How to Store Cleaning Supplies in an Organized Way: Expert Tips

Keeping your cleaning supplies organized is essential for maintaining a tidy home and making your cleaning routines easier. Imagine a world where you can find everything you need without scrambling around! With the right approach to storage, you can transform your cleaning closet or cabinet into a space that’s neat, efficient, and easy to access. In this article, we’ll explore simple and effective ways to organize your cleaning supplies and keep your home sparkling clean without stress.

Start by Categorizing Your Cleaning Supplies

The first step in organizing your cleaning supplies is to group similar items together. This way, you’ll know exactly where to find each item when you need it, and it makes the whole storage process a lot easier. You can break down your cleaning supplies into different categories based on their purpose, like bathroom cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and general purpose cleaners. Here are some examples of categories you can create:

Bathroom Cleaners: This includes all products used to clean your bathroom, such as toilet bowl cleaner, shower cleaners, and disinfectants.

Kitchen Cleaners: This includes your dish soap, surface wipes, kitchen-specific disinfectants, and oven cleaners.
Floor Cleaners: This category includes products like mops, floor wipes, and hardwood floor cleaner.
General Cleaners: All-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, and multi-surface sprays fit here.

Tools & Accessories: Things like sponges, microfiber cloths, scrubbing brushes, and gloves should be in their own category.

Once you’ve categorized everything, it becomes easier to see which items you have too many of and which items you need to replenish. It also makes organizing and accessing them more straightforward.

Choose the Right Storage Containers

Now that your supplies are categorized, it’s time to choose the right storage containers. A good storage container can make your cleaning supplies more accessible, organized, and easy to manage. Here are some great options:

Plastic Bins: Clear plastic bins are ideal because they allow you to see the contents without opening them. You can organize different categories in separate bins or drawers to keep everything neat.
Shelves: Shelves are a great way to keep cleaning supplies off the floor. You can place smaller baskets or bins on each shelf for more specific organization. Adjustable shelves give you flexibility for larger items.
Cabinets with Dividers: If you have a cabinet with adjustable dividers, you can easily create sections for different types of products.

Hanging Baskets or Hooks: For smaller items like brushes, gloves, and sprays, hanging baskets or hooks inside a cupboard door can free up space and keep things within easy reach.
Caddies: Caddies are portable and can hold a variety of cleaning supplies. You can carry them around the house to make cleaning more efficient.

When selecting storage options, be sure to pick containers that fit your space and allow you to see the supplies clearly. You don’t want to be digging around every time you need something!

Make Use of Vertical Space

If you’re limited on floor space, making use of your vertical space is key to keeping everything organized. Vertical storage helps maximize your available area, and there are a variety of ways to do this:

Over-the-Door Organizers: These are perfect for hanging cleaning supplies in a closet or pantry. You can find over-the-door racks that have multiple pockets or hooks for smaller cleaning tools and supplies.
Wall-Mounted Racks: Consider installing wall-mounted racks or shelves where you can hang spray bottles, mops, brooms, or brushes. This not only saves space but also keeps your tools easily accessible.

Hanging Storage Bags: Hanging storage bags with compartments can be attached to the back of a closet door. These can hold gloves, brushes, and other small items that don’t need to take up valuable shelf space.
Tall Cabinets or Pantry Closets: If you have a tall cabinet or a pantry closet, install shelves all the way to the top. Use the top shelves for items you don’t need as often, like spare cleaning products or seasonal items.

Vertical storage is a game-changer in smaller spaces. It allows you to keep your cleaning supplies organized while maximizing every inch of available space.

Maintain a Cleaning Routine for Your Storage Area

Once your cleaning supplies are organized, it’s important to keep them that way. A little maintenance can go a long way in preventing clutter from building up again. Set a cleaning routine to check your cleaning supply storage at least once a month. This will help you keep your area neat and avoid finding expired products or things you no longer need. Here’s how to maintain an organized cleaning supply area:

Declutter Regularly: Check your supplies every few weeks to make sure nothing is expired or has been sitting unused for too long. Donate or dispose of items you don’t use anymore.
Reorganize as Needed: As you buy new products or replace old ones, update your storage system. You might need to switch things around or add new containers for different items.

Keep Labels Visible: Make sure all your containers or bins are clearly labeled. Labels help you quickly find the products you need without opening every container.
Regularly Clean the Area: Just like cleaning your home, give your cleaning supply area a good wipe down every month. Clean the shelves, wipe down the bins, and make sure everything looks fresh and organized.
Stock Up Smartly: When you’re running low on an item, check your storage before buying more. You don’t want to end up with duplicates of the same cleaning products.

Maintaining your organization is just as important as the initial setup. By staying on top of it, you can keep your cleaning supplies ready to use and your space neat.

I hope this article helped you organize your cleaning supplies in a way that makes your home feel more organized and your cleaning easier. Remember, it’s all about finding systems that work for you, so experiment and see what makes your space work best!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to store cleaning supplies in a bathroom closet?

Yes, as long as the closet is dry and not too humid, you can store cleaning supplies there. Just make sure they are out of reach of children.

Can I store cleaning supplies under my kitchen sink?

Storing cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink is common. Just be sure to use storage bins to prevent spills and keep everything neat.

Do I need to keep cleaning supplies in their original packaging?

It’s not strictly necessary, but keeping items in their original packaging can help you identify them faster. However, transferring to clear bins can save space.

Is it safe to store cleaning supplies in the garage?

You can store cleaning supplies in the garage, but make sure they’re in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Can I organize cleaning supplies without using containers?

Yes! You can use shelves, baskets, or hooks for organizing without specific containers. Just make sure the items stay in categories for easy access.

Do I need to store cleaning supplies in a locked area?

If you have young children or pets, it’s a good idea to store cleaning supplies in a locked area to prevent accidents.

Is it better to store cleaning tools or cleaning products separately?

It’s best to store cleaning tools and products separately to avoid overcrowding. Tools like brushes or mops can be hung, while products can be stored in bins.

Can I use the same storage methods for outdoor cleaning supplies?

Yes, many of the same storage methods for indoor cleaning supplies work for outdoor cleaning tools. Just ensure your storage area is dry and secure.