If you focus on the tools you’re cleaning with rather than the products you’re cleaning with you’ll find a lot more flexibility in price and environmental friendliness.
Here are my cleaning tool essentials:
- vacuum cleaner
- broom
- sponge head mop
- wash cloths (old ones that I no longer deem suitable for my body go in the cleaning pile)
- old toothbrushes (for small or tight spaces)
If you want to go beyond the absolute basics, some additional tools you might consider are:
- scrub brush
- spray bottles
- rubber gloves
- sponges
- bucket or dishpan (you can just put the stopper in the sink and not need one of these)
- scourer like Scotch Brite pads or steel wool
- toilet brush
- caddy to carry everything around from room to room
I use these few tools in combination with some good old fashioned soap and water or some Simple Green and I can get any area of my house clean with low impact on my budget and on the environment.
What are your cleaning essentials? Do you think the tools or the products are more important in achieving a clean house?
Photo Credit: garlandcannon (via Flickr)
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A washable microfibre mop for those spills you just don’t want to get on the floor for. Also vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils like tea tree or lavender which are antibacterial. I never even buy those ‘green’ products. Even cheaper and more eco-friendly!
These are great tips, and the Simple Green product line is affordable, and gentle imho
Sue’s last blog post: Monday Morning Meme #31
Great tips! I have heard that vinegar or baking soda can do just a good a job as cleaners.
Real Life Sarah’s last blog post: Your Life, Your Blog 5/25
Stopping by for Click & Comment Monday. Late, I know.
If you are interested in making your own cleansers, I have an article on my Endangered Spaces blog about it:
http://endangeredspaces.blogspot.com/2009/01/green-clean-cleansers.html
We just have to be aware of what we are using when we clean our homes, our bodies, our cars. Everything we use eventually goes into the water we drink.
Have a wonderful week. See you on Monday.
CyberCelt’s last blog post: Click and Comment Monday
I am with you! Thanks for the advice.
Here from CyberCelt.
SandyCarlson’s last blog post: My World Tuesday: Southford Falls, Southbury, Connecticut
I can’t live with out my cleaning toothbrush! Definitely an essential.
Phoebe @ Cents to Get Debt Free’s last blog post: Garden Update
I always have bleach, vinegar, and baking soda for cleaning. Thankfully, we have all hardwood floors so no need for a vacuum, just a good mop and rolling bucket.
april’s last blog post: Super Savings Saturday