Filed under Apartment Cleaning on February 14th, 2008:
Household Cleaning Tools: Part 2
Along with a vacuum cleaner, you’ll need several more items to complete your household cleaning tool kit.
General Apartment Cleaning Tools
15 Must Have Apartment Cleaning Tools
- Terrycloth mop: This is a flat-headed mop with washable terry cloth covers that fit over the mop’s head. This is the most versatile mop on the market, good for all indoor surfaces. Buy one mop (Range from $10-15) and a few covers ($5 each).
- Dust mop: A flat-headed mop with dry-wipe covers. The most popular brand is the Swifter. Cost is about $10.
- Rags: Cotton rags are the best and safest tools for cleaning most surfaces. They’re also reusable and washable, and they won’t tear. Unfolded cloth diapers, bulk washcloths, and kitchen towels also make great cleaning rags.
- Scrubbing pad: A scrubbing pad provides more heavy-duty scrubbing power than a rag. Look for white nylon pads, which won’t scratch or mar surfaces. Cost is about $2-5.
- Scrub brush with handle: Get one brush for scrubbing tiled walls, bathtubs, and deep sinks, and another for scrubbing dishes. Cost is about $5.
- Old toothbrush: There’s no better tool than an old toothbrush for cleaning small spaces such as curves and crevices of sink handles and faucets.
- Dusting cloths: Use pure cotton towels or napkins as dusting cloths, and always keep them dry and clean. Don’t mix your dusting cloths with your rags.
- Feather Duster: Use for dusting delicate objects. Ostrich feather dusters are the best and aren’t expensive at all. Cost is about $15.
- Lambswool duster: Great for dusting large surfaces, such as tabletops and walls. Look for one on an extendable or long pole. Cost is about $2-4.
- Dry cleaning sponge: A treated rubber sponge that cleans dirt, dust, pet fur, and soot without water. Never wet a dry cleaning sponge. Cost is about $2-4.
- Putty Knife: A putty knife is used to gently scrape away gunk that’s dried on a countertop or other surface. Cost is about $5
- Rubber gloves: Wear rubber gloves whenever you use hot water or cleaning solutions. Cost is about $2-5.
- Squeegee: Used to clean windows and other glass surfaces (usually outdoors). Twelve to fourteen inch blades are the best size for most home windows. Cost is about $10.
- Cleaning caddy: A plastic box with a carrying handle and compartments for holding necessary cleaning gear. If you don’t want to get a caddy, you can make do with a plastic bucket. Cost is about $10-25.
- Apron: An apron holds cleaning supplies and protects your clothing while you work. Look for an apron with plenty of pockets and loops to hold supplies and spray bottles. Cost is about $20-30.
Be sure to check out some more excellent spring cleaning tips, tools, checklist, and more.