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A few weeks ago we discussed the essentials to include in your cleaning bucket. Now that you’ve got your bucket filled with the right cleaning products, what else do you need to get the job done fast? What are the best cleaning tools out there?
Read Related Article: How to Clean a Dryer Using Simple Steps
Using the right cleaning tools is just as important as what you’re using for products. Here’s a collection of my favorites!
Table of Contents
Here’s a list of the best cleaning tools that I feel get the job done fast:
1. Vacuum
My all time favorite vacuum is the Kenmore Progressive Elite. Yes, it pricey but the design features are super user-friendly. With just the touch of your hand or foot, you can go from rugs to floors, switch out attachments and extend the wand. The suction is great, and if you take care of it, have it serviced once and awhile, you’ll get your money’s worth with this vacuum cleaner.
2. Mop
What’s important about a mop is not only how well it cleans, but how well it lifts and removes the dirt from the floor.
I’ve tried all types of mops, and my LEAST favorite includes any sponge mop or string mop. They both do an equally terrible job. If you own either one, toss them immediately.
My favorite option, although pricey, is the Swiffer Wet Jet or wet pad system. Yes, they cost a lot of money, but if you want to get the dirt off the floor, there is no better system out there.
You can save a substantial amount of money by using the reusable and eco-friendly pads instead of the disposable pads.
If you want something a bit more economical, buy the Bona System with several reusable terry cloth covers. When the cover gets dirty, replace it with a fresh, clean cloth. This type of mop will do the trick as good as the Swiffer system, and comes with a solution container that’s refillable, making it even more economical. The Bona glides on the floor making it easy to mop. You won’t be exhausted when done. It slides beautifully.
3. Broom
I own one, but honestly hardly ever use it. But I do like the O-Cedar, Angled Corner Broom with matching dustpan. I love how you can keep the dustpan with the broom and not have to go looking all over the house for it when you need it.
But despite the fact I own one of these, my favorite device for cleaning up crumbs is the Swiffer Sweeper Vac. I LOVE this little device. I use it after dinner when I’m done cleaning up the dishes to pick up all the stuff that fell on the floor throughout the day.
It’s electric and lasts a long time on a charge. You use it in combination with the Swiffer dry cloths. It picks up the cat hair and debris very quickly, and it’s why I prefer it over a broom.
Dusting
Where there’s life, there’s dust! Household dust is an airborne mix of soil particles, lint, insect parts, animal dander, pollen, molds, and fungi. Dust comes in through the open window or door or hitches a ride inside on shoes and clothing. It is stirred into the air by walking or careless dusting.
My favorite dry dusting tool is the Swiffer Dry Dusters. I buy them by the case and use them in my commercial cleaning company and my personal home. I know they are expensive, but you won’t find a better dry dusting tool out there.
If you’re using a feather duster or paper towels, you’re wasting your time. Feather dusters push the dust around but don’t do much else. Plus, you can’t wash a feather duster. Paper towels can be too abrasive for dusting and can damage your furniture if you’re not careful.
If you’re going to polish your furniture, my recommendation is just plain old cotton cloths. I like to use old cloth diapers as they have the right thickness and softness to them.
Bathrooms/Kitchens
Some of my favorite tools are utilized in the bathroom and help to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
1. A Bristle Brush
The OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set is a decent brush for all sorts of things but mainly for scrubbing grout. The two different sizes are ideal for those hard to reach spots as well. If you buy this set, you don’t need a toothbrush in your bucket as the smaller brush takes its place.
2. A Toothbrush
Always good to have in your bucket as you’ll need this handy tool from time to time for those hard to reach places that need cleaning. I use this for behind the faucet. Works like a charm.
3. Mr. Clean Sponges
These are good all around the house, but they were originally invented for the bathroom and have blossomed from there. They do a GREAT job getting rid of soap scum, grime and anything you can think of in your bathroom. I also like to use them on the shower stall glass. They do a fantastic job of getting all the junk off the glass so your glass cleaner can do the rest.
4. Squeegee
The OXO Squeegee is a must-have for keeping showers mold-free.
Not the type of squeegee to use if you’re into doing your windows. You’ll want to use the Ettore 65000 Professional Pro Grip. It will do a far superior job to the shower squeegee.
5. Lint Rollers
A must have in your arsenal of tools if you have a home with pets. Great for those hard to reach areas with your vacuum or for quick pet hair clean up.
6. Cleaning Cloths
Not all cleaning rags are created equal.
First, if you want an excellent eco-friendly product to clean glass, then you’ve got to try e-Cloth. No glass cleaner necessary, just use plain water and buff your windows to an amazing, sparkling clean.
Next favorite would be the OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set. Great for cleaning glass, chrome, counter tops and much more. I buy these by the case!
For general cleaning, polishing, stainless steel and more the Professional Grade Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths are the way to go. Many uses and these cloths are super durable and last a long time.
Well, that’s it folks. These are the essential tools I recommend and what I use in my home and the cleaning business. I’ve tried countless products out there – you won’t go wrong with any of these recommendations.
