The average American home contains dozens of cleaning products, many of which contain harsh chemicals that can affect indoor air quality and health. According to the American Lung Association, a lot of common household cleaning supplies, including those with strong odors, can irritate the eyes and throat, cause headaches, and contribute to other health issues. The EPA reports that indoor air pollutant levels can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels, partly due to household cleaning chemicals.
Here’s the crazy thing: you don’t need a cabinet full of specialised cleaners to maintain a spotless home. In fact, a minimalist approach to cleaning supplies not only reduces your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals but also simplifies your cleaning routine, saves money, and benefits the environment.
This short guide looks at which minimalist cleaning supplies you actually need. We’ll cover both essential tools and cleaning products that can handle virtually every cleaning task in your home. Whether you’re looking to simplify your cleaning routine or create a more eco-friendly household, this checklist aims to help you clean effectively with less chemicals.
What Makes a Cleaning Supply List Truly Minimalist?
The concept of minimalist cleaning supplies goes beyond simply owning fewer products. It’s about intentionally choosing versatile items that effectively clean your home without unnecessary complexity or waste. A truly minimalist approach to cleaning supplies focuses on multi-purpose products that can handle multiple cleaning tasks. That kills two birds with one stone because it reduces both physical and mental clutter.
Many conventional cleaning products are simply different fragrances or marketing variations of the same basic cleaners. When you examine the active ingredients, you’ll find that most cleaning tasks can be accomplished with a handful of effective, safe products. For example, a good all-purpose cleaner can often replace separate kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and surface spray products.
The key principles of a minimalist cleaning supply collection include:
The result is a simplified cleaning routine that’s not only more sustainable but also more efficient. With fewer decisions about which product to use for each task, cleaning becomes more straightforward and less overwhelming.
Essential Cleaning Tools for Your Minimalist Kit
Your cleaning tools are the foundation of an effective minimalist cleaning routine. While stores offer countless specialised gadgets, you only need a few well-chosen items to maintain a clean home. Here are the core cleaning tools I think deserve a spot your caddy:
1. Microfiber Cloths
The workhorse of any minimalist cleaning kit, quality microfiber cloths can handle everything from dusting to scrubbing. They’re reusable (mine have held up for over 20 years already, no kidding!), effective without chemicals for many tasks, and can replace disposable paper towels. Keep 4-5 cleaning rags on hand and designate specific colors for different areas (like bathroom versus kitchen) to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Durable Spray Bottles
You’ll need two to three spray bottles to store any homemade cleaning solutions. Look for bottles with clear measurement markings and adjustable spray nozzles. These will help you properly dilute cleaning products and control application.
3. All-Purpose Scrubber
A single good-quality scrubber with medium-firm bristles can handle most scrubbing tasks in your home. Skip specialised scrubbers for different surfaces and get one each for the kitchen and bath that’s durable enough for tough jobs but gentle enough for everyday cleaning. Some stores sell many types of specialised scrubbers, but a quality sponge with a scrubbing side can handle most tasks effectively.
4. Basic Mop System
Choose a mop with a washable, reusable pad rather than disposable sheets. A flat mop with a microfiber pad works well for both wet and dry floor cleaning, eliminating the need for separate dust and wet mops. If you have primarily hard floors, consider a steam mop for chemical-free deep cleaning.
6. Toilet Brush
While minimalist, we still need to be practical. A dedicated toilet brush is an obvious necessity for hygiene. Choose one with a draining holder to prevent water collection and bacterial growth.
7. Dustpan and Brush Set
A simple dustpan and brush set handles dry messes effectively. Look for one with a rubber edge that sits flush with the floor to catch even fine dust and debris. Honestly, a simple dustpan and brush set handles dry messes really effectively. For higher surfaces, you can even add an extendable duster for reaching ceiling corners and high shelves.
By focusing on these essential tools, you can maintain a clean home without cluttering your space with unnecessary gadgets. Each item serves multiple purposes and, when properly maintained, will last for years.
Natural Cleaning Products Every Home Needs
While conventional cleaning aisles overwhelm with hundreds of specialised products, you can maintain a spotless home with just a few natural cleaning agents. Here are the essential products that form the backbone of a minimalist cleaning routine:
White Vinegar
Perhaps the most versatile natural cleaner, white vinegar’s acetic acid content makes it an effective cleaner and mild disinfectant. While many people reach for bleach to kill germs, vinegar is actually a decent natural disinfectant. Use it to:
- Remove soap scum from shower doors
- Clean windows and mirrors (diluted with water)
- Descale kettles and coffee makers
- Freshen laundry
- Disinfect cutting boards
Baking Soda
This gentle abrasive cleaner deodorises while it cleans. Perfect for:
- Scrubbing sinks and tubs
- Deodorising carpets and upholstery
- Cleaning ovens naturally
- Freshening drains
- Removing stubborn stains
Castile Soap
This plant-based soap is gentle yet effective for multiple cleaning tasks:
- General surface and countertops cleaning
- Floor mopping
- Hand washing delicates
- Bathroom cleaning
- All-purpose spray (when diluted)
All-Purpose Cleaner
While many cleaning tasks can be handled with the above items, keeping one quality all-purpose cleaner is useful for:
- Quick surface wipes
- Heavy-duty kitchen cleaning
- Tackling greasy messes
- Daily bathroom maintenance
Optional Extras
Depending on your specific needs, you might also include:
- Hydrogen peroxide for tough stains and disinfecting (I also use this a mouthwash and facial toner!)
