Whether you’re expecting a cleaner for a one-off deep clean or a regular weekly visit, it’s important to have the right cleaning supplies ready at home. This ensures that the cleaner can do their job efficiently, thoroughly, and without unnecessary delays. Below is a complete list of essential items every home should have available before a cleaning appointment.

Why It’s Important to Have Cleaning Supplies at Home Before a Cleaner Arrives

When hiring a professional cleaner—whether for a weekly visit or a one-off deep clean—many people assume they can sit back and relax without giving the process a second thought. While this is mostly true, one essential aspect is often overlooked: having the right cleaning supplies already available at home. It might seem minor, but it can significantly impact the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall success of the cleaning service.

Cleaning professionals come prepared with knowledge, skill, and sometimes basic equipment, but they typically rely on the homeowner to provide the actual cleaning products and tools, unless otherwise specified. By ensuring that essential supplies are ready and easily accessible, you empower the cleaner to deliver a higher quality result in less time. Imagine booking a cleaner to tackle your entire home, only to lose valuable time searching for a working mop or a clean cloth. It’s inconvenient for both parties and limits what can realistically be achieved during the scheduled appointment.

Another reason why having your own cleaning supplies matters is hygiene and consistency. Every home has its own preferences—whether that’s using eco-friendly, fragrance-free, or antibacterial products. Providing your chosen cleaning agents allows the cleaner to respect your standards while ensuring your home is treated exactly the way you want. It also guarantees that tools like mops or cloths are used exclusively in your space, reducing the risk of cross-contamination from other properties.

Furthermore, certain areas of the home require specific solutions. Limescale in the bathroom, grease in the kitchen, or delicate wooden surfaces in the living room each call for different approaches. Supplying the correct product for the job makes a real difference. A general all-purpose spray won’t cut through baked-on oven grease, just as it shouldn’t be used on marble countertops.

Being prepared also sends a message: that you respect the cleaner’s time and want them to focus on what they do best—cleaning—rather than improvising with poor tools or wasted minutes.

In the end, a well-stocked home doesn’t just help the cleaner—it benefits you. With the right materials on hand, your cleaner works faster, gets better results, and leaves your space exactly as you hoped. It’s a small gesture that maximises value and elevates the whole experience.

1. General Cleaning Products

• All-purpose surface cleaner – Ideal for kitchen countertops, tables, cupboards, and general surfaces.

• Bathroom cleaner – For disinfecting toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

• Dishwashing liquid – For cleaning dishes, pots, and pans if required.

• Glass cleaner – For mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces.

• Disinfectant spray or solution – For sanitising high-touch areas like doorknobs and switches.

2. Cleaning Tools

• Broom and dustpan – For sweeping floors before mopping.

• Mop and bucket – Essential for washing tile or hardwood floors.

• Duster or microfiber wand – For dusting surfaces, blinds, or ceiling fans.

• Cleaning cloths – Microfiber cloths are recommended for their absorbency and streak-free results.

• Toilet brush – For scrubbing inside the toilet bowl.

3. Disposable Cleaning Materials

• Trash bags – For collecting and disposing of waste.

• Sponges and scrubbing pads – Useful for sinks, stovetops, and tough grime.

• Paper towels or kitchen roll – For wiping, drying, or quick spill cleanups.

• Rubber gloves – For protecting hands during heavy-duty cleaning.

4. Specialised Cleaning Products

• Oven cleaner – To remove grease and burnt-on food from inside the oven.

• Tile and grout cleaner – Especially helpful in bathrooms and kitchens with ceramic tiles.

• Air freshener or deodoriser – To leave your home smelling clean and pleasant.

5. Optional Equipment

• Vacuum cleaner – Essential for homes with carpets or rugs.

• Steam cleaner – Excellent for chemical-free sanitising of floors and upholstery.

✅ Final Tip

Having these items readily available makes the cleaner’s job smoother and ensures your home receives the highest standard of care. It also saves time, avoids confusion, and results in a cleaner, fresher home for you to enjoy—without stress.