Organizing your cleaning supplies can make a huge difference in your cleaning routine. With well-organized tools and products, you save time, reduce frustration, and make cleaning more efficient. Whether you have a dedicated cleaning closet, a small cabinet, or just a few storage bins, these tips will help you organize your cleaning supplies like a pro. Here’s how to create an organized, accessible, and efficient cleaning station in your home.
1. Gather All Your Cleaning Supplies
The first step to organizing is taking inventory. Gather all of your cleaning supplies, tools, and products from around the house, so you know exactly what you have.
- Sort by Category: Group similar items together, such as all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, floor products, and specialty cleaners. This will make it easier to store and access specific products when needed.
- Check Expiration Dates: Dispose of any old or expired products. Many cleaning solutions lose effectiveness over time, and getting rid of them frees up valuable space.
- Evaluate What You Need: If you find duplicates or items you rarely use, consider streamlining your supplies to just the essentials. A pared-down selection helps keep things organized and accessible.
2. Choose the Right Storage Location
Where you store your cleaning supplies can make a big difference in how accessible and efficient your cleaning routine is. Consider the layout of your home and choose a convenient central location.
- Pick a Centralized Spot: If possible, choose a location that’s easily accessible from various areas in your home, such as a hallway closet, kitchen cabinet, or utility room.
- Consider a Portable Option: If you have a larger home, a portable cleaning caddy or cart can help you carry all your supplies from room to room. This is especially helpful if you must clean multiple areas in one go.
- Designate Storage Areas for Frequently Used Products: If you use certain products often, such as dish soap in the kitchen or glass cleaner in the bathroom, keep them in convenient spots near where you use them.
3. Use Storage Solutions to Maximize Space
Efficient storage solutions can help you make the most of any space, from a small cabinet to a large closet. Use these ideas to keep your supplies organized and easy to find.
- Clear Storage Bins: Clear plastic bins make it easy to see what’s inside and help you categorize supplies. Label each bin based on the type of product, such as “Bathroom Cleaners,” “Kitchen Cleaners,” or “Dusting Supplies.”
- Adjustable Shelving: If you’re working with a closet, adjustable shelves allow you to customize the height and make room for taller spray bottles or bulky items.
- Over-the-Door Organizers: Use over-the-door organizers with pockets to store small items, like microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, or sponges. These organizers free up shelf space and keep smaller items within easy reach.
4. Create a Cleaning Caddy for Efficiency
A cleaning caddy is a portable organizer that holds your most commonly used cleaning products and tools. It allows you to carry everything you need in one go, making cleaning faster and more efficient.
- Select Essential Items for Your Caddy: Include multi-purpose cleaners, a microfiber cloth, dusting spray, a scrub brush, and any other essentials you use frequently. Avoid overloading the caddy—stick to items you use regularly.
- Refillable Spray Bottles: If you prefer homemade or eco-friendly cleaners, use refillable spray bottles and label them accordingly. These are easy to store and transport in a caddy.
- Store the Caddy in a Convenient Spot: Keep the caddy in an accessible spot, such as under the kitchen sink or in a hall closet, so you can grab it quickly whenever you need to clean.
5. Label Everything for Easy Access
Labels aren’t just for aesthetics—they’re essential for staying organized and knowing exactly where each item belongs.
- Label Shelves and Bins: Use labels to mark each shelf, bin, or container clearly. This way, you (and anyone else in your household) know where to find and return each item.
- Include Expiration Dates: For homemade cleaners or products with expiration dates, consider labeling them with a “made on” or “expires on” date. This helps ensure you’re using products safely and at their best strength.
- Label Refills and Extras: If you keep backstock items or refills, store them separately and label them as “extras” to avoid unnecessary duplicates in your primary storage.
6. Store Tools by Type and Function
Organizing your tools by type or function can make cleaning more efficient, especially if you use certain tools for specific tasks.
- Hanging Hooks for Brooms and Mops: Use wall-mounted hooks to hang brooms, mops, and dusters. Hanging these items saves floor space and keeps them within easy reach.
- Drawer Organizers for Small Tools: For items like sponges, scrub brushes, and gloves, use drawer organizers to keep each item in its place. This prevents small items from getting lost or cluttered.
- Designate a Spot for Each Tool: By designating a specific spot for each tool, you make it easier to keep everything organized and prevent items from getting misplaced.
7. Use a System for Replacing and Restocking
A restocking system ensures you don’t run out of essential supplies. It also helps prevent over-purchasing and keeps your storage neat.
- Keep a Shopping List: Maintain a list of cleaning supplies that need restocking. Update the list as you use up products, so you’re prepared the next time you shop.
- Store Backups Separately: Store extra products, like paper towels or disinfectant refills, in a separate area or labeled bin. Only move items to the main storage area when ready to use them.
- Set a Refill Day: Choose a specific month to check your supplies and refill items as needed. This habit helps keep your cleaning supplies stocked and prevents last-minute trips to the store.
8. Use Eco-Friendly and Reusable Cleaning Supplies
Integrating reusable or eco-friendly cleaning tools is not only better for the environment but also helps reduce clutter and make storage simpler.
- Invest in Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are washable and reusable, reducing the need for single-use paper towels. Store them in a designated bin and wash them regularly to keep them fresh.
- Use Refillable Bottles: Refillable spray bottles for homemade or concentrated cleaners cut down on plastic waste and are easy to label and organize.
- Keep Cleaning Tablets or Concentrates: Cleaning tablets or concentrates can save space and reduce waste. These products often take up less room than full-size bottles and can be stored in small containers or bins.
9. Regularly Maintain and Declutter Your Cleaning Station
Organizing your cleaning supplies isn’t a one-time task; regular upkeep ensures that your cleaning station remains efficient and clutter-free.
- Monthly Check-In: At the beginning of each month, spend a few minutes tidying up your cleaning supplies. Dispose of any empty containers, wipe down shelves, and put items back in their designated spots.
- Declutter Annually: Once a year, go through your entire cleaning station and reevaluate your supplies. Let go of any tools or products you no longer use or need, and replace anything that’s worn out.
- Update Labels as Needed: If your system changes, update labels to keep everything clear and consistent. This is especially helpful if you try new products or reorganize your supplies.
Conclusion
Organizing your cleaning supplies not only makes cleaning easier and faster but also helps you feel more prepared and in control of your environment. With labeled bins, a well-stocked caddy, and designated spots for everything, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips. By adopting these pro-level organization tips, you’ll create a neat and efficient cleaning station that simplifies your routine and supports a tidy home all year long.
