Professional cleaners keep it simple: a tight kit, the right chemistry for the surface, and repeatable systems. With searches for house cleaners near me, deep cleaning, and move-out cleaning surging each year, we’ve built a practical, product-first guide you can trust, grounded in what clients ask for most and how pros deliver it.

The pro cleaning kit: 12 essentials that do 90% of the work

Pros build their kit around jobs, not brand hype. We’ve asked some of the top Bark professional cleaners what the essential ingredients are in building out their ultimate cleaning kit. 

1) Neutral pH multi-surface cleaner (daily wipe-downs)
Safe on most sealed surfaces; pair with microfibre for streak-free finishes. 

2) Alkaline degreaser (kitchens & ovens)
Cuts baked-on oils on hobs, splashbacks, cooker hoods. 

3) Limescale remover/descaler (bathrooms & hard water stains)
Acidic formula for taps, shower screens, kettles. 

4) Disinfectant (bathroom touchpoints, bins, high-touch areas)
Professionals rotate bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or quat-based disinfectants depending on surface and ventilation. 

5) Enzyme cleaner (organic stains & odours)
Great for end-of-tenancy fridges, bins, soft furnishings. 

6) Glass & stainless-steel cleaner
Fast-flash solvents for streak-free glass; non-greasy polishes for appliances.

7) Wood/floor-specific cleaner
pH-appropriate formulas for hardwood, vinyl, stone.

8) Bathroom cleaner with surfactants + descaler
Two-step or 2-in-1 for soap scum plus limescale.

9) Microfibre cloths (colour-coded)
At least four colours (kitchen/bathroom/glass/general). Pros standardise to reduce cross-contamination.

10) Non-scratch pads & brushes
Grout brush, bottle brush, and a melamine “magic” sponge for marks.

11) HEPA vacuum with crevice, brush and upholstery tools
An essential pre-clean step for a faster deep clean.

12) Mop system (flat or spray) + buckets
Flat heads for speed; microfibre pads for better soil removal.

Room-by-room: what pros actually use (and why)

Kitchen (grease, food soils, fingerprints)

• Degreaser for hobs/extractors; neutral multi-surface for counters & cupboards; glass cleaner for splashbacks; stainless polish for appliances.
• Pro tip: Pre-heat oven briefly (warm, not hot) before an oven-safe degreaser to speed dwell time.

Bathroom (limescale, soap scum, mould)

• Descaler for taps, heads, screens; bathroom cleaner for soap residues; disinfectant for touchpoints.
• Pro tip: Two-stage clean (solution removal → disinfect) wins speed and hygiene.

Living/Bedrooms (dust, fabrics, high-touch)

• A standard vacuum may be fine for domestic cleaning, but professional cleaners use a HEPA vacuum, which uses a high-efficiency filter to capture very fine particles, including allergens and dust, trapping at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, ensuring cleaner air and potentially improving air quality for allergy sufferers. Next, neutral spray for furniture; glass cleaner for mirrors; enzyme cleaner for soft-furnishing odours.
• Pro tip: Work high-to-low; microfibre grabs dust better than cotton.

End-of-tenancy / Move-out cleaning

• Full kit above plus: oven cleaner, inside-window solution, fridge/freezer enzyme treatment, limescale blitz in bathrooms, skirting/doors spot clean with melamine sponge.

Eco-friendly cleaning products professionals rate

Demand for eco-friendly cleaning products continues to rise. Many pros now carry plant-based multi-surface concentrates, hydrogen-peroxide disinfectants (chlorine-free), and refill systems that cut plastic and cost. The trick is matching pH and dwell time, not assuming “eco-friendly” means weaker: used correctly, they deliver the same finish with less odour and fewer irritants—useful in smaller, poorly ventilated rooms.

The minimalist shopping list starter kit

If you’re stocking your own supplies for a weekly clean or a first deep clean, start here:

• Neutral multi-surface concentrate
• Kitchen degreaser
• Limescale remover
• Disinfectant (bleach or peroxide; not both on the same task)
• Glass cleaner Enzyme cleaner (odours/stains) Microfibre cloth set (colour-coded) + non-scratch pads
• HEPA vacuum (with crevice/upholstery tools)
• Flat mop + spare pads

Five golden rules from cleaning experts 

1) Dry soil first, chemistry second – vacuum and dust before you spray; products work better on actual soil, not crumbs.
2) Dwell time is not optional – spray, wait, then wipe; this is where the “professional finish” happens.
3) Colour-code everything – one colour per zone to stop cross-contamination.
4) Two-stage bathrooms – clean to remove soil, then disinfect touchpoints.
5) Go from 'least to most dirty' – kitchens before bathrooms if you’re reusing any gear; always swap clothes.

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FAQs 

1) What cleaning products do professional cleaners use?
An all-in-one cleaning package: pH-balanced all-purpose cleaner, degreasing solution, lime/calcium remover, sanitising agent, enzymatic cleaner, streak-free glass cleaner, microfibre cloths, scrubbing pads and brushes, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, and flat-head mop system

2) Do professionals bring their own supplies?
Most do. However, some only offer eco-friendly options on request, so it’s best to confirm before you schedule your booking. (Add CTA to “house cleaners near me”.)

3) What’s different about deep cleaning products?
Deep cleaning products offer stronger degreasers, descalers, enzyme treatments and specialist tools; more dwell time and agitation for a longer-lasting result.

4) Which products are safe for natural stone or wood?
When it comes to stone or wood, pH-appropriate cleaners only; avoid acidic descalers on marble/limestone and harsh alkalines on finished wood—check labels.