3 Basic Things You’ll Need in Cleaning

A few basic cleaning tools can save the day when you’re in a pinch and need to get a few tasks done. Here are our top picks for what every household should have on hand:

Sponges

There’s a wide variety of sponges on the market, from microwaveable ones that can be disinfected daily to melamine scrubbers that work great on counters and appliances maid service. Also, consider microfiber cloths — they’re great at picking up dust, smudges, and fingerprints and are gentle enough to clean delicate surfaces. And don’t forget to keep a pack of sponge cloths or rags on hand for wiping sticky spills.

Foam Brushes

Foam brushes are useful for scrubbing greasy, caked-on messes, as well as for cleaning tubs and sinks without scratching the finish on your bathtub or shower fixtures. You can also use these to remove stubborn stains and buildup from tiles, countertops or fabric furniture. If you’re in a pinch, a plastic mesh or nylon scrub brush can also do the trick.

Feather Duster

A feather duster may seem like a relic of the past, but this is a handy tool to have on hand for swiping dust-prone areas like blinds, mantles and windowsills. It can also be used to quickly eliminate crumbs or pet hair from tabletops and bookshelves.

Many of us tend to overlook the ceilings, but they can accumulate dust, debris and even insects in a short amount of time. Be sure to make it a point to look up frequently and wipe down light fixtures, fans, vents and other features on the ceiling as part of your regular cleaning routine.