How to Assemble a Cleaning Kit for College

When it's time to move into your own digs, you're probably starting from scratch on cleaning supplies. Here are some ideas for a starter kit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing Liquid
• Nylon Mesh Scoring Pads
• All-purpose Cleaners
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Brooms
• Carpet Cleaner And Stain Remover
• Clean Rags
• Dustpans
• Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners
• Long-handled Scrub Brushes
• Mops
• Oven Cleaner
• Stain Removers For Upholstery
• Steel Wool Pads
• Toilet Brush With Holder
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Clean Rags
• Dishwashing Liquid
• Oven Cleaner
• Cleansers
• Old Toothbrushes
• Rubber Gloves
• Rubber Gloves
• Glass Cleaners
• Mop Buckets
• Paper Towel Rolls

1. Beg, borrow or buy a broom, dustpan, mop, mop bucket and combination toilet brush/holder. Also get a long-handled scrub brush for the kitchen sink, as well as a couple of discarded toothbrushes, which are great for cleaning grout seams, the soil-trapping trim on appliances, and faucets.

2. Buy a versatile set of products that are appropriate for your needs and living quarters. Likely candidates include all-purpose cleaner (good for wiping countertops, the microwave oven, the refrigerator and the stovetop), bathroom cleaner, cleanser (for scouring toilets and sinks), steel-wool pads (for pans), a nylon scrubbing pad, glass cleaner, carpet cleaner/stain remover, upholstery stain remover and oven cleaner.

3. Find some good old-fashioned rags for miscellaneous cleanups such as the oven and dusting. Pick up a couple of rolls of paper towels, too.

4. Consider getting a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from harsh cleaners.

5. Track down a used or inexpensive vacuum cleaner. You can pick a no-frills vacuume cleaner up inexpensively at Wal-Mart or Target or the like.

Tips & Warnings

• Dishwashing liquid does a great job of cutting bathtub rings and shower scum; it can also be dissolved in water as a mopping solution for floors. So you might include a bottle of it, too.
• Never mix ammonia-based products with cleaners containing chlorine bleach. The fumes that result from this mixture are toxic.

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on 8/8/2006 Never use steel wool on non-stick (Teflon) pans. It will ruin the finish and may cause potentially toxic chemicals to be released into your food. Instead, use a scrub brush or rough sponge. If that doesn't work use a spatula to scrape off crusted-on food.

on 11/22/2005 You can buy all of these products at the dollar stores. They are as good as the brand names but are way cheaper.