How to Put Together the Perfect Cleaning Caddy (Everything You Need Inside)
Need some help putting together the perfect cleaning caddy? I’ve got you covered! Here’s my guide to creating the best, most organized cleaning caddy around.
One of the simplest ways to make cleaning easier is to stop running back and forth across the house looking for supplies.
If you’ve ever started cleaning a bathroom only to realize the glass cleaner is in the kitchen, the microfiber cloths are in the laundry room, and the toilet brush somehow disappeared upstairs, you know exactly what I’m talking about. But, a simple cleaning caddy solves that problem. Instantly!
Whether you’re cleaning one room or tackling the whole house, having all of your essential cleaning supplies in one portable container makes the job faster, easier, and a whole lot less frustrating.
Today I’m sharing exactly how I put together a cleaning caddy, what supplies I recommend keeping inside, and an alternative system for anyone who prefers keeping cleaning products stored in each room.
What Is a Cleaning Caddy?
A cleaning caddy is simply a portable container used to hold your most frequently used cleaning supplies. The goal is to create a grab-and-go cleaning station that can move with you from room to room. Instead of gathering supplies every time you clean, everything you need is already organized and ready to go.
A good cleaning caddy should:
- Be lightweight
- Have a handle for carrying
- Be easy to clean
- Hold your most frequently-used supplies
- Fit under a sink or inside a closet
The best cleaning caddy is the one you’ll actually use consistently.
Why a Cleaning Caddy Makes Cleaning Easier
I am a huge fan of any system that removes friction from everyday tasks. A cleaning caddy works because it eliminates dozens of tiny decisions. You don’t have to remember where supplies are stored. You don’t have to gather products before cleaning. And, maybe most importantly, you don’t have to interrupt your momentum halfway through a cleaning job.
When everything is in one place, you’re much more likely to tackle quick cleaning tasks before they become overwhelming.
Cleaning Caddy Tour
Want a detailed tour of everything that’s in my personal cleaning caddy and why? I’ve got you covered!
What Should Be in a Cleaning Caddy?
I think the biggest mistake people make is overloading their cleaning caddy. It becomes overwhelming and heavy and you stop wanting to use it. Listen – you don’t need a different cleaner for every surface in the house! A simpler caddy is typically more effective, and it’s easier to use.
Here’s what I keep in my cleaning caddy:
Microfiber Cloths
These are my absolute ride-or-die must-have cleaning supply for every room in the house. I use them for:
- Dusting
- Mirrors
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Bathroom surfaces
- Spot cleaning the sofa
Basically, I use them all the time and I always have several in my caddy.
All-Purpose Cleaner
A quality all-purpose cleaner can handle most everyday messes. Truly, you don’t need to get fancy with a ton of different cleaners – you can use an all-purpose cleaner for counters, consoles, cabinets, tables, appliances, and pretty much any hard surface.
This is my favorite all purpose cleaner but it’s pricey, so I reach for this one probably more often!
Glass Cleaner
For mirrors, glass shower doors, windows, and shiny surfaces. Keeping a dedicated glass cleaner helps avoid streaks and makes bathroom cleaning much easier. Sometimes I just use a microfiber cloth and water, but I find that a good glass cleaner does a more thorough job.
Disinfecting Wipes
A must for:
- Bathroom counters
- Toilet handles
- Light switches
- High-touch surfaces
These aren’t necessary for every cleaning session, but they’re nice to have available. I often use them to wipe down our coffee table, kitchen table, or any other flat surface! They can be a quick way to dust or remove dirt from just about anything!
Magic Eraser
Everyone’s favorite cleaning secret weapon is a must-have for the cleaning caddy! It’s good for removing scuff marks, crayon, sticky residue, marks on doors and trim – basically anything that needs a little elbow grease!
Scrub Brush
A small scrub brush is helpful for awkward areas around sinks, cleaning the grout, bathtubs, or dealing with tough stains!
Dusting Tool
A simple duster works well for:
- Baseboards
- Ceiling fans
- Shelves
- Blinds
It’s helpful to keep a small one in your cleaning caddy!
Cleaning Caddy Checklist
Want a quick rundown without all the details? If you’re building a cleaning caddy from scratch, start with:
- Microfiber cloths
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfecting spray
- Magic Eraser
- Small scrub brush
- Duster
You may also want:
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags
But that’s really it! You don’t need much more than that for everyday cleaning.
The Best Cleaning Caddy Containers + Supplies
The container itself matters more than you might think – you want something that’s sturdy enough to carry supplies but small enough that it doesn’t become heavy and awkward to carry around. Heck, if you’re really dedicated you could use a rolling cart! Here are some of my favorite options for a cleaning caddy, along with my must-have supplies.
- Blue Cleaning Caddy
- Microfiber Cloths
- Cleaning Cart with Wheels
- Glass Cleaner
- Gray Basket with Handle
- Clorox Scentiva Disinfectant Wipes
- Cleaning Bag with Shoulder Straps
- Mrs. Meyers Dewdrop Cleaner
- Microfiber Duster
- 2-Pack Cleaning Caddies
- Bucket Organizer
- Rubber Cleaning Gloves
- Magic Erasers
Cleaning Caddy Organization Tips
A few quick tips to help your cleaning caddy system run as smoothly as possible:
- Don’t overfill it! A cleaning caddy should be easy to carry, or else you won’t use it.
- Refill it regularly. Take 5 minutes each week to replace cloths, check if you’re running out of anything, and toss empty containers.
- Stick to multipurpose products. You’re limited on space, so single-use items aren’t helpful here!
- Label bottles clearly. This is especially important if you’re using refillable bottles!
Alternative System: Keep Cleaning Supplies in Every Room
Of course, you might not want to carry a cleaning caddy around the house. I like having all of my cleaning supplies stored together, but when I’m really in the cleaning zone I actually prefer to just have multiples of a lot of my cleaning supplies! This is especially true now that we live in a larger home and have a third full bathroom!
I’ve been working on making sure every bathroom (and a few other key areas) are stocked with their own set of cleaning supplies, and it really does make a difference. Here’s a rundown of what I’ve been adding:
What to Keep in Every Bathroom
- Toilet bowl cleaner (I love these for my toilets)
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Disinfecting wipes
- Small trash bags
What to Keep Under the Kitchen Sink:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Degreaser
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish brushes
- Magic Eraser
- Disinfecting wipes
- Paper towels
Then, you can have an additional cleaning caddy kept somewhere central (like the laundry room or entry closet. You can grab that out for cleaning other parts of the house!
In the end, the best cleaning system is the one you’ll actually stick with. For some people, that’s a well-stocked cleaning caddy they can carry from room to room. For others, it’s keeping duplicate supplies throughout the house so everything is always within reach. And for yet others (like me!) it’s a combo of both.
No matter what route you choose, spending a little time organizing your cleaning supplies can make everyday cleaning feel significantly easier!