Part 2: Essential Housewares & Appliances Every Homeowner Needs

Every dream home starts with the right essentials. A house may be built of walls and beams, but a home is made functional and comfortable by the housewares and appliances inside it. From the refrigerator that keeps your groceries fresh to the pans you cook your favorite meals in, these essentials form the backbone of daily living. In fact, choosing the right housewares and appliances is just as important as a solid remodeling plan, the two go hand-in-hand in creating a convenient and beautiful living space. At MGS Contracting Services, we’ve seen time and again that a successful remodel isn’t just about new walls or cabinets; it’s also about integrating the essential housewares that make life easier and more enjoyable.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk both new homeowners and seasoned renovators through the must-have items for every home. We’ll cover all the bases, major appliances, handy countertop gadgets, versatile cookware, bakeware for every occasion, everyday utensils, stylish tableware, cleaning tools for every floor, cozy linens, and smart tips to tie it all together. By the end, you’ll know exactly what essentials to invest in (and why), how to organize them in your newly remodeled space, and how MGS Contracting Services can help blend these items seamlessly into your home design. Let’s build the foundation of a functional, comfortable home together! Housewares

CREDIT: PINTEREST

5. Utensils & Tools: The Everyday Helpers Housewares

No kitchen can function without the hand tools, the utensils and gadgets that you reach for multiple times each meal. These are the unsung heroes: knives that chop, spatulas that flip, measuring cups that ensure your recipe turns out right. In this section, we’ll cover the must-have utensils and tools every homeowner should have in their kitchen, plus some specialty tools that are nice extras. We’ll also offer a pro insight into one tool category that needs special storage attention: knives, keeping them safe, sharp, and beautifully integrated into your kitchen design. Housewares

Must-Have Kitchen Utensils and Tools: Here’s a checklist of the fundamental tools and utensils you’ll use daily or weekly: Housewares Housewares

• Knives: At minimum, you need a good chef’s knife (typically 8-inch blade) for the bulk of your chopping and slicing. This is the workhorse knife and worth investing in a sharp, well-balanced one. Next, a small paring knife for delicate tasks like peeling or trimming. And a serrated bread knife for slicing bread or anything with a hard exterior and soft interior (like tomatoes or cake layers). Those three can handle most tasks. Many knife sets include extras, but you can absolutely get by with just these initially. A sharp knife not only makes cooking easier but safer (less slipping). Don’t forget a cutting board or several, wooden boards are great for veggies and bread, while plastic boards are good for meats (and dishwasher-safe for sanitizing). Have at least two cutting boards so you can separate raw meat vs other items to avoid cross-contamination. Housewares Housewares
  
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Even if you’re not a baker, basic measuring cups (both dry measuring cups for flour/sugar, and a glass measuring cup for liquids) and measuring spoons are necessary for following recipes or mixing cocktails. They ensure your 1 teaspoon of salt is actually a teaspoon, not a heavy-handed guess.
  
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes (small for beating an egg, medium for mixing pancake batter, large for tossing a salad or marinating) is essential. Consider metal or glass bowls as they are heat-proof and durable. Bowls that nest are great for saving space. Housewares Housewares
  
• Utensils for Cooking: This includes: Housewares Housewares
  
  • Spoons and Spatulas: At least one sturdy wooden spoon for stirring hot dishes (won’t scratch your pots), and a slotted spoon for lifting things out of liquid. A silicone spatula (scraper) is a must for baking (to scrape batter) and for stovetop stirring of sauces or eggs (silicone handles heat and is gentle on nonstick surfaces). Also get a flat spatula/turner (like a pancake flipper), one that’s thin and possibly another that’s slotted for flipping burgers, fish, etc. Housewares Housewares
    
  • Tongs: A pair of kitchen tongs is like an extension of your hand. Great for flipping steaks, serving pasta, tossing salad, retrieving toast from the toaster (carefully!). Stainless steel tongs with silicone tips are great if you have nonstick cookware, or plain steel for grill/high heat. Housewares Housewares
    
  • Whisk: A medium-sized whisk helps with mixing batters, beating eggs, emulsifying dressings, and preventing lumps in sauces. Housewares Housewares
    
  • Peeler: A vegetable peeler for potatoes, carrots, etc. makes peeling chores quick and efficient. Housewares
    
  • Grater: A box grater or a hand grater (Microplane) is essential for cheese, zesting citrus, grating garlic/ginger, etc. A Microplane zester (mentioned also as a specialty tool) is wonderful for very fine grating (like parmesan or lemon zest). Housewares Housewares
    
  • Can Opener: Unless all your canned goods have pull tabs, you’ll need one. Manual or electric, manual is fine for most. Housewares Housewares
    
  • Colander (Strainer): To drain pasta or wash vegetables. A large colander for sink use and perhaps a fine-mesh strainer for smaller jobs (like rinsing quinoa or sifting powdered sugar) are a good combo. Housewares
    
  • Ladle, Spatula, etc.: A soup ladle for serving stews or punch, a rubber spatula (we covered silicone scrapers), a basting brush for marinades or baking (silicone ones won’t shed bristles). Also, kitchen shears (scissors), super useful for snipping herbs, cutting kitchen twine, or even spatchcocking a chicken if strong enough. Many people overlook kitchen scissors, but they end up being one of the most reached-for tools in the drawer.
    