- Essential oils for natural fragrance (tea tree and lemon are particularly useful)
- A dedicated toilet bowl cleaner for hygiene (see below)
By combining these few basic products, you can create effective cleaning solutions for virtually every household task. Not only does this minimalist approach save space and money, but it also reduces your exposure to harsh chemicals while maintaining an equally clean home.
You might also like to check out my homemade DIY shower cleaning solution. It works pretty well on grime in the bathroom.
Specialised Cleaning Products Worth Keeping Around
While a minimalist cleaning kit focuses on versatile products, there are a few specialised cleaners that might be worth maintaining in your collection. The key is to be selective and only keep what proves consistently useful for your specific needs.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
While vinegar and baking soda can clean toilets effectively, a dedicated toilet bowl cleaner might be worth the cabinet space if you have very hard water like I do. Look for eco-friendly options that effectively tackle water stains and mineral buildup. This is one area where having a specialised product can make maintenance significantly easier.
Glass Cleaner Alternative
Instead of keeping a separate glass cleaner, try this minimalist solution: Mix one-third cup of white vinegar with half a cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, and fill with water. Add a few drops of essential oils if you prefer a pleasant scent. This simple solution works as effectively as commercial glass cleaners for mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces without leaving streaks.
Bathroom Cleaner Solution
Rather than stocking a separate bathroom cleaner, create an all-purpose bathroom spray by combining:
- Water
- White vinegar
- A small amount of castile soap
- Tea tree oil for its natural antimicrobial properties
Kitchen Cleaner
Your all-purpose cleaner should handle most kitchen tasks effectively. For tough grease, a paste of baking soda and water works just as well as specialised kitchen cleaners. This eliminates the need for a separate product while maintaining food-safe surfaces.
If you find yourself rarely using a specialised cleaner, consider whether one of your multi-purpose products could do the job instead.
Your Complete Minimalist Cleaning Supplies Shopping List
After testing countless products and methods over the years, here’s the gist of what I keep in my cleaning kit. Keep this list handy when you need to restock or if you’re setting up your first apartment – it contains everything you need for a clean home without the excess.
Essential Tools:
- 4-5 microfiber cloths
- 2-3 spray bottles
- 1 quality all-purpose scrubber
- 1 flat mop with washable pads
- 1 toilet brush with holder
- 1 dustpan and brush set
Core Cleaning Products:
- White vinegar (for general cleaning and disinfecting)
- Baking soda (for scrubbing and deodorising)
- Castile soap (for general cleaning)
- All-purpose cleaner (for quick cleaning tasks)
- Hydrogen peroxide (for tough stains and disinfecting)
- Dish soap (doubles as a gentle all-purpose cleaner)
Optional (Based on Specific Needs):
- Eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaner
- Essential oils for natural fragrance
- Steam mop or Spinwave (if you have mainly hard floors)
Storage Tips
Keep your cleaning supplies in one designated cleaning caddy or under-sink area. This makes it easy to grab what you need and prevents duplicate purchases. I like to label my spray bottles clearly with their contents and dilution ratios to avoid any confusion.
The goal of minimalist cleaning isn’t to make cleaning more difficult. It’s to simplify while maintaining effectiveness. These supplies will handle 99% of your cleaning needs without cluttering your space or overwhelming your storage.
As you transition to this streamlined cleaning kit, use up your existing products before replacing them with these minimalist alternatives. Over time, you’ll likely discover that having fewer, better-quality cleaning supplies actually makes maintaining your home easier and more enjoyable.
Keep Things Simple: Your Daily Cleaning Routine with Minimal Products
The shift to minimalist cleaning supplies isn’t just about decluttering your cleaning cabinet; it’s about creating a more sustainable, healthier approach to house cleaning.
With just a handful of well-chosen tools and natural products, you can keep your entire house just as clean as someone with dozens of specialised cleaners.
When it comes to cleaning your house, you really don’t need an overwhelming array of products; a few multipurpose items will suffice.
The cleaning items listed in this guide will help clean and disinfect every surface in your home effectively. Whether you’re tackling kitchen counters, removing grime, or cleaning the toilet, these minimal supplies prove that you don’t need a specific product for every cleaning job.
Start by implementing this system gradually. As your conventional cleaning products run out, replace them with the alternatives suggested here. You’ll likely find that a simpler cleaning schedule not only saves money and space but also makes the whole process of maintaining your home feel more manageable.
After all, when it comes to cleaning like a minimalist, less really can be more. Use this cleaning checklist as your guide, and you’ll discover that keeping things simple is the key to a consistently clean home.
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