34 Essential Cleaning Products Every Home Needs

Can you tackle any mess that comes your way? Whether you’re moving to a new home, prepping for your first apartment, or just taking inventory of your on-hand supplies, these essential cleaning products are a must-have for taking on stains, spills, dirt, grime, grease, and more.

Having the right tools is a necessity for keeping your home clean—and for making the job as easy as it can possibly be. (Something you know all too well if you’ve ever tried to clean up a mess without having the right cleaning products.) And while there’s no one magical tool that can do it all, these essentials will ensure that when messes do happen (and they always do) you’ll be covered.

With all that in mind, here are the 34 essential cleaning products you should always keep in your home.

General Cleaning Tools

The right tools can make all the difference, both in terms of utility and convenience. If you’re stocking up on essential cleaning products for the first time, it’s okay to purchase cheaper versions of some of the pricier tools on this list and then upgrade as you can.

Vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner is a definite must-have, even if you don’t have carpeted floors. Don’t have the space or budget for an upright option? Purchase a handheld, also known as a dustbuster, which is great for vacuuming problem areas like baseboards, couches, and errant pet fur anywhere it ends up.

Microfiber cloths. Microfiber cloths are gentle enough to clean all surfaces without leaving behind scratches, including stainless steel and glass. Buy a few, and toss them in the wash with your towels on a regular basis to keep them clean.

Bucket. You might not need a bucket every time you clean, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it. When not using it for another purpose, utilize it as a caddy for storing your cleaning supplies and carrying them from room to room.

Broom and dustpan. Any broom and dustpan will work wonders when it comes to taking care of dust, fur, dirt, and anything else that ends up on flooring that isn’t carpet. Similar to a vacuum cleaner, you can buy a small handheld option for tight spaces that offers the same capabilities with just a little bit more work required.

Flat mop. A flat mop, or dust mop, is a good alternative to the standard and unruly mops that a lot of people are used to. And if you don’t like the ideas of tossing pre-purchased mop pads after each use, it’s super simple to make your own.

Rubber gloves. A good set of thick rubber gloves is cheap to buy and a necessity for protecting your hands from cleaning chemicals and whatever grime you’re coming up against. As a bonus, they last a lot longer (and provide a lot more protection) than latex or nitrile gloves. And while you’re at it, pick up another pair too to keep in the kitchen for protecting your hands from hot water when you’re washing dishes.

Squeegee. Keep a squeegee in your shower to cut down on soap scum build up the tile, which will save you lots of time later on. Many come with suction attachments so you can attach them right to the wall and use them as needed.

Toilet brush and holder. A bristled toilet brush will help you get your toilet bowl sparkling clean with very minimal effort. There are one-use varieties, but for the sake of your wallet—and the environment—buy a reusable one and just replace it a couple of times a year or as needed.

Cleaning Solutions

Water just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to getting a good deep clean. For that, you’ll need the right cleaners, though it’s up to you whether you go with standard versions or natural varieties. We’ve included options from both types on the list so you can decide what you prefer for your home.

All-purpose cleaner. A great multi-surface, all-purpose cleaner is definitely one of the most essential cleaning products you can own. All-purpose cleaners are effective at taking care of grease, dirt, and stains, and most don’t require much more than a spray and a wipe.

Glass cleaner. Glass cleaner is specially formulated for glass surfaces like windows and tables so that you can get an effective clean without leaving behind streaks or smears.

Wood cleaner. Similar to glass cleaner, wood cleaner is a one-surface-specific cleaner that, in this case, is optimized for use on wood. This is important to have, since both all-purpose cleaning sprays and water can damage wood and varnish.

Antibacterial spray or wipes. Antibacterial cleaning products disinfect and sanitize to kill germs in your home. Use in addition to an all-purpose cleaner, especially in germ-heavy spaces like the kitchen and bathroom.

Tile cleaner with bleach. Soap scum, mold, mildew, and rust build-up are all par for the course in baths and showers. A tile cleaner with bleach can remove this type of unsightly grime, though be sure to put on your vent or open a window when you use it to protect yourself from the fumes.

Toilet bowl cleaner. A bleach-based toilet bowel cleaner makes getting a clean toilet a cinch. Get a clinging variety so it doesn’t just drip right into the water, and use along with your toilet brush to give the bowl a good scrub.

White vinegar. Vinegar is great at dissolving grease and removing dirt, and it even has some disinfectant properties (though not to the degree of a chemical-based antibacterial product, unfortunately). Keep it on hand for quick clean-ups when you don’t want to use a chemical cleaner, as well as for light disinfecting in between the use of hardier products.

Baking soda. Baking soda is a pro at absorbing and lifting odors. Keep an open container in the fridge, and use it as needed to take care of unpleasant aromas such as those coming from carpets or garbage disposals.

Other Essential Cleaning Products

The products above round-out the basics that you’ll need for a whole-home clean, but what about specifics for certain tasks? Here are a few more essential cleaning products to pick up at the store.

For the kitchen…

• • Sponges and/or sponge brush
  • Dish soap
  • Steel wool or other abrasive scrubbing pad
  • Hand towels
  • Oven cleaner
  • Surface specific cleaner, if you need it for a surface like granite, marble, or stainless steel

  For the bathroom…

  • • Grout brush
    • Cleaning toothbrush (don’t use this one on your teeth)

    For the laundry room…

    Miscellaneous…

    • • Adhesive remover, also called a “goo” remover
      • Lint roller
      • Spray bottles, for making your own cleaning solutions
      • Paper towels
      • Extendable duster

      If you have pets…

      Keep in mind that some essential cleaning products might not be essential for your home (after all, no reason to buy granite cleaner if you don’t have any granite surfaces or paw wipes if you don’t have a dog). Most of them, however, are a lifesaver for getting your home spic and span.

      Want to stick to homemade products as much as you can? A lot of cleaning solutions are easy to make at home with simple ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, bleach, and even lemon juice. Do your research to find all-natural cleaning recipes, though do keep in mind that these might not work quite as well as the non-natural stuff when it comes to thoroughly killing viruses and bacteria.