Sparkle Kit - Organizing your Cleaning Supplies |
Having everything at your fingertips saves oodles of time!
Before tackling large de-cluttering projects it’s a good idea to organizing your cleaning supplies. Today we’re going to assemble a cleaning kit – an essential tool you’ll use for years to come. It works so well, I call it my *Sparkle Kit*, because everything gets so clean it sparkles!Your *Sparkle Kit* is simply a container that holds all of your cleaning supplies. Keep it in a handy spot, such as under your kitchen sink, on the floor of your pantry or in a hall closet. Whenever you do any organizing or cleaning, just grab your kit and GO!
Your *Sparkle Kit* container can be whatever you like. A basket, large plastic bucket or even a carpenter’s apron with slots for your supplies will work. Many stores sell their own variation of a cleaning caddy. The one pictured here is sold by President’s Choice. Some people prefer using a large tool apron with big pockets for storing supplies.
Your *Sparkle Kit* will contain both cleaning products and cleaning tools. The contents of everyone’s kit will vary but here are some general guidelines:
Cleaning Products:
- All Purpose Cleaner – Acts as a de-greaser and disinfectant. Use it to clean toilets, floors, counters and more. You may also decrease the concentration and use it in a spray bottle for spritzing.
- Tub and Tile Cleaner - These products break up soap scum and hard water stains in tubs, showers, and tiles so that they can be scrubbed away with ease.
- Glass Cleaner – Cleaner designed for windows and mirrors. Many glass cleaners contain ammonia, which should never be mixed with bleach—the resulting fumes are highly toxic.
- Mild Abrasive Cleanser - Peppered with small mineral or metal granules, this solution helps you scour scum on tubs and tile with a minimum of elbow grease.
Cleaning Tools:
- Clean rags and/or microfiber cloths – absorbent and good for dusting, wiping and gentle cleaning.
- Scrub Brush – use on ceramics, fireplaces, and any rough surface for deep cleaning.
- Spray bottle - makes cleaning large surfaces a snap, since you can just spritz and wipe. It also comes in handy for spraying homemade stain-removal solutions onto carpets and upholstery.
- Rubber Gloves – protect your skin from harmful chemicals and agents.
- Toothbrush - gets into all the places you can’t. Use it to clean the tracks of a sliding glass door, scour around the base of faucets, and around sinks
- Feather or microfiber duster – Use it for blinds, artwork, and even plants.
- Abrasive cloth and/or sponge – removes dried grit and dirt from hard surfaces.
- Roll of Paper Towel – use while cleaning glass and mirrors or shining faucets.
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Lori | May 12, 2008 at 9:26 pm - §
Hey, I often use glass cleaner to clean the bathroom counters and sinks as well as mirrors. I find it is easier to get my teens to clean their bathrooms when they only have to use one or two cleaners.
Teresa | May 19, 2008 at 9:39 am - §
This is a bad day to start. All the stores are closed for the holiday. I will have to pick these things up tomorrow... along with tomorrow's task. I'm excited, but a little nervous about this clutter control.
Freedom | May 19, 2008 at 2:28 pm - §
I found most stores in my area are open today.i.e. Canadian Tire is open until 5 pmGOOD LUCK !
anartist | May 26, 2008 at 8:46 am - §
Wow, now that I have the kit together can't wait to use it!
Fareeda Marzuq | June 5, 2008 at 9:34 am - §
I have all the supplies and tool and much more. I will need to put it together and any duplication of items need to get rid of or use it up and not replace it. I love the idea and waiting to get started.
Laura | July 14, 2008 at 1:14 pm - §
I already had a very similar 'sparkle kit' - so it's nice to know I'm on the right track even if I can't seem to control the clutter. In addition to all the great cleaning supplies, I have a tiara from a children's costume store tucked into my kit. I wear it around the as I clean. It may look silly but it's part of my cleaning costume - yellow gloves, apron and tiara. A little bling never hurt anyone!
Callista | September 8, 2008 at 8:21 am - §
Well I have no money so buying a container will have to wait but I'll organize my cleaners, add anything I need to my shopping list and throw out anything that's too old to use.
Terrie | September 15, 2008 at 3:46 pm - §
As I'm a green mommy. I would love a green list for my sparkle kit. I have things that I use but ideas are always great!!!
Terrie | September 15, 2008 at 3:50 pm - §
Oops. Should have read to the bottom of the first page....THERE IT WAS!!!Thanks!!! It's awesome to have some backup/support to get going.
melanie | November 10, 2008 at 5:15 pm - §
Have about half the items unforyunately for me to like some others money is an issue so by the time I get everything the 28 days will be done but I still won't give up.
brenda | February 9, 2009 at 8:18 am - §
I have used a solution of vingear and water for years to klean mirrows, windows. Cost effective.
Kay | March 7, 2009 at 7:56 am - §
Hi Lori.You probably aern't doing yourself a favour by using products like Windex for counters and sinks, unless Windex has become more environmentally friendly and I missed something (which it could have), I'd much rather use vinegar, water, and tee tree oil (10 drops or so per spray bottle) which disinfects and is safe. Just use a stronger-safter spray bottle (non-dollar store - types) so you are not throwing out spray bottles into the trash which creates more environmental problems. I've been using this mix for years! Good Luck.
shirl | April 26, 2009 at 12:25 pm - §
Is it possible to have "green" products in the sparkle kit.I am trying to GO GREEN for the environment and my home and yet the suggestions talk about mild abrasive cleaners etc.It would be great to aim GREEN>
katrianna | July 16, 2009 at 2:21 pm - §
There are tons of sites with recipes for green cleaners to get you started: Baking soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scoursWashing soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.Lemon Juice - The acid in lemon juice neutralizes hard water deposits, dissolves buildup and dirt on wood, and tarnish on silver.White distilled vinegar - can be used in place of lemon juice. (strong smell does disappear as it dries)Essential Oils - Clove, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender and Grapefruit Seed Extract (These have antiseptic properties and are natural fungicides)Salt - natural abrasiveI write about these things on my blog http://katrianna.kforme.com