What cleaning products and equipment do professional domestic cleaners use in the UK?

Professional domestic cleaning in the UK: what actually goes in the kit?

If you’ve ever watched a professional domestic cleaner turn a messy kitchen into a glossy “show home” in under two hours, you’ve probably wondered what magic products they’re using. The truth is less mysterious (and more useful): most pros rely on a tight set of versatile chemicals, dependable tools, and a routine that keeps everything hygienic without wasting time. In the UK, professional domestic cleaning is shaped by a few realities: hard water in many regions, mixed surfaces in modern homes, busy households that need quick turnarounds, and customer expectations around fragrance, pet safety, and allergy sensitivity.

This guide breaks down what professional domestic cleaners commonly use in the UK, how they choose products, and why certain bits of equipment show up in nearly every cleaner’s bag. If you’re building or expanding a domestic cleaning business, it also explains how to keep your kit cost-effective, compliant, and easy to restock.

And because a professional kit isn’t only about cleaning products—it's also about running your work like a professional—we’ll also touch on how to organise jobs, track materials, and invoice quickly. If you’re looking for a simple way to create and send polished invoices, keep records tidy, and look more established to clients, invoice24 can help you handle the admin side so you can focus on the cleaning itself.

Why UK domestic cleaners tend to choose “systems” over dozens of products

Professional cleaners rarely carry a different bottle for every situation. Instead, they build a small “system” of products that cover most tasks safely, with minimal overlap. This reduces weight, speeds up decision-making, and lowers the chance of mixing incompatible chemicals. Many pros aim for:

A daily multi-surface cleaner for general wiping and light soil.

A bathroom descaler for limescale, soap scum, and water marks.

A degreaser for kitchens, extractor hoods, and greasy fingerprints.

A glass cleaner for streak-free finishes on mirrors and glass.

A disinfectant for hygiene-critical areas (used appropriately and not as a substitute for cleaning).

A floor cleaner matched to the floor type (laminate, tile, vinyl, sealed wood).

In UK homes, limescale and hard-water residue are common problems. So, even the most “minimalist” kits often include at least one acid-based product (like a descaler) and one alkaline-based product (like a degreaser). The key is using each safely and never mixing them.

Core cleaning chemicals and solutions professionals use

1) Multi-surface cleaner

This is the workhorse product for general dusting and wiping. Professionals choose a multi-surface cleaner because it can handle fingerprints, light food marks, and everyday grime on sealed surfaces—worktops, cabinet fronts, painted doors, skirting, and many plastics.

Common features pros look for include quick evaporation, low residue, and a fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm clients. Many cleaners also favour concentrates because they reduce cost per job and are easier to store. Concentrates can be diluted into labelled spray bottles at the start of a shift.

Best practice: Pros typically apply the cleaner to a microfiber cloth rather than spraying directly onto surfaces like electronics, switches, or delicate finishes. This controls moisture and reduces overspray.

2) Degreaser

Kitchens create a specific kind of soil: oil plus dust plus heat. Degreasers (usually alkaline) break down greasy residue on cooker hobs, extractor hood filters, cupboard handles, and tiled splashbacks. In busy family homes, a good degreaser saves huge amounts of time compared with scrubbing using a mild cleaner.

Professionals often keep two strengths: a general-use degreaser for routine cleans, and a stronger option reserved for end-of-tenancy or “deep clean” jobs where grease has built up over months.

Where pros are careful: Many degreasers are not suitable for unsealed wood, certain stone surfaces, or delicate finishes. A professional will check the surface first and use a gentler product if needed.

3) Descaler / limescale remover

In the UK, limescale can be the difference between a “clean” bathroom and a bathroom that looks clean. Descalers (often acid-based) are designed to dissolve mineral deposits on taps, shower screens, tiles, and around plugholes.

Pros frequently use descaler with a dwell time: spray, leave it to work briefly, then agitate with a non-scratch pad or brush, and rinse thoroughly. This reduces effort and improves results.

Important: Acidic products can damage natural stone (like marble, limestone, and some types of travertine) and can etch certain finishes. Pros either avoid these surfaces or use stone-safe products.

4) Bathroom cleaner (soap scum and body oils)

Soap scum isn’t always purely limescale. It often combines with body oils, creating a film that needs a slightly different approach. Many professionals use a dedicated bathroom cleaner that targets soap scum and leaves a streak-free finish on ceramic and acrylic.

This is especially useful in showers and around baths where soap and shampoo residue can make surfaces look dull even after a wipe-down.

5) Disinfectant / sanitiser (used appropriately)

Professionals understand a crucial point: disinfecting is not the same as cleaning. Dirt and grease can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants. The typical pro approach is:

1) Clean the surface thoroughly to remove soil.

2) Apply an appropriate disinfectant (or a cleaner-disinfectant if suitable).

