Does this sound familiar? You’re in the middle of a cleaning spree, finally getting around to the mountain of chores you’ve been putting off when BAM—you realize you’re out of something essential.
Maybe it’s an all-purpose cleaner for the sticky counters or your favorite scrub brush for the bathtub grime.
It’s frustrating, right? I’ve been there way too many times, and it always feels like the mess wins.
As a mom, I just want to have everything I need on hand so I can tackle cleaning the house without the extra stress.
That’s why I put together this list of 30+ must-have cleaning supplies. It’s everything you need to keep your house clean and messes under control without making those last-minute store runs.
Simple Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Cleaning Supply List
- Keep Your Cleaning Supply List Handy: Save your list on your phone or print it out so you always know what to restock before you run out.
- Group Supplies by Room: Organize your cleaning supply list by areas of the house, like kitchen, bathroom, and living room, for easy access during cleanups.
- Stock Up on Multipurpose Items: Focus on items from your cleaning supply list that work for multiple surfaces to save time, space, and money.
- Use a Caddy: Store your essentials in a portable cleaning caddy to carry items from your cleaning supply list from room to room with ease.
More cleaning lists you’ll love!
Are you looking for more ways to stay on top of your cleaning routine? Check out these helpful resources to go along with your cleaning supply list!
Grab a handy Cleaning Checklist Template to keep track of your tasks, or dive into the Bedroom Cleaning Checklist for a fresh and tidy space.
Use these lists with your cleaning supply list, and you’ll be ready to tackle any mess with ease!
Best Cleaning Supply List to Tackle Any Mess: 30+ Must-Have Items
This cleaning supply list is your go-to guide for staying prepared and keeping messes under control. I’ve divided it into two easy sections—cleaning products and cleaning tools—so you can quickly find what you need. Whether it’s a quick touch-up or a full house scrub-down, this cleaning supply list has everything to make cleaning easier.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
I always keep this on hand because it can be used for cleaning just about anything around the house. I grab it for counters, cabinets, spills on the floor—you name it.
It’s perfect when I don’t have time to think about which cleaner I want to use.
Make sure to pick one that’s safe for multiple surfaces so you don’t have to worry about damaging anything.
2. Glass Cleaner
A good glass cleaner can handle it all – you know, things like those fingerprints, smudges, and random streaks that magically appear.
I keep one in the bathroom for mirrors and another in the kitchen for windows because, let’s face it, the kids love leaving their handprints on the windows.
Look for a formula that’s ammonia-free if you’re cleaning tinted glass or delicate surfaces.
3. Disinfectant Spray
A good disinfectant spray is a total must for keeping things fresh and clean. I use it on everything: the air, door handles, the kids’ backpacks, even the couch after a sick day.
It’s such an easy way to keep the house smelling fresh and fight off all the germs the kids bring home.
Plus, it’s great for those “oops, the house smells weird” moments when someone’s about to stop by.
4. Bathroom Cleaner
Bathroom cleaner is my go-to for keeping the sinks, tub, and shower looking clean and fresh.
I love one that tackles soap scum and hard water stains because, let’s face it, those can get gross fast.
It’s also great for quick touch-ups when I don’t have time for a deep clean but still want everything to sparkle.
Some cleaners even have a built-in disinfectant, which is perfect for high-touch areas like the faucet.
5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Cleaning the toilet isn’t anyone’s favorite job. But it is one of those things that has to be done. So why not make it easier for yourself?
I use a cleaner that clings to the sides of the bowl so it can do its thing while I clean the rest of the bathroom. It makes scrubbing quicker and way less gross.
Some even come with built-in bleach or fresh scents, which is a bonus for keeping things smelling good.
6. Kitchen Degreaser
If you cook at all, you need a good kitchen degreaser—there’s no way around it.
I use it on the stovetop, backsplash, cabinets, and even the microwave after big cooking days. It cuts through grease fast, which means less scrubbing for me (thank goodness).
