• Organizing products saves you from running to get things while cleaning.cleaning and sanitation products studio isolated image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  Everybody has that cabinet, drawer or storage bin--the one filled with cleaning supplies, half of which perform the same thing function. Knowing what you need to do for the jobs you've got to do saves you time and money. It allows more efficiency and gets the cleaning accomplished with time to spare for the other things in your life while not breaking the bank to buy products you don't need and won't use.
  
  

Cleaning Products

• Vinegar and water make a good general cleaning product. In addition to killing mold and mildew, vinegar absorbs odors, and its own odor fades away as it dries. However, it leaves streaks on glass, so you'll need a glass cleaner for your windows and mirrors, and it isn't tough enough for grease. Any product with orange oil does well on grease and can make cleaning your oven and stove top a lot easier. However, orange oil dries out your hands quickly, so wear gloves when using it. You'll also need a disinfectant for use in the kitchen and bathroom; while vinegar does take care of some germs and bacteria, it doesn't kill everything. For tough stains, you'll also want an abrasive powder. Furniture polish is necessary to get rid of dust.
  
  

Cleaning Equipment

• A vacuum, broom, sponge mop and dust mop are the basics. You'll also need sponges, preferably with a scrubbing side and an absorbent side. A toothbrush is good for small areas or places that are hard to get to. The bristles do a good job on grout, especially if used with a mild abrasive. A toilet brush is necessary but only has one purpose. A few clean washcloths are necessary for windows or mirrors and for dusting. Also keep a pair of rubber gloves with your cleaning kit to protect your hands.
  
  

Cleaning Organizers

• A bucket, basket or tote will do to begin your cleaning kit. It allows you to carry all your products with you as you move between each area. You won't have to stop to go find anything. However, you don't need to carry everything around with you. For example, you only need a toilet brush in one room, so either use one with a stand or store it under the sink in the bathroom. However, if more than one person is cleaning, you might want to separate your cleaning supplies into more than one kit and store them in the rooms where they are needed. For instance, you might create a bathroom kit and a kitchen kit so that you can clean both at the same time.