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The right tools and equipment can make all the difference in your cleaning business—affecting how fast you clean, how professional your results look, and how smoothly each job goes.
This guide breaks down a complete supply list for starting and running your cleaning business, covering the professional tools, equipment, and products you need to deliver consistent work. You’ll get a simple starter checklist, tips on what to buy first, what to save for later, and how to avoid spending more than you need to.
→ Want more insights and expert tips? Check out our comprehensive guide to starting a cleaning business.
Key takeaways
Here are some quick tips to pick the right tools for your cleaning business:
Start with core tools first: Basic hand tools cover most early jobs.
Match supplies to job type: Commercial jobs need heavier-duty equipment.
Don’t overbuy upfront: Add specialty tools as demand grows.
Track supply costs early: Supplies directly affect your margins.
Cleaning business supplies: Checklist for daily job prep
Not every cleaning job is the same, but most require the same basic set of supplies. Use this checklist to prep for each day so you’re always bringing the right gear to every location.
Hand tools
These are the tools you’ll grab on nearly every job, no matter the space or service type.
- Microfiber cloths (color-coded by area)
- Mop and bucket or flat-mop system
- Scrub brushes and sponges
- Broom and dustpan
- Detail brushes for tight spaces
Cleaning chemicals
Stick to multipurpose products that cover most surfaces and rooms to keep your kit simple and costs predictable.
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant or sanitizer
- Glass and mirror cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Degreaser (kitchens or break rooms)
Equipment
Your equipment needs will vary based on job size and floor type, but these cover most standard residential and light commercial visits.
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop system
- Handheld vacuum or attachments
- Bucket and wringer
Safety supplies
Safety items should be part of every job kit. They protect you, your crew, and your customers.
- Disposable or reusable gloves
- Face mask or respirator (as needed)
- Nonslip footwear
- Basic first-aid kit
Admin and prep items
These small items keep jobs running smoothly and prevent last-minute delays on site.
- Labeled spray bottles
- Trash bags
- Cleaning caddy or tote
- Paper towels or disposable wipes
This checklist covers the basics. You may need to tweak your setup depending on the job, square footage, or specialty services.
Next, we’ll take a look at the broader list of tools and equipment you should keep on hand.
Essential cleaning tools for every cleaning business
Every cleaning business needs a core set of hand tools that work across homes and commercial spaces. These items handle daily tasks and form the foundation of your cleaning kit:
- Microfiber cloths (color-coded for different areas)
- Mop and bucket system
- Broom and dustpan
- Scrub brushes and sponges
- Extension dusters
- Squeegees for glass and mirrors
- Spray bottles with clear labels
- Toilet bowl brush
- Grout brush
- Handheld scraper
- Feather duster
- Detail cleaning brushes
- Melamine sponges (magic-eraser style)
If you’re still defining your services, write out what essential tools you need first to avoid buying ones you won’t actually use.
Professional cleaning chemicals and solutions
Cleaning products do the heavy lifting, but most cleaning businesses don’t need dozens of specialty chemicals to start. A small set of multipurpose solutions covers the majority of residential and commercial jobs.
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant and sanitizer
- Glass and window cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Degreaser for kitchens
- Floor cleaner matched to surface type
- Carpet spot remover
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Wood-safe cleaner
- Odor neutralizer
- Descaling solution
- Disinfectant wipes
Cleaning equipment by job type
The type of cleaning work you do directly affects the equipment you need. Residential jobs typically require lighter, more versatile tools, while office, commercial, and industrial spaces need equipment designed for larger areas, higher traffic, and repeat use.
House cleaning supplies
House cleaning focuses on efficiency, surface care, and working in smaller spaces. Equipment should be lightweight, easy to transport, and flexible enough to move from room to room.
- Vacuum cleaner (corded or cordless)
- Handheld vacuum
- Vacuum attachment set
- Mop system
- Mop replacement heads
- Bucket and wringer
- Step ladder
Office cleaning supplies
Office cleaning usually involves recurring schedules, shared spaces, and high-touch areas. Equipment should support consistent results across multiple rooms and floors.
- Backpack or commercial vacuum
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Mop and bucket system
- Floor fan for faster drying
- Extension cords and power strips
- Step ladder
Commercial cleaning supplies
Commercial spaces see heavier foot traffic and larger square footage than residential or office spaces. Equipment needs to be durable, reliable, and built for repeat use.
- Industrial vacuum
- Floor scrubber or buffer
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Carpet cleaner or extractor
- Janitorial cart
- Floor fan for drying
Janitorial cleaning supplies
Janitorial cleaning typically supports schools, offices, and large facilities with consistent foot traffic. Supplies focus on speed, efficiency, and keeping crews mobile.
- Commercial or backpack vacuum
- Floor scrubber or buffer
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Janitorial cart with storage
- Mop system with multiple heads
- Bulk disinfectants and cleaners
Janitorial setups often overlap with commercial cleaning but prioritize speed, coverage, and centralized supply storage.