I’ve even used it on baking sheets that have seen better days, and it worked like magic. Just make sure it’s safe for your specific surfaces, like stainless steel or stone.
7. Dish Soap
Dish soap isn’t just for dishes in my house. I use it to soak sticky pans, wash toys, and even pre-treat greasy stains on clothes.
It’s gentle enough for my hands but tough on grease, which is exactly what I need. I love finding one with a scent that makes doing dishes a little less miserable.
Pro tip: You can even mix it with water to create a DIY all-purpose cleaner in a pinch.
8. Laundry Detergent
Laundry never ends, so a good detergent is a must. I look for one that’s tough on stains but gentle on skin since my kids have sensitive skin.
It’s amazing when you find a detergent that smells fresh without being overpowering—there’s something so satisfying about folding clean, fresh-smelling clothes.
Some even have built-in stain fighters, which saves me an extra step. It’s a little thing, but it makes laundry day feel a tiny bit easier.
9. Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
Fabric softener makes laundry smell amazing and keeps everything feeling soft, which is a win-win.
Plus, it helps reduce static, so I’m not constantly peeling socks off the kids’ pajamas.
I also love putting a dryer sheet in my drawers to keep clothes fresh between washes.
Another place I like to put dryer sheets is under the seat of the car. It helps keep the car smelling fresh!
10. Stain Remover Spray
Stain remover spray is a must-have in our house. I keep a bottle in the laundry room and spray it on everything from ketchup stains to grass stains before tossing the clothes in the wash.
Letting it sit for a few minutes really makes a difference, especially with tougher stains. I love that it works on everything from my girl’s favorite dresses to my husband’s favorite work-out shirt.
It’s like a little insurance policy for your favorite clothes.
11. Furniture Polish
Furniture polish is a great way to bring life back to your wood furniture. I use it on the dining table, coffee table, and even our wooden picture frames.
It leaves everything looking shiny and new while also adding a protective layer against dust and fingerprints.
Some polishes even have a subtle scent, which makes the whole room feel refreshed. It’s an easy way to make the house feel a little more put together.
12. Wood Floor Cleaner
Wood floors can take a beating with kids and pets, but a good cleaner keeps them looking fresh. I use it weekly to keep the shine and protect against wear and tear.
I use one that cleans without leaving any sticky or slippery residue—it makes such a difference. It’s perfect for getting rid of scuffs and making the floors shine again.
Plus, some cleaners help protect against future wear and tear, which is a win in my book. It’s a quick way to make the house feel cleaner without too much effort.
13. Tile and Grout Cleaner
I break this out when the bathroom floor starts looking a little questionable. It’s great for scrubbing grout and making tiles look like new.
Some cleaners even have a little something extra for whitening, which is perfect for stubborn grout lines. I also use it in the kitchen on the backsplash and floor tiles—it makes a big difference.
It’s definitely one of those products that I keep in my cleaning stash.
14. Carpet Stain Remover
Spills are just part of life, and a good carpet stain remover has saved me so many headaches.
I love that it works on everything from coffee to crayon marks. Just spray, blot, and repeat if needed—it’s quick and easy.
Make sure to test it in a small area first if you’re worried about discoloration.
Some formulas even help prevent future stains, which is a huge plus. It’s one of those things I always keep on hand because you never know when spills will happen.
15. Bleach
Bleach isn’t something I use every day, but when I do, it’s for stubborn stains and cleaning jobs.
I use it for whitening towels, disinfecting the sink, and even deep cleaning the bathroom.
It’s amazing for tough jobs, but you have to be careful and dilute it properly. A little goes a long way, which makes it super cost-effective.
It’s great for getting whites bright again when they start to look dingy.
16. Vinegar
Vinegar is like the ultimate budget-friendly cleaning hack. I use it for wiping down counters, cleaning windows, and even freshening up the dishwasher.
It’s all-natural and safe for most surfaces, which is a huge plus. You can mix it with baking soda for a super-effective scrub that works on sinks and stubborn stains.
