If you’re starting a cleaning business, it’s important to equip your staff and yourself with the proper cleaning supplies, products, and equipment needed to do a good job as you clean. A well-equipped staff will ensure that you’re able to complete any cleaning job successfully and efficiently. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of professional cleaning supplies, products, and equipment that you’ll need for your business.
Essential Professional Cleaning Supplies
If you want to be a professional cleaner, you need to have the following cleaning supplies on hand at all times:
–Buckets: You’ll need at least two buckets – one for cleaning solution and one for rinsing. Professional cleaning buckets cost about $30-$40 each.
–Mops: Mops are necessary to clean hard surface flooring. A high-quality mop will cost about $40. High-end mops cost $250 and more.
–Sponges: Sponges are essential for cleaning surfaces and areas that cannot be reached with a mop. They should be large, industrial size and cost around $30 for a pack of three.
–Cleaning cloths: Cleaning cloths are heavyweight cotton and are reusable. They are used for wiping surfaces, cleaning in hard-to-reach places and for cleaning up spills. A pack of 10 cloths will cost $15-$20. You should have at least 20-30 cloths when starting your business..
–Feather duster: A feather duster is used to dust areas that are hard-to-reach or small. A professional,high-quality duster will cost from $25-$250 each. You should have at least two dusters when starting your business.
–Gloves: Non-latex gloves will protect hands from harsh cleaning chemicals and germs. A pack of 10 pairs of gloves will cost $30-$40.
–Shoe covers: Shoe covers are essential for protecting floors from the soles of your shoes and those of your staff. A pack of three pairs of shoe covers costs approximately $10.
–Trash bags: Trash bags are necessary for disposing of garbage and trash. Buy industrial-weight trash bags in bulk lots of 500, which will cost about $50-$60.
Essential Professional Cleaning Products
In addition to cleaning supplies, you’ll also need cleaning products. These are the cleaning solutions and chemicals that will help you remove dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces.
–All-purpose cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces. Many professional cleaners come in a concentrated form, which allows you to mix as much as you need with water. A good-quality, all-purpose cleaning concentrate should cost about $8 per gallon.
–Window and glass cleaner: Window and glass cleaner is a necessity if you want to clean windows and glass surfaces. Professional cleaners are available in gallon sizes, which cost about $25-$30.
–Bathroom cleaner: A professional bathroom cleaner is specifically formulated to clean bathrooms, including toilet and sink areas. It is also formulated to remove tough stains. A gallon of bathroom cleaner concentrate should cost about $45-$60.
–Carpet and upholstery cleaner: Carpet cleaner is essential for cleaning carpets and upholstery. It is sold in gallon containers for concentrate that professionals use and it typically costs $20. Add water to the concentrate as directed by your carpet cleaning appliance.
–Wood Polish & Cleaner: Hardwoods should be polished; never cleaned with a cleaning product. Wood polish can be applied to wood furnishings with a cloth or via a spray bottle. It should cost around $12 per spray bottle or $15 for creme polish in a can.
–Floor laminate and hardwood surface cleaner: A good floor cleaning product is necessary for maintaining surfaces that take much wear and tear. A gallon of concentrated cleaner (such as Bona) will cost around $15-$20 and can be mixed with water and poured into a spray bottle for convenience.
Essential Professional Cleaning Equipment
In addition to cleaning supplies and products, you’ll also need professional cleaning equipment. This is the heavy-duty equipment that you’ll use to clean large areas quickly and efficiently.
–Professional vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner is essential for cleaning carpets, floors, and upholstery. A heavy-duty vacuum cleaner will cost from $170-$800.
–Professional steam cleaner: A professional steam cleaner is essential for cleaning drapes, curtains, upholstery and other items that need cleaning or wrinkles removed. A professional steam cleaner will cost from $400 to $4,000, depending on the amount of use and type of steam cleaning you anticipate doing for your clients.
–Professional pressure washer: If your service includes cleaning outdoor areas including windows, driveways, parking lots, or sidewalks, you’ll need a professional pressure washer. Costs range from $900 to $3,500, depending on the power and extent of use required.
–Professional extension ladder: An extension ladder is necessary for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, outdoor windows and gutters. A high-quality extension ladder will cost from $350 to $1,500.
–Professional heavy-duty extension cords: Wherever your cleaning services take you and your employees, electrical extension cords are necessary for most of what you’ll do in the process. You’ll want to have on hand at least 5-10 high-quality, professional extension cords of several feet in length for your on-site needs. A professional extension cord will cost $120-$150.
–Safety helmets and gloves. If you or your employees are working outdoors or in construction areas, safety helmets and sturdy gloves are a priority. Safety helmets cost $30-$50 each and work gloves cost about $30 per pair.
Conclusion
A complete professional cleaning service should include all of the essential cleaning supplies, products, and equipment. This will ensure that you have everything you need to clean any surface in almost any environment quickly and easily. The total cost of supplies and equipment for your professional cleaning service will range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the variety of products and cost of products you choose.
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