3) Respect the required contact time.

4) Wipe or rinse according to the product’s directions.

In domestic cleaning, disinfectants are most commonly used in bathrooms (toilets, sinks, taps) and high-touch points (handles, switches) if the client wants that level of hygiene. Many clients prefer a “clean and fresh” approach over heavy disinfection for every room, so professionals tailor use to the job.

6) Glass and mirror cleaner

For a streak-free finish, pros often use a dedicated glass cleaner paired with a low-lint microfiber or a glass cloth. Some cleaners rely on a minimal solution and technique: a slightly damp cloth to remove soil, followed by a dry buff. Others use a commercial glass spray. In either case, the cloth quality matters more than the brand.

Pro tip: Pros avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight because the product can dry too quickly and streak.

7) Floor cleaners (matched to floor types)

UK homes often have mixed flooring: tile in bathrooms, laminate in halls, carpet in bedrooms, vinyl in kitchens. Professionals either carry a neutral floor cleaner that’s safe for most sealed hard floors or keep separate solutions for specific surfaces.

On laminate and sealed wood, the key is minimal moisture. Pros use well-wrung flat mops and avoid soaking floors. On tiles and vinyl, they may use a slightly stronger cleaner to lift soil. On natural stone, they use a pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner.

8) Specialist products for occasional tasks

Professionals don’t use these on every job, but they’re common in a pro’s arsenal for deep cleans, end-of-tenancy work, or targeted “problem areas”:

Oven cleaner: Often gel-based or foam, designed to cut baked-on grease. Used with strict care and ventilation.

Stainless steel polish: Leaves a uniform finish on appliances and reduces fingerprints.

Mould remover: Used on grout and silicone where mould is present (with good ventilation and careful application).

Carpet spot remover: For small spills and stains between professional carpet cleaning visits.

Wood polish / cleaner: Used sparingly on finished wood surfaces; many pros prefer microfiber dusting without heavy polish.

Microfiber: the single most important “product” in a pro kit

If there’s one item that separates professionals from casual cleaners, it’s microfiber cloths. Microfiber traps dirt, holds onto dust, and can often clean with less chemical. Pros use multiple cloths per home and rotate them to avoid cross-contamination.

Many professionals colour-code cloths, for example:

Red: Toilets and bathroom hygiene areas.

Blue: General surfaces.

Green: Kitchens and food areas.

Yellow: Dusting or mirrors.

Colour-coding helps prevent a serious mistake: using the same cloth on kitchen counters after wiping a bathroom surface. It also makes it easier to train staff and maintain standards across jobs.

Scrubbing tools and agitation equipment

Non-scratch pads and sponges

Professional cleaners love non-scratch pads because they provide extra agitation without damaging most surfaces. They’re used for soap scum, marks on tiles, and stubborn food residue on splashbacks. Many pros keep a small variety: a gentle pad for delicate finishes and a slightly firmer one for tiles and grout.

Grout brushes and detailing brushes

A small detailing brush can reach around taps, inside grooves, and along silicone edges. A grout brush helps lift dirt from grout lines without relying purely on chemicals. Pros often use brushing after letting a cleaner dwell for a short period, which makes the process faster and more effective.

Scrapers (used carefully)

For stuck-on residue like paint specks on glass, limescale “chunks,” or baked-on bits on a hob, some professionals carry a scraper tool with replaceable blades. This is used with caution and only on surfaces that can handle it (like glass and certain hobs). A pro will test and angle the blade correctly to avoid scratches.

Cloths, dusters, and high-reach tools

Microfiber dusters

For quick dusting of shelves, skirting boards, and furniture, microfiber dusters are common. Some are extendable to reach ceiling corners, picture rails, and curtain pelmets without needing a ladder for every job.

Extendable poles

Many pros use extendable poles for cobweb removal, high dusting, and sometimes internal window cleaning in safer situations. Poles save time and reduce risk, especially in homes with high ceilings or stairwells.

Vacuum cleaners: what pros typically use in UK homes

A vacuum is often the biggest piece of equipment and the one that affects cleaning speed the most. Professional domestic cleaners in the UK typically choose vacuums based on reliability, suction, filtration, and how easy they are to carry between properties.

Upright vs cylinder vs cordless

Cylinder vacuums are popular in the UK because they’re versatile across carpets and hard floors and often easier to maneuver around furniture. They also tend to be lighter to carry up stairs than some uprights.

Uprights can be excellent on carpets and are common in larger homes with lots of carpeted area. They can be heavier, but they’re fast for wide open rooms.

Cordless vacuums can be useful for quick jobs, stairs, and spot cleaning, but many pros still prefer a corded vacuum for full-house cleans due to consistent power and longer runtimes.

Filtration and allergy considerations

Clients with allergies or pets often ask for high filtration. Many pros look for vacuums with strong filtration systems to reduce dust blow-back. This is especially important when cleaning older homes, where fine dust can accumulate in carpets and soft furnishings.

