In addition to regularly vacuuming floors and wiping down countertops, it’s a good idea to treat your apartment to a deep clean at least once a year. Before getting started, take an inventory of your cleaning supplies and restock as needed. Then, check out this list of simple-yet-effective things you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Dust Your Shelves
Take everything off your shelves—books, knick knacks, and picture frames—before wiping them down with a microfiber cloth or duster. If you want to go the extra mile, give the items on the shelf a quick dust, too, before putting them back.
Vacuum the Furniture
First, remove the cushions from any upholstered furniture. Then, vacuum the base and each individual cushion before putting everything back where it belongs. Repeat for each piece of furniture!
Deep Clean the Appliances
Take everything out of the fridge and toss any expired food. Then, wipe down all of the shelves. For the microwave, wash the tray and thoroughly wipe down the inside. Finally, give the oven a good clean with store-bought oven cleaner, lemon and water, or a mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar.
Clean and Organize the Cabinets
Take all the pots, pans, and canned food out of your kitchen cabinets before wiping them down. Then, put everything back in an organized manner. You might want to clean out the bathroom cabinets, too.
Hose off Your Doormat
If you have a doormat, consider cleaning it off with the vacuum or a hose—or brighten up your front door with a brand new one.
Wash Reusable Grocery Bags
Toss all of your reusable grocery bags and totes into the washing machine. You might even want to do this every time you go to the store.
Spray Down the Patio Furniture
If you have patio furniture, you may want to spray it down with a hose to get rid of any dust or pollen. Once it’s clean, you can liven up the space with some throw pillows.
Wash or Replace Your Shower Curtain
Shower curtains and liners can develop mildew stains over time, but they’re easy enough to clean. Just run both the curtain and the liner through the washing machine
Toss Old Toiletries
Go through all of your toiletries and toss old beauty products, expired medications, or things you simply don’t use anymore. This is also a good excuse to wash your makeup and hair brushes.
Do a Closet Cleanout
Start by taking everything—yes, everything—out of your closet. Consider donating anything you don’t wear anymore and tossing things that are old or torn up. Then, put everything back into the closet. Make sure to do the same with the clothes in your drawers!
