rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Use with a refillable mop or a spray bottle. Dries quickly, perfect for laminate flooring
All Purpose floor cleaner (everything BUT laminate)
2-3 tsp blue Dawn Dish detergent
1 gallon warm water (use distilled if you have hardwater)
2-3 drops essential oils
Other tools/Equipment:
I use a Brother label maker for all of my spray bottles and labeling needs.
My favorite vacuum is a Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, Red (NV501).
My favorite handheld vacuum is a BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum, 20-volt vacuum.
My favorite broom is: O-Cedar Dual-Action Angler Broom and dustpan.
My favorite microfiber Wet/dry mop is: Scotch-Brite - Floor Mop, Microfibers - Hardwood Floors Item #: 457804 | Model #: MMMM005
Make it a great one!