Last week, I had the privilege of attending a 3-day conference on vacation rental management in sunny Orlando, Florida. The conference was kicked off by none other than Stephen R. Craig, a seasoned veteran with over 30 years of experience in hotel and vacation rental operations. Stephen’s expertise in day-to-day management and his strategies for preventing maintenance and cleaning hiccups left an indelible mark on me.
One of the highlights of Stephen’s presentation was his list of top 10 essential cleaning supplies that he always keeps on hand. Inspired by this, I decided to reach out to my favorite executive housekeepers in the Outer Banks to see what products they swear by. Here’s a consolidated list of the “Top 10 Cleaning Supply List” from Steve, from Stephanie, owner of On The Ball Services, and from Chris, a local cleaning expert extraordinaire. These items are highly recommended for anyone in the cleaning business or those looking to maintain a spotless home.
Steve’s Top 10 Cleaning Essentials
1. Spartan Clean by Peroxy® All Purpose Cleaner: Product Link
2. Non-Scratch Sponge with Scouring Pad: Product Link
3. Generic Eraser: Product Link
4. Telescopic Microfiber Mop with Removable Mop Heads
5. Telescopic Lambs Wool Duster
6. Black Light
7. UV Invisible Pen: Steve uses this pen to discreetly mark sheets with the word “dirty” to check if they are turned over after a stay. Ensure the ink is washable. Product Link
8. Folex Carpet Spotter
9. Squeegee
10. Lil Chizler or Other Plastic Scraper
Chris’s Top 10 Must-Have Cleaning Products
1. Cleaning Vinegar for Mopping
2. Sprayway Glass Cleaner: Product Link
3. Ocedar Mop Bucket: Product Link
4. Shark Vacuum Cleaner
5. Telescopic Microfiber Duster with Removable Heads
6. Clorox with Bleach
7. Magic Eraser
8. WD40
9. Oven Cleaner
10. Odo-ban: Product Link
Stephanie’s Top 10 Cleaning Essentials
1. Sprayway Glass Cleaner: This multitasker serves as a streak-free glass cleaner and a reliable stainless steel cleaner.
2. Barkeepers Friend: Ideal for tackling tough stains in tubs, sinks, gas stove tops, and oven messes.
3. White Distilled Vinegar: The go-to floor cleaner for popular vinyl floor planks and even wood floors.
4. Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner/Polish
5. Scraper/Razor Blade
6. Magic Eraser: Reserved for those especially tough stains, though use sparingly to avoid micro-scratches.
7. Scrub Daddy or Other Non-Scratch Sponge: The Scrub Daddy holds up exceptionally well for everyday cleaning.
8. Dish Detergent
9. Dawn Degreaser
10. Odo-ban: A versatile solution that serves as a deodorizer, disinfectant, and all-purpose cleaner.
These top 10 lists from industry experts provide valuable insights into maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of vacation rentals. Whether you’re a property owner, housekeeper, or simply a homeowner, consider adding these trusted cleaning supplies to your arsenal for impeccable results. We all know that when it comes to vacations in the Outer Banks, cleanliness is key to ensuring a memorable and worry-free stay. At Vivienda Getaways, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in our properties. To achieve this, we rely on carefully curated selection of cleaning products and regular training to learn about new industry standards and products.
What are some of your top cleaning must-haves?
Share your favorites in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation on clean!
