How to Create A Cleaning Caddy
I created a craft caddy for my kids last year and it inspired me to do the same with my cleaning supplies. At the start of the year I made an effort to “clean up” my cleaning stash and through that process I was able to majorly simplify the amount of products I had under my sink. But running around the house trying to remember where I left the glass cleaner was getting old, so I wanted to streamline my entire cleaning process. When I feel less overwhelmed about a task, I tend to be more consistent. Storing all of my cleaning essentials on a single caddy helped me basically cut my cleaning time in half so I can spend it….making snacks for smaller, more demanding versions of myself.
I decided this is going to be the housewarming gift I give both of my children when they move out of ol’ mama’s house. I also think this would make a great shower gift for newlyweds or even a kid in college. Sharing what I keep in mine as well as rounding up all of my favorite cleaning essentials below…
CleanING Caddy Checklist
Open Tiered Caddy w/ Wheels
Glass Cleaning Containers: even if you’re not a fan of “clean" cleaning products or DIY formulas, simply transferring your cleaning solutions into glass containers makes for a prettier caddy.
Scrub Brushes
Sponges
Swiffer Dusting Cloths
Glass and Surface Cloths: I have tried so many brands — the ones linked below are a window cleaning game changer.
Bucket
Rubber Gloves
Refillable Spray Mop
Additional Storage Baskets & Bins
LITTLE EXTRAS
Reference Guides: I always keep The Complete Book of Clean and Oil + Glass on my caddy to reference for deep cleaning solutions I don’t make as often. They both have great tips for tricky cleaning jobs.
Notecard Container: I am a huge list maker, especially when I’m about to tackle a full house clean. I get distracted too easily and miss things if I’m not following a checklist. I found I was constantly making the same list over and over so I decided to stash it on the cart. I just recently started zone cleaning where you break down each space and/or task into smaller bites in order to tackle your cleaning over the course of a week rather than an overwhelming deep clean. I have my individual zone cleaning lists on notecards (by rooms/tasks) that I keep on my cleaning caddy. I’m sure this sounds like major overkill to some, but I promise you I spend less time cleaning my house because of systems like this one. It keeps me on top of things so cleaning doesn’t feel overwhelming. I like to compare it to doing one small load of laundry a day vs. allowing it to pile up until the last thing you want to do is fold the damn clothes that have been staring at you for days on end.
To shop my full list of cleaning favorites head over to my Amazon store.
Cleaning solutions i Swear by
I’ll share my exact cleaning solutions in another blog post. But I clean with Thieves and other natural products like lemon oil, vinegar and baking soda. If I’m being honest, Thieves was the only reason I even dipped my toe into “clean” cleaning. I absolutely refused to switch to healthier products if my house was going to lose that feeling (and smell) of actually feeling clean. But I haven’t made a single sacrifice since making the switch. If anything, I feel like it’s even cleaner (and smells like Christmas 24/7). Regardless about how you might feel about essential oils (listen, I get it) Thieves is the best cleaning concentrate I’ve ever used.
I’m not the best at remembering to share oily tips and tricks, but if you’re interested in someone that does it well I cannot suggest my sweet friend Vanessa over at @prosperingessentials enough. She was the reason I finally ditched and switched my previous cleaning supplies. She has a great team and is always sharing and treating her girls with great tips, tricks and extras.
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