Cleaning Supplies List: What Pros Actually Use
You can start a cleaning business with less than $90342in supplies. Here's what to buy first, what's worth upgrading later, and what you can skip entirely.
The starter kit
Everything you need for your first 50 jobs. Buy these before your first booking.
🧴Cleaning Solutions
- All-purpose cleaner — Concentrate saves money long-term$5–$12
- Glass & mirror cleaner$4–$8
- Disinfectant spray or wipes — EPA-registered for bathrooms and kitchens$5–$10
- Bathroom/tub scrub — Non-abrasive for acrylic tubs$4–$8
- Toilet bowl cleaner$3–$5
- Stainless steel polish — Optional — only if clients have SS appliances$5–$8
🧽Cloths & Pads
- Microfiber cloths (12+ pack) — Color-code: blue for glass, green for kitchen, red for bathroom$12–$20
- Scrub sponges (non-scratch)$4–$8
- Magic erasers — Great for wall marks and scuffs$5–$10
- Paper towels (1 roll) — Use sparingly — microfiber does most of the work$2
🧹Tools & Equipment
- Vacuum cleaner — Backpack vacuums are fastest for professionals$80–$250
- Flat mop with washable pads — Skip string mops — flat mops are faster and more hygienic$25–$40
- Broom and dustpan$10–$15
- Cleaning caddy or bucket — Carry everything room to room — saves 15–20 min per job$8–$15
- Extension duster — For ceiling fans, high shelves, and cobwebs$8–$15
- Grout brush — Small stiff brush for tile lines$4–$8
- Spray bottles (3–4) — For diluting concentrates$3–$6
🧤Protection & Extras
- Nitrile gloves (box) — Latex-free to avoid client allergies$8–$12
- Shoe covers (if requested)$5–$10
- Trash bags — Stock a few sizes$5–$10
Worth upgrading later
Once you're booked consistently and making money, these upgrades save time and expand what you can offer.
- HEPA vacuum — Essential for allergy-sensitive clients and post-construction$150–$400
- Steam cleaner — Chemical-free deep cleaning for grout, tile, and upholstery$100–$300
- Commercial degreaser — For kitchen hood vents and oven details$10–$20
- Enzyme cleaner — Breaks down pet stains and odors biologically$10–$15
- Microfiber mop system — Velcro pads, multiple replacements — commercial grade$40–$70
- Label printer — For labeling your spray bottles and looking professional$30–$50
Money-saving tips
Buy concentrates, not ready-to-use.
A $12 bottle of concentrated all-purpose cleaner makes 20+ spray bottles. That's $0.60 per refill vs. $5 per bottle.
Color-code your microfiber cloths.
Blue for glass, green for kitchens, red for bathrooms. Prevents cross-contamination and shows clients you take hygiene seriously.
Wash microfiber without fabric softener.
Softener coats the fibers and kills their cleaning ability. Wash warm with a little detergent, air dry or low tumble.
Skip the fancy brand-name products.
Generic concentrates from janitorial supply stores work just as well at a fraction of the cost.
Keep a backup of everything in your car.
Running out of gloves or cleaner mid-job is unprofessional. Stock doubles of your most-used items.
Supplies ready? Time to get clients.
Create professional quotes and invoices that make you look established from day one.