I Changed How I Organize my Cleaning Supplies and I’m Not Sorry

Ever realized you had a few minutes available to get some cleaning done, then spent it all looking for your vacuum or favorite cleaning spray? Been there, done that. So, I’ve changed how I organize cleaning supplies to make it easier on myself.

The first thing I did was empty my cleaning closet which, to be honest, had started to double as a storage closet for things I didn’t feel like carrying down to the basement at the time. What can I say? The older I get, the less my knees like those stairs.

Out With the Trash

Once I emptied that closet, I realized I’d been collecting a lot more stuff than I realized. So, out went the trash, the products I didn’t like or couldn’t stand the smell of, a broken spray bottle, and the ridiculously heavy and ineffective battery-operated scrubber I bought after watching someone’s Reel.

Then, it was time to make things easier on myself. So, I decided to keep a few supplies in the cleaning closet, and the rest went where I’d need them.

The Bathroom Stash

Tidying up in the bathroom is a habit of mine. After showering, the steam makes it so easy to wipe grime off the counters and other surfaces, so I grab a microfiber cloth from under the sink and do it.

With the supplies easy to grab, I’ve found myself tackling other messes as soon as they happen, too. Here’s what I stash under the sink to make that easy:

• Rubber gloves (because ew!)
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Homemade disinfectant spray
• Old toothbrush for grout
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Toilet brush
• Glass cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes for touch-ups

The Kitchen Caddy

Frequent kitchen touchups are part of my life. I do them in the morning as part of my daily cleaning routine, and again with the nightly shutdown. To make that easy, I’ve got a caddy under the kitchen sink so I can grab what I need.

• Rubber dish gloves
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Bottle of soapy water
• Homemade Soft Scrub for the sink and stovetop spills
• Plus, of course, the kitchen already has vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and olive oil for cleaning

The Cleaning Closet Cache

I now think of my cleaning closet as my go-to spot for stain treatments, spare supplies, and anything I need to clean the floor.

• Lint-free white rags for stain removal
• Ingredients for homemade cleaners: white distilled vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, Castile soap or liquid dish detergent, baking soda, Borax, washing soda, essential oils
• Vacuum
• Spray mop full of homemade floor cleaner
• Carpet shampooer

Obviously, your cleaning closet might be different, but the idea is to have one central place for the stuff you use throughout the house. Then keep cleaning caddies in the kitchen and bathrooms to make quick cleaning easy.

I’ll let you in on another little secret: I keep a clean microfiber cloth in the drawer of my nightstand so I can dust my room quickly. There’s another under the sofa cushion in the living room so I can wipe the table if someone unexpectedly knocks on the door. Not that I’d answer, mind you, but it’s nice knowing it’s there.