• Bakeware Utensils: If you bake, add a rolling pin (for pie dough, cookie dough), measuring cups/spoons (already covered), a pastry brush (or silicone brush), and maybe a silicone baking mat. Housewares Housewares
  

That covers the basics. With those, you can prep and cook nearly any recipe. Housewares Housewares

Specialty Tools Worth Considering: Once you have the basics, you might explore some specialty utensils that suit your cooking style or specific cuisines: Housewares Housewares

• Spider Skimmer: This is a type of skimmer with a wide shallow wire-mesh basket and a long handle, often called a “spider” (common in Asian cooking). It’s fantastic for safely lowering and lifting foods in hot oil (hello, donut frying or tempura) or retrieving boiled dumplings from a pot. If you do any deep-frying or boil a lot of pasta/dumplings, a spider is better than a slotted spoon because it holds more and drains quickly. Housewares
  
• Microplane Grater: While we noted a grater as a must-have, the Microplane specifically is a game-changer for zesting citrus, grating nutmeg, ginger, garlic, or hard cheeses like Parmesan into fluffy clouds. It’s a type of very sharp, fine grater that many cooks find indispensable for adding that final burst of flavor (like grating fresh lemon zest into a dish or grating a clove of garlic directly into a sauce). Housewares Housewares
  
• Immersion Blender: If you frequently make pureed soups or sauces, an immersion (stick) blender lets you blend right in the pot, no need to transfer hot soup to a blender. It’s a bit of an appliance, but a handheld tool nonetheless. Also great for quick smoothies or even emulsifying homemade mayo. Housewares Housewares
  
• Mandoline Slicer: This tool allows you to slice vegetables paper-thin and uniformly, great for gratins, chips, salad toppers. It comes with a safety guard (always use it!) because the blades are extremely sharp. If you love making homemade pickles or coleslaw, a mandoline saves time and yields professional results. Housewares
  
• Kitchen Scale: For precision in baking or portioning, a digital kitchen scale is invaluable. Many recipes (especially European ones) give ingredients by weight for accuracy. A scale also helps measure out portions of meat or pasta if you’re tracking intake. Housewares Housewares
  
• Garlic Press: If you hate mincing garlic with a knife, a garlic press can crush a clove in one squeeze. Some swear by it, others prefer a knife, purely preference. Housewares Housewares
  
• Mortar and Pestle: For those into grinding spices fresh or making pesto/salsas the traditional way, a mortar and pestle is both functional and a nice kitchen decor piece. It’s not necessary, but it’s quite useful for things like crushing herbs, making garlic paste, or guacamole (if you get a larger one). Housewares Housewares
  
• Thermometer: A simple instant-read thermometer or a meat thermometer ensures your meats are cooked to safe temps (and not overcooked). Also useful for baking (checking bread doneness) or candy making (though that requires a candy-specific thermometer for high temps). Housewares Housewares
  
• Various small gadgets: Citrus juicer (hand or electric) to easily juice lemons/oranges, an egg separator (though you can use eggshells), a potato masher for mashed potatoes, a bench scraper for scooping up chopped veggies or cutting dough, etc. These you can acquire as needed. Housewares Housewares
  

Which of these specialty tools are “worth it” really depends on your cooking habits. It’s easy to go overboard and clutter your drawers with one-use gadgets (avocado slicers, strawberry hullers, etc., fun but not necessary). A good approach is to buy things after you feel the repeated need for them. For example, if you find yourself making fresh lemonade every week and squeezing by hand is a pain, that’s your cue to get a citrus juicer. Housewares Housewares

Pro Insight: Knife Storage, A Safety and Aesthetic Must
Because knives are so critical and often expensive, how you store them matters a lot for both safety and maintaining their sharp edges. Many people default to the old wooden knife block on the counter. While that works, it has some drawbacks: the slots can harbor bacteria/dust and they eat up counter space. Plus, blocks usually come with knife sets which might have pieces you don’t use. Today’s kitchen designs offer better solutions: Housewares Housewares

