Having the right supplies makes cleaning faster, easier, and more effective. Understanding what supplies do I need to start a cleaning business helps you invest wisely and avoid both overspending and underpreparing.
This guide covers every supply category with specific product recommendations.
Supply Categories Overview
Cleaning business supplies fall into distinct categories, each serving specific purposes.
| Category | Purpose | Investment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning chemicals | Remove dirt, sanitize, polish | $50-150 initial |
| Cloths and towels | Wiping, dusting, polishing | $30-80 initial |
| Brushes and scrubbers | Agitation for tough cleaning | $20-50 initial |
| Mops and floor care | Floor cleaning systems | $30-100 initial |
| Tools and equipment | Vacuuming, reaching, organizing | $0-500+ initial |
| Safety and protection | Personal safety items | $20-40 initial |
| Organization | Carrying and storing supplies | $20-50 initial |
Total initial supply investment typically runs $150-400 for basic residential cleaning operations. Supplies are just one piece of the puzzle – learn about all the expenses in our guide on how much it costs to start a cleaning business.
Cleaning Chemicals
The chemicals you use determine cleaning effectiveness.
- All-purpose cleaner handles most surfaces including counters, appliances, cabinets, and walls. One versatile product reduces what you carry. Choose concentrate form for better value.
- Glass cleaner provides streak-free results on windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. Ammonia-based cleaners work well but don’t mix with bleach.
- Bathroom disinfectant kills germs on toilets, sinks, and tubs. Look for EPA-registered products with proven germ-killing claims.
- Toilet bowl cleaner addresses mineral deposits and tough stains in toilets. The angled bottle design reaches under the rim.
- Floor cleaner varies by floor type. Multi-surface options work on most floors, though wood floors need specific pH-neutral products.
- Degreaser cuts through kitchen grease on stovetops, range hoods, and grimy areas.
- Stainless steel cleaner polishes appliances without streaks.
- Furniture polish protects and shines wood surfaces.
Keeping your supply costs low directly impacts your profitability. Make sure your pricing accounts for supply expenses – our guide on how to charge for cleaning services covers how to factor costs like these into your rates.
Cloths and Towels
Microfiber cloths are your most important supply.
Microfiber cleaning cloths should include at least 20-30 cloths in your starter kit. Use different colors for different areas (blue for glass, green for kitchen, red for bathrooms) to prevent cross-contamination.
Terry cloth towels work well for heavy-duty wiping and drying.
Dusting cloths or dusters handle furniture, shelves, and decorative items.
Disposable wipes provide convenience for quick cleaning and sanitizing, though they cost more per use than reusable options.
Quality matters with microfiber. Cheap cloths don’t clean as well and wear out faster. Invest in 300-400 GSM (grams per square meter) weight for professional results.
Brushes and Scrubbers
Agitation tools handle tough cleaning.
Scrub brushes in various sizes address different tasks. Small detail brushes work in grout and corners. Medium brushes handle general scrubbing. Larger brushes cover more area quickly.
Toilet brush and holder are essential for every cleaning kit.
Grout brush with stiff bristles cleans between tiles effectively.
Sponges with scrubby side handle dishes and light scrubbing.
Steel wool or scrubbing pads tackle tough buildup but require care to avoid scratching surfaces.
Pumice stone removes toilet rings without chemicals.
Floor Care Supplies
Floors require dedicated tools.
Mop system options include traditional string mops (cheap but less effective), sponge mops (good for small areas), flat mops with microfiber pads (professional standard, most versatile), and spray mops (convenient but limited for professional use).
The flat mop system with replaceable microfiber pads offers the best combination of effectiveness, efficiency, and professional appearance.
Buckets should hold at least two gallons. Dual-compartment buckets separate clean and dirty water.
Vacuum cleaner is essential equipment. Use what you own initially. Upgrade to commercial-grade when budget allows. Backpack vacuums increase efficiency significantly.
Broom and dustpan handle quick debris pickup.
Tools and Equipment
Beyond chemicals and cloths, certain tools are necessary.
Extension pole or duster reaches ceiling fans, high corners, and tops of cabinets.
Step stool provides safe access to above-counter areas.
Scraper or razor blade removes stuck-on debris from glass and hard surfaces (use carefully).
Spray bottles hold diluted concentrates. Buy quality bottles that don’t leak or clog.
Measuring cups ensure proper dilution of concentrate products.
Trash bags in various sizes accommodate different bins.
Safety and Protection
Protect yourself while working.
Rubber gloves shield hands from chemicals and dirty work. Keep multiple pairs since they wear out.
Safety glasses protect eyes when using spray products.
Knee pads provide comfort when cleaning low areas.
Non-slip shoes prevent falls on wet floors.
Organization Supplies
Carrying supplies efficiently saves time.
Cleaning caddy holds products for easy transport room to room.
Cleaning apron or belt keeps tools accessible while working.
Vehicle organizer stores supplies in your car neatly.
Laundry bag holds dirty cloths between washes.
Building Your Supply Kit
Start with essentials and expand as needed:
- Begin with all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom disinfectant, and floor cleaner
- Add 20-30 microfiber cloths in assorted colors
- Include scrub brushes, toilet brush, and sponges
- Get a flat mop system with microfiber pads
- Add spray bottles, gloves, and a cleaning caddy
Expand based on specific client needs. If residential cleaning is your focus, our guide on how to start a house cleaning business walks you through everything beyond supplies that you’ll need to get up and running.
Your Supplied Business Starts Here
You now understand what supplies do I need to start a cleaning business—the chemicals, cloths, tools, and equipment for professional cleaning.
Proper supplies make the difference between struggling through jobs and completing them efficiently. Invest wisely in quality basics rather than buying everything cheaply.
At the Cleaning Business Institute, our courses include detailed supply lists and product recommendations. We help you build the right kit for your specific services.
Equip yourself properly. Take our free Cleaning Business Quiz. We’ll analyze your situation and recommend the right training. Complete the quiz and unlock a limited-time offer saving you over 50%.
Stock your cleaning business for success.