Attachments pros rely on

Attachments make a vacuum truly “professional.” The most-used include:

Crevice tool: Skirting edges, sofa gaps, and tight corners.

Upholstery tool: Sofas, chairs, and mattresses.

Dusting brush: Lampshades, blinds, delicate surfaces.

Turbo brush (optional): Pet hair on stairs and upholstery.

Mops and floor equipment used by professionals

Flat mops with washable pads

Flat mops are extremely common among professional domestic cleaners because they’re quick, hygienic, and easy to control. Pros can swap pads between rooms, wash them at high temperatures, and reduce cross-contamination. Flat mops are also great for laminate because they can be used damp rather than wet.

Spray mops

Some professionals use spray mops for quick maintenance cleans. They’re convenient, but many pros prefer a bucket-and-wringer system or separate spray bottles for better control over product choice.

Traditional mop and bucket systems

For heavy soil on tile or vinyl, a more traditional mop and bucket can still be effective. Professionals who use this approach typically focus on good technique: frequent water changes, proper wringing, and finishing with ventilation to help floors dry quickly and safely.

Steam cleaners: do professionals use them?

Some professional domestic cleaners do use steam cleaners, especially for deep cleans, grout refreshes, and hygiene-focused tasks. Steam can reduce reliance on chemicals and can be useful for loosening grime. However, professionals use steam thoughtfully:

Not all surfaces are suitable: Steam can damage unsealed wood, some laminates, delicate finishes, and certain wall paints.

Steam isn’t a shortcut: You still need to remove loosened dirt with cloths and pads.

Time and setup: Steam machines can add setup time, so they’re used where they truly help.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety essentials

Professional domestic cleaners in the UK typically carry basic PPE and safety items, not only to protect themselves but also to reassure clients they work responsibly.

Gloves

Disposable nitrile gloves are common because they offer good chemical resistance and reduce skin irritation. Some pros use reusable gloves for certain tasks, but disposable gloves are convenient for changing between rooms or task types.

Aprons and uniforms

Aprons protect clothing and keep cloths or tools close at hand. Uniforms aren’t mandatory, but many pros wear branded clothing for professionalism. Even if you’re a solo cleaner, consistent appearance builds trust.

Masks and ventilation

Masks may be used for dusty jobs or when using strong-smelling products. More importantly, professionals ventilate: opening windows and keeping airflow moving when using chemicals, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

Step stools and safe access

A sturdy step stool is a common “must-have” for reaching high areas safely. Professionals avoid standing on chairs or unstable furniture. A proper step stool reduces risk and speeds up high-dusting, top-of-cabinet cleaning, and bathroom tile work.

How professionals organise and carry their kit

Domestic cleaners in the UK often travel between multiple houses in a day. That means kit organisation matters. Pros commonly use:

Caddies: A handheld caddy holds essential sprays, cloths, and brushes for quick room-to-room movement.

Stackable boxes: Useful for boot storage in cars and for separating bathroom, kitchen, and general supplies.

Labelled spray bottles: Especially if using concentrates, labels prevent mistakes and help keep safety standards high.

Some pros maintain a “standard kit” plus a “deep clean add-on kit.” This makes it easy to quote accurately and arrive prepared without carrying heavy specialist products to every routine clean.

Product choices that clients notice (and care about)

Clients don’t usually ask what brand you used on the skirting boards, but they absolutely notice certain outcomes. Professional domestic cleaners choose products and methods that deliver these client-visible results:

No streaks on mirrors and taps – achieved with good cloths and a light touch.

No residue on kitchen worktops – achieved with appropriate dilution and proper rinsing when needed.

A fresh smell that isn’t overpowering – achieved with balanced fragrance and good ventilation.

Floors that look clean but aren’t sticky – achieved by using the right amount of product and not leaving detergent behind.

Bathrooms that sparkle – achieved by managing limescale and water marks consistently.

Eco-friendly and “low-chemical” options in a professional context

Many UK clients request eco-friendly cleaning. Professional cleaners respond in a practical way: they may use fragrance-free products, reduce chemical load by relying more on microfiber and agitation, or choose biodegradable concentrates where possible.

However, pros also understand that “eco” has to work. If a product requires triple the scrubbing time, it can make a job uneconomical unless the client agrees to a longer appointment or higher rate. The best approach is transparency: tell clients what you can achieve within the booked time and which products you’ll use.

Some cleaners maintain two standard kits: a conventional kit for general use and an eco-sensitive kit for clients who want minimal fragrance or have sensitivities. This can be a smart way to win more business without compromising performance.

How professionals avoid damage and call-backs

Professional domestic cleaners don’t just clean—they protect surfaces. Avoiding damage is one of the biggest reasons pros don’t rely on random household sprays. A simple system helps them avoid common pitfalls:

Patch testing: Especially on delicate worktops, painted surfaces, and unknown materials.