• Magnetic Knife Strip: Mounting your knives on a wall-mounted magnetic strip is a fantastic option that a lot of chefs (and our team at MGS) love. It keeps knives in sight and within easy reach, without taking up counter or drawer space. Bon Appétit magazine even boldly states: “Your knife holder should be magnetic”, encouraging ditching the old block. A magnetic strip can hold knives of any shape/size, and even kitchen shears or metal utensils. It also allows air circulation (so clean knives dry fully, unlike being stuffed in a block). From a safety perspective, it gets the knives up out of reach of small children (assuming you mount it high enough) and no one will accidentally grab a blade from a drawer. Plus, it looks kind of stylish — those shiny blades against a wood or metal strip add a professional vibe. If going this route, choose a quality magnetic strip (some have a wood exterior which is gentle on knife blades, others are all-metal). MGS can install it securely into your backsplash or wall. One downside: renters or those not wanting to drill can’t easily use them, but even then there are adhesive solutions. Overall, this is our top pick for both aesthetics and functionality. It keeps the countertop clear and displays your investment in good knives proudly.
  
• In-Drawer Knife Organizer: If you prefer knives out of sight, an in-drawer knife tray is another safe storage method. This is a slotted insert (often bamboo or plastic) that fits in a drawer and holds knives neatly, usually at an angle. It keeps the blades from knocking around (protecting the edge and your fingers when reaching in). It also hides the knives completely, giving a very clean countertop look. The key here is dedicating a drawer to this purpose and ensuring it’s deep enough for your knife blades. In a remodel, we can plan a specific drawer for knives near your main prep area. Compared to a block, a drawer insert can often fit more knives in a smaller space and any arrangement of knives (you’re not limited to the block’s pre-set slots). It’s definitely safer than just tossing knives loose in a drawer (which is a big no-no). Speaking of which, if nothing else, avoid the “random drawer” method: “stashing them loose in an unlined drawer” is dangerous and will dull your knives quickly as they knock into other tools.
  
• Countertop Knife Block, Modern Versions: If you really like a countertop holder, consider an updated design like a universal knife block (that has flexible rods or cork inside to accommodate any knife configuration) or a magnetic knife stand/block. Magnetic knife blocks look like a wooden stand but the knives stick to the exterior via magnets, keeping blades visible and often easier to clean. They offer the look of a block but avoid the issue of hidden slots collecting grime. Just ensure any countertop solution is placed in a safe spot (away from where kids can knock it, or not too close to the stove heat).
  
• Safety and Care: However you store knives, a few principles: The edge should not scrape or bump into hard things (so knives stay sharp and undamaged). Knives should be fully dried and clean before storage to prevent bacteria or rust. And stored in a way that you don’t accidentally grab the blade. Magnetic strips and in-drawer slots both satisfy these if used properly. Housewares Housewares
  

From a design perspective, an attractive magnetic strip can become part of the kitchen’s character. It can be mounted on a backsplash of tile, or on the side of an upper cabinet. We can even recess one into a wood strip for a flush look. If you’re proud of your knives, it’s a functional display. If you prefer a minimalist look, the in-drawer approach keeps them hidden but still organized. Safety-wise, both these methods are far superior to a cluttered drawer where reaching in could mean an emergency room trip. In fact, organizing sharp objects in general is a big part of kitchen safety, that’s why we also consider pull-out bins for things like blender blades, mandoline slicers, etc., so nothing sharp is ever lurking unexpectedly.

As a final note on tools: Keep an eye on your utensil drawer or crock and periodically purge duplicates or gimmicky items that accumulate (that avocado slicer you never used, the rusty can opener you replaced). A clean, organized set of tools makes cooking far more enjoyable. During a remodel, MGS often includes drawer organizers for utensils, adjustable dividers for spatulas and spoons, a knife insert, maybe a special drawer just for spices or gadgets. This level of organization might seem extra, but when you move into your new kitchen and everything has its place, you’ll realize it’s a game changer. You can cook faster and with less stress when you’re not hunting for that one peeler or untangling a bunch of ladles and tongs. Housewares Housewares

In conclusion, stock your kitchen with the essential everyday helpers first: good knives, cutting board, measuring tools, stirring and flipping utensils, etc. Then spice it up with specialty tools that match your culinary interests. And always store sharp tools with care. These everyday helpers, combined with your appliances and cookware, round out the functional core of your home’s kitchen. Housewares Housewares

