Where To Store Cleaning Supplies? Best Places To Choose

You’re prepared for any accident or stain, thanks to the cleaning and sanitizing supplies you keep on hand. Is there a better place to store your products? There are a few things to consider when storing chemical cleansers, including frequency of usage and whether or not you have children in the house, says Malaika Lubega, a professional organizer and designer and owner of Huza Home Concepts. After that, consider how much space you have to store things in your house. Specifically, she inquires, “Is there a utility room in the house, or is it a smaller flat with just a little space beneath the sink?” Depending on your responses to these questions, you’ll be able to choose the best area to store any cleaning materials, which could be in the garage or a storage closet. Lubega points out that you should also consider how you’ll keep them.

Here, our specialists show how to organize and save each and every formula in the most efficient manner possible.

Keep your products off the floor.

A mother and professional organizer, Lubega advises her clients with curious children to store cleaning goods (such as liquid cleaning products or detergent pods) in a cold, dry spot that’s far away from the children’s reach. ” Cleansing products must not be stored on the floor. One of the best places to start is in a utility or laundry room, or even the garage, where you can hang things up on shelves or use vertical space like the ClosetMaid Adjustable Wall and Door Rack ($34, amazon.com). You can store your items in leak-proof, labeled containers in a safe cabinet with The Good Stuff’s Child Safety Latches ($14, amazon.com) if there isn’t enough room for over-the-door storage.

She recommends keeping all of your cleaning supplies in the same place, such as vacuums, brooms, and mops. The organizing guru offers the OXO Good Grips Expandable Wall Mount Organizer ($26, bedbathbeyond.com), which can be hung in a utility room to keep these items off your floors.

There’s a strong case for keeping everything in your garage.

According to Branch Basics cofounder Marilee Nelson, a licensed building biologist and environmental consultant, the garage is the best area to store cleaning materials. Having harmful cleaning products around the house creates a low-level chemical soup that everyone in the family breaths and absorbs via the skin at all times,” she explains. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are toxic, are released into the atmosphere when products are used. When you remove these goods from your living areas, you’ll notice an improvement in your health as a result of better air quality.

A dry, safe environment is key.

It’s important to maintain your cleaning tools in a cold, dry place, as Lubega advised. Nelson agrees, and he adds that you should avoid high-humidity areas because of the potential for a dangerous reaction. Nelson advises that items be kept away from sources of ignition and hot pipes, as well as in their original packaging. As a rule of thumb when cleaning, bring only what you need into the house. Open the windows or use fans to ventilate the area when using these goods. When you’re done using the cleaner, store it in an airtight container so that it doesn’t pollute the air your family breathes. ”

Group everyday products for easy access.

If you use a product every day, Lubega advises keeping it in a convenient location such as the cabinet beneath your sink. The most important piece of advice she has for you? Staying together is a good idea. If you’re looking for a strategy to keep all of your everyday cleaning supplies—like all-purpose cleaning products and dish soap—in a single location for quick access, a simple corralling of these goods is the easiest way to go about it. In order to further organize your collection, Lubega recommends using basic, movable containers like the The Home Edit Lazy Susan ($40, containerstore.com).

Create your own cleaning product storage space.

If you have a limited amount of storage space, consider storing products in air-tight containers and segregating them from other high-touch items to avoid cross-contamination. The best way to keep track of what you have is to group like goods in clear boxes. Lubega recommends separating and labeling floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and kitchen cleaners; get these containers off the floor, onto shelves or in a cabinet. The SystemBuild Callahan Utility Storage ($363, amazon.com) is a great option if you’re going with a cabinet.

Tips for Organizing Cleaning Supplies

Look at your cleaning habits before making a decision on how to store cleaning materials in the kitchen or bathroom. We want to know what products and tools are essential to your daily routine. We should probably get rid of the things we don’t use very often.

Evaluate Cleaning Tools

Is it really necessary to keep every broom, mop, vacuum, and duster you own? Dispose of redundant, obsolete, or difficult-to-use equipment. In order to keep them, carefully clean them. The one exception for duplicates is if you have a multi-story home: Having a set of tools for each floor of your house makes things a lot simpler.

Evaluate Cleaning Products

Under your sink, how many empty bottles of toilet or glass cleaning are there? One of each should be all that is necessary for the task at hand. The empty container can be recycled or thrown away if you have two half-used bottles of the same brand.

WARNING

Toxic reactions can occur when cleaning products from different brands or formulae are mixed together.

You should look for multi-purpose cleansers that may be used on a wide variety of surfaces. You don’t always have to hire a maid service. The organic option is to use vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid to manufacture cleaning solutions. Make sure your homemade cleaning solution is clearly labeled. Multiplying an item like cleaning equipment is an excellent way to ensure that cleaning supplies are available at all levels of your home.

