I recently opened a cleaning company and i'm still buying equipment, so i'm just tryin to get a quick run down on everything i should need(for residential cleaning).

I love the name and the question. We can get you fully equipped!

Here's some basics:

• Two vacuums for each team. One will inevitably break down or clog when you least expect it.
• Rags, rags, and more rags. I use bar towels and microfiber. You can never have enough rags.
• Rolling carts, such as the Bucket Boss to keep supplies in. I don't use caddies any more. I have tons of caddies and they are gathering dust.
• Uniforms (including non-slip shoes)
• Aprons
• Cleaning supplies, such as an all-purpose, a floor cleaner, window cleaner, etc. Narrow it down as much as you can.
• Brushes, paint brushes, razor blades, and putty knives.
• Gloves
• Mops and mopheads (I use microfiber)
• Handheld canister vacs to do upholstry and stairs

I know I am missing some glaring items. I am tired and can't think straight. Anyone else want to chime in with their suggestions?

Torrey

thanks for the list......appreciate it!!! if u happen to think of anything else important, please feel free to post.

We also take several different types of scrubbers. What works on one thing may not on something else. Also a step ladder and a broom and dustpan. Toilet scrubbing brushes. I have been to several homes where oddly they do not own one of these??? Guess that is why we are there. I am not sure what type of mop you will be using but we use a mop bucket for other things other than mopping. We will fill it with water when in rooms other than the kitchen or bathroom so that we aren't running back and forth to the sink dripping water everywhere. We always take trash bags too. I also feel like I am forgetting something. We worked until almost midnight last night! I am exhausted.

Oh yes! Kendra is correct!

We provide trash can liners and use them ourselves, so always stay stocked on those items. Also, we oddly have the same problem with toilet brushes so we bring extras of those and put it in the client "kit" once it has been used in a home.

We also have a shop vac for cleaning out fireplaces. Don't ever use a vacuum for that! You'll burn the motor out. That can be costly, as I found out. LOL

I also use a lot of large ziplock bags to gather materials in.

Torrey

I had posted this on another site to assist someone who wanted to know what were in my kits. I warn you, I bring a lot to a site!

In a client's kit:
Microfiber rags
Paint brushes
Grout brushes
Any other type of brush (toilet, scrubbing, etc.)
Mop heads
Sponges (the kind you use to detail cars...the round ones to apply Rain-X to glass)
Broom
Vacuum bags

In addition to a client's kit, we use:
All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Floor cleaner
Bathroom cleaner (tub and tile)
Essential oils
Rain-X
Vinegar
Barkeeper's Friend
Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda
Washing soda and Borax
Silk plant cleaner
Canister vac and attachments
Vacuum
Gloves
Q-tips
Cosmetic sponges
Screwdriver
Pens
Receipt book
Business cards
Common forms used and envelopes
Doggie and kitty treats
Paper towels
Magic Erasers
Cups for rinsing shower
Odo-Ban type product (enzyme cleaner) such as OUT! pet stain and odor remover
Snacks
Water/Gatorade
First aid kit (very small)
Swiffers
Swiffer handles (long and short)
Notepad for leaving a client a note
ETA: Oh, and some more...
Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap
Linen spray
Home made soft scrub
Shop vac
Lemon oil
Putty knives
Razor blades
Pumice stone

Thanks agian for everything, but can you do me a favor and explain to me more about the "client's kit".

I create a kit specific to the client's home that is not used in any other home. It has the consumables that get dirty. Once they have their home cleaned, we sanitize and wash everything and store it all together. It is kept at my office ready for their next cleaning.

My site explains it further, though the point is that we don't wish to re-use rags and other items from home to home, despite being sanitized.

Torrey

I got cha....definetly a smart and clean idea for your customers.Thanks

Torrey--

Where do you purchase all of your supplies? Do you purchase from various retailers or wholesalers? I am trying to find a good online site for all my supplies, like brushes, cleaning cloths etc.

Vanessa

Vanessa,

I highly recommend joining ICPA, which is a purchasing alliance for discounts with just about every jan-san product you could wish for.

http://independentcleaners.servebbs.org/

Thanks!
Torrey

Thank you for the website Torrey! I have already applied for a membership! I also found the forum and am so thankful I did. You are a wealth of knowledge!