Essential cleaning business supplies to get started

Your cleaning supply checklist should include the essentials for daily jobs, as well as specialized tools to handle tough grime, allergens, and high-touch areas.

Must-Have Cleaning Products & Equipment

• Disinfectant sprays
• Eco-friendly multi-surface cleaner
• Heavy-duty degreaser
• Glass cleaner
• Bathroom and toilet bowl cleaner
• Odor eliminator
• Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based)
• Microfiber cloths (washable, reusable)
• Reusable spray bottles
• Latex-free disposable gloves
• Face masks or respirators
• Waste bin liners
• Extendable duster with microfiber heads
• Electrostatic sprayer
• Commercial mop bucket/system
• Vacuum with varying attachments
• Scrub brushes (different sizes and bristle strengths)
• Lint rollers for pet hair – a secret weapon!

Let’s take a closer look at some of these crowded product categories, highlighting some of the leaders in each group.

Disinfectant sprays (EPA-registered)

Especially in light of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for surfaces (particularly those that come into contact with multiple people) to be thoroughly sanitized of all potential germs. A good disinfectant also helps protect yourself and your crew! Don’t forget hand sanitizer, gloves, and disinfectant wipes. If you do choose a bleach disinfectant, the CDC recommends that you only use bleach that contains 5.25%–8.25% sodium hypochlorite.

Top 2025 picks for disinfectant sprays:

• Lysol Disinfectant Spray $4.97
• Clorox Clean-up 2-pack $15.98

Degreaser

Degreasers are purposefully formulated to remove grease, oil, and other stubborn substances from a variety of surfaces. Keep in mind that not all cleaners are considered degreasers. The top degreaser from our survey was Dawn Dish Soap, which can be used for way more than just the dishes.

Top 2025 picks for degreasers:

• Dawn Dish Soap 2-pack $13.88
• Zep Industrial Purple Degreaser 2-pack $24.99

Eco-friendly cleaning products

Your clients and their homes will likely appreciate the fact that you use natural cleaning products and solutions. Eco-friendly products shouldn’t contain any harsh chemicals; instead, they should have a base of vinegar, baking soda, and/or lemon juice. Look for microfiber cloths and all-natural products but keep in mind the cost to you when pricing your cleaning services.

Top 2025 picks for eco-friendly cleaners:

• Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray $26.32
• Thieves Household Cleaner by Young Living $38.25
• Blueland products – Clean Suite Kit $78.40

Must-Have Cleaning Equipment for Professional Jobs

Modern cleaning businesses benefit from tech-forward, efficient, and ergonomic tools that save time (and your back).

Vacuum Cleaner (Cordless or HEPA)

Today’s top-rated vacuums are lightweight, cordless, and feature HEPA filters to trap allergens—essential for homes and offices alike.

Top Picks in 2025:

• Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum – $949
• Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins Cordless – $449
• Miele Boost CX1 Bagless Canister Vacuum – $499
• Kenmore 81615 600 Series $349.99

Mop System

Look for systems that allow wet and dry mopping, with wringer-free options that minimize water usage.

Top Picks in 2025:

• O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop System – $59
• Bissell SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Mop – $154.49
• Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop Kit – $39
• Rubbermaid Commercial Mop Bucket $95.02
• Yocada Looped End String Wet Mop $22.88
• Eyliden Dust Mop $23.99

Dusters

Dusters help quickly pick up debris build ups on the floors and surfaces of a home or office. The best products, such as the Swiffer Duster, function as both a mop and duster. Cleaners love dusters for their versatile use and cleaning even the hardest to reach places.

Top Picks in 2025:

• Swiffer Duster 360, 15 Pack $29.89