What to Clean When Moving Into a New Apartment [2024]

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, but before you start unpacking and settling in, it’s important to give your new space a thorough cleaning. Cleaning your new apartment not only ensures a fresh start but also helps create a clean and healthy living environment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what to clean when moving into a new apartment. So grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get started!

Quick Answer

When moving into a new apartment, here’s a quick checklist of what to clean:

1. Remove any debris from floors, walls, and closets.
2. Gather your cleaning supplies, including rubber gloves, vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and a multipurpose cleaner.
3. Clean existing appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and washing machine thoroughly.
4. Clean the kitchen, including cabinets, countertops, and sink.
5. Get your bathrooms sparkling clean, including showers, tubs, toilets, and mirrors.
6. Clean the bedrooms, living room, dining room, and other areas by dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces.
7. Finish by cleaning the floors, including sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping.

Now, let’s dive into the details and explore each step in more depth.

Quick Tips and Facts

• It’s important to clean your new apartment even if it’s brand new. Construction dust and debris can accumulate during the building process.
• Start cleaning your new apartment a few days before your move-in date to ensure everything is fresh and ready for you.
• Make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing while cleaning to avoid any skin irritation or allergies.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate the space while cleaning, especially if you’re using any strong cleaning products.
• If you’re not sure about the cleaning products to use, opt for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, which are effective and environmentally friendly.

Background: Why Cleaning is Important When Moving Into a New Apartment

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, but it’s essential to clean the space thoroughly before settling in. Here’s why cleaning is important when moving into a new apartment:

1. Health and Hygiene: Cleaning your new apartment helps remove dust, allergens, and germs that may have accumulated over time. This is especially crucial if the previous tenants had pets or if the apartment has been vacant for a while.

2. Personalization: Cleaning allows you to start with a fresh canvas and make the space truly your own. It’s easier to decorate and organize a clean apartment, giving you a sense of ownership and comfort.

3. Maintenance: Cleaning your new apartment gives you an opportunity to inspect the space for any damages or maintenance issues. Identifying and addressing these problems early on can save you time and money in the long run.

Now that you understand the importance of cleaning when moving into a new apartment, let’s break down each step in detail.

Step 1: Remove any Debris from Floors, Walls, and Closets

Before you start deep cleaning your new apartment, it’s essential to remove any debris or loose dirt from the floors, walls, and closets. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove any dust, dirt, or loose particles. Pay extra attention to corners and baseboards.

2. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any smudges or marks. If there are stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent solution.

3. Empty and clean the closets, removing any dust or cobwebs. Wipe down the shelves and rods with a damp cloth.

By starting with a clean slate, you’ll have a better foundation for the rest of your cleaning tasks.

Step 2: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you dive into cleaning your new apartment, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies on hand. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need:

• Rubber gloves: Protect your hands from harsh chemicals and bacteria.
• Vinegar: A versatile and natural cleaning agent that can be used for various purposes.
• Baking soda: Great for removing odors and stains.
• Lemon: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
• Multipurpose cleaner: Choose a cleaner that is suitable for different surfaces.
• Microfiber cloths: Ideal for dusting and wiping surfaces.
• Mop and bucket: For cleaning floors.
• Vacuum cleaner: To remove dust and dirt from carpets and rugs.
• Scrub brushes: Useful for scrubbing stubborn stains or grime.

Having these cleaning supplies ready will make your cleaning process more efficient and effective.

Step 3: Clean Any Appliances in Your New Home

Next, it’s time to clean the existing appliances in your new apartment. Here’s how to tackle each appliance:

1. Refrigerator: Remove all shelves and drawers and wash them with warm soapy water. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the refrigerator, paying attention to the door seals. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any lingering odors.

2. Oven: If your new apartment has a self-cleaning oven, run the self-cleaning cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If not, create a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the interior of the oven. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub away the grime with a scrub brush.

3. Washing machine: Run a cycle with hot water and vinegar to clean the washing machine. Wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces, including the detergent dispenser and door seal.

4. Dishwasher: Remove any food debris from the filter and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Run a cycle with vinegar to remove any buildup or odors.

By cleaning these appliances, you’ll ensure they are in good working condition and ready to use.

