The Only 6 Cleaning Supplies You Really Need, According to an Expert

Purging your cleaning supply closet is just as important as clearing out your wardrobe for the new year. That's why it helps to know what kinds of cleaning products are actually worth the storage space. We asked cleaning connoisseur Kadi Dulude, founder of Wizard of Homes, what items are truly necessary to give your home a thorough cleaning, and here's what she had to say.

Believe it or not, Dulude says vinegar is a major must-have in any supply closet. "I buy two huge bottles of white distilled vinegar and use that to mix what's needed," she says. "A 50/50 vinegar-water mix makes an all-purpose cleaner that works for absolutely all surfaces in my home (windows, floors, and countertops included). However, for granite or marble countertops, be sure to use a milder, acid-free cleaner to be safe."

According to Dulude, a little bit of olive oil goes a long way when cleaning your home. "I mix two parts vinegar with one-part olive oil in a spray bottle to condition the leather couch every once in a while," she says. "For weekly cleanup, I use the same all-purpose vinegar mix to wipe down the couch. If I want to add a lovely scent to my cleaning routine, then I add a few drops of essential oils to the vinegar mix. [You] just have to be mindful: That mix is now not good for window cleaning, as even a few drops of oil leave streaks on windows and mirrors."

Never underestimate the cleaning power of a good microfiber towel. Not only are they inexpensive (and easy to find), Dulude says they can they dust, scrub, and polish just about any type of surface. "We don't use stainless steel cleaners," she says. "We just use vinegar and microfiber towels to keep stainless steel clean—and occasionally polish with olive oil."

When it comes to deep-cleaning your bathroom, Dulude says you can rely on Soft Scrub to get the job done. "We use Soft Scrub to clean the sinks, showers, and tub," she says. "It's a powerful cleaning agent that can remove stubborn stains and doesn't smell as strong as vinegar."

If you aren't already hip to Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, then now's the time to smarten up. "It's one of my all-time favorite cleaning sprays because it smells great and is easy to use," Dulude explains. "Plus their bottles are also very comfortable to hold and use."

When all else fails, Dulude says you can always count on a bottle of Shaklee's Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate to get even the toughest cleaning job done. "One bottle of this concentrate will easily last you a year and can be mixed according to need to clean absolutely all surfaces," she says. "It also has absolutely no smell, which is great for people who are sensitive to fragrances."