6. Tableware & Serving Essentials Housewares Housewares

Cooking a great meal is one half of the equation, the other half is enjoying it, often with family or guests. That’s where tableware and serving essentials come in. Your plates, glasses, flatware, and serving pieces not only need to be practical for daily use, but they also contribute to the style and experience of dining in your home. In this section, we’ll discuss what every homeowner should have for setting the table, from casual weeknight dinners to hosting friends for the holidays. We’ll also cover the difference between durable everyday ware and more formal sets, and how to store or display these items (perhaps even using them as décor via open shelving or glass cabinets). Housewares

Dish Sets, Everyday Durable vs. Formal China: The cornerstone of tableware is your dinnerware set, typically includes dinner plates, smaller salad/appetizer plates, bowls, and possibly mugs. For most homeowners, it’s wise to invest in a durable everyday set that can handle constant use and dishwasher cycles without chipping or fading. Materials like stoneware or porcelain are great for this: stoneware is sturdy and often microwave-safe; porcelain (which includes bone china) might sound fancy but many modern porcelain sets are designed for everyday use and are chip-resistant and microwave/dishwasher safe as well. An everyday set usually comes in a set of 4 or 6 place settings (one setting = dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, etc.), but you can also buy open stock. Consider having at least 8 place settings of everyday ware, even if there are fewer people in your household, this covers you for guests and also means you don’t have to wash dishes immediately after every meal. If you entertain larger groups, 12 settings is a comfortable number. Durability: Look for terms like “chip resistant” and check that the glaze is hard and smooth (less prone to scratches). Pure white dishes are timeless and showcase food nicely, but feel free to choose a design or color you love, since you’ll be using them daily.

Now, what about formal dinnerware (often called china)? Previous generations often kept a separate formal china set, sometimes passed down or reserved for special occasions. These are usually fine bone china or porcelain with ornate designs, gold rims (which means not microwave-safe), etc. If you anticipate hosting formal dinners or holiday meals and like the tradition, you might invest in a nice set of china. However, many modern families either don’t have the storage or don’t find it necessary to have two sets of dishes. Another approach is to select an everyday set that is elegant enough for company, maybe a neutral white porcelain, and then dress it up with nicer linens and serving pieces for special occasions. Famous tip: Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) often says she uses simple white dinnerware for all occasions and just changes the table accents. White or ivory everyday plates can double as “formal” with the right chargers or placemats. If you do have a formal set (perhaps wedding china or heirloom pieces), make sure they’re stored safely (preferably in padded cases) and do use them once in a while, life’s too short to never use the good china! But it’s okay if your style is more casual and you stick to one solid set. Housewares Housewares

Flatware, Forks, Knives, Spoons: Much like dishes, you might have everyday flatware (stainless steel that goes in the dishwasher) and maybe a nicer set (possibly sterling silver or silver-plated) for formal dining. For everyday, stainless steel is the way to go, it’s durable and low-maintenance. 18/10 stainless (which means 18% chromium, 10% nickel) has good luster and rust resistance. Have enough forks/knives/spoons for all your dish settings (at least 8, preferably more because flatware tends to run out faster than plates, think about dessert spoons, cereal, coffee stirring, etc., throughout the day). For formal, sterling silver flatware is lovely but requires polishing, some people cherish that ritual, others find it burdensome. You can also find ornate stainless or gold-colored flatware if you want a fancier look without the upkeep of real silver. Keep in mind special pieces: a ladle, serving spoons, cake server, tongs, these often come with serving sets or you can add them piecemeal. Housewares Housewares

Glassware, From Water to Wine: For beverages, have everyday glasses that are sturdy and dishwasher-safe. Tumblers in a medium size can work for water, juice, etc. You might also want some taller glasses for iced tea or smoothies. How many? Likely at least 8-12, since glasses get used a lot and people may take a fresh one each time. For hot drinks, a set of coffee mugs is essential (even if you have the mugs that came with your dish set, often people accumulate a fun mix of mugs over time). Now for alcoholic beverages or special drinks: consider at least a set of wine glasses if you drink wine or entertain, red wine glasses (wider bowl) and white wine glasses (slightly smaller) or just one all-purpose shape. They don’t have to be crystal, but nice glass ones are good to have. Champagne flutes if you celebrate events. Then, perhaps some beer glasses (pint glasses) if you entertain beer drinkers, or rocks glasses if cocktails/whiskey are your thing. These are nice-to-haves; you can always make do with regular glasses in a pinch (a mason jar can hold wine, we won’t judge for casual nights!). But if you often host dinners, having appropriate glassware adds a touch of class. Remember to store delicate stemware safely (hanging racks under cabinets are one way, or dedicated cabinet space). Housewares Housewares

Serving Essentials: Beyond individual place settings, it’s important to have some serving dishes and utensils for family-style dining or parties: Housewares Housewares

• Serving Bowls: A couple of large bowls for things like salad, pasta, chips, etc. One medium and one large is a good starting point. You might use a nice ceramic or wooden salad bowl for presentation. Housewares
  
• Serving Platters: At least one large platter for things like a roast chicken, Thanksgiving turkey, a sliced roast or an array of appetizers. And maybe a medium platter for smaller servings like cookies or side dishes. White or neutral platters are versatile for any occasion. Even an everyday dinner plate can act as a small serving plate if needed.
  
