Create your own Cleaning Caddy

Guest post from Shannon McKee

We’re talking a lot this month about Spring Cleaning. It always feels great to get into the nooks and crannies and clean the places that get overlooked in the daily routines. Who knew that dusting the ceiling fan blades could make a person feel so happy inside? {wink}

But, it’s not ALL about the big projects is it? We’ve still got to maintain our usual basic cleaning routines so that the family can function well. Did you know that one study found that on average we spend 364 hours (that’s two weeks) a year on housework. But, according to the same study much of this time is wasted; with 62 percent of us failing to use it productively.

I don’t know about you but if I’m going to spend two weeks of every year taking care of this place, I want to use that time well. In a nutshell, how can I be more efficient? When it comes to cleaning, I know that one of the ways I lose time is by running up and down the steps to get the tools I need. There is nothing worse than being bent over the tub, literally up to my elbows in sudsy water, and realizing that I left the toothbrush that I use for the corners all the way downstairs.

The solution that I finally stumbled upon after nearly 20 years of keeping house: a cleaning caddy. Yes, it’s that simple. One little caddy to carry all of my normal supplies with me as I move from room to room. And, hold on to your hat for this next revelation. Wait for it. If you have more than one floor, you might have a caddy for each floor. Gasp. I know. Ingenious, right?

Are you dying to see my little caddy? It’s cute. Because it’s actually a shower thingy for college students. But, I liked it. And, hey, let’s face it, we need all the cute-itude we can get when we’re crawling along the baseboards thinking “how did they manage to get mud in that crack?”

Here are some tips for choosing a caddy:

• Make sure it’s portable. It shouldn’t be big or awk ward for you to tote around the house. It should have handles that are easy for you to grip.
• Evaluate the space you have to fit it in. Will it be under a sink? In a closet? On a hook in the laundry room? This might determine the size as well as the construction. For instance, a canvas tote will hang better than a plastic, pre-formed caddy.
• Think dividers or pockets. These will help organize some of the smaller objects like brushes, rubber gloves, rags, and sponges. But, you don’t go crazy. You don’t want so many dividers that you’re stuck without a spot that fits your window cleaner.
• Consider what you’re willing to sacrifice for the cute-factor. Maybe cleaning is all utilitarian for you and you just don’t care. Maybe a small feminine touch will make you hum a bit while you clean. Everyone is different. Just make your choice and go with it. I even saw one blogger dress up her plain old caddy with some vinyl cut outs.
• Be creative and think outside the box. It might not be labeled as a cleaning caddy but you might use it as a cleaning caddy!

Here’s what I keep in my caddy:

• A wood furniture spray
• A multi-surface cleaner
• A window/mirror spray
• Soft Scrub
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Toothbrush for nooks and crannies
• Spare vacuum cleaner bag
• Rag for wet surfaces
• Dust rag
• Window rag
• Wood touch-up pens for furniture scuffs
• Rubber gloves
• Two plastic grocery bags for trash pick-ups
• Lint brush (for dog hair on pillows, etc)
• Feather duster (this actually stores in the cupboard next to the caddy and gets pulled out when I go to clean; it’s too tall to fit in the caddy while being stored)

Now, for me, I’m trying to be a little more eco-friendly so I don’t do pre-packaged surface wipes or Swiffer rags or paper towels in my caddy. But, you could certainly include those. After reading some great posts about natural cleaning, I’m also considering starting to use more homemade cleaning products. That might change things up for my little caddy, too.  But, that’s a whole ‘nother  topic…