What cleaning supplies do I need to clean my house?

Before you begin tackling the challenge of cleaning the house, you will want to make sure you have all the necessary items on hand.

From tools of the trade, such as vacuums and rags, to cleaning products like Windex and baking soda, this list can serve as a comprehensive guide to assist you with house cleaning.

Vacuum cleaner: The best way to begin cleaning a room is to eliminate the dust, dirt and visible debris. Go over all carpeted and bare floors with an upright or handheld vacuum cleaner.

Regular vacuuming will also significantly improve the appearance and life of your carpets.

Mop: Once the floors in your home are vacuumed, a mop is vital for getting rid of stains and eliminating bacteria from the floor.

Choose a mop with a longer handle so that you are comfortable using it, and pair it with a bucket full of warm water and a cleaning solution.

Windex: The cleaning product is designed to remove smudges and stains on your glass items, such as tables, windows or mirrors.

Spray it directly on the glass surface, and wipe it off with a clean rag, or wipe it down with a squeegee.

All-purpose cleaner: If you can only have one cleaning product in your home, it should be a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner.

It can be sprayed on most household surfaces and wiped off to easily remove bacteria, germs, smudges and stains.

Baking soda: This inexpensive item is a staple for cleaning the home. Not only does it have cleaning properties, but it is also a great way to remove unpleasant odors.

Use it as a paste with water on spills to clean the carpet and eliminate smells.

Rags: A supply of rags is vital when cleaning a home. Use them for cleaning bathrooms, windows, kitchen countertops and more.

Have enough so that you can use different rags with different cleaning products. Plus, cloth rags can be washed and reused.

Gloves: If you are using lots of chemical cleaners, washing dishes or scrubbing toilets, you will need a pair of gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.

Choose a rubber pair that extends up to your elbows for the best protection.

Polish: While your all-purpose cleaner will work to clean many surfaces in the home, invest in a few specialty polishes for surfaces like stainless steel or wooden tables.

The label should specify the corresponding surface.

If you don’t have time to clean or simply despise it, consider hiring a professional cleaning surface. There are currently more than 570 house cleaning companies in the Tampa area on Angie’s List. Sign in today to see which companies have been highly rated by members alike.