• Smaller Serving Pieces: Think about a gravy boat (for sauces or gravy on holidays), a butter dish, sugar bowl and creamer if you host coffees/teas, and some serving utensils: large serving spoons, a slotted spoon (for veggies), a pair of salad tongs or servers, a pie/cake server, and perhaps serving forks for meats or cheese. These often come in matching sets with flatware or you can mix and match. Housewares Housewares
  
• Pitcher: A nice pitcher to serve water, iced tea, or lemonade at the table is great to have. Housewares
  
• Tea/Coffee Service: If you entertain formally, a teapot or coffee carafe for serving after-dinner coffee is a nice touch. Many simply use the coffee maker carafe, which is fine for casual use, but a stylish thermal carafe or an elegant teapot with cups can elevate the experience for guests. Housewares Housewares
  
• Host Essentials: If you host parties, consider things like a large drink dispenser, an ice bucket, a tray for carrying drinks or snacks, and plenty of extra small plates and napkins for hors d’oeuvres. Those stray items often get forgotten until you need them. Housewares Housewares
  

One great thing about serving ware is that it can double as décor. Displaying a beautiful ceramic platter or a set of vintage wine glasses can add personality to your kitchen or dining room. This brings us to:

Display and Storage, Open Shelving & Custom Cabinetry: Your tableware doesn’t have to hide behind closed doors. In recent design trends, many people opt for open shelving in the kitchen or dining area to show off attractive everyday dishes or glassware. House Beautiful magazine even encourages ditching upper cabinet doors because “Your gorgeous serveware deserves to be shown off.” If you have a collection of colorful plates or unique pottery, open shelves can turn them into a visual feature while keeping them accessible. Open shelving adds a sense of openness and can make a kitchen feel larger and more personalized. We at MGS often install a few oak or walnut wood shelves with integrated LED lighting, where clients display their nicest plates, cookbooks, or glass canisters. It truly gives a kitchen character.

However, not everyone likes open shelves (they do require keeping items tidy and dust-free). An alternative is glass-front cabinets, you still can see the items but they’re protected behind glass. This is common in upper cabinets or a built-in hutch. If you have formal china or pretty glassware, a glass cabinet is like your mini display case for them. It elevates the room and keeps those items in sight (so you remember to use them, instead of hidden in a box in the attic).

For everyday ease, you might keep daily dishes in a regular cabinet near the dishwasher for quick unloading, but reserve one area (shelf or cabinet) to display the particularly nice pieces or sentimental heirlooms. It’s functional art!

Custom Cabinet Touches: MGS Contracting Services can incorporate special storage features for tableware in your remodel. Some popular ones:

• Dish Drawers: Deep drawers fitted with peg systems or rack systems to hold stacks of plates securely. Rather than lifting heavy stacks down from a high shelf, you just pull a drawer at waist level and pick out plates. This is great for aging in place design or simply convenience.
  
• Built-in Buffets or Hutches: In a dining area, we can build a buffet cabinet with space for all your table linens, candlesticks, and serving pieces, with a countertop to set food out and glass cabinets above for display. It becomes a focal point and super practical when hosting.
  
• Silverware Drawer Organizer: Most kitchens have a cutlery drawer insert, but we can also do double-layer drawers (with a sliding top tray) if you have a lot of flatware. Also, a dedicated drawer for serving utensils with long slots can keep those orderly (no more tangled pile of random spoons and ladles).
  
• Wine Glass Racks: If you have a collection of stemware, adding an under-cabinet hanging rack or a shelf with cutouts for stems in a cabinet can store them safely. Similarly, a wine bottle rack or dedicated wine fridge might be integrated if you’re a connoisseur.
  

By integrating tableware storage into the design, you ensure everything has a place. This means when it’s dinner time, setting the table is a joy, not a scavenger hunt. And cleaning up is quicker because there’s an obvious spot where each item goes.

Durability vs. Handwash Only: Quick note: everyday items should generally be dishwasher-safe. Save yourself daily hassle. Reserve only a few special items that require handwashing (like those gold-rimmed goblets from Grandma) and use them sparingly. There are many beautiful dinnerware and glassware options nowadays that combine looks with easy maintenance.