It’s cheap, easy, and one of those things I always have on hand.
17. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a cleaning staple in my house. I sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming, use it to scrub sinks, and even toss some in the trash can to fight odors.
It’s gentle but super effective, which is why it works for so many different things. It’s also great for tackling stubborn stains when you pair it with a little vinegar.
Honestly, it’s a cleaning hack every mom should know about.
18. Air Freshener or Odor Eliminator
Air fresheners are a quick and easy way to make the house smell fresh, especially when life gets messy.
I keep one in the bathroom, the kids’ rooms, and even the car for those funky smells that pop up out of nowhere.
Some work like fabric refreshers, too, which is great for curtains or upholstery. It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference.
A good scent can totally change the vibe of the house.
19. Drain Cleaner
Slow drains drive me up the wall, but a good drain cleaner works like magic to fix them fast.
I use it in the kitchen sink and bathroom drains whenever things start to back up or drain slowly.
A gel formula is my favorite because it clings to the clog, breaking it down faster and more effectively.
It’s such a relief to see the water finally flowing freely again, like the sink is brand new.
Keeping a bottle on hand helps you avoid bigger plumbing headaches down the road.
20. Cleaning Wipes
Cleaning wipes are my secret weapon for quick cleanups. I stash them everywhere—in the kitchen, bathroom, car, and even my purse.
They’re perfect for wiping down sticky counters, messy high chairs, or even the kids’ hands in a pinch.
Some are designed for specific surfaces, like stainless steel or glass, which makes cleaning even easier.
21. Goo Gone
Sticky messes don’t stand a chance with Goo Gone. I’ve used it for everything from removing stickers to cleaning up crafting glue, and it even saved me when gum got stuck in the carpet.
It’s amazing how easily it works without damaging surfaces, which is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with delicate materials.
I also use it for cleaning off stubborn labels on jars and containers—it’s great for upcycling.
If you’ve got kids or love DIY projects, this is one of those products you’ll wonder how you lived without.
22. Magic Eraser
Whoever invented the Magic Eraser deserves a medal. I’ve used them to get crayons off the walls, scuffs off shoes, and even mystery marks off the fridge door.
Just add water and start scrubbing—it’s so simple.
They’re great for those little “uh-oh” moments that happen daily with kids. I always keep a few in my cleaning stash because you never know when you’ll need one.
23. Organizer Caddy
Keeping all my cleaning supplies in one place has been a game-changer. I load up my caddy with everything I need—cleaners, cleaning cloths, brushes—and take it from room to room.
It’s so much faster than running back and forth trying to find what I need. Look for a caddy with compartments so everything stays organized and easy to grab.
24. Broom and Dustpan
If your house is anything like mine, crumbs are basically a constant thing. I keep a trusty broom and dustpan right in the kitchen because it’s easier than running to grab the vacuum every five minutes.
I love the kind with the long-handled dustpan—no more bending over a hundred times a day!
A good broom with firm bristles can handle everything from crumbs to pet fur without pushing it around.
25. Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is an absolute must, especially when you’ve got kids or pets. Mine gets a workout pretty much daily between the floors, the rugs, and that one mystery crumb trail the kids leave behind.
The attachments are a total lifesaver for the stairs and corners I usually ignore until it’s too late.
I also look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens, especially during allergy season.
26. Mop
I love using a mop with a microfiber head because it grabs the dirt and dries so fast!
The one I use also has a bucket with a wringer, which is a total game-changer—no more soaking wet floors or getting my hands dirty wringing out the mop.
The wringer makes mopping so much easier and quicker and way less messy, which I’m all about.
A spray mop can also be a great alternative for quick touch-ups between deep cleans.
27. Bucket
A good bucket is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you have it.
Mine is perfect for mopping, soaking toys, or even hauling supplies from room to room.
I’ve been known to use it as a toy bin in a pinch when I need to do a quick cleanup before guests arrive.
