After cleaning homes professionally for 10 years, I swear by these 7 affordable supplies from Dollar Tree

• When I worked as a professional cleaner for 10 years, I often looked for cost-effective supplies.
• Dollar Tree was my go-to store for affordable, quality brushes, sponges, and other items.
• I still return to buy essentials like soap-dispensing brushes and LA's Totally Awesome cleaner.

Back in college, a friend of mine was working as a cleaner. One day, her partner couldn't help out with a client, so she asked if I'd be willing to step in.

I enjoyed the work so much that I later started my own small cleaning-and-organizing business, which I ran for 10 years.

During this time, I was always looking to cut business costs wherever I could, without sacrificing quality. I ended up relying on Dollar Tree for a lot of my high-wear-and-tear cleaning supplies.

I'm no longer cleaning professionally, but I still use my favorite Dollar Tree essentials to clean and organize my own home. I recommend these seven items under $4 to all of my friends and family.

I've always used heavy-duty sponges to scrub sinks and tubs. Since I cleaned a lot of kitchens and bathrooms, I would go through them fast.

Luckily, at my nearest Dollar Tree, I could buy a 2-pack for just $1.50 — an amazing deal since, in my experience, comparable packs often cost $3 or more at other stores. To this day, I'll stock up on these on every trip.

This brush, which can be filled and refilled with dish soap, is one of my favorite cleaning gadgets.

At just $1.50, this little brush helps me clean dirty grout around sinks and in bathrooms fast, cutting my scrubbing time in half.

When I was running my business, I always preferred cleaning with reusable cloths over buying and using paper towels. Not only was it environmentally friendly, but it was cost-effective, too.

Even now, I'll buy these cotton washcloths, which I use to clean windows, counters, and basically anything that needs disinfecting. A pack of two costs only $1.50.

This kit is only $1.50 for a handle and two dusters, which I consider a steal compared to the Swiffer version.

At my local Target, a similar Swiffer duster kit with five disposable dusters costs $5.99. Not only is this Dollar Tree starter kit less expensive, but its dusters are double-sided, allowing for more versatility and usage each time.

Plus, I've been able to get a pack of 10 duster refills at Dollar Tree for $4, whereas Swiffer's 10-pack costs more than twice that at my nearest Target.

The worst thing about cleaning a toilet is getting splashed while scrubbing. So, I was excited when I discovered this brush, which is technically meant to clean pots and pans.

At only $1.50, I've found it actually does a better job than the traditional round toilet brushes. The smaller size gives me much better access to the harder-to-get-to spots.

I used to buy Method's all-purpose cleaner — which typically costs between $4 and $5 for a 28-ounce bottle — until I discovered this one at Dollar Tree for only $1.50 for 32 ounces.

I prefer to make my own cleaning products whenever possible, so I only use this one for heavy-duty jobs. It works wonders on stovetops that need a deep clean, and I love the cherry-blossom scent.

I like these 64-ounce bottles of vinegar because they're easier to tote around. At $1.50, they're also much more affordable than similarly-sized bottles I've seen at other stores.

I get a lot of use out of this vinegar. For my homemade cleaning spray, I mix ¼ cup of it with 4 cups of water, then put it into a plastic spray bottle. (Perhaps needless to say, I also stock up on these at Dollar Tree, too.)

I also use this for mopping — usually, I'll add just a splash of this vinegar to a bucket of hot water.