Cleaning Business Supplies: What You Need for Residential and Commercial Cleaning

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When I started my first cleaning business, I was overwhelmed by the amount of advice out there about what cleaning business supplies I needed. Most of it wasn’t helpful. I just wanted someone to give me a straightforward list of cost-effective and durable supplies that would let me and my team get my job done well, without breaking the bank. 

That’s why I wrote this cleaning supply list resource for you, drawing from what Stephanie Pipkin uses in her residential and commercial cleaning business, Serene Clean. 

And because I’m your biggest fan, here’s a downloadable list of cleaning supplies with direct links to each product. 

Cleaning Supplies for Residential Cleaning Services 

For residential cleaning, you want supplies that are effective, safe, and easy to use. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Microfiber Cloths: Always have plenty on hand and color-code them for different rooms to avoid cross-contamination.
• High-quality Vacuum Cleaner: Opt for one with HEPA filters to cater to clients with allergies and ensure thorough dust removal. Head over to this vacuum guide if you need help finding the right one. 
• Adjustable Mops: Look for mops that are easy to wring out and come with replaceable heads for various types of flooring.
• Dusters: Extendable ones can be a bonus for reaching those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans and high shelves.
• Squeegees for Glass Surfaces: Essential for streak-free windows and mirrors.
• Disposable and Reusable Gloves: Essential for hygiene and protection during cleaning tasks.
• Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser: Ideal for general bathroom and kitchen cleaning, including stainless steel surfaces.
• Small Brushes and Pads:  Include a variety of brushes and pads for specific cleaning needs, such as handled scrub brushes for bathrooms and scrapers for tough grime.
• All-Purpose Spray: Don’t waste money on a big-name brand. Make your own with the recipe below. 
• Glass Cleaner: Same thing — make an effective solution with the recipe below.

Pro Tip: When it comes to one-time-use cleaning supplies like sprays, it’s tempting to go for the big-name brands. But you don’t need to. In most cases, you can make an effective all-purpose cleaner using just dish soap, water, and a bit of vinegar. This not only cuts costs but also reduces the number of chemicals you’re carting around, making it a practical choice for both your budget and your operations.

Here are two simple, cost-effective recipes that Stephanie Pipkin uses in her cleaning business every day. 

• Multi-Purpose Spray Recipe: 1 tsp Dawn dish soap + 2 cups water + 10 drops of essential oil
  • Purchase Links:
    • Amazon – Spray Bottle
    • Walmart – Spray Bottle
• Glass Cleaner Spray: Mix 50% water and 50% vinegar for an effective and eco-friendly glass cleaner.
  • Amazon – Glass Cleaner Bottle

What to Bring to Every Residential Cleaning Job

Here’s what your cleaning tech should bring to every residential cleaning job: 

• Cleaning Caddy with supplies
• Duffle Bag 
• Step Stool
• Flat Mop
• String Mop
• Bucket
• Vacuum Cleaner

Here’s a visual for how Stephanie Pipkin organizes her team caddies:

Pro tip: Check your appointment notes in a cleaning scheduling software like ZenMaid to see if any specialized tools like oven cleaners or brooms are required and adjust your caddy accordingly.

Commercial Cleaning Supplies List

Commercial cleaning jobs are a different beast. When you’re cleaning big places like offices or warehouses, you need some heavy-duty tools to get the job done right. Here’s what I keep on hand for these tougher gigs:

• Industrial Vacuums: These aren’t your regular home vacuums. You’ll need one that can cover a lot of carpet fast and suck up all that deep-down dirt.
• Floor Buffers and Polishers: Trust me, these will save your back and your time when you’re shining up those huge floor areas. They’re a game changer for making floors look brand new.
• Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes: Offices and other commercial spaces get a lot of foot traffic, which means germs everywhere. Make sure to have plenty of these so we can wipe down everything from desks to door handles.
• Extra Strong Trash Bags: Ever had a trash bag break halfway to the dumpster? Yeah, not fun. Get the heavy-duty kind that can handle anything you toss in them.
• Window Cleaning Gear: Having clean windows can make a whole building look better. Keep a kit with a good squeegee, extension poles, and a reliable cleaning solution on hand.
• Carpet Cleaners: For those big carpeted areas, you’ll want a machine that can deep clean and handle a lot of space quickly.
• Microfiber Mops and Cloths: Great for picking up dust and spills without scratching anything. I use different colors for different areas to keep things hygienic.
• Pressure Washer: Perfect for blasting dirt and grime off sidewalks and entryways if your crew does outdoor cleanup. 
• Safety Signs: Like those “wet floor” signs. Gotta keep everyone safe while we’re working and right after.
• Protective Gear: Don’t forget gloves and masks, especially if you’re using strong cleaners.

