Whether you're moving into a new home, or it's just time to give your house a good tidying, the one thing you'll definitely need is a full stock of cleaning supplies. 

It may seem strange to read an entire article about cleaning products, but nothing saps your motivation to keep your house clean and tidy faster than not having the right supplies on hand.

And even if you grew up in a home where cleaning was one of your regular chores, it's important to remember that some of today's homes are built with different products according to different standards. The best way to keep your home looking its best is to use the right product at the right time for the right materials.

Note: There are "green" or chemical-free versions of all of the cleaning products mentioned in this article.

Let the cleaning begin!

Kitchen

The kitchen is the one room in the house that tends to attract a lot of dirt and stains. Thus, in addition to your new home kitchen essentials, make sure you have all these items on hand:

• Scrubbing sponges (one or both sides is "scratchy")
• Soft sponges
• Steel wool or sponges
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• All-purpose cleaner
• Cleaning cloths
• White vinegar
  

Use the all-purpose cleaner on most surfaces except for granite, quartz, marble, or other forms of stone (like on countertops).

Clean stainless steel (such as sinks or fixtures) by applying baking soda. Rub it in well and then apply a few drops of vinegar. When the fizzing stops, scrub it clean. You can follow the same procedure for baked-on stains on stovetops.

For cutting boards and other wood surfaces, apply a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice and allow to sit for 10-30 minutes and then rinse clean and allow to dry.

Always start with the softest sponges/cloths first and then progressively move towards more abrasive sponges as needed in order to prevent scratching surfaces.

Floors

Clean floors AFTER you've already cleaned the rest of the room. First, sweep (or "dry mop") and vacuum. If you have hardwood floors sealed in polyurethane (a transparent sealant) mix warm water with a few drops of washing liquid, approximately 1-2 tablespoons per bucket (5 gal/20 litres). You can also use this solution for linoleum and tile.

When cleaning tile, you'll need to be extra careful not to apply dirty water as it can lead to

the discolouration of the grout.

Bathroom

Keeping your bathroom clean and tidy is essential for maintaining personal hygiene.

You'll need:

• A toilet brush
• All-purpose cleaner
• Scrubbing sponges
• Grout cleaner
• A grout brush

Use a dedicated toilet brush to prevent the spread of unwanted bacteria. To remove grout from your shower and walls/floor, use a grout brush (a small brush with very stiff bristles) and specially made grout cleaner. Use all-purpose cleaner on sinks and other hard surfaces, and be sure to fully rinse everything after cleaning.

Living Areas/Bedrooms

Start by dusting all exposed shelves, mantles, tables, and other horizontal surfaces. To remove pet hair from soft surfaces like pillows and cushions, use a lint roller. Once everything is cleaned, vacuum and (wet) mop the floor.

Special Cleaners

Whether it's removing deep-set stains or treating valuable furniture with care, you may need one or more of the following:

• Descalers - If you have "hard" water or have noticed mineral build-up in your faucets, washing machine, or shower, use a specially made de-scaling agent. Consider investing in a water softening system for the future.
• Leather - Don't use furniture polish or any cleaner with alcohol in it as it can damage leather. And watch out for saddle soap as it may cause discolouration. Leather needs to be both cleaned and kept supple in order to keep looking its best.
• Carpet - You can buy specially made cleaners or make your own by mixing a few drops of washing liquid in water.
• Glass - You can buy the pre-made "blue" stuff or make your own by mixing 1 part rubbing alcohol to 2 parts white vinegar to 8 parts water. Use a paper towel or newspaper to dry in order to prevent streaking.
• Silver polish - For candlesticks, tableware, and other items made of real silver.
• Marble/Granite/Stone - Cleaning products with a high level of acidity will start to erode the surface of marble, granite, and other types of stone. The best way to remove stains is with tin oxide or specially made powders.
• Ovens - If you don't have a self-cleaning oven, you'll need a specially made foaming product. To make a natural version, mix half a cup of ammonia with a gallon of water and a few drops of liquid soap.
• Brass - Use special cleaners or wipe down with (white) vinegar. Apply a bit of salt and use a cloth to lightly rub the surface. Then rinse with water and dry with a new cloth.

With a little bit of preparation and a trip to the shop, you'll have everything you need to keep your house clean and tidy. And once you experience the joy of walking into a clean home, it'll be easy to find the motivation to keep it that way! Our ultimate cleaning list for 2017 can help make it even easier.

Photo credits: cleaning supplies, vinegar, mop