Cleaning is already a chore—why make it harder by spending half your time digging through a chaotic mess of bottles, sponges, and mysteriously sticky rags? Learning how to organize cleaning supplies can save you time, effort, and possibly prevent an avalanche of spray bottles from tumbling out every time you open a cabinet. Let’s make cleaning a little less of a hassle and a lot more efficient!
1. Declutter and Sort Cleaning Supplies
Before you even think about organizing, let’s face the facts: you probably have at least three half-empty bottles of glass cleaner, a sponge that has seen better days, and a mop head you meant to replace… two years ago. It’s time to declutter!
- Check expiration dates – Yes, cleaning supplies expire! If it’s old or separated, toss it.
- Ditch duplicates – If you have five different bathroom cleaners but only use one, donate or discard the extras.
- Sort by category – Group supplies by purpose: floor cleaners, kitchen sprays, bathroom disinfectants, etc.
- Use clear bins or labels – You don’t want to grab the toilet bowl cleaner when reaching for dish soap (trust me, bad idea).
By the time you’re done, you’ll wonder why you ever held onto that near-empty bottle of carpet cleaner from 2015.
2. Choose the Best Storage Location
Now that you’ve purged the unnecessary, it’s time to find the perfect home for your supplies. Cleaning should be convenient, not a scavenger hunt.
Best Places to Store Cleaning Supplies:
- Under the kitchen sink – Ideal for everyday cleaners like dish soap, countertop sprays, and sponges. Just be mindful of leaks and moisture.
- Laundry room shelves – Great for storing bulk items like detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers.
- Bathroom cabinets – Keep toilet cleaners, shower sprays, and disinfecting wipes nearby for quick access.
- Utility or hallway closets – Perfect for brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, and refills for other areas.
Wherever you choose, make sure it’s practical—because running to the garage for Windex mid-cleaning spree is just asking for distractions (and an impromptu snack break).
3. Use Smart Storage Solutions
Small space? Big mess? No problem! A few clever storage tricks can make all the difference.
- Caddies & Bins – Keep frequently used supplies in a portable caddy so you can carry everything room to room.
- Over-the-Door Organizers – Use a shoe organizer or hanging baskets for extra storage.
- Hooks & Racks – Hang brooms, dustpans, and mops on a wall to keep floors clear.
- Lazy Susans – Perfect for rotating bottles under the sink without knocking everything over.
- Stackable Drawers – Maximize vertical space for smaller areas.
Organizing your supplies well means you spend less time searching and more time actually getting things clean (or at least pretending to when guests come over).
4. Safety Considerations
Nobody wants a surprise “cleaning product cocktail” because of a leak, spill, or (worst-case scenario) a toddler deciding that bleach looks tasty. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep hazardous chemicals out of reach of children and pets – Use locked cabinets or store supplies on high shelves.
- Store flammable items properly – Keep them away from heat sources.
- Label homemade or repackaged solutions – No one wants to mistake vinegar for glass cleaner.
- Ventilate storage areas – Prevent buildup of fumes from strong cleaning agents.
A little caution goes a long way in making sure your cleaning routine doesn’t come with unplanned surprises.
5. Maintain and Replenish Your Cleaning Supplies
Organization isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle (or at least a habit you should attempt to maintain).
- Stick to a cleaning schedule – This helps ensure your supplies are always stocked and ready.
- Restock before you run out – There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re out of disinfectant after the mess has already happened.
- Wipe down storage areas regularly – Because an organized space should also be a clean one.
With a little ongoing effort, you can avoid slipping back into the dreaded “everything shoved under the sink” method of cleaning supply storage.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to organize cleaning supplies, it’s time to put these tips into action. A clutter-free cleaning setup will save you time, reduce stress, and—dare we say it—maybe even make cleaning slightly more enjoyable.
And if you’d rather leave the deep cleaning to the pros, check out our Denver Home Cleaning services for expert assistance. After all, an organized cleaning closet is great, but a spotless home? Even better!