Evaluate Your Storage Space

Do not put cleaning products under the sink all the time. A linen closet, a garage, or a hallway closet may be the best option for you. It’s a good idea to keep cleaning supplies out of reach of youngsters, pets, and elderly people who are more vulnerable. Getting cleaning materials off the floor is also a good idea.

Cleaning materials should not be kept near open flames or hot water pipes. Dry, temperature-controlled locations are the only places to keep cleaning products.

6 Cleaning Supply Storage Ideas

Use the Vertical Space on Doors

Hooks or spring-activated clamps can be used to hang mops and brooms on the inside of doors. Then, hang small scrub brushes and dustpans from low-hanging wire or plastic basket holders you’ve added to the space. Spray bottles can be hung from a towel bar.

To store cleaning supplies such as cleaners, rags, and brushes, go for a hanging shoe bag with clear pockets. Additionally, there are supply racks that hang above the entryway. Bungee cords can be used to secure bottles that are too tall on the rack.

Double Your Cabinet Space

Add a small diameter retractable tension rod under bathroom and kitchen sinks because many cleaning chemicals come in a spray bottle. In order to free up more cabinet space, spray handles can be hung from the rod. Clothes closets and laundry room cupboards benefit greatly from this same concept.

Many bottles can be hung from the shelf’s outer edge if you have wire shelving.

Go Vertical in a Closet

Hanging storage organizers can be found in the closet organization section. Small plastic bins of cleaning products fit perfectly in the ones intended for sweaters. Label all of them, including the glass cleaner, cleaning cloths, and bathroom cleanser, for easy identification. When it’s time to clean, you can just grab the one you need.

Mops and brooms can be hung from a closet rod using S-hooks. Don’t forget about the wall space in the closet. There may be enough space between the closet rod and the door frame to fit some small hanging baskets, such as those used for mail or periodicals.

Create Easier Access

To make cleaning products more easily accessible, install a lazy Susan turntable in your cabinets. Use this to keep track of how much of each product you have and when it’s time to reorder.

Put Supplies on Wheels With a Rolling Cart

Cleaning items are conveniently stored in a small utility cart. One that can fit behind a door or between two appliances is ideal. In order to keep all of your cleaning products in one place, use clear acrylic trays or tiny containers.

Use Caddies and Bins on Shelves

Cleaning caddies are ideal for shelf storage because they can be grabbed and gone in a flash. For the bathroom, kitchen, and living area caddies, stock each one with the appropriate cleansers and supplies.

Keep excess products on hand by using clear plastic labeled bins so that you can immediately identify what is in stock.

Don’t Forget That Cleaning Supplies Lose Their Effectiveness

Even while most cleaning solutions have a long shelf life, the effectiveness diminishes over time, particularly if the seal has been broken. Consider your cleaning routines and these “best use by” standards before you buy in bulk:

• After opening, laundry detergent is good for six months to a year.
• Bleach: After six months, it’s no longer effective.
• Disinfecting and multi-purpose cleaner: Lasts for up to two years
• Dishwashing liquid: Lasts between 12 and 18 months if stored properly.

Know The Chemicals

Keep up-to-date on poison control guidelines and the components in your cleaning goods. Reactive compounds are present in many common household cleaners and can be dangerous if consumed or inhaled. Included in this collection are:

• Tablets for the Dishwasher
• Cleaning Products for the Toilet Bowl
• Cleaning Products That Are Antibacterial
• Cleaners for Glass
• Cleaners for drains
• All-Purpose Carpet Cleaners
• Dirty Clothes Detergent

Keep a look out for these substances at all times. Knowing where to store cleaning products and hazardous materials that should be kept out of sight and out of reach can help prevent harmful situations from occurring in your home or business.

Install Organization System

Installing shelves or cabinets where you can store and arrange cleaning materials alleviates some of the stress that comes with the task. Cleansing supplies can be organized in several ways.

• The laundry room is the best place to put cupboards and shelving. Children and pets are less likely to get their hands on objects if they are stored above the washer and dryer.
• Small bins or baskets can be affixed to the wall to hold rubber scrubbing gloves for convenient access and drying. It’s a surefire technique to keep them from interfering.
• Cleaning supplies are a snap to locate with the help of pull-out sliding trays and organizers. It’s also not necessary to empty the cabinet completely.

How To Store Cleaning Supplies

It can be difficult to figure out where to keep cleaning materials. These products should be stored in a manner that is safe and secure:

• Be sure to follow the label’s storage instructions.
• Every time you use the product, be sure to shut the lid tightly.
• Keep things out of the reach of youngsters and pets by placing them on a shelf.
• It’s a good idea to put in a child safety latch if you want to.
• Products should be stored in their original packaging.
• When storing things in an open area, such a garage, make sure they’re in a secure container.
• Clean, cool, and dry storage areas are essential for long-term preservation of your valuable items.
• Organize food and utensils into categories based on their purpose. Use a designated storage bin to keep them safe
• Installing a tension rod under the sink and using it to hang spray bottles can free up valuable counter space.
• An over-the-door shoe organizer can be used to store tiny cleaning tools.

