5 Steps to Creating a Functional Cleaning Closet

Scroll to the bottom to see the before and after!

Do you use your entryway closet for coats and shoes? We do not.

When I was unpacking boxes after we moved, I originally put coats, shoes and bags in our entryway coat closet, but having them over by the front door created more of an inconvenience than anything. Why? Because we don’t use the front door to leave or enter – we use the garage, which is on the other side of the house. Consequently, that closet has become a place where shoes and things just get thrown in and basically forgotten about.

So, I’ve decided to convert our foyer closet into something that will serve our household better: a cleaning closet. I’m excited to organize this space because right now, we have cleaning supplies like vacuums, dusters and supplies strewn all over the house and its hard to find or keep up with anything.

How to create a cleaning closet step by step.

For some reason, especially when it comes to organizing, a step-by-step reminder of how to efficiently accomplish the end goal is always so useful to me. In case that’s you too, here are the steps I took to create our cleaning closet.

Step 1: Decide on the best closet.

We currently have three pretty unorganized closets in our home. There are two linen closets in the upstairs hallway – and then this foyer closet. When I was trying to decide which one would be best for cleaning supplies, I quickly decided on the entryway one since it’s downstairs, next to the stairs and therefore the easiest to access – even if I want to take things upstairs to clean.

Step 2: Plan which cleaning products and items you’d like to store in your new cleaning closet.

If you know exactly what you want to store in your cleaning closet, then you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need in terms of baskets, tools, bins, etc. For example, I knew that I wanted to house our broom, dust pan and various dusters, so I purchased one of these to keep these items up off the floor and organized in a convenient location. Additionally, I needed something to corral all the different cleaning supplies such as sprays, duster refills, cloths and vacuum accessories, so I opted for this system that would hold a lot and keep everything on the door, maximizing space. As a bonus, I really like that the baskets are easily adjustable up and down and I feel good about being able to keep the more hazardous cleaning supplies up and out of reach of the kids.

Step 3: Remove all closet contents.

How To Create a Cleaning Closet | Amanda Fontenot

This is pretty self explanatory, but obviously a very necessary step. Once your closet is cleared out, give it a quick vacuum and wipe down. Then you’ll be able to start visualizing where you want to put everything in a nice clean space.

Step 4: Gather your items.

Take a minute to go around the house and gather all the items you’d like to store in your cleaning closet. A few things you may want to grab:

Vacuum cleaner
Broom
Dust pan
Dusting tools and sprays
Microfiber cloths
Glass cleaner
Cleaning sprays and solutions
Paper towels
Refills
Vacuum accessories and parts
Mop
Mop bucket
Mop head refills
Cleaning gloves
Steam cleaners and/or mops

At least, these were all the things on my list 😉

Step 5: Install, organize and put away.

The fun part! Once you have everything gathered and set out in front of you, install the items that may need it and then start playing with the best place to put away all your supplies. A couple of tips while you’re thinking about where to place everything: One, make sure all your most used items are easiest to get to and see. Not only will it make for easy access, but if you have refills or things that need replacing, you’ll be able to easily see that as your supply dwindles. And two: be sure to place more hazardous tools and cleaners up high, out of each of kids and pets.

Before and after.

Well, that was a satisfying Friday afternoon project. What do you think?! This new closet actually makes me excited about cleaning again.. I may have to bring back my cleaning calendar!