We talk a lot about DIY cleaning recipes here at Clean My Space. And we talk a lot about how to clean fast. Today, we’re going to discuss how to optimize your DIY cleaning so you can clean fast quickly with your own DIY cleaning products. 

If you haven’t read our DIY articles yet, check out DIY Floor Cleaners (Hardwood, Laminate, and Vinyl), and Save $$ With These 7 DIY Cleaners! And if you don’t know about my awesome cleaning system that will help you clean fast, read My Secret System to Cleaning Fast & Effectively.

If you’re familiar with those articles already, you probably know that I use the same basic ingredients for a lot of my cleaning recipes. And that I recommend having all your cleaning products together, easily accessible, and within arms reach as you use them for the fastest and most efficient cleaning routine possible. And the best way to do this is to assemble your own DIY house cleaning kit. 

Let’s go over what’s in my kit, so you can make your own. We’re going to discuss basic ingredients I use for DIY recipes, some staple cleaning products I make myself, and my favorite cleaning tools that always have a home in my cleaning kit. 

Just Add Water Cleaning System

Basic Must-Have Cleaners

Let me introduce you to the basic, must-have cleaners. These ingredients are to cleaning what ketchup and mustard is to a hamburger.  

All-purpose cleaner is essential to your cleaning kit because it can tackle most cleaning jobs. To make your own, combine two cups of water, one teaspoon of dish soap, and 5 – 10 drops of essential oil (optional). Read The Best DIY All-Purpose Cleaner for more information. 

Disinfectant: While all-purpose cleaner can get through a lot, you definitely need a disinfectant to clean areas where heavy bacteria and growth happen. Rubbing alcohol and surgical spirits make great disinfectants. Add 5 – 10 drops of essential oil to the mix to mask the alcohol smell. 

Glass and mirror cleaner: You absolutely need a glass and mirror cleaner when you’re cleaning house unless you’re OK with streaky mirrors. I make my own glass and mirror cleaner with equal parts water and white vinegar. And for all your glass-cleaning needs, read Glass Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide. 

Melissa Maker cleaning mirrors

Extra Goodies to Have Handy

These ingredients are all great to have around the house for various cleaning purposes. They’re frequently used in many of my DIY recipes, and great cleaners on their own. 

Baking soda is a safe and cheap way to deodorize. It is also pretty abrasive. Mix it with a little dish soap, and you have a thick scrubbing paste you can use to cut through soap scum, grime, and scuffs.

Dish soap is super versatile, so you will find yourself mixing it into a lot of cleaning concoctions.

Rubbing alcohol will take care of any sticky messes, so it is also very useful to have around. I store mine in a small spray bottle for all things cleaning. 

Hydrogen peroxide is your go-to for stains.

Cleaning with dish soap

Cleaning Tools in Your Cleaning Kit

Now you know what products you need for your cleaning kit, what about tools? Tools are the items you use to clean with. Of course, we all need a broom and a vacuum. But what else?

Squeegee: Keep a squeegee for mirror and glass surfaces where you want that streak-free shine.

Cleaning Toothbrush: To get into little nooks and crannies, you will want something small and tough, like a cleaning toothbrush. The little bristles are excellent for scrubbing away dirt. Be sure to clean between uses.

A scratching tool: This is something you will grow to rely on for scraping away those stubborn bits of grit that just refuse to scrub away.

Disposable gloves: I don’t always use disposable gloves, but when I do, I’m probably cleaning the toilet (insert meme here). Combat the transference of bacteria from one surface to another and your hands with disposable gloves. 

Lint roller: Hair and fluff are inevitable, especially if you have a pet. Add a lint roller to your kit so you can tidy up your cushions and fabrics.

Measuring cup: A small measuring cup (half to one cup) is great for storing your other tools when everything is packed in your cleaning kit. And it’s perfect for mixing up your DIY cleaning solutions. Be sure to keep this separate from your cooking tools. 

Color-coded sponges: Sponges are a no-brainer, but if you want to stay extra diligent about stopping the spread of bacteria, dedicate different colored sponges to your kitchen and bathroom.

Microfiber cloths: These guys are great for trapping dirt and soaking up water. The best part? They’re reusable! Try the Maker’s Clean Microfiber Cloths, specially designed for cleaning!

Disposable wipes: I don’t recommend these as a primary cleaning tool because they’re more costly and more harmful to the planet than reusable products. However, disposable wipes or paper towels are great for cleaning greasy surfaces and the toilet. 

cleaning sponges

Bonus Tip: Cleaning with Essential Oils

I love using essential oils for cleaning. While they’re not essential (see what I did there?), if you too love incorporating essential oils into your cleaning routine, I recommend building up a little kit of your fave essential oils and keeping it within reach of your DIY cleaning kit. 

Never heard of cleaning with essential oils or want to know my favorite essential oils for cleaning? Read Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils and 5 DIY Essential Oil Recipes. 

DIY House Cleaning Kit

And there you have it, folks, your very own DIY cleaning kit. If you’re assembling all of these items at once, it might seem like a lot. But many of these ingredients probably already have a home in your pantry, bathroom, or kitchen. And once you’ve assembled your cleaning kit, your ingredients and DIY products should last you for a while. 

Let me know if you have your own cleaning kit in the comments below. What are your favorite DIY cleaning products and recipes? Do you use essential oils to clean? And have I inspired you to make your own kit? And be sure to read Storage Solutions and Cleaning Kits in Small Spaces! 

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Melissa Maker is an entrepreneur, cleaning expert, founder of Toronto’s most popular boutique cleaning service, and star of the Clean My Space channel on YouTube (but she still hates to clean!). Every week, Melissa delivers new videos dishing expert advice on cleaning products, tools, DIY substitutes, and practical, timesaving solutions to everyday problems. Melissa has appeared on the Today Show, and has been featured in InStyle, Real Simple, and Better Homes and Gardens.

9 COMMENTS

  1. Good stuff! I’m just getting into cleaning (the right way) and I appreciate all the advice.
    I have another question: Do you launder all of your cleaning cloths, if so, is it necessary to separate them (due to the chemicals) either from each other or from clothes, and other laundry?

    • Glad to be of help! Washing your cleaning cloths separately is the way to go because they can get really grimy, and that dirt can get trapped in your clothes.

  2. For your disinfectant, you said, “You can make your own using ‘one part rubbing alcohol’ or surgical spirts and adding 10 drops of essential oils to the mix.”
    MY QUESTION: What is the other part to the rubbing alcohol?

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