Storing cleaning supplies correctly is not just about keeping your home neat; it’s really about keeping everyone safe, making cleaning easier, and making sure your cleaning products work as they should. If your cleaning tools and products are organized and easy to reach-but safely put away from kids and pets-cleaning becomes faster and less stressful. Good storage practices help avoid accidents, limit product waste, and keep your home running smoothly.
This guide will walk you through the basics of organizing and storing your cleaning supplies, explain why it’s so important, suggest useful storage methods, and offer safety reminders. We’ll cover ways to organize cleaning essentials in different rooms and how best to store bulkier cleaning items too. By the end, you’ll know how to keep everything in order, safe, and ready to use.
Why you should store cleaning supplies the right way
Let’s face it: Piling up your cleaning products under the sink may seem easy, but it can be risky. When your supplies are scattered or stacked carelessly, you’re more likely to spill chemicals, damage surfaces, or find yourself searching for a tool you need right away. Ordered storage saves time and avoids problems.
How you store cleaners and tools also affects how well they work and how long they last. Some cleaners break down if not kept properly, and brushes or cloths can wear out from poor storage. With a good storage setup, you’ll save money, reduce mess, and waste less.
Helps keep kids and pets safe
This is the most important reason to pay attention to storage. Kids and pets are curious and may get into cabinets you thought were secure. Colorful bottles and interesting smells can attract children, but many products are dangerous if touched or swallowed.
Even if a cleaner has a child-resistant cap, it’s not impossible to open. Put all cleaning items somewhere little ones can’t reach-high shelves or cabinets with locks are best. Don’t forget: rags and empty containers may still have chemical traces and should be thrown away safely.
Stops spills and product damage
If you accidentally tip over a bottle of bleach or other cleaner, you may end up with a mess that’s hard to clean or could even damage your cabinets or floors. Keeping cleaners upright and in containers helps prevent leaks or spills, especially for strong or staining products.
Additionally, many cleaning supplies do best in cool, dry locations, not next to heaters or in sunlight. Too much heat or dampness can ruin a product, making it less useful when you need it.
Makes items easy to find and use
When everything has a home, you don’t waste time looking for what you need. Keeping your supplies neat means you can quickly grab the right cleaner or tool. Try storing products near where you use them-like in the bathroom or kitchen-to make cleaning quicker and easier.
Using bins or caddies for specific types or areas, like a bathroom cleaning bucket, also helps you keep track of your supplies and skip the hassle of searching each time you clean.
Things to think about before storing cleaning supplies
Before you rush out to buy storage bins or racks, take a few minutes to look at your current supplies. Planning ahead helps you set up a storage spot that fits your needs and works well in your home. Think about finding not just any place, but the best place for each item.
Ask yourself: What do I use most? Where do I use it? Do I need special cleaners, or just a few everyday products? Knowing these things will help you set up the right storage solutions.
List out your cleaning products and tools
Go through your cleaning collection and group similar items. This includes cleaners (sprays, liquids, wipes), tools (sponges, brushes, mops, brooms), and machines like vacuums. Sorting makes it clear how much you own and how much space you’ll need.
Check if some products are dangerous or have to be kept upright or in cool places. Make a note of these, as their storage needs might be different. Remember smaller items like cleaning cloths or special tablets-they deserve a spot too.
Read product labels and follow directions
Always look at the storage instructions for each cleaner. Warnings like “Danger,” “Toxic,” or “Flammable” mean the product needs safe handling-keep these out of reach, away from heat, and in well-marked spots. Labels also say how to keep products working their best and how to avoid dangerous mixing.
Check your available storage space
Think about where you can put your cleaning supplies. Usual spots are under sinks, in utility or hallway closets, laundry rooms, garages, or in high-up areas of your linen closet. Make sure there is enough room for what you have, and get creative-vertical shelves, wall hangers, or door organizers can increase your storage area. The back of cabinet doors is another smart place for small items.
How to organize cleaning supplies by room
It’s best to keep supplies near where you’ll use them. This saves trips back and forth and makes the job faster. While it may seem odd to have cleaners stored in more than one place, it usually works better than keeping everything together, especially if your house is large or has several floors.
