The Only Cleaning Business Supplies List You Need
Starting a cleaning business requires the right cleaning supplies to do the job efficiently. If you don’t know what to buy, here’s a list of cleaning supplies you need for your cleaning business. There’s also a checklist you can download and use to track what you’ve got and what else you need.
Basic cleaning supplies for all cleaning jobs
Here are the basic cleaning supplies for all types of cleaning services, from residential cleaning to commercial cleaning:
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Trash bags
- Gloves
- Sponges or scrub brushes
- All-purpose disinfectant
- Window cleaner
- Paper towels
- Trash cans and liners
- Duster or dusting spray
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
- Baking soda
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Air freshener
- Storage caddy
Pro Tip: Multi-purpose cleaners and supplies can streamline your inventory and handle various cleaning tasks.
Chemical cleaning products
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
- Glass cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Floor cleaner (appropriate for the specific flooring)
- Bathroom cleaner
- Degreaser
- Mold and mildew remover
- Carpet cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Hardwood floor cleaner
- Tile and grout cleaner
- Lime and rust remover
- Upholstery cleaner
- Fabric freshener
- Wood polish
- Drain cleaner
- Air freshener or deodorizer
- Furniture polish
Pro Tip: Choose products with recognized certifications, such as being Green Seal certified, as they’re proven to be environmentally friendly. Also, concentrated formulas that you can dilute provide more uses per container and reduce overall costs.
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Consider using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies to appeal to a broader market and showcase your commitment to sustainability:
- Eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner
- Biodegradable disinfectant wipes
- Natural glass cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner with plant-based ingredients
- Stainless steel cleaner made from sustainable sources
- Environmentally friendly floor cleaner
- Green bathroom cleaner
- Plant-based degreaser
- Eco-friendly mold and mildew remover
- Green carpet cleaner
- Oven cleaner with non-toxic formulas
- Sustainable hardwood floor cleaner
- Tile and grout cleaner with biodegradable components
- Lime and rust remover with eco-friendly ingredients
- Biodegradable upholstery cleaner
- Natural fabric freshener
- Wood polish made from renewable resources
- Eco-friendly drain cleaner
- Plant-based air freshener or deodorizer
- Furniture polish with environmentally conscious formulas
Pro Tip: Look beyond marketing claims and carefully examine the ingredient list of cleaning products. Choose those with plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic components. Certifications from the EPA’s Safer Choice or eco-labels such as Ecolabel and Green Seal can assure you that a product is eco-friendly. Also, consider products in recyclable or sustainable packaging.
Commercial cleaning supplies list
- Pressure washers
- Industrial-strength disinfectant
- Push broom
- Commercial glass cleaner
- Heavy-duty floor cleaner
- Floor scrubber, buffer, and polisher
- Professional-grade brooms and mops
- High-capacity vacuum cleaner
- Trash bags for commercial use
- Industrial gloves
- Commercial sponges and scrub brushes
- Specialized kitchen degreaser
- Restroom sanitizing supplies
- Commercial window squeegee
- Paper towel dispenser and rolls
- Commercial trash cans and liners
- High-dusting tools
- Restroom air fresheners
- Commercial-grade carpet cleaner
- Powerfully effective degreasers
- Industrial-strength graffiti remover
- Professional janitorial cart
- Steam cleaners
Protective gear for cleaning jobs
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Respirator mask
- Apron or protective clothing
- Closed-toe shoes
- Ear protection (if needed)
- Knee pads (for floor cleaning or scrubbing)
- Hairnet or cap (to prevent hair from falling)
- Dust mask (for dust-prone environments)
- Slip-resistant shoes (for wet floors)
- Disposable shoe covers
- High-visibility vest (for outdoor or large spaces)
- Elbow-length rubber gloves (for heavy-duty tasks)
- Hard hat (for construction or heavy debris areas)
- Arm sleeves (for added protection)
- Back support belt (for heavy lifting)
- First aid kit
- Safety whistle (for communication in larger spaces)
- Safety harness (for elevated cleaning tasks)
- UV protection sunglasses (for outdoor cleaning)
Marketing supplies for cleaning business
Put your cleaning company name on these marketing supplies to increase your visibility:
- Business cards
- Flyers or brochures
- Uniforms with logo
- Magnetic vehicle signs
- Door hangers
- Yard signs
- Banners
- Postcards
- Vehicle decals or wraps to promote your cleaning business
- Website of your cleaning business
- Social media profiles
- Business stationery (letterheads, envelopes)
- Promotional items (e.g., pens, notepads)
Digital tools for your cleaning business
- Cleaning business scheduling software: For scheduling cleaners for jobs and sending cleaning schedules to cleaners.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system: For managing clients’ details and building relationships with clients.
- Lead generation platform: Sites like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit help connect clients with cleaning providers. You can find jobs on these platforms and bid on them to get new clients.
- Invoicing and payment processing tools: For managing billing and invoices.
- Accounting software: For managing payments, expenses, payroll, and finance.
Tips for buying and using cleaning supplies
- Buy in bulk to get discounts and have an ample stock. Test products before buying in bulk to make sure they meet your standards for effectiveness and safety.
- Shop around to find the best prices from suppliers. Online platforms and local wholesalers may offer competitive rates. Build good relationships with suppliers and negotiate for better prices.
- Look for cleaning products with certifications or approvals from relevant health and safety organizations. Prioritize products with low toxicity levels and provide training on their usage to your team.
- Keep an inventory of your cleaning supplies to avoid running out unexpectedly and to monitor expiry dates. Keep Safety Data Sheets for all cleaning products and make sure your team is familiar with the information in case of emergencies.
Cleaning business supplies FAQs
Should you supply the cleaning products?
Yes, you should supply your own cleaning products instead of using clients’ cleaning products because:
- It ensures consistent cleaning quality of your services.
- You have control over the use of the products.
- It’s more convenient for clients.
However, some clients may have specific products they want you to use. In such cases, you should accommodate their requests whenever possible. Check if the products are enough for the cleaning jobs.
What safety considerations should I keep in mind when choosing cleaning products?
- Toxicity levels
- Chemical compatibility
- Allergen-free or hypoallergenic options
- Proper storage conditions
- Child and pet safety
- Compliance with health and safety regulations
- Proper disposal procedures
Is there any cleaning business supplies list template I can download and use?
Here’s a cleaning business supplies list template you can download and use to keep track of supplies. Make a copy and feel free to add or remove stuff according to your business needs.