I’ll show you how to make a cleaning caddy for every room/floor of your house in order to make your cleaning process more efficient. I’ll also give you a checklist of the essential items to put in it and where to store them.
I am not the cleanest person on the planet and neither am I the dirtiest. I think I sit somewhere in the middle of the equation, that’s why I create systems to nudge me closer to the clean side of the spectrum.
When I discovered how to create cleaning caddies a year ago, I jumped on it. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head. I mean, I create systems to organise everything else in why life, so why not cleaning? I bet you are nodding to that!
So you’re here because you want to learn to make one yourself, kudos to you for even wanting to do that. I’ll show you exactly how to do it, the type of caddy to choose and the specific items you should store in them.
Watch out though, if you ever try this, your family might call you extra!
Why It’s Important To Make A Cleaning Caddy
If you saw a spot on your bathroom floor and you wanted to clean it, would you be more likely to procrastinate if the cleaning supplies were too far away? That my friend is why you need a cleaning caddy.
Much like packing cubes ‘force’ you into being more organised, creating a cleaning kit just means you are that much more likely to clean as you go. Everything you need is right where you need it.
It’s also much easier and saves you time since all your cleaning supplies are in one place. So how do you choose the right caddy, where do you start? I’ll show you:
How To Choose The Best Cleaning Caddy
There are different types of cleaning caddies and if you plan on making one for each room then it’s important to buy the version for the specific area of the house you plan to tackle. Whilst it might make sense to use a fabric caddy for the bedroom, the location you store the caddy also impacts your choice. Here are three cleaning caddy ideas you might consider. I have excluded wooden caddies from the least because they are simply not as popular.
Cleaning Caddy Ideas
Plastic Cleaning Caddy
This is by far the most popular cleaning caddy because it is the most durable and efficient. It also comes in different sizes and has drain holes in the bottom for the option of quick drying after use. This makes it perfect for areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
Metal Cleaning Caddy
This type of caddy is also quite popular and very durable since they are made from galvanised metal. They are not particularly marketed as cleaning caddies but you will find a simple mini metal bucket in most online shops. That’s why a lot of people use metal caddies for much more than cleaning supplies. They are excellent for housing both indoor and outdoor cleaning supplies.
Fabric Cleaning Caddy
These types of caddies are the least popular but are excellent for storing smaller cleaning supplies for areas like the bedroom or living room.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Plastic | Easy to clean, stores larger items | Mostly bulky and takes up space |
| Metal | Most beautiful/ aesthetically pleasing can be repurposed | Can rust easily when exposed to water and the elements |
| Fabric | Compartmentalised to fit multiple items, Easy to store, and multifunctional | Can get wet or stained easily so best for used in bedrooms and living rooms |
What Goes In The Cleaning Caddy For Every Room
Now it’s time to pick the items that go into each caddy. Here’s a long checklist of supplies you should purchase if you don’t have one already. You can then use this list to create a caddy specific to the area of the house you are making it for.
Cleaning Caddy Checklist
- Cleaning caddy (Plastic, metal, or fabric)
- Old toothbrush
- Scrub brush (Plastic dish brushes make amazing scrub brushes)
- Cleaning cloth/ Microfibre cloth
- Dish soap
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Glass Spray Bottles (if using DIY cleaners)
- All-purpose cleaner
- Antibacterial surface wipes
- Stain remover wipes
- Rubber gloves
- Furniture polish
- Degreaser
- Squeegee
- Scissors
- Magic Eraser
- Feather duster (with extendable pole)
- Mini bin bags
- Lint roller
- Mini dustpan and broom
Living Room Cleaning Caddy
In order to clean living areas like the lounge or living room, you need the following. Feel free to add or remove items based on your specific needs.
Best caddy type: Fabric
Supplies
- Cleaning cloth/ Microfibre cloth
- All-purpose cleaner
- Antibacterial surface wipes
- Stain remover wipes
- Furniture polish
- Scissors
- Magic Eraser
- Feather duster (with extendable pole)
- Mini bin bags
- Lint roller
- Mini dustpan and broom
Bedroom Cleaning Caddy
Very similar to the living areas, you can create a small cleaning caddy for your bedroom to tackle stains, dust, and accidental spills. Here are some items for your bedroom caddy
Best caddy type: Fabric
Supplies
- Cleaning cloth/ Microfibre cloth
- Stain remover wipes
- Scissors
- Magic Eraser
- Feather duster (with extendable pole)
- Mini bin bags
- Lint roller
- Mini dustpan and broom
Bathroom Cleaning Caddy
The best way to keep a bathroom clean is to clean often and to clean as you go. Add or subtract items from this list to suit your specific household.
Best caddy type: Plastic
Supplies
- Old Toothbrush
- Scrub brush
- Cleaning Cloth/ Microfibre cloth
- Dish Soap
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Glass Spray Bottles (if using DIY cleaners)
- Degreaser
- All purpose cleaner
- Antibacterial surface wipes
- Rubber Gloves
- Squeegee
- Magic Eraser
- Feather duster (with extendable pole)
- Mini bin bags
Kitchen and Laundry Area
I have merged the caddy for these two areas because for many people the kitchen also serves as the area you do your laundry so adjust accordingly. Remember that this list does not contain items for doing your laundry. It simply contains items for cleaning your laundry area.
Best caddy type: Plastic or Metal
Supplies
- Old Toothbrush
- Scrub Brush
- Cleaning Cloth/ Microfibre cloth
- Dish Soap
- Vinegar
- Glass Spray Bottles (if using DIY cleaners)
- All purpose cleaner
- Antibacterial surface Wipes
- Stain remover wipes
- Rubber Gloves
- Furniture Polish
- Degreaser
- Squeegee
- Scissors
- Magic Eraser
- Feather duster (with extendable pole)
- Mini bin bags
- Lint Roller
- Mini dustpan and broom
{RELATED: 12 Quick Ways To Stop Being Lazy and Clean Your House}
Where To Store The Cleaning Caddy
If I have managed to convince you to make a cleaning caddy and you are wondering where to store it, it’s a good idea to store it in the area where you will be needing it.
A bedroom cleaning caddy can be stored in the bedroom (if you have the space), the hallway, or even under the bed. It really depends on the space you have available. If you are completely out of ideas, you can put them all in a rolling cart and wheel them from room to room when you need them.
A kitchen caddy can be stored under the kitchen sink.
The bathroom caddy can easily be stored inside vanity cabinet doors or on a cart. You can also consider using a tension rod to hold all the supplies in place under the sink or in the cabinet. Just remember to choose the appropriate caddy and size for the space you are in.
Related Cleaning Articles:
✔ 12 Quick Ways To Stop Being Lazy and Clean Your House
✔ 11 Amazon Cleaning Products That Do A Damn Good Job
✔ Laundry Stripping Actually Works | Your Guide to Doing It Right
