Make Life Easier with Cleaning Supplies Organization Ideas

What does it mean to have your cleaning supplies properly organized? It’s more than just tidiness — it’s about having everything in the right place, easy to grab, and ready when you need it. A well-organized system saves time, reduces hassle, and makes your cleaning routine smoother and more efficient.

Of course, you can skip the hassle altogether and hand over cleaning tasks to the professional team of EuroMaids in Naperville, Illinois. But if you prefer tackling the cleaning yourself, we’ve created this practical guide to help understand how to organize cleaning supplies.

Before You Begin: Prepare for Organization

Items You’ll Need

Getting organized is smoother when you start with the right tools. Here’s a general list of essentials to help you stay focused and avoid interruptions. You can always add more based on your specific storage choices:

• Measuring tape: Measure cabinets, shelves, and closets to understand what will fit and optimize your storage space.
• Sticky notes or labels: Perfect for marking areas as you plan. You can test labeling ideas before settling on a permanent option.

ADVICE

As suggested by Flavia from the Neat House, Sweet Home blog, one of the most convenient items is Self-Adhesive Index Card Pockets with colored stickers for labeling. These pockets make it easy to swap labels while the stickers add clear categorization, and... we absolutely agree with her!

• Cleaning cloths or wipes: Essential for wiping down all shelves, cabinet doors, and cabinets for a fresh start.
• Storage bins and containers: Basic bins can temporarily hold supplies while you organize.

ADVICE

The market is filled with countless options for storage bins and containers, as well as a variety of stores offering them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, the article about storage containers by The New York Times offers a helpful guide to navigate the choices and find what works best for your needs.

What to Avoid Doing Before Starting

• Buying too many organizers early on: Purchasing containers before planning can lead to mismatched or unnecessary items. Plan out your space first, then pick up only the organizers you truly need.
• Overlooking safety requirements: Hazardous cleaning solutions and products need secure storage, especially with kids or pets around. Identify dangerous items and plan child-proof storage.

LET'S BEGIN

Step 1: Declutter

1. Take an inventory: Lay out all your supplies and note what you have.
2. Discard expired products: Expired cleaning supplies may lose effectiveness or even pose a safety risk. Check dates and properly dispose of anything that’s expired.
3. Clean as you go: Use microfiber cleaning cloths to wipe down the bottles, containers, and shelves to remove dust or grime before placing them in storage.

Safety Tip: If you need to transfer products from one bottle or container to another, wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from potential chemical exposure.

Step 2: Group and Categorize

With decluttering complete, it’s time to organize your cleaning supplies so they’re easy to find and access. Here are the most convenient categorization methods to consider:

• By room or area of use: Group supplies by room or area, like kitchen and bathroom cleaning supplies.
• By task type: Organize by purpose, grouping similar items like floor cleaners, glass cleaners, and disinfectants together.

For even more flexibility, consider combining both methods. Don't forget to add labels to baskets or containers so you can find everything quickly and easily. For an extra visual boost, we prepared a PDF file with ready-to-use labels — all you need is simply print, cut, and start organizing effortlessly!

DOWNLOAD: PRINTABLE LIST OF LABELS

Step 3: Optimize Storage Space

Optimizing your storage space can make a big difference, especially in small living areas. Here’s how you can get the most out of every inch by using space in your laundry room, bathroom cabinet or under your kitchen sink:

Under-the-Sink Solutions

Tiered shelf inserts

Stackable shelves utilize vertical space, making it easy to separate items and keep everything visible.

Door baskets

Attach small baskets on cabinet doors to store cleaning supplies like sponges and brushes, freeing up shelf space.

Lazy Susan

Place a Lazy Susan under the sink to keep items organized and accessible.

Stackable or clear bins

Use stackable bins or clear containers to save space and keep items visible, making it easy to find what you need.

Vertical Storage Options

Wall hooks for long-handled tools

Hang brooms, mops, and dusters on hooks to keep them off the floor and out of the way.

Pegboard or tool wall

Perfect for hanging items in a supply closet, using bare walls to maximize vertical space.

Dowel pins for trash bags

Mount dowel pins for trash bags to minimize clutter and keep them handy in smaller spaces.

Step 4: Add Aesthetic and Eco-Friendly Touches

An organized space doesn’t have to be all function and no form! Adding a few aesthetic and eco-friendly touches can make your storage setup more inviting and sustainable.

• Matching containers and decorative baskets: Using matching bins creates a cohesive look, adding a touch of style to your storage setup.
• Sustainable, refillable containers: Opt for refillable containers where possible, and consider reusing household items like glass jars or coffee cans for small items like sponges or brushes.

Eco Tip: For a more eco-conscious setup, seek out biodegradable or recycled storage options. Look for bins made from recycled plastic or sustainable materials like bamboo or metal.

Step 5: Enhance Accessibility

Convenience is key to a good cleaning routine, so make sure your setup is easy to use.

Portable cleaning caddy

A portable cleaning caddy is a game-changer for efficiency. Load it with essential supplies so you can carry it from room to room.

Emergency supplies in easy-to-reach spots

Keep high-use or emergency items accessible, such as door-mounted baskets for quick access.

Arrange by frequency of use

Place frequently used items at the front of storage spaces and less-used items toward the back for easy access.

Step 6: Maintain Regularly

Now that you’ve finished organizing, maintaining your setup regularly is key to keeping everything efficient and clutter-free. Here’s how to keep your organization system fresh and functional over time.

Monthly check-ins

Once a month, quickly scan through your cleaning supplies to check for expired products, refill items, and wipe down storage areas if needed.

Pro Tip: Set a monthly reminder on your phone to ensure you never run out of essential supplies.

Update labels as needed

Ensure all labels are still readable and relevant. Replace or refresh labels for any new products or newly assigned storage bins.

“First-In, First-Out” method

When restocking items, place the oldest products at the front and the newest at the back. This prevents supplies from sitting unused for too long.

If you’re looking to improve organization beyond just cleaning supplies, especially in the bathroom, explore our guide that will give you ideas on how to organize your bathroom cabinet.

Personalize Your System for Maximum Efficiency

Every home is unique, and so are your cleaning needs! Whether it’s finding your favorite floor cleaner or organizing other essentials, feel free to experiment with different storage ideas. Organize your cleaning supplies in a way that’s convenient, safe, and visually appealing, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed.

For a truly hassle-free cleaning experience, consider professional help from EuroMaids. Whether you’re looking for a one-time deep clean or ongoing maintenance, we’re here to make your home sparkle. Contact us today!