Sometimes, cleaning your house seems like it takes all day. However, a few basic tips and tricks can not only save you time but also create a spotless living space.
Whether you have unexpected guests coming, a get together just ended or you just need to create a more organized and tidy space, read on for our tips and shortcuts on how to clean your apartment.
1. Round up your cleaning supplies
First, you’ll need cleaning supplies. Just because you’re cleaning different surfaces in various rooms doesn’t mean you need a different cleaning product for each room. Get the basics and organize them in a bathroom caddy. This way you can carry them from room to room.
Here are some apartment cleaning essentials:
- All-purpose, multi-surface cleaning spray
- Glass cleaner
- Paper towels
- Sponge
- Garbage bag
- Duster
- Vacuum
- Swiffer or mop
These general cleaning supplies will leave your home spotless. If you want to avoid chemicals, consider using green cleaning products. Many eco-friendly cleaners are easy to make yourself with just a few ingredients.
2. Clean your apartment room by room
The quickest way to clean your space is to take it one room at a time. By focusing on one room at a time, you can quickly start seeing your progress. This will make you feel more accomplished and encourage you to keep cleaning.
If items in this space belong in different rooms, place them in a container. This will save you time from running between rooms to place items in their proper spot.
3. Make your couch presentable
Start cleaning your living room by focusing on the couch. Brush the pet hair, food crumbs and dust off the cushions. Check behind the cushions for any items that have fallen out of sight. Replace the cushions and fluff the pillows.
4. Dust off the coffee table
Take on the coffee table next. This is the focus of any living room, so cleaning it will make the whole room feel more organized. Dust off the table and neatly stack any items you have on display. Toss old magazines and neatly arrange up-to-date magazines and books.
Finally, run a vacuum through the space. Remember, this is for a quick clean. Save moving the furniture for when you have more time.
5. Organize the clothes in your bedroom
Gather all your dirty clothes and place them in a hamper. Worry about sorting later when you do the laundry. If you have clean clothes that aren’t put away, go ahead and rehang or refold the items and put the items away.
6. Remove any trash from your bedroom
Place all trash, including old magazines, papers, etc. in a trashcan. Sort through your closet later when you have more time.
Straighten surfaces, including your nightstand, desk and shelves. You don’t have time to sort through everything or to rearrange your bedroom furniture, but if you have items that don’t seem to belong, place them in a bin to go through later. Similar to the living room, run a vacuum through the space.
7. Make your bed
Making the bed is a simple step that will make a big difference. If you have clean sheets available, change the sheets as well. This will take just a few minutes but will refresh the room, making it feel more organized.
8. Don’t avoid the bathroom
Many people avoid the bathroom because it’s the least pleasant place to clean. However, this is the place where you and your guests go to get clean so it’s important to invest some of your time into making it sparkle.
Place dirty clothing and used towels in a hamper. Next, throw all trash away in the trash can. Then wipe down the counters, sink and tub using the disinfectant cleaning spray. For the toilet, use a toilet brush and bathroom cleaner. Scrub the inside of the toilet. Use the cleaning spray for the outside of the toilet. Next, use a glass cleaner to wipe down the mirror. Return items to where they belong.
Again, you’ll want to sort through your items at a later date when you have more time. For now, make sure your bathroom is presentable to guests. Then sweep the floor.
9. Wash your dishes and dry them too
Wash dirty dishes by hand or load the dishwasher. If the plates have residue that has dried and is difficult to remove, fill the sink with warm, soapy water and allow the plates to soak for a few minutes while completing your other kitchen chores.
If you wash the dishes by hand, hand dry them as well. Leaving them out to dry will make the space feel cluttered.
10. Wipe down counters and floors
Once the dishes are taken care of, wipe down your sink, countertops and appliances with a natural kitchen cleaning method. Your floor probably has some crumbs or sticky spots. Sweep the space and then do a quick mop of the floor. To finish, take out the trash while the floor is drying.
11. Step back and enjoy
Just like that, your apartment will be clean and ready for company. Now that you know how to clean your apartment quickly, be sure to do this speed clean weekly. This will reduce clutter and make your deep cleaning days much easier.
If you are moving to a new apartment, be sure you do a more thorough clean before moving out of your old one so that you get your deposit back.
Comments
comments
Source: apartmentguide.com