How to Clean an Apartment: The Ultimate 12-Step Guide

If you're overwhelmed with your messy apartment, let us help you with a few cleaning tips and routines to get started. We’ve put together a simple 12-step apartment cleaning guide to help you figure out your apartment cleaning like a pro. Grab your apartment cleaning checklist and keep reading to learn how to clean your apartment like a pro.

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

There’s no reason that trying to clean your apartment should take all day. You can slash the time by getting organized and gathering your cleaning supplies ahead of time. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• Multi-surface, all-purpose cleaning spray or cleaner
• Streak-free glass cleaner
• Old, clean rags
• Paper towels
• Clean sponge
• Garbage bags
• Duster and dusting cleaning solutions
• Swiffer or mop
• Vacuum

Once you have your apartment cleaners in place, you can get started with the bathroom and kitchen.

Step 2: Start with the Bathroom and Kitchen

While bathrooms are never fun to clean, they often need a good scrub. Let’s look at a helpful bathroom cleaning checklist to get you started.

• Remove Linens: Place dirty clothes, towels, and bath mats to make more space.
• Take Out the Trash: Discard old items, such as empty toothpaste tubes or shampoo bottles, and take out the trash.
• Clean the Toilet: Using your desired toilet cleaner, scrub the inside of your toilet bowl. Allow the cleaner to sit and work its magic to get rid of tough stains before scrubbing.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Using a general cleaning spray, wipe down your vanity and clean your mirrors thoroughly. If possible, open up your windows and let your space air out to avoid overwhelming your senses with fumes.
• Mop: Lastly, clean the floors using a mop and a gentle mixture of soap and water

Now that the bathroom is looking sparkly clean, let’s move on to the kitchen:

• Wash the Dishes: Using your dishwasher or hand washing tools, tackle your dirty dishes first!
• Post-Dish Clean: Once your dishes are clean, dried, and put away, wipe down the sink with dish soap and hot water to make sure any residue left over from washing your dishes is gone.
• Clean the Dishwasher: If you have a dishwasher, run it on a hot cycle with a full bowl or cup of vinegar on the top rack. Vinegar is a great solution for neutralizing unwanted odors in your dishwasher. Just make sure to leave it open overnight to air out the vinegar scent.
• Wipe Countertops: Using a sanitizing solution or multipurpose cleaner, wipe down your countertops.
• Clean the Stovetop: Remove the burner plates and wipe down the stovetop using a multipurpose cleaner.
• Sweep and Mop the Floor: Get rid of any dirt, dust, or stray crumbs on the kitchen floor.

Note: The above kitchen cleaning checklist is for simple weekly kitchen cleaning and that you will want to tackle other kitchen cleaning jobs on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, such as:

• Cleaning the inside of your microwave
• Sanitizing your sponges
• Spot cleaning your cabinets
• Cleaning out your refrigerator and pantry
• Cleaning your tile grout

Now that your kitchen is looking brand-new, let’s get rid of that clutter you’ve been holding onto for the past year!

Step 3: Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter makes your apartment look dirtier than it is and can trap dust and attract pests looking for shelter.

Start by throwing out junk mail and loose papers, followed by putting away clean clothes or adding dirty laundry to your hamper. Next, tidy up devices and cords and wash and put away any dishes. Keep your surfaces as straightforward as possible, and make sure everything has a home, whether it's a pen or grocery store receipt.

Step 4: Use an All-Purpose Cleaner

Once you've tidied up the clutter, wipe everything down with an all-purpose cleaner. Make sure to address doorknobs, faucets, and cabinet pulls that you regularly put your hands on. You can also wipe down your bed frame and furniture, but ensure the cleaner you use is safe on wood and other surfaces.

Step 5: Wipe Down All Counters

Germs, dust, and grime quickly build up on countertops, so lean in on tough areas with your cleaning solution. Beyond the usual places like kitchen and bathroom countertops, consider the spots in your laundry area or home office space.

Step 6: Make Your Bed

Your bed is your sanctuary. It's easy to skimp on making your bed, but it can help you sleep better and make your bedroom look more inviting.

Change out your sheets and pillowcases and throw them into the laundry. Next, put on fresh bedding and make up your bed from start to finish. Finally, if you're feeling festive, add decorative throw pillows and spray with a relaxing lavender scent to give it a final touch.

Step 7: Organize Your Laundry

Unruly laundry can quickly overwhelm your space and lead to a messy apartment. Instead, organize your laundry by starting a load of soiled items and sorting through clean clothes ready to be put away. Use categories for organization, like shirts, pants, and dresses, when hanging or folding your clothes away.

Consider your supplies and overall space when organizing laundry. Recycle empty detergent bottles, throw out old dryer sheets, and wipe down your washer and dryer if your laundry is in your unit. You may need to run a rinse cycle on your washing machine if it smells and empty your dryer's lint trap.

Step 8: Dust and Vacuum

Now for everyone’s favorite step — dusting and vacuuming.

Don't forget your baseboards! They love to attract dust and need to be wiped down periodically to avoid build-up. You may also notice cobwebs in the corners and hard-to-reach places that need removal.

PRO TIP: Leave this step after any countertop cleaning to sweep up any spills or crumbs.

Step 9: Freshen Up Your Couch and Living Space

Take a step back and assess your living space. Take a moment to fluff up your couch pillows and vacuum underneath the cushions. You can also straighten up any books and artwork, put away board games, and water your plants.

Your living space may also need fresh air to make it feel new again. Throw open the windows or turn on a fan to help circulate the air, and try spritzing some air freshener.

Step 10: Restore Floors

Put some muscle into restoring your floors and making them look new. If you have hardwood floors, a mixture of ½ cup of distilled white vinegar per gallon of water will safely clean your floors. Dull floors may also need a multi-surface polish to make them shine.

A good scrub usually does the trick if your floors are synthetic or carpeted, so reach for some cleaner to address any stubborn spots or stains. Then, wipe clean and repeat every few days as needed.

Step 11: Straighten Up Your Outdoor Spaces

When cleaning an apartment, consider your outdoor space. Using similar steps above, tidy up your balcony, shared garden, or courtyard, removing dead plants or debris along the way.

If your outdoor space is private, turn it into an oasis! Add comfy chairs, a small table, and string lights to illuminate at night. A small, weatherproof cabinet can store blankets, pillows, and drinks to enjoy during a sunset.

Step 12: Enjoy Your Apartment

In just a few short steps and some simple cleaning ideas, your apartment will be tidy and ready to host company again. Now that you know how to clean your apartment and get it done quickly, you should make it part of your weekly routine to reduce the dirt and clutter to make your home life more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you're struggling to figure out how to deep clean an apartment, you just need to start small. Take one room at a time, step by step, and use our apartment cleaning guide to help you stay on top of the clutter and disinfect your space. You'll be cleaning like a pro in no time!