Essential Cleaning Supplies: A Basic Kit Without the Clutter
Cleaning becomes easier with fewer supplies, not more. A minimal set of 5-6 basic items—all-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, mop, and vacuum—handles all home cleaning tasks effectively. Decluttering your cleaning cabinet saves time and makes routine maintenance simpler.
When your cleaning cabinet becomes a storage warehouse
Do you know that feeling when you open the cabinet under your sink and dozens of bottles, tubes, and jars stare back at you? Half of them were bought in a burst of enthusiasm after watching an ad or following a friend's advice. The other half consists of those "miracle products" that were supposed to solve all your cleaning problems in one go.
But here's the paradox: the more cleaning supplies we have, the harder it becomes to actually clean. We waste time choosing the right product, searching for the right cloth among dozens of others, and end up postponing cleaning altogether.
What you really need for quality cleaning
The Fly Lady method teaches us a simple truth: less is more. For effective home cleaning, just a few basic supplies and tools are enough.
Your cleaning "capsule" can include:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass and mirror cleaner
- Microfiber cloths (3-4 pieces)
- Mop with wringer
- Vacuum cleaner
- Rubber gloves
This set is enough to maintain cleanliness throughout your entire home. You don't need separate products for every surface—that's a marketing ploy that empties your wallet and clutters your space.
The one-in, one-out rule
When buying something new for cleaning, immediately get rid of something old or unnecessary. Bought a new mop? Throw out the old one, even if it "might still come in handy." Got an all-purpose cleaner? Use up all your specialized products and don't buy them anymore.
This rule will help you avoid accumulating excess and always keep your supplies organized. The LadyFly app has reminders that help you avoid buying duplicate items.
How minimalism in cleaning saves time and energy
When you only have what's necessary, cleaning becomes quick and pleasant. No need to think about which product to choose—you have one all-purpose cleaner. No need to search for the right cloth—all your cloths work equally well.
Try cleaning with a minimal set for just one week, and you'll feel the difference. Cleaning will take less time, and the results will be no worse—often even better.
Start today
Open your cleaning supply cabinet and honestly ask yourself: what do you use regularly? It's likely to be 20% of everything in there.
Today, choose 3-5 products you use most often and put the rest away. Don't throw them out immediately—just pack them in a box. After a month, if you haven't reached for those products even once, feel free to get rid of them. Your future self will thank you for the freed-up space and simplified cleaning routine.
