Household cleaning equipment that every home should have

Gone are the days when a broom, mop, and bucket were all we had to get the chores done. Today, home cleaning kits, including a list of household appliances, seek to make home cleaning simpler and more efficient.

Since there are so many types of equipment now, which ones are essential? It’s not possible to buy every type, so narrowing down the list to the basics and most reliable is key. Here’s a brief rundown of what you should buy, as well as features to look out for.

Vacuum cleaner: The quintessential cleaning tool, you need a vacuum cleaner above all else. Not only is it affordable, but you’ll find one that suits your needs and stays within your budget. Features to look out for include a blower facility, increased bag capacity so you don’t need to empty it every few minutes, range of accessory heads to handle even tough corners, HEPA filter, and good build quality. The last aspect is important because the market is now flooded with cheap equipment that does not last even a year. Always buy from trusted brands.

Steam Cleaner – Great for carpet spot cleaning and deep cleaning of other surfaces, a steam cleaner isn’t always part of a homeowner’s cleaning arsenal, but it should be. It is the only device that kills even the most stubborn germs.

Like vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners should have several features, regardless of whether you buy a handheld, canister, or upright. Accessory heads, a larger water tank, higher pressure capacity, and temperature control should all be things to consider. Note that the machine cannot be used to deep clean carpets, so you will have to choose the next one on the list.

Carpet Cleaner – More expensive than vacuums and steam cleaners, a carpet cleaner is nonetheless a powerful tool for keeping floor coverings looking and feeling fresh. Regular professional cleaning is recommended even if you clean carpets every two weeks, but a home carpet cleaner will keep out a significant percentage of germs, dirt, and stains.

All-Purpose Cleaner: This is a cleaning agent that can be used to keep wood, metal, glass, and plastic surfaces clean. If you want, you can opt for specific cleaners like glass cleaners and wood cleaners, but this is a cheaper option. Remember that certain materials such as granite and marble that require special care should only be cleaned with formulas specific to the material.

If conventional cleaners don’t meet your green standards, buy certified green products from reputable companies. They are much safer to use, do not leach VOCs, and are gentler on the materials being cleaned. Your health and that of your children and pets will also benefit from the clean and green environment.

Brush holder, mops, dusters and sponges: these cleaning utensils are part of every home and should be included in yours too. Do not interchange their use because the bacteria they collect should not spread to different areas. For example, toilet brushes should only be used for toilets. Mops used for the bathroom floor must be confined as such. Same with sponges, although dusters can be used between rooms.

Once you’ve bought everything on the list, remember to keep your cleaning tools clean, too. They will complement everything you have purchased and ensure that your home is free of contaminants.