Keeping a clean home takes time, energy, and the right cleaning supplies and tools. To maximise your efforts, your cleaning supplies should be organised and stored for easy access.
READ: Tips for cleaning areas in the home that are often overlooked
You'll be more inclined to clean regularly if you don't have to dig through a jumble of products or you can find the broom in seconds.
Use the vertical space on doors
Mops and brooms can be hung on the inside of a door with hooks or spring-activated clamps. Add narrow wire or plastic baskets to hold containers and lower hooks for dustpans, dusters, and small scrub brushes. A towel bar can be used to hang spray bottles.
For removable storage, choose a hanging shoe bag with clear pockets to hold bottles of cleaner, cloths, and brushes. There are also over-the-door storage racks with narrow shelves for supplies. If the bottles are too tall to stay in place, stretch a bungee cord from side to side on the rack.
Double your cabinet space
Since many cleaning products come in a spray bottle, add a small diameter removable tension rod under bathroom or kitchen sinks. The spray handles will slip over the rod and free up valuable cabinet space for additional storage. This same idea works great in linen closets or laundry room cabinets.
If you have wire shelving, many bottles will easily hang from the outer edge of the shelf.
Go vertical in a closet
Head to the closet organisation department to look for hanging storage organisers. The ones designed for sweaters are perfect for holding small plastic bins of cleaning supplies. Label each one—glass cleaner, cloths, dusting, bathroom cleaner, etc. You can easily grab the one you need when it's time to clean.
Use S-hooks over the closet rod to hang mops and brooms. Don't forget the closet's wall space. There might just be room to slip in some narrow hanging baskets, like those used for mail or magazines, between the closet rod and the doorframe.
Create easier access
Use a lazy Susan turntable in cabinets for easier access to cleaning supplies. This will help you use every product and keep an eye on when it is time to replenish supplies.
READ: 5 surprising reasons why spring cleaning is good for you
Put supplies on wheels with a rolling cart
A small utility cart is a perfect storage spot for cleaning supplies. Search for one that fits in a closet, behind a door, or between appliances. Use clear acrylic trays or small bins to corral similar cleaning supplies together.
Use caddies and bins on shelves
Cleaning caddies are perfect for shelf storage because you can easily grab one and go. Use separate caddies for bathroom, kitchen, and living areas with the right type of cleaners and supplies in each one.
If you like to keep extra products on hand, use clear plastic labeled bins, so you can quickly see what you have on hand.
Tips
Don't forget that cleaning supplies lose their effectiveness.
• Laundry detergent: Effective for six months to one year after opening
• Bleach: Loses effectiveness six months after opening
• Multi-purpose and disinfecting cleaners: Effective for up to two years
• Dishwashing liquid: Effective for 12 to 18 months
READ: How to remove mould and mildew from your bathroom
Evaluate your storage space
Cleaning supplies don't always have to go under a sink. You may find that a garage, linen closet, behind a door, or a hallway closet works best for you. One rule you should always follow is that no cleaning products should be stored where young children, pets, or vulnerable adults can reach them. It's also always a good idea to get cleaning products off the floor.
Never store cleaning supplies near open flames or hot pipes. Cleaning supplies should always be stored in areas that are dry and temperature-controlled.
“Regular cleaning is the foundation of preserving a home's value — it's the simple, consistent care that ensures your investment shines when it's time to sell,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
To safeguard the investment value of a home, it is advisable to maintain certain key features at least once a year, while other aspects within the home will require more regular ongoing care. To help homeowners who are about to embark on their annual spring cleaning, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few cleaning tips.
Declutter First: Before diving into deep cleaning, start by decluttering each room. Donate or discard items you no longer use or need. Keeping a home clutter-free is a great way to keep it market-ready for if the need to sell suddenly arises.
Work Top to Bottom: Begin cleaning from the ceiling down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving to lower surfaces like countertops and floors. This way, dust and debris fall to areas you’ll clean later. Sometimes dusting ceilings and walls is not enough. In these scenarios, it might be time to add a fresh coat of paint.
Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs: Your annual Spring Clean can offer a great reminder to deep clean carpets and rugs. Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring professionals to remove built-up dirt and stains.
Wash Windows and Curtains: Clean windows inside and out and check for damages to the frames while doing so. Don't forget to wash the curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens.
Kitchen Clean Out: Empty the fridge and pantry, toss expired items, and wipe down all shelves. Deep clean your oven and stovetop, and run a cleaning cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine.
Clean and Check Safety Devices: Test and replace batteries in any alarm systems and/or sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety devices to ensure they’re functioning properly. Regular dusting of alarm sensors also helps ensure that they are in peak condition.
SOURCE: (The Spruce)
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