You know those moments when you’re ready (or trying to get ready) to tackle some chores, and suddenly you’re frantically searching for the glass cleaner? Or you find the broom, but somehow the dustpan has vanished? Ugh. THE WORST. I mean…I already had a hard enough time finding the motivation to get up and start cleaning. The LAST thing I want to do is play a game of freaking hide and seek with my cleaning supplies.
The struggle is so real, but I promise, there’s an easier way. Enter the cleaning cart.
Today, I’m walking you through how to put together your very own cleaning cart. It’s super simple, completely customizable, and let’s be so for real right now…it’s aesthetic and pretty. Plus, it’ll save you a ton of energy and help you stay more focused during your cleaning sessions.
Why You Need a Cleaning Cart
Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about why you need one in the first place.
If you had a job outside the home, would they expect you to do your work without giving you the right tools? Of course not! No one would send a chef into the kitchen without pans or a secretary to the office without a computer. Homemaking is no different. To do the job well, you need the right setup, and a cleaning cart is like having your own mini toolkit that moves with you as you work.
But beyond the practicality, a cleaning cart helps cut down on the overwhelm. When you know exactly where all your supplies are, cleaning feels way less daunting. No more excuses about not knowing where to start or wasting time hunting down the mop. It’s all right there, rolling around with you.
Seriously, it’s a game changer.
What You’ll Need to Build Your Cart
Setting up your cleaning cart doesn’t have to break the bank. You can keep it simple or make it feel completely Pinterest-worthy. The choice is yours! Here’s what I used to set mine up, and you can adjust based on what works best for you:
Here’s the links to everything I used (note: these are affiliate links)
- A Rolling Cart: Start with a sturdy cart that can handle being wheeled around from room to room. I use a metal one with three shelves, but you could also use something plastic and lightweight.
- Storage Bins and Organizers: These help keep the cart neat and make it easier to grab what you need quickly. I love opaque ones with lids so it doesn’t look cluttered.
- Labels: Trust me, labels are a lifesaver. Nothing fancy needed – just some stickers or a label maker to keep things tidy and clear.
- Cleaning Ingredients: Stock up on the staples like vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, and borax. Add any favorite essential oils (or skip them if they’re not your thing).
- Handy Tools: Sponges, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, and toothbrushes for those tiny crevices. Add a broom and dustpan, and you’re pretty much set.
- Extras for You: Cleaning can feel less like a chore (well, sort of) when you’re comfortable. Grab a reusable water bottle or even a pair of comfy cleaning slippers.
Okay, now that you’ve got everything together, here’s how to make it functional and pretty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Cleaning Cart
Step 1: Gather Everything
First things first, round up your cleaning supplies. All of it. Sprays, brushes, towels, the works. Sprawl it out on a table or a clear space, because this is a great excuse to declutter. If there’s a stain remover you haven’t touched in years, maybe it’s time to say goodbye.
Step 2: Sort and Simplify
Think of your cart as the VIP section of your cleaning world. Only the things you actually use and love should make the cut. Group similar items together (like sprays in one pile, brushes and sponges in another), so you can plan where everything will go.
Step 3: Set Up Your “Zones”
Organize your cart into sections based on how often you use certain items. Here’s how I set up mine:
- Top Shelf: The daily essentials. Microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, and any all-purpose sprays live here. I also added a little tub for sponges (yes, I cut them in half because who even uses a whole sponge at once?).
- Middle Shelf: Reusable trash bags, stain removers, and magic erasers go here. This is where I keep my “as needed” supplies – the kind of stuff I may not use every day but still grab regularly.
- Bottom Shelf: Heavy-duty cleaners and larger items like folded towels and mopping slippers. (Side note, if you’ve never cleaned in mopping slippers, you’re missing out. Just saying.)
Step 4: Add a Little Personality
This is where your cart really starts to feel like yours. I swapped out a clear wire basket for a cute pink tub with a lid to hide clutter and added a vintage-inspired scrubbing brush because, well, aesthetics matter.
I also printed out labels for all my homemade cleaners and stuck them right onto the bottles. Now when I need to whip up a new batch, the recipe is right there. No searching. No guessing. Just grab and go. You can get the printable cleaning supply stickers here.
Here’s The Lowdown On My Printable Non-Toxic Cleaning Stickers.
- Cleaning Ingredient Stickers: These tell me everything that can be cleaned with that ingredient alone.
- Cleaning Solution Recipe Stickers: These labels go on my spray bottles and tell what solution it is, as well as the instructions for making the solution. I have these for my glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaning spray, disinfecting spray, dusting spray, fabric spray/pillow mist, stain remover, dish soap, etc. (I have lots!) This way, when I run out and it’s time to make more, the recipe is right on the bottle and I don’t have to have it memorized or look it up!
- Cleaning Supply Stickers: These are stickers for things like my rags and sponges. It tells me how often to replace them, how often to wash them, and instructions for how to remove any odors they may have.
You can get my cleaning printables here.
Step 5: Hangers and Hooks
Use command hooks or clips to hang your broom, mop, or dustpan off the side of the cart. This keeps them handy without taking up precious shelf space. I also added a magnetic clip to hold my checklist clipboard. Now it’s always right there when I need to keep track of what I’ve done.
Step 6: Test It Out
Roll your cart around the house and make sure everything feels easy to access. Adjust as needed. Maybe you move a spray bottle up a shelf or switch out a bin for something smaller. The beauty of the cart is that it can evolve as you figure out what works best for you.
Pro Tips for Stocking Your Cart
While you’re setting up, don’t forget to add some total game-changer supplies that make cleaning way easier. Here are my favorites (they seriously cover all the bases):
- Borax: Handles everything from laundry stains to tackling tough rust spots.
- Washing Soda: Perfect for greasy messes and keeping things squeaky clean.
- Baking Soda: The ultimate multitasker for scrubbing grout, deodorizing, and so much more.
- Corn Starch: A little goes a long way for glass cleaner recipes and freshening up smelly shoes or mattresses.
- Vinegar: Absolute powerhouse for just about everything—from windows to stoves to unclogging drains.
- Alcohol (Vodka or Rubbing): Super versatile and amazing for disinfecting or polishing surfaces.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A must-have for whitening grout and knocking out stubborn stains.
- Vegetable Glycerin: Works wonders for making homemade soaps and tackling stains naturally.
- Castile Soap: Gentle but effective all-purpose cleaner that’s great for a variety of surfaces.
- Denture Tablets: Yep, denture tablets! They’re magic for cleaning vases, bottles, or coffee carafes.
The key here isn’t having every fancy product under the sun. It’s about creating a setup with the supplies that work best for you. Build something that feels good, keeps you organized, and makes cleaning as painless as possible. You’ve got this!
How to Make Cleaning Less Overwhelming
One last tip before you go build your cart. If getting started feels hard, I’ve got something just for you. My Domestic Daydreams Radio Cleaning Routines are like having a best friend in your ear while you clean. I guide you through daily, weekly, and even power hour cleaning sessions all while listening to retro 1950s radio stories like Father Knows Best (Comedy) and Dragnet! (true crime!). It’s cozy, motivating, and gets you through those tough cleaning days.
You can grab some free episodes to try, so don’t forget to check those out while you finish setting up your cart.
Alright, friend. Go grab your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and build your new cleaning BFF. I promise, it’ll change the way you clean. You’ve got this!