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Household Cleaning Basics

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Cleaners and Cleaning Solutions

Household Cleaning Tools

Proper tools are crucial to effective and efficient cleaning. Using the wrong tools will add time to your tasks and make a thorough cleaning job impossible.

Vacuum Cleaners

A vacuum cleaner is vital for cleaning floors and carpets, upholstery, drapes, and more. There are two types of vacuums: upright and canister.

Upright vacuums: Have a flat, broad base with a vertical handle that you push in order to vacuum.
Canister vacuums: Have a suction device connected to a hose. You pull the canister behind you while vacuuming with the hose.

Upright vs. Canister Vacuums

The type of vacuum that’s best for you depends on your living space and personal preference. If your home is mostly carpeted, you’re probably better off with an upright. If your home has rugs and bare floors, a canister vacuum will generally make it easier to transition between the two surfaces. Additional factors to consider are:

Weight: Canisters are usually lighter, making them easier to carry up stairs.
Size: Uprights are more compact and easier to store.
Maneuverability: Many people find it awkward to have to pull a canister behind them. The pushing action of an upright is easier and requires just one hand.
Versatility: Canisters are usually more versatile than uprights. They allow you to clean floors and tough-to-reach spots, such as under furniture and appliances. Most uprights include hoses that are often shorter and stiffer than canister hoses.

Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums

Both canister and upright vacuums are sold in bagged and bagless versions. Bagged models suck dust into a disposable bag that you’ll have to throw away and replace every few months. Bagless varieties have a dirt-collection compartment that you can open and clear out. Bagless models eliminate the hassle of having to buy and replace disposable bags, but cleaning out a bagless compartment is messy. A bagged model is a much better choice if you have allergies or are sensitive to dust.

Vacuum Attachments

To use your vacuum efficiently, you should have three attachments (in addition to the standard attachment for vacuuming the floor) that fit onto the end of the vacuum’s hose:

Upholstery attachment: For cleaning upholstery, drapes, and other fabrics
Crevice tool: For getting into tight spots
Vacuum brush: For dusting non-delicate surfaces

Vacuum Cleaner Filters

Vacuum filtration systems reduce the amount of dust particles that the vacuum releases into the air while it’s running. There are three levels of vacuum filtration:

No filtration: These vacuums are the least expensive and still pick up dust off the floor, but a significant portion of that dust will end up in the air.
Microfiltration systems: These are a step up from no system, both in cost and effectiveness.
HEPA filtration: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are the best and most expensive filters.

It’s generally a good idea to buy a vacuum cleaner with microfiltration. If you or a family member has asthma or allergies, then a HEPA vacuum is a must.

General Cleaning Tools

Along with a vacuum cleaner, you’ll need several more items to complete your household cleaning tool kit.

Terrycloth mop: A flat-headed mop with washable terrycloth covers that fit over the mop’s head. This is the most versatile mop, good for all indoor surfaces. Buy one mop ($10–15) and a few covers ($5 each).
Dust mop: A flat-headed mop with dry-wipe covers. The most popular brand is the Swiffer®. Cost: $10.
Rags: Cotton rags are the best and safest tools for cleaning most surfaces. They’re also reusable and washable, and they won’t tear. Unfolded cloth diapers, bulk washcloths, and kitchen towels also make great cleaning rags.
Scrubbing pad: A scrubbing pad provides more heavy-duty scrubbing power than a rag. Look for white nylon pads, which won’t scratch or mar surfaces. Cost: $2–5.
Scrub brush with handle: Get one brush for scrubbing tiled walls, bathtubs, and deep sinks, and another for scrubbing dishes. Cost: about $5.
Old toothbrush: There’s no better tool than an old toothbrush for cleaning small spaces such as the curves and crevices of sink handles and faucets.
Toilet brush: Look for a nylon toilet brush that comes with its own holder, which makes storing and cleaning the brush easier. Cost: $10–20.
Dusting cloths: Use pure cotton towels or napkins as dusting cloths, and always keep them dry and clean. Don’t mix your dusting cloths with your rags.
Feather duster: Use for dusting delicate objects. Ostrich feather dusters are the best and aren’t expensive. Cost: about $15.
Lambswool duster: Great for dusting large surfaces, such as tabletops and walls. Look for one on an extendable or long pole. Cost: about $15.
Dry cleaning sponge: A treated rubber sponge that cleans dirt, dust, pet fur, and soot without water. Never wet a dry cleaning sponge. Cost: $2–4.
Putty knife: A putty knife is used to gently scrape away gunk that’s dried on a countertop or other surface. Cost: about $5.
Rubber gloves: Wear rubber gloves whenever you use hot water or cleaning solutions. Cost: $2–5.
Squeegee: Used to clean windows and other glass surfaces (usually outdoors). Twelve- to fourteen-inch blades are the best size for most home windows. Cost: about $10.
Cleaning caddy: A plastic box with a carrying handle and compartments for holding necessary cleaning gear. If you don’t want to get a caddy, you can make do with a plastic bucket. Cost: $10–25.
Apron: An apron holds cleaning supplies and protects your clothing while you work. Look for an apron with plenty of pockets and loops to hold supplies and spray bottles. Cost: $20–30.