March 25, 2016
Cleaning Closet : Organization 101
As a cleaning expert and blogger, I have a lot of cleaning supplies and I truly enjoy cleaning and homekeeping. In order to keep supplies accessible, I use a closet in our mudroom as the prime storage area for supplies, tools, mops, brooms, etc. This system has been tweaked, organized and adapted over the years, and I’m happy to say that not only does it work, but it keeps cleaning simple and a little bit more fun.
Want to take a peek? The cleaning closet is in our mudroom so it’s the first room you walk into from the garage. The sole purpose of the mudroom in our home is a place to take off shoes, coats, and have a place to store backpacks. The cleaning closet is large and set up for coats or shoes, but we keep those on wall hooks and in a bench with baskets in lieu of the traditional closet system. This works well for us and with three young children it’s easier for them (and us) to be able to access their shoes and coats themselves.
Now, before I go any further, I will preface this by saying that you need to keep in mind that a.) I really LOVE to clean, b.) I wrote a book about making your own cleaning products, c.) I sell homekeeping products, and c.) I blog about cleaning and test out cleaning products and tools all.the.time. I’m sharing my cleaning closet with you to inspire you and give you ideas for organizing a system that might work for you 🙂 Also, I don’t keep a lot of bathroom cleaning supplies in the cleaning closet because I keep small bathroom cleaning caddies in the bathrooms.
First up is this hanging organizer (from Target) – I keep cleaning sponges, batteries, light bulbs, vacuum cleaner attachments, etc. in this organizer. It works really well and keeps things neat. You might spot the steam mop on the floor right next to it as well. I use the steam mop on all the tile in our home.
I’ve had cleaners on in this over-the-door pocket organizer for years and it works great for keeping things neat and accessible. I also keep long handled tools and floor cleaners on a hook rack. This works great and keeps them organized.
I keep empty glass bottles with sprayers in this as well – this makes it easy to mix up a cleaner any time.
On the top shelf of the closet I store three bins with often used products – cleaning tools, cleaning cloths, and floors + carpet supplies.
I love using microfiber cleaning cloths for cleaning – they wash up beautifully, clean without streaks, and make cleaning a little more fun. You can find these in my Clean Mama Home shop 🙂
Built-in shelves would be beautiful, but this little re-purposed bookshelf works fine in for now. I keep tools, cleaners, and cloths on the shelves. You can see how I organized my cleaning powders here. Simple and accessible.
I keep bar mop cloths – great for cleaning – and floor mopping pads in plastic containers (these are from the Target dollar section).
Do you organize your cleaning supplies? Have a tip to share?
This post is in a little series called Home Tour.
Calliope Says
My heart may have skipped a beat! I have a smaller closet upstairs where i keep the dyson and some extra supplies. Not very organised though…you reminded me to do something about it!
Marina Says
This comes at a perfect time as rearranging our utility closet has been on my list for quite a while. These are all great tips! ????
Melanie Says
NOT a lover of cleaning but I DO love your OhSoPretty supplies organization!! If my storage was that pleasant to see maybe I wouldn’t begrudge the work so much!?! MAYBE ; P I have to ask…I always struggle to clean my cleaning cloths (I use microfiber too, they’re the best!). I always cringe about which ones are used for which projects (i.e. Toilet, floors, surfaces) and them commingling either in use or even in the wash. AND when to wash. I usually peter-out with the laundry by the end so the rags get forgotten EVERY WEEK! ???? Maybe JUST BEFORE the bleach load of whites!?!
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Melanie! I wash the cloths weekly, separate from everything else and I wash them on the sanitize cycle 🙂
Nora Says
Hi Becky!
I just moved house and have *no* built-ins at all! I’m in the process of repurposing a bookcase as a cleaning closet with the one downside that it has no door! Instead I’ve used a tension shower rod and a leftover curtain to close things up. The shelves have all been moved up to accommodate the cloths and cleaning supplies and the floor mop, buckets and vacuum are down below. Thanks for the extra inspiration!
Connie Says
Where did you get the wire baskets? I would love tho have some in my pantry
Becky Says
Post authorHomegoods and West Elm 🙂
mary Says
Hey Becky, I am new to really organized cleaning. You use microfiber cloths a lot I find these very slick and not good for scrubbing. Any suggestion?
Becky Says
Post authorI haven’t found that – maybe try a different brand 🙂
Pamela Rodriguez Says
Microfiber cloths come in different quality ranges. Most of the ones I have seen at dollar stores are the slick and useless ones that don’t scrub. I use that type for makeup removal only. The ones that do the job will cost a little bit more but are worth the extra cost. I have bought them in bulk from Home Depot but there are online janitorial suppliers as well. You get what you pay for!
Ines Says
I like all your brushes, especially the one that fans out. Where can I find brushes like that?
Karen Says
Hi Becky,
Great post. Where did you get the over-the-door organizer?
Thanks
Becky Says
Post authorI think from Amazon – I’ve had it for quite a while 🙂
Kathy-Ann Rollins Says
I’m getting ready to repaint/organize my laundry room this October. I’m adding a cleaning section now! Thanks for the inspiration!
Becky Says
Post authorYay – have fun!