Here are some room-by-room suggestions:
| Room/Area | Storage Tips |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Store daily items (dish soap, sprays) under the sink in a bin. Lock cabinets if needed. Put seldom-used or strong cleaners on a higher shelf or in the garage. |
| Bathroom | Put disinfectants and bathroom tools in a caddy or on a high shelf. Use a locked cabinet if kids are around. Have separate supplies for each bathroom if possible. |
| Laundry Room | Keep detergents, softeners, and stain removers on a high shelf. Store pods in a container with a lid. Organize bulk items and extras in bins or on shelves. |
| Garage/Closets | Keep large tools or backup supplies out in the garage or a utility closet. Use the garage for strong-smelling or seasonal products, and keep car cleaning items together in a caddy. |
Ways to organize and store cleaning supplies
After sorting your supplies and finding storage places, you can choose storage systems that work best for your space. There are many options, from simple baskets to shelves and carts. The main idea is to keep things in order and easy to reach, but also safely put away.
- Bins, baskets, and caddies: Use clear bins for different categories (like sprays, disinfectants, or sponges). Cleaning caddies let you carry what you need to each room easily.
- Shelves and door racks: Install shelves in between tall spaces or add racks to the back of doors for more room. Shoe organizers on doors can hold small items like cloths and sponges.
- Hooks or wall mounts: Hang brooms, mops, and dusters on the wall or door to save space and keep them off the floor.
- Keep supplies off the floor: Store items on shelves or in cabinets to protect them from moisture and avoid extra clean-up work.
- Rolling carts: Use rolling carts for items you move often. They can be stored out of sight when not needed.
- Labels and clear containers: Label bins and boxes so everyone knows where things go and you always know what you have.
Keeping cleaning supplies safe
Safety always comes first. Cleaning products can be dangerous-especially to children and pets-so some simple safety habits are a must.
- Keep hazardous items up high or locked away: Anything labeled with warnings should go on high shelves, in locked cabinets, or in a locked garage area if possible.
- Add childproof locks: Install locks or latches on any cabinet within reach of children (like under sink storage).
- Never mix chemicals: Do not combine products like bleach and ammonia. Keep products that should not be mixed in different areas or mark them clearly.
- Avoid hot or humid locations: Store items away from hot water heaters, furnaces, or sunny spots, and keep them dry to prevent product breakdown.
Where to store big cleaning tools
Large items like vacuums, mops, and buckets need their own space. The trick is to keep them organized and off the floor when possible.
- Vacuums, mops, brooms: A cleaning or utility closet is best. If not, pick a garage corner or pantry with enough room. Hang mops and brooms on wall racks; store the vacuum on the closet floor.
- Buckets and special equipment: Stack buckets to save room and store on lower shelves. Keep special tools or smaller vacuum parts in a labeled caddy or hanging bag with pockets.
Tips for keeping your cleaning supply area organized
Once everything’s sorted, you’ll want to keep it that way. Take a little time now and then to tidy up so your system keeps working smoothly.
- Review and declutter often: Get rid of supplies you don’t use or that have expired. Throw out broken tools and combine half-empty bottles of the same product if you can.
- Update labels and rotate items: If you move products into new containers, re-label them. When you buy new items, put them behind the old ones to use up the older supplies first.
Common questions about cleaning supply storage
Should I keep all my cleaning supplies in one place?
It’s usually best to keep cleaning supplies in the rooms where you’ll use them-like storing kitchen cleaners in the kitchen and bathroom supplies in the bathroom. For hazardous or extra-large items, a common storage spot, such as a closet or garage, makes sense, especially with young kids in the house.
What can I do if I have very little space?
Use vertical storage-door racks, shelf risers, or hooks. Rolling carts fit in small spaces and tension rods under sinks can help hang spray bottles. Only keep what you really use to avoid crowding.
How do I get rid of old or leftover cleaning products?
Don’t pour cleaners down the drain or toilet. Read the bottle for safe disposal instructions, or check with your local waste service or collection center for hazardous waste drop-off. Empty bottles should be rinsed and recycled if allowed. Used cloths and sponges may still have chemicals-throw them away properly in a sealed bag.