36 general household essentials for

Dusting cloths

You can use an old rag or buy one of the new static dusters, which I love. The dust sticks to them better.

Glass cleaner

I like good old fashioned vinegar and coffee filters (lint-free). You can also use crumpled up newspaper.

All-purpose cleaner

Generally ammonia based. Choose a scent you like. You’ll be smelling a lot of it. This is for floors, countertops, walls and general cleaning. Never mix with bleach.

Bleach

For bleaching your whites, and also for disinfecting countertops and cleaning toilets (use sparingly). Never mix with ammonia.

Laundry detergent/softener

Again, choose a scent you like. Buy small bottles to find your favorite and then stock up.

Towels and washcloths

One for each person residing and then spares for guests or swimming.

Coasters

To protect any wood furniture you may have.

Baskets

I collect baskets at flea markets and thrift shops and use them for everything. Large ones hold magazines in my living room. Small one on the desk in the entryway for keys, sunglasses and things that I will need to grab and run. One on the desk for mail. Another for pens and pencils. Bathroom baskets to hold cotton swabs, hair adornments, soaps and cotton balls. One for my linen napkins in the kitchen. They are great for so many things and help keep you organized. Don’t forget a clothes basket or two also.

Over the door hanging shoe holders

Again, I have one in almost every room. They are great for organizing office supplies, craft supplies, kitchen gadgets and spices, bathroom toiletries and jewelry/accessories.