10 Essential Cleaning Tools Every Home Should Have

There are some cleaning equipment that every home should have, regardless of whether you’re just beginning started or looking to complete (or even upgrade) your current collection.

If you’d prefer to make a brand-new purchase, we’ve provided some helpful links to assist you locate the best deals on housekeeping supplies. There is nothing wrong with stockpiling a few of these essentials as you go along. Build a dependable arsenal of house cleaning tools by purchasing some of your favorite essentials and borrowing others from friends and family.

1. A Good Sponge

You may find a wide selection of sponges on the market. For those times when you just can’t stand the thought of cleaning without one, an abrasive sponge like this one can come in handy. There are several alternatives to traditional sponges and towels, including sponge cloths, spaghetti sponges (which don’t require soap), a Scrub Daddy (which changes texture according to temperature), and long-lasting silicone sponges.

2. White Towels

A large supply of white towels is usually on hand in my home. If you don’t want to spend too much money, you can get cotton towels almost everywhere — even at your local hardware store. Always match, you can tell whether they’re dirty, and they won’t get ruined by being cleaned or disinfected. Cut up old t-shirts for an eco-friendly option.

3. Microfiber Cloths

Having a few of these on hand, like the white towels, will help you get the job done faster. With a little water, microfiber can typically clean surfaces without scratching or leaving stains (excellent for windows).

4. A Squeegee

They’re essential for keeping showers mold and mildew free. As a bonus, they may also be used to clean your windows. Make sure to protect the blade of your squeegee while using and storing it to get the most use out of it. Squeegees that leave streaks or don’t operate as well will need to be replaced with a new blade.

5. A Bucket

A large bucket can be used for a variety of home duties, including storing cleaning supplies and sweeping the floor. Definitely a must-have. Buying one online is an option, but most people just pick one up at their local hardware shop (we like this $15 OXO model).

6. A Spray Bottle (or 6)

You should always have spray bottles on hand in case you ever need to rinse something with water or if you want to experiment with manufacturing your own cleaners. Glass bottles are durable and can be purchased individually for less than $10 or in bulk for even greater discounts.

7. A Scrub Brush

Make sure you have an all-purpose scrub brush on hand so that you can tackle stubborn stains on tile, tubs, fixtures, and other hard-to-reach areas. Use an old dish brush that you no longer use, or get a heavy-duty cleaning scrubber. OXO has a great one for about $7.

8. A Toothbrush

Using a toothbrush instead of a scrub brush when you need something more precise is a good idea. The grout in your bathroom and kitchen, as well as your bathroom and kitchen countertops, can all benefit from being cleaned with disinfected old toothbrushes. Boiling old toothbrushes in water can help them get into hard-to-reach places.

It’s possible that a specific detail cleaning brush will accomplish the same (or even better!) results than a spare toothbrush.

9. A Broom, Dustpan and Mop

Cleaning hard surfaces like wood, tile, cork and linoleum requires the use of special cleaning equipment. Most people can get by with a broom and dustpan and/or a dust mop when it comes to cleaning their floors. It’s a good idea to acquire a wet mop as well, so you can clean up after spills or remove dirt from the floor more easily.

If you live in a tiny space and don’t have a lot of major messes, a hand broom and dustpan combo like this $5 one from Target’s Made by Design line would be a better option.

10. A Vacuum

To keep floors clean and allergies at bay, you’ll need one of these machines, which can be a Roomba, Dyson, or even a robust workhorse passed down down the generations.

FAQs

Do you keep cleaning supplies in the pantry?

Big appliances like vacuum cleaners and steam mops can be stored in a pantry, garage, or basement. As long as you keep them all in one place, it doesn’t really matter where they are located.

Why is it important to store the cleaning supplies properly?

What is the significance of storing cleaning products in an organized manner? In order to reduce the danger of harm and injury to cleaning employees and others, it is critical that cleaning materials be stored properly.

Where is the best place to store cleaning products?

According to our experts, you might store it under your sink, in your garage, or even in a closet.

How do you store cleaning supplies in a small bathroom?

With a bathroom vanity unit, mirror cases, or sleek utility cabinets, you can keep your bathroom basics and cleaning materials in order. The extra storage space provided by floating shelves is a welcome bonus. If you don’t have any in your bathroom, you may want to consider purchasing or building one.

Keep It Organized

In terms of your family’s health and safety, cleaning products can have a huge impact on where and how they’re stored. It’s vital to store them, but it’s also beneficial to keep them organized. Having a built-in chalkboard or whiteboard will help you remember what you need to buy on your next trip to the supermarket. After using the cleaning items, be sure to return them to their original location. Find out more about how to organize your cleaning supplies right here!