When I first started sourcing commercial cleaning products for my business, I honestly didn’t expect to get it so wrong. I bought cheap mops that fell apart in a week, sprays that left streaks, and gloves that tore after a single use. I learned quickly: not all cleaning supplies are made equal, and if you’re running a business, quality matters more than you think.

Whether you manage an office, café, medical practice or warehouse, having the right supplies isn’t just about appearances. It’s about hygiene, safety, productivity, and reputation. Here’s what I’ve picked up — the hard way — and what you should know before placing your next order.

Why do the wrong supplies cost more in the long run

It might seem cheaper to grab whatever’s on special at the supermarket or big-box store, but cutting corners here often backfires.

Low-quality supplies can:

  • Break or degrade quickly (forcing you to repurchase)
  • Waste more product (cheap sprays often require more application)
  • Spread bacteria instead of removing them
  • Causes surface damage due to poor formulation
  • Increase the risk of staff injury due to chemical irritation or spills

The upfront savings disappear quickly when you’re dealing with ruined surfaces, sick staff, or repeat purchases.

Every workplace needs a solid cleaning kit

The basics don’t really change, but what does change is the quality you choose. Here are the core cleaning supplies every business should stock:

1. All-purpose cleaner

For benches, desks, glass, and anything non-porous. Choose one that’s safe on multiple surfaces and dries streak-free.

2. Disinfectant

Important for high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and EFTPOS machines. Look for TGA-listed options for peace of mind.

3. Glass cleaner

Don’t skimp here — cloudy windows or glass partitions can drag down your business’s appearance fast.

4. Microfibre cloths

These traps more dust and bacteria than traditional cloths and don’t shed lint. Colour-code them to avoid cross-contamination.

5. Mops and buckets

Heavy-duty, ergonomic systems are worth the investment, especially for tiled or sealed floors.

6. Broom and dustpan

Stick with commercial-grade bristles and a long handle to save your back.

7. Waste bin liners

These get overlooked — until you run out. Choose the right size and strength for your bins.

8. Protective gear

Gloves, masks, and eyewear — especially if using stronger chemicals.

9. Toilet and bathroom supplies

Brushes, cleaners, deodorising tabs, and gloves specifically for this zone.

Know your surfaces, choose accordingly

What works on a café counter might destroy a timber desk. And harsh bleach on marble or stone? That’s a fast track to damage.

Before purchasing in bulk, take stock of:

  • Your floor types (vinyl, timber, tile, concrete)
  • Surface materials (laminate, stainless steel, stone, glass)
  • Cleaning frequency (daily, weekly, spot-cleaning only)
  • Any specialised areas (e.g. medical, food prep)

Tailoring your cleaning supplies to these needs helps prevent costly mistakes and gives better results in less time.

Chemical safety is not optional

One thing I wish more businesses took seriously is chemical handling. Even ‘basic’ products like glass cleaner or degreaser can cause rashes, headaches, or worse if used improperly. And let’s be honest — when we’re busy, we often skip reading the label.

Safe Work Australia outlines best practices around chemical safety in cleaning , and it’s worth reviewing before letting staff anywhere near strong products.

At a minimum, your cleaning products should:

  • Be clearly labelled
  • Have safety data sheets (SDS) accessible on-site
  • Be stored away from food or public areas
  • Include PPE instructions
  • Never be decanted into unlabelled bottles

The rise of eco-friendly options (and how to vet them)

There’s a growing push toward plant-based and biodegradable cleaning agents — and for good reason. Harsh chemicals can irritate sensitive users and release VOCs into enclosed spaces. That said, not every product claiming to be “green” actually performs well.

If you’re exploring sustainable choices, check out this roundup on eco-friendly cleaning brands to try and make sure to balance ethics with effectiveness. A spray that smells great but doesn’t clean won’t cut it.

Look for:

  • Certifications (GECA, EcoChoice, etc.)
  • Transparent ingredient lists
  • Refill or bulk options to reduce plastic waste
  • Verified performance reviews from commercial users

What about supply consistency?

One thing I underestimated early on: running out. When your cleaner shows up and there’s no disinfectant, that’s a problem. I’ve learned to plan ahead, especially during flu season or high-traffic months.

Options to stay stocked:

  • Subscribe for auto-deliveries through commercial suppliers
  • Work with a facilities management company that includes supply
  • Keep a stock register and reorder when quantities dip
  • Store excess items properly to avoid damage or contamination

And yes — learn how to store cleaning products safely so you’re not throwing money in the bin every month due to spills or degraded product.

Real scenario: switching suppliers saved us more than money

At one point, our café was using a mishmash of retail cleaners, and half the time the surfaces still felt greasy. Our floors were sticky, and the cleaner said their mop system “just wasn’t cutting it.” I finally called a commercial supplier and asked for help.

They did a walk-through, swapped in bulk quantities of proper degreasers, new cloth systems, and a microfibre mop setup. The result? Floors were dry in half the time, benches actually shone, and our monthly spend dropped 18% because we were using less product — not more.

Tips for training staff (or your cleaner)

Even if you have a contractor or cleaner on payroll, it pays to know what they’re using and how.

Make sure everyone:

  • Knows which products are used where
  • Understands correct dilution ratios
  • Is trained in handling PPE and emergency first aid (for chemicals)
  • Uses separate gear for bathrooms vs kitchens
  • Knows not to mix products (e.g. bleach + ammonia = toxic gas)

Training once a year (or when you switch products) is enough to avoid most risks.

Where should businesses buy cleaning supplies?

Here’s what I’ve found works best for different needs:

  • Commercial supply companies: offer bulk deals, delivery, and advice tailored to your workplace
  • Online suppliers: convenient, but make sure SDS and certifications are provided
  • Local wholesalers: good for picking up on short notice, though the range may be limited
  • Retail stores: fine in a pinch, but often not cost-effective long-term

You want consistency, quality, and advice, not just cheap prices. The best suppliers often offer free consultations to help you avoid overbuying or getting the wrong items.

Final thoughts: Don’t treat cleaning like an afterthought

When cleaning is reactive instead of planned, things fall through the cracks — sometimes literally. Stained carpet, smelly bins, greasy kitchen surfaces — it all adds up and reflects badly on your business.

By investing in the right cleaning supplies from the start — and training your team to use them properly — you create a safer, more professional space for customers and staff alike.