If you’ve found yourself asking “what are the cleaning supplies I really need?”, you’re not alone. Whether you're stocking your first apartment in Chicago, refreshing your home after a move, or just trying to clean smarter—not harder—this guide will walk you through everything you need to clean like a pro.

At The CoBuilders, our teams use professional, eco-friendly tools and time-tested techniques in cities like Chicago and across the U.S. But whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring help, understanding the right tools for the job is key to success.

Let’s break it down by category, usage, and priority—so you can clean efficiently, safely, and confidently.

Why Having the Right Cleaning Supplies Matters

When you don’t have the proper tools, even the simplest cleaning tasks take longer—and deliver worse results. Here’s why assembling a solid kit matters:

🧼 Saves time and effort
🦠 Improves sanitation
🧽 Reduces damage to surfaces
🌱 Creates a safer home environment (especially with pets or kids)
🧘 Reduces stress—no more hunting for “what works”

Especially in large cities like Chicago, where dust, pollution, seasonal grime, and foot traffic increase indoor mess, having the right cleaning supplies is a must.

What Are the Cleaning Supplies Every Home Should Have?

Below is a full inventory of essential house cleaning supplies, broken down into core categories:

General Surface Cleaning

These tools are used in almost every room of your home—from kitchens to bathrooms and beyond.

Essentials:

All-purpose cleaner (eco-friendly preferred)
Microfiber cloths (color-coded for surfaces)
Scrub sponges (with gentle abrasive side)
Bucket (for water, mopping, or soaking items)
Spray bottles (for DIY solutions or refills)
Paper towels or reusable cleaning cloths

Pro Tip from The CoBuilders:

Use color-coded microfiber cloths—blue for glass, green for surfaces, yellow for dusting. This keeps your cleaning hygienic and organized.

Bathroom Cleaning Supplies

Bathrooms require supplies that focus on disinfection, stain removal, and mold prevention.

Essentials:

Disinfectant spray or wipes (eco or bleach-based)
Toilet bowl cleaner + toilet brush
Grout brush or old toothbrush
Glass cleaner (vinegar-based for eco homes)
Bathroom-specific scrubber or non-scratch pad
Rubber gloves (for hygiene and skin protection)

Chicago Tip:

Due to hard water in many parts of the city, calcium and lime buildup in toilets and sinks is common. A vinegar and baking soda mix is a safe, effective solution.

Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

The kitchen sees heavy use, grease, and bacteria buildup. Use tools made for degreasing and sanitizing.

Essentials:

Degreasing spray or dish soap + warm water
Scrub brush or sponge
Dishcloth or drying towels
Stainless steel cleaner (for appliances)
Garbage disposal cleaner
Countertop-safe disinfectant
Oven cleaner or natural baking soda paste
Fridge-safe cleaner (non-toxic)

Pro Tip:

Avoid ammonia-based products on stone countertops like granite or marble—they cause dulling and erosion over time.

Floor Cleaning Tools

Your floor type will determine the exact products, but every household needs these basics:

Essentials:

Broom and dustpan
Vacuum (HEPA filter preferred for allergies)
Mop + bucket or spray mop system
Hardwood-safe cleaner
Tile/grout cleaner
Carpet spot cleaner

Chicago Tip:

Winter brings in salt, slush, and grime. Keep a rug and floor mat at all entry points and use a vinegar + water mix to cut through salt residue.

Dusting and Detailing Supplies

Dust and allergens build up fast in urban areas. Chicago’s air quality fluctuations and heating systems can increase indoor dust.

Essentials:

Feather duster or extendable dusting wand
Lint roller (great for furniture and lampshades)
Vacuum attachments (crevice tool, upholstery brush)
Compressed air can (for electronics)
Dry microfiber cloths

Pro Tip:

Avoid using furniture polish on every clean—it builds residue. Opt for a damp microfiber cloth for regular dusting.

Eco-Friendly Substitutes for Common Cleaners

Want to go green with your supplies like we do at The CoBuilders? These swaps are effective and healthier:

What Supplies Do The CoBuilders Use in Chicago?

As a full-service eco-cleaning provider, The CoBuilders brings everything needed for the job. Cleaners arrive fully equipped, so clients never have to worry about stocking supplies unless they prefer specific products.

We use:

Plant-based, biodegradable multi-surface cleaners
HEPA-filter vacuums
Reusable microfiber cloths (sanitized between jobs)
Non-toxic, kid- and pet-safe disinfectants
Green mop systems + hardwood-safe cleaners

Whether it’s a deep clean, move-out service, or recurring residential visit, our teams handle everything so you don’t have to.

Bonus: Cleaning Supplies You Probably Don’t Need

Here’s a short list of “extras” that often just take up space:

Disposable dusters (use microfiber instead)
Specialty cleaners for every surface (many multi-surface options work across types)
Chemical drain cleaners (opt for a drain snake and baking soda + vinegar)
Fancy mop gadgets (simple, reusable mops work better long-term)
Dryer sheets for dusting (not eco-friendly and leave residue)

Final Checklist: Essential Cleaning Supply Kit for Chicago Homes

Starter List for Every Home:

✅ All-purpose cleaner (eco-friendly)
✅ Vinegar & baking soda (natural solutions)
✅ Microfiber cloths (6–10)
✅ Sponges + scrub pads
✅ Toilet brush + cleaner
✅ Glass/mirror cleaner
✅ Broom + dustpan
✅ Mop or mop system
✅ HEPA vacuum
✅ Rubber gloves
✅ Trash bags
✅ Duster or dusting wand

Need Help with Cleaning in Chicago?

If building a supply kit feels overwhelming, or you simply don’t have the time, The CoBuilders offers trusted, full-service cleaning in Chicago and nearby areas.