Where cleaning companies buy
Cleaners buy chemicals, microfiber and paper goods from a janitorial distributor once volume justifies an account.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Brady | Distributor | North American distributor for cleaning and facility care, foodservice and packaging supplies. | Ask at the counter |
| Uline | Distributor | Stocks over 45,000 shipping boxes, packing materials, janitorial and warehouse supplies. | Ask at the counter |
| The Home Depot | Retailer | Calls itself the world's largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores across North America. | Pro Xtra |
| Lowe's | Retailer | Runs MyLowe's Pro Rewards for small and mid-sized pros, with points from the first dollar spent. | MyLowe's Pro Rewards |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items cleaning companies buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and degreaser | The three bottles you use most |
| Bathroom cleaner and a disinfectant | Kitchens and baths |
| Floor cleaner for the floor types you see | Hardwood, tile and vinyl |
| Spare mop pads and cloths | A fresh set for every home |
| Trash bags and paper towels | Every visit |
| Vacuum bags, belts and filters | Keeping the vacuum pulling |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: commercial upright vacuum; microfiber cloths in color codes; cleaning caddy and spray bottles with labels; flat mop system with washable pads; extendable duster and a step stool; scrub brushes, grout brush and a squeegee; gloves, knee pads and a mask; bags and a laundry bag for dirty cloths. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: backpack vacuum; canister or hepa vacuum; steam cleaner; window cleaning kit; washer and dryer kept for cloths.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the cleaning tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Oreck, Ettore).
When supplier prices change
Update your cleaning price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- Imperial Brady: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Uline: About us, checked October 9, 2026
- The Home Depot: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Lowe's: MyLowe's Pro Rewards announcement, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.