Living in an apartment is becoming more popular. However, the smaller space doesn't mean you can skimp on cleaning. Thorough deep cleaning steps can make your apartment feel more spacious and inviting.
Eliminating dust and dirt will bring a new sparkle to your home. Read on for expert advice on deep cleaning your apartment effectively.
A Top-to-Bottom Approach
Cleaning an apartment may initially seem tedious, but the rewarding results are well worth the effort. In smaller homes, dedicating time to brightening the space creates a more spacious ambiance. If needed, consider renting an off-site storage facility for excess furniture and belongings.
Whether deep cleaning an apartment before moving in or giving your home a fresh cleanse, always start from the top. Gravity causes dirt and debris to fall, so cleaning from the top down ensures you don’t re-soil lower areas.
Begin by dusting the ceiling fan, ceiling corners, and overhead lights. Then, work your way down the walls and finish with the floors. To clean the floors efficiently, start from the doorway and work outwards to avoid tracking dirt across freshly cleaned areas.
How to Deep Clean Your Apartment
Stock up on all-purpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, and paper towels before you start. Follow our ultimate guide to brighten up your home. Here are our top cleaning tips to enhance your apartment or house.
Step 1: Wipe Ceiling Fans
Start from the top and work your way down. Ceiling fans and light fixtures are a great place to begin as they often accumulate a lot of dust.
Turn off the fan and wipe down the blades using a pillowcase to collect dust and debris. Clean your fans once or twice a year. Apply the same method to light fixtures to keep them dust-free.
Step 2: Vacuum Each Corner
Room corners are notorious for collecting dust, spiders, and debris. You may need to move furniture, but thorough cleaning is worth the effort. Use your vacuum's crevice tool to clean dirt in corners and along baseboards. Remember to vacuum the corners between cupboards and other fixed fixtures.
Step 3: Clean the Faucets
Deep cleaning means addressing every detail, including faucets. You might not think of them as dirty, but cleaning them makes a noticeable difference.
Descale faucets and showerheads with vinegar. Ideally, do this monthly or bi-monthly, but an annual spring clean works too. Use an old toothbrush for thorough cleaning, or fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the faucet to soak and remove mold.
Step 4: Clean Cabinets and Drawers
Empty your cabinets and drawers one by one. Vacuum inside and wipe them clean with a wet cloth and disinfectant wipes. Apply the same care to the outside of the cabinets, finishing with a furniture polish for extra shine.
While cleaning, assess your belongings. Apartment living isn't suited to hoarding, so if you find items you haven't used recently, consider giving them away or donating them.
Step 5: Sanitize Trash Cans
Cleaning your trash cans regularly is essential, and it's an easy task to add to your deep clean routine. Wipe out and sanitize trash cans, recycling bins, and wastebaskets with a strong cleaning solution.
For a thorough job, take them outside, squirt with dish soap or detergent, and use a power hose to clean the insides effectively.
Step 6: Wipe Down Electronics
TVs, phones, tablets, and other electronics attract germs, dust, and grime. Before cleaning, check the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage.
Use a gentle disinfectant to wipe down screens and gadgets. Dust or vacuum your TV and gaming stations for a thorough clean.
Step 7: Clean Out Your Fridge and Freezer
No one likes finding old food and bad smells in the fridge. Regularly clearing out expired items is crucial, but a thorough deep clean twice a year is also necessary.
Unplug and defrost your freezer when frost exceeds 1 cm. Clean the rubber door seals and the interior of the fridge and freezer, including shelves, drawers, and walls, with soapy water and disinfectant. Discard any expired food items.
While the fridge and freezer are unplugged, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from the condenser coil and exterior.
Step 8: Deep Clean the Closets
Start by decluttering your closets. Remove everything and decide if you'll use each item again. Donate anything you no longer need. While empty, dust the corners thoroughly.
Consider lining shelves and walls with vinyl or decorative paper to simplify cleaning and hide stains or marks.
Step 9: Scrub the Stove
Regardless of whether your stove is stainless steel or ceramic, it requires thorough cleaning. After each use, wipe it down regularly. Once a month, soak the stovetop in hot, soapy water. For electric ovens, unplug the coils to simplify cleaning.
Remove pot grates and clean them separately. Scrub all surfaces, knobs, the hood fan, and the filter with a soapy sponge. Some stovetops and ovens have a slide-out tray beneath to catch food; ensure you scrub it thoroughly as well.
Step 10: Replace the Toilet Seat
While cleaning your toilet seat weekly is advisable, if it's old, from the previous tenant, or causing drainage problems, replacing it is a smart move. Toilet seats are affordable, so investing in a new one is beneficial for you and your guests.
Step 11: Clean Windows
Grab a glass cleaner and a rubber glove to tackle your windows. You'll be surprised how much sparkling windows can enhance your home's interior design. Since apartments are typically small, letting in natural light can create a sense of spaciousness.
If you're on the ground floor, consider washing your windows from the outside as well for a thorough clean.
Step 12: Eliminate Foul Odors
If your apartment carries unpleasant odors, like cigarette smoke or other persistent smells, masking them with flowers won’t suffice for long. Fresh flowers may briefly improve the scent, but addressing the root cause is essential.
Wash the walls and ceilings with a mixture of white vinegar and water to eliminate stubborn odors, such as lingering cigarette smoke. Additionally, place small bowls of baking soda around the room or sprinkle it on the floor to absorb odors. Thoroughly wash any curtains and upholstery to remove lingering smells.
Step 13: Make the Floors Shine
Lastly, focus on the floors. Different types of flooring require different cleaning methods. For hard floors, mop and dust them as needed, and vacuum any carpets. Pay extra attention if you have pets prone to shedding.
For stubborn stains on carpets, such as red wine spills, apply a solution of water and salt and leave it overnight. In the morning, scoop up the mixture and vacuum thoroughly. If the stain persists, consider seeking professional assistance.
Conclusion
By dividing deep cleaning into manageable tasks, setting a routine, and keeping things tidy, you can prevent dirt and grime buildup, saving time and energy in the long run.
Consistent cleaning will not only maintain a clean home but also bring a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment, creating a refreshed and inviting living environment for you to enjoy.
Related
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- How to Remove Candle Wax from Walls and Wooden Floors
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- Guide to Preventing and Removing Mould in Wardrobes
- New Homeowner Cleaning Tips
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