Cleaning supplies

Cleaning supplies

People use a wide variety of cleaning supplies to care for and clean their homes.

Some common supplies are

• water
• soap
• bleach
• sponge, washcloths, rags or cleaning cloths
• duster and/or dusting spray
• trash bags or liners
• bucket

Some less common, but useful supplies are

• vinegar
• rubbing alcohol
• WD30 or similar oil based lubricant
• newspaper or butcher paper
• ladder
• ammonia
• hydrogen peroxide
• furniture polish

a variety of cleaning supplies in the store

Tools

• vacuum cleaner
• broom
• mop
• garbage or trash can

Protective materials

Then there are the items that protect the things that aren't being cleaned.

• tarp
• rubber gloves
• apron

General techniques

Testing

In many cases it's a good idea to test a particular cleaning technique or material on a small, less visible spot before using it more. For instance, you could test a cleaner on the back of a piece of furniture to make sure it doesn't remove the finish or change it in some way. Similarly, you can test a soap or cleaner on a piece of clothing on a part that won't be seen when it's worn, like the tail of a shirt that will be tucked in.

Safety

• Do not mix bleach and ammonia together. They can form a dangerous gas.

Related

• washing machine
• clothes dryer
• dishwasher
• sink

See the categories for cleaning and cleaning tips.