Housekeeping Tools that Make Life Easier

Like any job, it’s important to have the tools you need to get the job done right. You want to be able take a look around your home and feel like you’ve done a good job. Having the right tools ready to work for you makes the task so much easier.

1. A Good Vacuum

Not all vacuums are created equal! I’ve been cleaning houses for 30 years and I’ve worked with A LOT of vacuums. Of course, everyone’s needs are a little different. But one thing we all have in common is that we want something that works! Aim for a vacuum that has a proper power head instead of a suction-powered brush. You’re looking for a machine that has interchangeable heads for bare floors and carpets, as well as accessories for furniture, lampshades, crevices etc. I’ll link a few here so you can check out the vacuums I use.

Sebo Premium Canister Vacuum Miele Complete Canister Vacuum Kenmore Powermate Vacuum

2. A Cleaning Caddy

When I first started out with my housecleaning clients, my caddy was a wicker basket with a handle that I found at a thrift store. I used it till it fell apart. I have fond memories of that basket. These days I use a Rubbermaid cleaning caddy. I also keep a small caddy with essentials for those quick cleans and smaller jobs. I’ll link my favorites here.

Large Cleaning Caddy Bag Large Capacity Cleaning Tote All-Purpose Cleaning Caddy

3. A Rag Bag

I absolutely love my rag bag! I don’t know how I managed before I had one. We used one at my first job at a cleaning company and I’ve used one ever since. Gone are the days of paper towels and useless micro-fiber cloths that don’t do anything. My rag bag is filled with just that – rags! Old terry towels that I’ve cut down to different sizes. Good washable glass cloths. Washable scrubbies and pads. After all, it’s all about being frugal at my house. If I can find a new use for something, I will. An old diaper bag makes a great rag bag. As long as it has a couple pockets on the out side and lots of space inside it will work. If you don’t have something suitable you check out these links.

Large Tote with Pockets Washable Canvas Tote Lightweight Tote Bag

4. A High Duster

A high duster is a great tool for reaching those high up spots that gather cobwebs and dust. I use it for dusting my baseboards and trim around windows and doors as well. Ceiling fans are easy to keep tidy in between deep cleans using a high duster too. Dusting these areas helps your house smell clean too. It’s amazing how much cleaner a house is when all those dust bunnies are gone. Here are some links to the dust cleaning tools I use in my own home and for my clients.

Telescopic Dusting Kit Cobweb Brush High Ceiling Duster

5. A Good Mop System

Having a good mop system is essential. There are a lot of choices out there. Some are great and others just seem like gimmicks. I’ve fallen for a few that touted they’d make the job easier. I’ve found that sticking to the basics has never let me down. A solid mop bucket with a wringer system and an absorbent mop head are invaluable. I keep multiple mop heads on hand so I can wash them often. It’s also worth it to get a solid mop handle as well. I’ve found that the mop handles that come in the kits tend to get weak quickly so it’s worth it to get a good one. I use a wooden painters handle with a metal connection for my mop head. It works great and lasts a really long time. I also have a spin mop system. It’s great for walls, ceilings and hard to reach areas. Here are the links to my mopping equipment.

Rubbermaid Sturdy Mop Pail Micro-Fiber Mop Heads Spin Mop System

6. The Right Products

Fill your caddy with the products you use every day. You’ll be prepared for any job you have to clean, from the kitchen to the bathroom and anywhere in between. Here’s a list of what I keep in my caddy to tackle my house.

With the right tools and products, housekeeping doesn’t have to be a chore. I hope you’ve found some good tips. Continue to follow as I share my tips and advice from 30 years of being a mom and homemaker. I’d love to hear about what works for you too! Leave a comment and let me know!

Read about my routines and tips for a clean home here.

At Jenn Recommends | Homemaking Tips & Finds, I share practical homemaking ideas, tried-and-true tips, and favorite finds to make life a little easier. Some of my posts include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links—at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products I genuinely use, love, or believe will benefit my readers.