I do not like it when my broom is constantly in the way. It took several years of moving the broom from place to place until I had enough. I wanted a permanent home for the broom. Why not make a home for all my cleaning supplies while I was at it? So begins the idea of a simple broom closet and cleaning supply cabinet.
Supplies Needed for a Simple Broom Closet and Cleaning Supply Cabinet
I guess the biggest motivation for this simple broom closet came after completing my easy food pantry in less than a day. I had the perfect small narrow space left for a closet. By putting that area to good use, I only needed to purchase a small narrow wall cabinet, a single piece of shelf board, and a furring strip.
Where to Find Supplies and How to Install the Cabinet
As mentioned in my easy pantry video, you can always find wall cabinets in the scratch and dent section of your local big box hardware store. That is where I found mine. I removed the cabinet door and shelves and then installed the cabinet box directly to wall studs using long heavy-duty wood screws. This created an instant cabinet for all of my routine cleaning supplies.
Adding the Broom Closet
For the broom closet, I cut a furring strip in half. These strips only cost a few dollars in the lumber section. I took the two strips and stacked them on top of each other. I attached them to the left side of the wall vertically using extra-long wood screws.
Creating a Hinged Door for the Simple Broom Closet
Next, I measured the width from the edge of the furring strips to my existing pantry cabinets. I had the hardware store cut a shelf board to the correct size. I lightly sanded, primed, and painted the shelf board to match the cleaning supply cabinet door. Lastly, I added simple hinges at the top and bottom of the furring strips and attached the prepared shelf board as my door.
Finishing the Simple Broom Closet and Cleaning Supply Cabinet
After adding an inexpensive door pull, I had the perfect hiding place for brooms, mops, dusters, and the like. I enjoy personalizing and customizing any area I work in. This is no different for a simple broom closet and cleaning supply cabinet.
Making a Place to Hang Cleaning Equipment
I found some old ornate doorknob bases I kept in my stash of hardware. It pays to hold on to those neat bits and pieces when you upcycle, upgrade, or replace furniture! I also had a metal rod that fits nicely inside the center hole of the doorknob bases. The rod came off an old light fixture. I attached the hardware to each inside surface near the top of my broom closet with the rod in between. This created the perfect spot for hanging long-handled cleaning tools.
For hooks, I used inexpensive s hook hangers. A couple of my cleaning tools had holes that were difficult to hang quickly on the hooks. To remedy this, I added a clear shower curtain ring to the tools. Now, I can quickly hang up and retrieve my cleaning tools.
Organizing Your Cleaning Tools and Supplies
I also added a couple of these plastic bag organizers. It may seem ludicrous to add such an accessory when you can always keep all your loose plastic bags in a plastic bag. I find this method frustrating and somewhat explosive. You pull out one bag, and 10 come toppling out. The plastic bag organizer tames the mess and makes it easier to retrieve one bag at a time. The organizers go on sale often at local hardware stores. I added the second one to wrangle up my clean Bona Mop pads.
Advantages of the Simple Broom Closet and Cleaning Supply Cabinet
Now that my cleaning supplies and equipment have an assigned space, it is easier and faster to get things tidied up. As long as they are put away, we aren’t tripping over handles or scaring the living daylights out of our furry family members when a broom falls over and smacks the floor.
Even More Organizing Tips
I hope you find inspiration for creating your simple broom closet and cleaning supply cabinet in your home. It makes a big difference for the whole family. Be sure to check this blog often for even more home organization ideas. Also, be my guest at the Sawdust and Cornbread YouTube Channel. I post a new DIY video each week.
Until next time
~Lora Lea