Lastly, hosting extras: If you plan big gatherings, it doesn’t hurt to have some inexpensive extra plates or cups stashed away. But you can also use nice disposable plates for very large crowds if needed, just keep it sustainable by choosing recyclable or compostable options.

To wrap up, outfitting your dining collection is about balancing practicality and style. You want pieces that stand up to daily use but also make you happy to look at. And you want enough quantity to serve your family and a few guests without doing dishes mid-party. Once you have your tableware essentials set up, you’ll find that even a simple weeknight meal feels a bit more special, and hosting a big dinner becomes much less intimidating. Plus, with MGS’s design touches like open shelving or custom cabinets, your plates and glasses might very well become part of the decor, adding warmth and personality to your home. After all, a well-set table is the heart of hospitality!

7. Cleaning & Floor Care Must-Haves

A beautiful home isn’t just about the new appliances and pretty dishware, it also needs to be kept clean and well-maintained. That’s where cleaning and floor care tools come into play. Every homeowner should have a basic arsenal of cleaning supplies to tackle dust, dirt, spills, and messes on all surfaces. In this section, we’ll outline the essential cleaning tools and gadgets you need for different floor types and household surfaces, and why investing in some quality cleaning tools (like microfiber cloths) can make your cleaning routine more effective and eco-friendly. We’ll also include an MGS angle on pairing cleaning methods with the specific flooring materials you may have chosen during your remodel (since, for example, caring for hardwood is different than scrubbing tile).

Floor Care Essentials, Vacuum, Mop, Broom: Floors see the most wear and require frequent cleaning, so having the right tools for your floor type is key:

• Vacuum Cleaner: Virtually every home can benefit from a good vacuum. If you have carpeting (wall-to-wall or even large area rugs), a vacuum is the only way to deep clean them regularly. Even for hard floors, many vacuums have settings or attachments to suck up dust and debris more efficiently than a broom (and without blowing dust around). There are a variety of types: upright vacuums (classic, great for lots of carpet), canister vacuums (easier to handle for multi-surface and reaching under furniture), stick vacuums (lightweight, often cordless, great for quick cleanups), and robotic vacuums (set it and forget it). If your remodel included new flooring, consider your needs: For mostly hardwood/tile floors, a vacuum that can turn off the rotating brush or a suction-only canister is best (brushes can scatter debris on hard floors or scratch them if bristles are stiff). Many people use a simple broom for hard floors, but a vacuum (or even those electric stick brooms) can do a more thorough job and catch fine dust (especially if it’s a HEPA-filter vacuum, which is great for allergy control). For carpets, ensure the vacuum has a beater bar/brush roll to agitate and lift dirt. Bagged vs bagless is personal preference (bags mean less dust exposure when emptying, bagless means no ongoing bag cost). Consider also a small handheld vacuum or a good extension hose for quick crumb pick-ups (especially if you have kids or pets). A robotic vacuum can keep floors tidy day-to-day, but usually you’ll still need a traditional vacuum for deep cleaning corners or upholstery.
  
• Mop for Hard Floors: Spills and tracked-in dirt often require a damp mop. There are different options: the old-fashioned string or strip mop with a bucket, a sponge mop, or newer spray mops and microfiber pad mops (like Swiffer-style or re-usable pad systems). For hardwood floors, it’s usually recommended to use a slightly damp mop (almost dry), never soaking wet, since water can damage wood. Microfiber flat mops are excellent for hardwood because they use minimal water and can be just dampened with a suitable wood floor cleaner. For tile floors, you can use a wetter mop since tiles and grout can handle water (though standing water still isn’t great for grout long term). A steam mop is another modern tool, it uses hot steam to sanitize and clean without chemicals, which works well on ceramic tile or vinyl floors (not recommended for unsealed wood or certain laminates because the moisture and heat might cause issues). If your home has a mix of floor types, a versatile mop system (with adjustable moisture or different pads) is useful. Don’t forget buckets if needed, and always follow the cleaner recommendations for your floor type (pH-neutral cleaners for wood, for example, and avoid harsh chemicals on vinyl).
  
• Broom & Dustpan: Even with vacuums, a broom is a simple and quick tool especially for kitchens (sweep up crumbs) or entryways with lots of tracked grit. A good quality broom with dense bristles will pick up more. Use an angled broom for corners. The dustpan should have a rubber lip to help get fine dust. In a pinch, a broom and dustpan never need to charge up or unravel a cord, so they’re always handy. If your remodel added a central vacuum system with a floor “sweep inlet” (a suction port in the baseboards where you can sweep debris and it vacuums it away), you might find yourself using a broom often to gather dirt toward it, those are a neat feature in some custom kitchens.
  
