Stepping into a new apartment for the first time is full of excitement and endless possibilities. After all, the walls are blank, the rooms are empty and the ability to design the space is directly at your fingertips. But before you begin tossing in rugs, painting walls and loading in all your boxes, consider pulling up your gloves for a deep clean. In most cases, rental units receive a base cleaning before you move in, either from the previous tenant or a service hired by building management. Still, many nooks and crannies are often dismissed, meaning it’s up to you to get down to business.
Read on to discover the lesser-known deep cleaning you should consider before moving into a new apartment.
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Determine the Order of Operation
To begin your apartment deep clean, consider how you want to tackle each room to avoid doubling your workload. For example, you might be eager to start by sweeping and mopping the floors; but cleaning other areas afterward could cause debris, dust and gunk to land back on the floors, forcing you to clean them again. Instead, conduct a brief walkthrough of the space and make a list of all the areas that require your attention, then prioritize each task in order of what could produce the most or least additional cleanup. This small effort could also help you understand how long the process will take and which cleaning supplies you’ll need to do the job.
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Scan the Walls for Leftover Hardware
More often than not, previous tenants will leave nails, screws and hooks in the walls after packing away their art. It’s essential to check all of the walls in your apartment before you move in. Is there any patchwork you’ll need to take on or removal marks of hardware that was left behind? You may consider patching up holes before you dig into other cleaning tasks. It you haven’t decided on whether to cover them up with paint, wallpaper or prints — simply wipe the walls down with a duster, followed by a mild soap and warm water solution.
Deep Clean All of the Appliances in Your Apartment
Food debris can build up on home appliances. It’s possible items such as dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators and microwaves did not receive a proper cleaning before you rented the unit. In this case, you’ll need to apply some elbow grease to make them appear shiny and new again. Dishwashers can receive a basic clean with a rinse aid placed in the machine while it completes an entire wash cycle. However, small food items and gunk can hide in the small parts of the appliance, creating unwanted smells. To avoid this, remove all the dish racks and take apart the pieces in the unit before getting in there. You use a toothbrush or small cleaning tool to give it a more thorough cleaning.
Similarly, remove all racks from your oven and refrigerator. Wipe each section down to catch all leftover oils or food particles. Some ovens have a self-cleaning option, but there is no harm in taking a closer look to ensure everything is cleared out. Plus, add a box of baking soda to your fridge to keep your apartment odour-free.
After the appliances are clean and shiny, move on to the counters, cupboards, drawers and any additional surfaces that need extra love. The kitchen sink will also require special attention to wash away bacteria and other germs in or around the drain.
Related: 10 Hidden Kitchen Spots That Need a Deep Clean Right Now
Make Your Bathroom Sparkle and Shine
The bathroom is arguably one of the most challenging cleaning spots to tackle, but putting in the extra effort to get it in top shape will create a relaxing oasis for you to enjoy when the work is complete. You’ll want to scrub down everything in this room, including the walls, mirror, shower or bathroom tiles and floors, counters, drawers, cabinets, sink and the toilet. If you prefer eco-friendly options, seek cleaning alternatives from the store or make your own using a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and essential oils for fragrance. Cleaning just the surfaces won’t be enough. Instead, grab a duster or vacuum to clean out the inside of drawers and cabinets. Don’t forget to get in behind the toilet for harder-to-reach surfaces that are often neglected.
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Wash Your Windows
Another area that requires your attention is the windows throughout your apartment. While some buildings offer annual outside window cleaning, the interior side of your windows might not receive the same treatment. Grab your preferred glass cleaner and wipe down all the windows, paying special attention to the corners, tops and bottoms where dust and dirt can settle and build over time. This extra effort can also help keep the air in your home clean, ensuring the wind doesn’t blow around leftover debris when you crack open the windows.
The Final Sweep
When the cleaning spree is nearing its end, go over each room again with a dust wand to catch unwanted grit or cobwebs that linger in the corners. It’s also a good time to scan any baseboards or heaters that collect dust that can quickly spread around the floors in your home.
Once the corners of each room get crossed off your list, you are ready to head to the floors. Try leaving the floors until the very end to ensure you only have to sweep, mop or vacuum once. Think of it as the final step in your new apartment deep clean, providing a clean surface so you can get comfy in your space more quickly.