Medical and healthcare cleaning supplies
Medical and healthcare environments require stricter sanitation standards and clearer separation between tasks. Focus on supplies for disinfecting, preventing cross-contamination, and protecting you and your cleaners.
- Hospital-grade disinfectants
- Color-coded microfiber cloths and mop heads
- Disposable gloves and masks
- Touchpoint disinfectant wipes
- Closed-lid trash containers
- Clearly labeled chemical containers
These supplies are typically used in clinics, dental offices, outpatient facilities, and medical offices.
Industrial cleaning supplies
Industrial environments often involve tougher messes, larger floor areas, and stricter safety requirements. Your supply list will depend on the facility, industry, and type of work.
- Heavy-duty industrial vacuum
- Floor machines for large surface areas
- High-capacity wet/dry vacuum
- Industrial-rated extension cords
- Safety signage and barriers
- Air movers or floor fans
Move-out and deep cleaning supplies
Move-out and deep cleans are typically one-time, higher-intensity jobs.You’ll want supplies that can handle tougher buildup and longer hours on site.
- Carpet cleaner or extractor
- Heavy-duty scrub brushes
- Descaling solution
- Oven and appliance cleaners
- Handheld scraper
- Extra microfiber cloths and sponges
Because these jobs take longer and use more supplies, make sure your pricing covers the extra labor and materials.
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies (optional but in demand)
You don’t need eco-friendly supplies, but they’re getting more popular for homes, offices, and even some commercial contracts. Offering green cleaning can help you stand out in the market and allow you to charge more for specialized service.
- Nontoxic all-purpose cleaners
- Plant-based disinfectants
- Low-VOC surface cleaners
- Refillable spray bottles
- Reusable microfiber systems
Pool cleaning supplies
Pool cleaning is a niche service that requires its own set of equipment, separate from standard cleaning tools. These supplies are only needed if pool care is part of your services.
- Pool vacuum
- Skimmer net
- Telescopic pole
- Water testing kit
- Chemical storage containers
Pro tip: Equipment affects both time on site and job costs, so it should be reflected in every quote you send. When updating pricing, factor in setup and breakdown time, any boost in efficiency (or extra run time), and ongoing maintenance or replacement costs. If the equipment changes how long the job actually takes, adjust your labor rate—not just your materials.
Safety supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Protecting yourself and your team is just as important as getting great results. Safety supplies help reduce injuries, chemical exposure, and liability risks on every job.
- Disposable or reusable gloves
- Face masks or respirators
- Safety goggles
- Non-slip footwear
- First-aid kit
- Aprons or coveralls
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Spill containment kit
- Safety data sheet (SDS) binder
How to manage supply costs as your business grows
Supplies are a recurring expense, and unmanaged costs can slowly eat into your margins as you take on more jobs. The goal isn’t to buy cheaper products—it’s to control how supplies are used, replaced, and priced into each service.
To keep supply costs predictable as you scale:
- Standardize supply kits by job type: Create a set list of equipment and products for house cleaning, office cleaning, and commercial jobs so crews use the same setup every time.
- Track usage, not just purchases: Keep an eye on how fast items like chemicals, gloves, and wipes are used per job, not just what shows up on your monthly receipts.
- Set reorder points for consumables: Restock before you run out, but avoid bulk-buying items that expire or go unused.
- Review supply costs alongside labor: Supplies and labor together determine whether a job is profitable, especially on recurring contracts.
How Housecall Pro helps cleaning businesses stay organized
Running a cleaning business means juggling schedules, pricing, customer details, and job costs—all while keeping service quality consistent. Housecall Pro helps cleaning businesses bring those moving parts together so day-to-day operations stay organized as the business grows.With Housecall Pro’s cleaning software, you can:
- Schedule one-time and recurring cleaning jobs: Manage residential cleanings, recurring service plans, and multi-crew schedules from one calendar.
- Create consistent estimates and invoices: Standardize pricing, scopes of work, and approvals so estimates and invoices stay consistent across every job.
- Track job costs and profitability: See how labor, supplies, and equipment affect margins so you can price cleaning services with confidence.
- Store customer details and service history: Keep notes, access instructions, photos, and past job records organized for faster repeat bookings.
- Accept payments faster and reduce admin work: Take card and ACH payments, shorten billing cycles, and spend less time on follow-ups.
As contracts, crews, and schedules get more complicated, keeping everything in one system helps prevent costly gaps. Start your free trial of Housecall Pro today and see how much easier it is to stay organized.
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FAQ
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What supplies do I need to start a cleaning business?
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Most cleaning businesses start with basic hand tools, multipurpose cleaning chemicals, a vacuum, safety gear, and labeled spray bottles.
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How much does it cost to buy cleaning business supplies?
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Many solo cleaners start with a few hundred dollars in supplies. Costs increase as you add equipment or commercial services.
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Do residential and commercial cleaners use different supplies?
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Yes. Commercial cleaning typically requires industrial equipment and bulk supplies, while residential cleaning uses lighter tools.
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Should I buy eco-friendly cleaning supplies?
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Eco-friendly supplies aren’t required, but they can attract certain customers and support higher pricing.