• Dusting Tools: Dust has a way of settling everywhere, furniture surfaces, light fixtures, blinds. A general feather duster or microfiber duster with an extendable handle can help you reach ceiling fans or high shelves. Microfiber dusters are great because they attract dust (sometimes electrostatically) rather than just pushing it around. For lower surfaces, microfiber cloths (discussed below) are ideal. Also consider vacuum attachments for dusting, many vacuums come with a soft bristle dusting brush you can run along baseboards or shelves.
  
• Specialty Floor Tools: If you have specific flooring, you might consider extras: e.g., a carpet rake (helps fluff up and loosen hair from carpets, good for pet owners), a floor scrubber brush for rough tile or outdoor patios, or knee pads and a scrub brush for deep-cleaning grout occasionally.
  

Cleaning Tools for Surfaces and General Cleaning: Aside from floors, keep these on hand:

• Microfiber Cloths: These are gold in modern cleaning. Microfiber cloths are lint-free, super absorbent, and great at picking up dust and microbes with just water (the tiny fibers trap dirt). They can be used on everything from glass to counters to stainless steel without scratching. Best of all, they’re reusable, just wash and use again. Using microfiber cloths means you can often clean effectively with less or no cleaning solution, which is healthy and eco-friendly (as it “requires significantly less liquid & chemicals to work”). They are key for “green” cleaning: they reduce the need for paper towels (saving waste) and minimize chemical use. Keep a stash and assign different colors for different tasks (e.g., one color for bathrooms, one for kitchen, to avoid cross-contamination).
  
• All-Purpose Scrubbers: Non-scratch scrub sponges or pads for tougher grime (like a dirty pan or soap scum in tub). Also a set of soft sponges for gentle wiping. A dish wand (sponge on a handle that dispenses soap) can be convenient for quick dish or sink cleanups.
  
• Brushes: An old toothbrush or small scrub brush for detail cleaning around faucets or grout lines. A larger scrub brush for tubs/showers or floor grout is useful too.
  
• Spray Bottle: Have a couple of reusable spray bottles, you can mix your own cleaners (like vinegar and water for glass, or a mild soapy solution). Good for misting and wiping with microfiber.
  
• Bucket: at least one bucket (for mopping or general cleaning mix duty).
  
• Gloves: A pair of rubber cleaning gloves to protect your hands when using chemicals or really hot water.
  
• Trash Bins & Liners: It sounds basic, but having adequate trash cans in key spots (kitchen, baths) with the right size liners keeps things clean. If your remodel included a fancy pull-out trash cabinet (many do, to hide the bin), stock up on liners that fit that bin size.
  
• Vacuum Attachments & Extras: Use that crevice tool for corners and baseboards, the upholstery tool for sofas and drapes. They come in handy for a thorough clean.
  

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools, Why Microfiber and More: It’s worth elaborating on microfiber cloths and mops because they are game-changers for both cleaning efficiency and environmental impact. Traditional cleaning often involved chemical cleaners and disposable paper towels. Microfiber tech allows us to clean many surfaces with just water or a mild solution, and the cloths/mop pads can be washed hundreds of times. According to cleaning industry sources, microfiber towels “are machine-washable, reusable & require significantly less liquid & chemicals to work”, making them a perfect green cleaning companion. They also tend to trap dust better (important if you have allergies, less dust left flying around). Just be mindful to wash them properly (no fabric softener, as it clogs fibers, and ideally air dry or low heat) so they last long.

Also consider using more natural cleaners: baking soda, vinegar, lemon, these pantry items can tackle a lot of cleaning tasks with minimal environmental impact. For example, vinegar + water cleans glass streak-free, baking soda is a mild abrasive for scrubbing sinks, and lemon can shine copper or freshen garbage disposals. Having these on hand is great, but for convenience you might still have some commercial cleaners for heavy-duty jobs (like an oven cleaner, toilet cleaner, etc.). Aim for a balance where daily cleaning is gentle and green, and only the occasional deep-clean uses stronger stuff.

Pairing Cleaning Tools to Flooring (MGS Angle): If you’ve remodeled with specific materials, here are some pointers:

• Hardwood Floors: Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a floor-brush (no rotating bristle unless it’s soft) to avoid scratching. For mopping, microfiber mop with a cleaner made for wood (often a spray like Bona or just a bit of mild dish soap in water). Never saturate wood; wring that mop well. Also, avoid harsh products, e.g., don’t use a tile cleaner or anything with ammonia or bleach on wood as it can strip the finish. Also avoid steam mops on wood, they can force moisture into seams. MGS tip: we often recommend placing floor mats at entryways of a home with wood floors to trap grit (like tiny rocks) that can scratch the finish, and using felt pads under furniture. The cleaning side of that is also to vacuum or shake out those mats regularly, and dust mop the wood often to remove fine grit.
  