Make sure to grab one with a sturdy handle and a pouring spout to avoid messy spills. I also get the rectangle size so more stuff can fit into it- he round just doesn’t cut it for me!
28. Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are one of my favorite cleaning tools!
I keep a little stack of microfiber cloths in a drawer because I use them constantly—for dusting, wiping down the counters, or cleaning up after the kids.
They’re so much better than paper towels, and I love that I can just toss them in the wash and reuse them.
They’re also great for cleaning windows and mirrors because they don’t leave streaks or lint behind.
29. Sponges
I don’t know what I’d do without a good sponge. I use softer ones for dishes and scrubbier ones for the messes that mysteriously harden overnight on the kitchen table.
I even have a little stash of colored ones so I can keep the kitchen sponge separate from the one for the bathroom (because, ew).
Look for sponges with an anti-bacterial coating to keep them fresher for longer.
30. Scrub Brushes
Scrub brushes are my go-to for really tough jobs, like the bathtub or that sticky patch on the kitchen floor.
I even have a smaller one just for scrubbing out the kids’ muddy shoes—they somehow manage to find every puddle and dirt pile.
A brush with a comfortable grip makes a huge difference when you’re tackling tough grime because no one wants sore hands after cleaning.
I also keep a designated scrub brush for the grout in the bathroom—it works wonders for getting into those tight spaces.
31. Toilet Brush
Every bathroom in our house has its own toilet brush because let’s be real—cleaning the toilet is bad enough without having to carry the brush from bathroom to bathroom (especially after you have used it already).
I like the ones that come with a little holder to keep it out of sight but are easy to grab when it’s time to tackle the bowl.
For deep cleaning, some brushes even come with extra bristles to scrub under the rim.
32. Feather Duster or Extendable Duster
I used to ignore things like ceiling fans and light fixtures until I got an extendable duster.
Now, I can reach those spots without risking a fall by standing on a chair or ladder.
Plus, it’s kind of satisfying to see all the dust disappear in one swipe.
Many dusters have washable heads, which makes them last longer and keeps them effective.
33. Squeegee
A squeegee is one of those tools you didn’t know you needed until you start using it.
I keep one in the bathroom for quick wipes on the shower doors—it keeps the glass looking spotless and prevents water spots from forming.
It’s also handy for cleaning windows and mirrors when I’m in a cleaning groove.
If you have larger messes, you can even get a squeegee broom, which works great on floors, especially for cleaning up water spills or pet messes and hair.
34. Rubber Gloves
I don’t know about you, but I’m not about to stick my hands in gross water or mess with harsh cleaners without some good rubber gloves.
I keep a pair under the sink and another in the laundry room because I never know when I’ll need them.
They also help keep my hands from getting all dry and cracked after washing a mountain of dishes or scrubbing stubborn messes.
I also use them when I’m dealing with really hot water, like when I’m deep cleaning the sink or tackling a greasy pan.
They’re great for cleaning up pet accidents, too—it’s nice to have that protection for the not-so-fun tasks.
35. Carpet Spot Cleaner
With kids around, spills happen—like, a lot. I use a carpet spot cleaner for those “oops” moments, whether it’s juice, spaghetti sauce, or muddy shoes.
It’s small, easy to use, and saves me from dragging out the big carpet cleaner. Make sure to use a cleaner that works with your carpet’s fabric type to avoid discoloration.
I also love how portable it is—perfect for cleaning up quick messes without making a huge production out of it.
Plus, it’s great for those moments when you find a dried-up stain you didn’t notice right away.
Final Thoughts
With this cleaning supply list, you’ll have everything you need to handle messes without the stress.
No more last-minute store runs or digging around for that one thing you need.
Keep this cleaning supply list handy and stock up on your favorite cleaning supplies so you’ll be ready for whatever cleaning task comes your way.
GREAT JOB!!! Thank you for the AWSOME list 🤗
So glad you found it helpful!