Whether you live in a spacious two-story farmhouse or a cozy studio apartment, maintaining a clean home is essential. One advantage of apartment living is the ability to focus solely on the interior without worrying about exterior upkeep.
However, keeping your apartment clean still requires regular attention.
Landlords typically have basic cleanliness standards, so it’s helpful to break your apartment into four zones. You can choose to clean one zone per day or tackle them all at once. Here’s a guide to efficiently cleaning your apartment in five easy steps.
Tip: Start with your least favorite task to get it out of the way, then move on to the others. Before you know it, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your freshly cleaned space.
How Often Should You Clean Your Apartment?
To maintain a tidy environment, aim to complete small cleaning tasks daily and conduct a thorough cleaning of your apartment weekly.
The time needed for each step will depend on how often you clean.
Weekly cleaning is quicker compared to tackling tasks that have been neglected for a month or longer.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools:
– 4 to 6 microfiber cloths
– Soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
– Vacuum or broom and dustpan
– Mop
– Toilet brush
– Extendable handle duster
– Spray bottle
– Stepstool (optional)
Materials:
– All-purpose cleaner
– Dishwashing liquid with degreaser
– Dishwasher detergent (optional)
– Laundry detergent
– Distilled white vinegar
– Baking soda
– Toilet bowl cleaner
– Trash bags
– Oven cleaner (optional)
– Disinfecting wipes
How to Clean Your Apartment: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Declutter Your Space
Begin by decluttering your apartment, starting from the room farthest from the door. Work through each area with three trash bags to separate recyclables, non-recyclable trash, and items for donation. Once you’ve gone through every room, take the trash out, and place the donation bag in your car or near the door to drop off at a donation center the next time you leave.
2. Clean the Bathroom
Since cleaning the bathroom can be a daunting task, it’s best to tackle it first. Here’s how:
– Spray the sink, countertop, shower stall, or bathtub surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Apply toilet cleaner to the bowl. Let the cleaners sit for about 10 minutes to break down grime effectively.
– Gather all towels, bathmats, and laundry, and start a load in the washer.
– Scrub the tub or shower, sink, and countertop with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse and dry these areas with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
– Clean the toilet bowl thoroughly, including under the rim, and wipe down the handle, seat, and exterior with a disinfecting wipe.
– Clean mirrors with a lint-free microfiber towel and diluted distilled white vinegar.
– Finish by mopping the floor.
Tip: To reduce your carbon footprint, consider making your own cleaning products using basic ingredients from your pantry.
3. Clean the Bedroom
– Change the bedding and wash the sheets.
– Gather any clothes or shoes lying around and return them to the closet or place them in the laundry hamper.
– Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and door and window trim, starting from the top of the room.
– Use a microfiber duster to clean the furniture.
– Vacuum or dust mop the floor to finish up.
How to Thoroughly Clean Your Kitchen and Living Spaces
Kitchen Cleaning Guide
1. Start from the Top: Begin by cleaning higher surfaces and work your way down. This ensures that dust and debris fall to the floor, which you’ll clean last.
2. Cabinet Doors: Wipe down cabinet doors, paying special attention to sticky fingerprints.
3. Dishes: Collect all dirty dishes and either place them in the dishwasher or wash them in the sink.
4. Countertops: Clean the countertops to remove crumbs and spills. Follow up with a disinfecting wipe to sanitize the surfaces.
5. Refrigerator: Check for expired food and leftovers, disposing of them as needed. Have a trash bag ready. Clean up any spills or sticky spots inside the fridge.
6. Small Appliances: Clean the microwave and any other small appliances that require attention.
7. Cooktop and Oven: If necessary, clean the cooktop and oven.
8. Trashcan: Empty the trashcan. If the liner has leaked, wash the trashcan thoroughly.
9. Sink and Garbage Disposal: Clean the sink and run the garbage disposal to keep it fresh.
10. Mop the Floor: Finish by mopping the kitchen floor to remove any remaining dirt.
Living Spaces Cleaning Guide
1. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures to remove accumulated dust.
2. Surfaces and Window Coverings: Dust tabletops, shelves, window coverings, and trim. For glass surfaces, use diluted distilled white vinegar and a microfiber cloth.
3. Upholstered Furniture: Vacuum all upholstered furniture to remove dust and debris.
4. Floors: Vacuum or dry mop the floor to pick up any dirt or dust.
5. Outdoor Spaces: Sweep and clean any outdoor areas to keep your entire living space neat.
Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean Apartment
– Avoid Clutter: Don’t let clutter pile up. Regular, small cleanings make it easier to maintain a tidy space.
– Choose the Right Cleaning Products: Select cleaning products that suit your preferences or lifestyle. If you prefer natural cleaning, opt for chemical-free cleaners. If you like a fresh scent, choose products with fragrances that complement your home’s ambiance.
– Make Cleaning Enjoyable: Try to make cleaning more enjoyable by playing music or watching your favorite show to stay motivated and focused.
