25 essential cleaning products

Just as you have a toolbox with a hammer, a flathead screwdriver and other home repair essentials, you should have a pantry or cabinet that you keep stocked with cleaning supplies. This way, you will not always have to hunt down or go out and buy what you need when it is time to clean a specific area or object. Here are the basics:
1. A broom. A good broom will not shed fibers on the floor, and will have fine ends that are designed to pick up even tiny particles of dust and dirt.
2. A dustpan. To pick up all of the dirt that your broom finds. Purchase a good one, with a wide mouth, so that you will not have to make multiple swipes at it with your broom.
3. A good mop. Two good ones to choose from are the sponge type that has a scrubbing part on the head, or the old-fashioned string variety. A sponge mop is best for smaller areas, such as a kitchen. The string mop will make mopping larger areas, such as a large tiled living area, a breeze. It will also scoot itself into smaller crevices. It also tends to last longer, and is generally the better choice, although the scrubbing ability of a sponge mop, and ease of wringing certainly has its advantages as well. Choose the one best suited for your individual needs.
4. A vacuum cleaner. Even if you do not have carpets, you will need at least a small vacuum cleaner to clean your draperies and upholstery.
5. Several dishcloths and dust rags. You can use these for everything from cleaning the counters to cleaning ceiling fans and dusting wood furniture. Clean often and well.
6. Nylon cleaning pads. These work much better than sponges for cleaning stubborn stains, and do not scratch counters or appliances.
7. Gloves. You can buy a thick pair of cleaning gloves, or some disposable latex ones. They will protect your hands from germs and chemicals. For an added bonus, try putting cream on your hands first. After you finish cleaning, your hands will be nice and soft. It is also good to have a pair of cotton gloves handy for cleaning between the slats of Venetian blinds, if you have them.
8. A wood cleaner for cleaning wood floors and woodwork in general. Murphy's Oil Soap is a good one.
9. An old toothbrush. This is essential for getting to the crud between faucets and into the crevices that are otherwise unreachable.
10. Baking soda. This product can absorb smells from your refrigerator and freezer, deodorize your drains, and serve as a carpet freshener, among other uses.
11. Bleach. Bleach can be kept in a spray bottle and used for stubborn stains on white grout, or can be added in small amounts to spray bottles of water to disinfect counters and other surfaces.
12. Clear vinegar. Vinegar is not only an economical way to clean windows, but if used to clean pet stains, can cover the smell, thus deterring the pet from soiling the same area again.
13. Scouring powder, such as Comet. This is an excellent product for cleaning stubborn rings out of tubs. It is best used on porcelain, as it has a tendency to scratch plastic and some other surfaces.
14. A feather or lambs wool duster. The lamb's wool variety is more expensive, but they attract dust the best.
15. A non-abrasive cream cleanser, such as Softscrub. These are good for cleaning appliances and bathroom fixtures that scratch easily.
16. A degreasing cleaning spray. This can be invaluable for cleaning greasy kitchen backsplashes and stovetops.
17. Glass cleaner, such as Windex. This can be used on appliances as well as glass and mirrors, as it will make them shine.
18. Toilet bowl cleaner. The thick stuff that will cling to the sides is good, as it gives you a chance to scrub underneath the rim of the bowl before it disappears.
19. Salt. You can use it with ice to clean out a grimy coffee carafe, or combine it in a three to one ratio with lemon juice to create an effective polish for brass or copper.
20. Rubbing alcohol. You can use this for removing those annoying stickers that won't come off of new purchases, as well as removing stickers from windows and other non-wood surfaces.
21. Oven cleaner. Unless you never use your oven, this will come in handy for getting those baked on spots off. Be sure not to breathe the fumes, as they can be quite strong.
22. Liquid laundry detergent. Clear ones can also work well to treat stains in advance.
23. Dishwashing liquid. Of course you will need it for the dishes that you wash by hand, but you can also use it to clean your floors, and most other surfaces as well.
24. Furniture polish. This is perfect for giving a finished look to your furniture. Be careful not to overuse it, as it can attract dust and become sticky if over applied.
25. Canned air. This is essential for cleaning the dust and other particles out of your computer keyboard. It can also help with crevices around buttons on televisions and other appliances as well. Use in a well-ventilated area.
Depending on your needs, you may require other products, such as a special polish for your silver. You may wish to pamper yourself by adding essential oils to your cleaning water. However, if you have the items above on hand, your house and clothes will always be clean and fresh.