Using the right cloth: Microfiber for most surfaces; dedicated glass cloths for mirrors; separate cloths for bathrooms.

Not over-wetting: Particularly on laminate, sealed wood, and around edges where water can seep in.

Rinsing when required: Some products need rinsing to avoid residue and slippery floors.

Gentle before aggressive: Start with the mildest effective method before reaching for stronger chemicals.

This professional mindset reduces client complaints and repeat visits for “sticky floors,” streaky mirrors, or damaged finishes—problems that can harm your reputation.

What a typical professional domestic cleaning kit looks like

While every cleaner has preferences, a common UK professional kit for routine weekly or fortnightly cleans often includes:

Chemicals: Multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner/descaler, degreaser, glass cleaner, disinfectant (optional), neutral floor cleaner.

Cloths and pads: 12–20 microfiber cloths (colour-coded), 2–4 glass cloths, 4–8 mop pads, non-scratch pads, sponges.

Tools: Grout brush, detailing brush, scraper (for appropriate surfaces), duster, extendable pole, step stool.

Equipment: Reliable vacuum with attachments, flat mop system, bucket (optional), bin liners, disposable gloves.

Small essentials: Labels for bottles, rubbish bags, paper towels (sparingly), hand sanitiser, spare cloth bag for dirty items.

This kit handles the majority of domestic cleaning tasks without needing to carry a van full of products.

Deep clean and end-of-tenancy additions

When a job is more intense—deep cleans, end-of-tenancy, pre-sale cleans—professionals often add:

Heavy-duty degreaser: For thick kitchen build-up.

Oven and hob cleaning products: For baked-on residue.

Mould treatment: For targeted mould problems.

Extra brushes: Stiffer grout and tile brushes, crevice brushes for tracks and corners.

Extra microfiber stock: Deep cleans consume cloths quickly.

Optional steam cleaner: Useful for grout and detail work when appropriate.

Professionals often quote these jobs differently because they require more product, more time, and more physical effort. Having a dedicated “deep clean kit” makes it easier to deliver consistent results and avoid forgetting something important.

How cleaners price jobs and track materials without losing money

Cleaning businesses can quietly lose profit through poor tracking. If you underestimate how many cloths, pads, gloves, and chemicals you burn through on a particular property, you can end up working hard for too little return. Professionals often standardise:

Time expectations: A routine clean has a baseline time, and extras are clearly defined.

Consumables: Gloves, bin liners, cloth laundering, mop pads, and specialist chemicals are accounted for in rates.

Add-ons: Oven cleaning, inside fridge, inside cupboards, interior windows, and laundry are listed with prices.

This is where a simple invoicing and record-keeping routine helps. invoice24 is designed to make the admin side feel lighter: you can generate professional invoices quickly, keep track of what you charged and when, and maintain cleaner (and more confident) client communication. When you look organised, clients are more likely to trust your pricing and book you again.

Turning your cleaning kit into a “professional service” clients value

Clients are paying for outcomes: a home that feels calmer, fresher, and easier to live in. Your kit supports that, but your process sells it. Professionals often build loyalty with small touches:

Consistency: Same standard each visit, same order of tasks, same attention to detail.

Communication: Letting clients know what was done, what needs attention, and any issues spotted (like leaks or mould).

Respect for the home: Using shoe covers if requested, moving items carefully, and leaving things where they belong.

Clear invoicing: Simple, professional invoices that match what was agreed.

Many cleaners find that the “admin polish” matters almost as much as the cleaning itself. invoice24 can help you present your business as dependable and established, even if you’re just starting out: clear invoices, consistent branding, and straightforward records that keep you in control.

Common mistakes non-pros make (and how pros avoid them)

Understanding what professionals avoid can be just as helpful as knowing what they use:

Using too much product: More spray often means more residue and more work. Pros use the minimum effective amount.

Skipping dwell time: Spraying and immediately wiping can reduce performance. Pros let products work briefly when safe.

Mixing chemicals: Professionals never mix products and keep bottles clearly labelled.

Using abrasive tools on delicate surfaces: Pros match pad and brush to the material.

Cross-contaminating cloths: Pros colour-code and change cloths often.

Over-wetting floors: Pros control moisture, especially on laminate and wood.

These habits protect the property and your reputation, and they keep jobs predictable—predictability is what allows cleaners to schedule effectively and run a profitable business.

Stocking and replenishment: staying ready without overspending

Professional domestic cleaners keep inventory lean but reliable. A good approach is to establish minimum stock levels for essentials: cloths, mop pads, gloves, bin liners, and concentrates. Pros often buy consumables in bulk to reduce cost, while keeping liquids manageable so they can carry and store them safely.