• Scrub brushes work well for cleaning tile and grout.cleaning brush image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  Surface cleaning tools are essential household supplies that make your cleaning jobs easier. These tools can clean surfaces such as floors, tables, bath tubs, counter tops and tiles. Some tools use heavy-duty bristles to get the job done, while other tools use the power of steam to clean and sanitize a surface.
  
  

Brooms

• Brooms are common surface cleaning tools. You always need to sweep the dirt away before you use other types of tools. Made from natural or man-made bristles, this is the most basic cleaning tool, and it makes the job of cleaning up dirt and grime off floors much easier.
  
  

Scrub Brushes

• Scrub brushes are some of the most common surface cleaning tools. These brushes are designed to loosen up dirt with their tightly packed bristles. Avoid using scrub brushes on marble or granite counter tops because the tool can actually scratch this type of surface. Use scrub brushes on surfaces such as tile, laminate counter tops, tubs or basic counter tops. Also avoid using scrubbers on wooden tables.
  
  

Steamers

• Steamers come in all shapes and sizes. Large steamers are used to clean tile and other types of flooring. The steam cuts through dirt and sanitizes the area without chemicals or abrasive brushes. The heat from the steam does a very good job of cleaning. Handheld steamers are used to clean tubs, marble counter tops and other more delicate surfaces. Some of the larger steamers also have handheld devices built into them.
  
  

Sponges

• Sponges are simple cleaning tools that work well on marble counter tops and other surfaces that need special care. Avoid using the abrasive side of a sponge on granite or marble. You can, however, use the abrasive side to clean bath tubs, sinks and other surfaces that are not prone to scratching.