• Tile Floors (Ceramic/Porcelain): These can handle water and stronger cleaners. You can mop with warm water and a dash of all-purpose cleaner or a tile cleaner. For grout that’s stained, you might need an occasional scrub with a brush and specialized grout cleaner or a baking soda paste. A steam mop can be used on sealed tile (and is great for sanitizing bathrooms). The main caution: don’t use waxy or oily cleaners that can make tile slippery. Also, using a microfiber mop or textured mop helps get into grout lines better if the tile is textured.
  
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Laminate Floors: These often look like wood or tile but have different care needs. Generally, you want damp mopping only (standing water can seep into joints). Many manufacturers recommend only pH-neutral cleaners or even just water + vinegar for vinyl. Avoid harsh chemicals that could discolor vinyl or remove its wear layer. No steam mops on vinyl or laminate; heat can cause warping. So similar care to wood: vacuum or sweep often (grit can scratch), and damp mop with the right cleaner.
  
• Carpeted areas: Vacuum frequently (especially in high traffic), it prolongs the life of carpet by removing grit that wears down fibers. If you have pets, a vacuum with a HEPA filter and motorized brush will pull up hair and dander effectively. Consider a small carpet rake or rubber broom for pet hair if vacuums don’t get it all. For spot cleaning, have a carpet stain remover spray on hand or use a vinegar solution for small spills. If your remodel included new carpet, the installer likely mentioned it’s good to get carpets professionally deep cleaned (steam cleaned) every 12-18 months to keep them fresh (and some carpet warranties require it).
  
• Special surfaces: If you have stone floors (like marble, slate), these need pH-neutral cleaners (no vinegar or acid on marble!) and perhaps a stone soap. If you have sealed concrete floors, avoid harsh acidic cleaners that could eat away the sealant. Always check what the manufacturer or installer recommended for cleaning to avoid voiding warranties or damaging finishes. We provide cleaning and care guides to our clients for any specialty materials we install.
  

Other Cleaning Must-Haves:

• Microfiber or Cotton Cloths vs. Paper Towels: Try to minimize disposable paper towel use. It saves money and waste. Use microfiber or cloth rags for most things and reserve paper towels for yucky stuff (like pet accidents or raw meat juices) where you want to toss the germy towel after.
  
• Squeegee: If you have a lot of glass (big windows or glass shower), a squeegee is awesome to clear water after showers (prevents water spots and mildew) or to quickly wipe windows.
  
• Toilet Brush and Cleaner: Each bathroom should ideally have its own toilet brush for convenience. And a preferred toilet bowl cleaner (could be a natural one or standard).
  
• Plunger & Basic Tools: Not cleaning per se, but every homeowner should have a plunger for clogs (and maybe a small drain snake or hair catcher for shower drains), and basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer, etc., for quick fixes, these keep the home running and safe (like tightening a loose cabinet handle so it doesn’t fall).
  

Finally, storing cleaning supplies: With the remodel, hopefully we carved out a nice spot for them. Often, a tall utility cabinet or a small closet for a broom, mop, vacuum, etc., is included. Or a little slot beside the fridge or washer for brooms. We sometimes build a toe-kick drawer under cabinets to hide away cleaning cloths or sponges. The idea is to keep them accessible but out of immediate sight. If you have multiple levels in your home, keep a set of basic cleaning supplies on each floor (like a vacuum on each if possible, or a broom/handvac upstairs too), it makes upkeep less of a chore when you don’t have to lug things around.

Keeping your home clean is so much easier when you have the right tools. With these essentials in your cleaning closet, you’ll be prepared to handle anything from daily crumbs to seasonal deep-cleans. And by choosing efficient, floor-appropriate tools (and leveraging modern tricks like microfiber), you’ll save time and effort. A clean home not only looks great, it protects your investment (your nice floors will last longer, your appliances will run better if you dust them, etc.) and keeps your indoor environment healthy. So equip yourself well, and you might find cleaning almost… satisfying!

We hope this extensive guide has armed you with knowledge and inspiration to outfit your home with all the essential housewares and appliances you need. Remember, the heart of a functional home lies not just in the walls and cabinets, but in the thoughtful combination of the right tools, comfort items, and design that suits your life. Here’s to creating a home that’s truly equipped for happy living!If you’re ready to make it happen, MGS Contracting Services is just a call or click away, we’d love to help you merge form and function in your next home project. Happy homemaking!