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Protective Gear Essentials for Cleaning Staff Safety

Having the right protective gear on hand is non-negotiable. Here’s the essential safety kit every cleaner should have:

• Disposable Gloves: Whether latex or latex-free, these are perfect for single-use scenarios, helping to prevent cross-contamination between tasks or properties.
• Reusable Rubber Gloves: Ideal for tougher jobs that require more durable protection.
• Safety Goggles or Face Shields: Essential when using sprays or chemicals that might splash, particularly during deep clean or industrial jobs.
• Protective Aprons or Coveralls: Keep your team’s own clothes clean and snag-free while also shielding them from harmful substances.
• Non-Slip Shoes: To ensure that no one takes a tumble while on the job.
• Shoe Covers: These not only protect floors from dirt and scuffs but also prevent any debris from being tracked across clean areas.
• Safety Signs: Such as wet floor signs or caution markers, to alert clients and their guests to potential hazards and prevent accidents.
• Exterior Cleaning Gloves: These are thicker and more robust, perfect for outdoor jobs or tougher cleaning tasks.
• First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, and having a first aid kit accessible ensures minor injuries can be dealt with swiftly and safely.

Should Your Cleaning Technicians Buy Their Own Supplies?

A question I get asked a lot is whether cleaners should bring their own supplies. I say no. Here’s why: we want every client to get the same great clean, right? That’s only possible if your team uses consistent supplies. (And of course, having a great training program.)

When you give your team all the supplies they need, it keeps things simple and makes sure everyone is on the same page. To keep track of your supplies and make sure nothing gets lost, set up a simple check-in and check-out system. You could use a logbook or a digital app to see who took what and when they brought it back.

It’s also a good idea to put something in your contracts about taking care of the supplies. For example, if someone loses or breaks something, they might have to cover the cost in their next paycheck. This helps everyone be a bit more careful with the gear.

How to Manage Your Cleaning Supplies Inventory

You don’t want to arrive at a client’s house only to find that you’re out of something. Keeping track of your cleaning supplies efficiently ensures you’re always ready for the job without overloading your storage space. Here’s how to manage it simply and effectively:

1. Set a Weekly Check-Up: Schedule a time each week — like Friday afternoon or Monday morning — to go through your inventory. This routine helps you adjust for upcoming jobs and avoid running out of essential items.
2. Use the Oldest Supplies First: Adopt the “First In, First Out” (FIFO) principle to use your oldest stock first. This prevents products from expiring and ensures everything is used at its peak effectiveness.
3. Refill Supplies Daily: Make it a policy that when cleaners return their caddies to the office at the end of the day, they refill all liquids and replace used items. This way, each caddy is ready to go for the next job, minimizing morning delays and keeping your teams efficient.
4. Automate Your Supply Reordering: For regularly used items, you can set up subscriptions with vendors like Amazon or Walmart. This saves both time and money, as subscriptions often come with discounts.
5. Track Patterns: Pay attention to how quickly different types of supplies are used. This will help you fine-tune your ordering so you’re not over or under-stocked. If you notice seasonal trends (like needing more window cleaner in the spring), adjust your inventory ahead of time.

Best Places to Buy Cleaning Supplies for Your Maid Service

When it comes to stocking up on supplies for your cleaning business, you have a few solid options that balance cost, convenience, and quality. Walmart and Amazon haven’t paid me to say this, but they are your go-to spots for smaller supplies in the United States. From sprays to sponges, you can find just about everything, and if you’re a Prime member, the shipping perks on Amazon can save you in a pinch.

For heavier-duty equipment like industrial vacuums, bigger stores like Costco or Home Depot are your best bet. These places offer the durability and warranties that a rigorous cleaning schedule demands. 

Plus, shopping at Costco might just give you an excuse to pick up a giant tub of cookie dough (strictly for morale purposes, of course).

The Tech Tools Every Cleaning Team Needs

Trust me, it’s never too early to start automating your cleaning business. Automation saves a tremendous amount of time as you grow. Here are some tech tools I swear by:

QuickBooks Online: This is my favorite tool to manage small business finances (and they don’t pay me to say that!). From tracking expenses and managing invoices to handling payroll, QuickBooks simplifies the financial side so you can see where every penny goes. It’s especially helpful during tax season, turning what used to be a headache into a breeze.

ZenMaid: ZenMaid is designed specifically for cleaning business owners like you. It handles everything from scheduling and client reminders to employee management and payment processing. Imagine never having to double-check if a job is booked or chase down payments again. ZenMaid automates these processes, so your focus can be on delivering stellar cleaning services.

ClickUp: When it comes to managing tasks, ClickUp is a powerhouse. It’s perfect for organizing everything from daily cleaning tasks to big-picture business goals. Set up tasks for different parts of your business, assign them to team members, and track progress in real-time. Whether it’s following up on client leads or planning a marketing push, ClickUp keeps your team aligned and efficient.

MailChimp: Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to connect with clients and build lasting relationships. MailChimp allows you to manage your email campaigns with ease. You can use it to send out special offers, company news, and monthly newsletters. Its user-friendly design templates and automation features make it simple to keep your clients engaged and informed about what’s new with your business.

Zapier: Think of Zapier as the glue that holds all your different apps together. It connects your favorite tools (like ZenMaid, MailChimp, ClickUp, and even QuickBooks) to create streamlined workflows. For example, when a new client books a service, Zapier can automatically add their details to your MailChimp list and update their information across your other tools. It’s about making your apps work smarter together, reducing your workload.

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That’s a Wrap

Starting your cleaning business with the right supplies will set you up for success. Equip yourself wisely, and you’ll watch your business grow and thrive. If you want to learn from other like-minded cleaning business owners, join our free ZenMaid Mastermind on Facebook!