Step 4: Clean the Rest of the Kitchen

After taking care of the appliances, it’s time to clean the rest of the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cabinets and countertops: Wipe down the cabinets and countertops with a mild detergent solution. Pay attention to any sticky spots or stains. Use appropriate cleaning methods based on the material of your cabinets and countertops.

2. Sink: Scrub the sink with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any stains or buildup. Don’t forget to clean the faucet and drain as well.

3. Backsplash: If your kitchen has a backsplash, wipe it down with a damp cloth or use a mild detergent solution if necessary.

4. Range hood and stove: Remove the range hood filter and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe down the exterior of the range hood and the stove with a damp cloth.

5. Kitchen utensils and dishes: If you’re using any existing kitchen utensils or dishes, make sure to wash them thoroughly before use.

A clean and organized kitchen sets the stage for enjoyable cooking and meal preparation in your new apartment.

Step 5: Get Your Bathrooms Sparkling Clean

Moving on to the bathrooms, here’s how to get them sparkling clean:

1. Showers and tubs: Use a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the showers and tubs. Scrub away any soap scum or grime with a scrub brush. Don’t forget to clean the showerhead as well.

2. Toilets: Apply a toilet bowl cleaner and scrub the inside of the toilet bowl with a toilet brush. Wipe down the exterior of the toilet, including the seat and handle.

3. Sinks and countertops: Clean the sinks and countertops with a mild detergent solution. Pay attention to any stains or buildup.

4. Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the mirrors. Wipe them down with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine.

By thoroughly cleaning your bathrooms, you’ll create a fresh and hygienic space for your daily routines.

Step 6: Move on to the Bedrooms, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, and the Rest

Now it’s time to clean the remaining areas of your new apartment, including the bedrooms, living room, dining room, and any other spaces. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Dusting: Start by dusting all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and decorative items. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to capture dust effectively.

2. Vacuuming: Vacuum the floors, carpets, and rugs to remove any dust, dirt, or pet hair. Pay extra attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas.

3. Wiping surfaces: Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces like tables, countertops, and shelves. If there are any stains or spills, use an appropriate cleaner to remove them.

4. Windows and window sills: Clean the windows and window sills with a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe them down with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish.

5. Curtains and blinds: If your new apartment has curtains or blinds, make sure to clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

By cleaning these areas, you’ll create a clean and inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.

Step 7: Finish with Your Floors

Last but not least, it’s time to give your floors a final cleaning. Here’s how to clean different types of flooring:

1. Wood floors: Sweep or vacuum the wood floors to remove any dust or dirt. Use a wood floor cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to mop the floors. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the wood.

2. Tile floors: Sweep or vacuum the tile floors to remove any debris. Use a tile cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to mop the floors. Pay attention to grout lines and use a scrub brush if necessary.

3. Laminate floors: Sweep or vacuum the laminate floors to remove any dust or dirt. Use a laminate floor cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to mop the floors. Avoid using excessive water, as it can cause the laminate to warp.

4. Carpeted floors: Vacuum the carpeted floors thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or pet hair. Consider using a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional carpet cleaning service for a deep clean.

By giving your floors a final cleaning, you’ll ensure a clean and fresh foundation for your new apartment.

FAQ

What should you clean when moving into a new apartment?

When moving into a new apartment, it’s important to clean the following areas:

• Floors, walls, and closets
• Appliances
• Kitchen, including cabinets, countertops, and sink
• Bathrooms, including showers, tubs, toilets, and mirrors
• Bedrooms, living room, dining room, and other areas
• Floors, including wood, tile, laminate, and carpeted floors

Read more about “How Much Should You Have When Moving Into an Apartment? …”

How do I sanitize my house before moving in?

To sanitize your new apartment before moving in, follow these steps:

1. Clean all surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of water and bleach.
2. Pay extra attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
3. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize electronic devices, such as remote controls and light switches.
4. Allow the surfaces to air dry or wipe them down with a clean cloth.

Should I clean the walls in my new apartment?

Yes, it’s a good idea to clean the walls in your new apartment. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any smudges or marks. If there are stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent solution. Cleaning the walls will give your new apartment a fresh and clean look.

Read more about “20 Unexpected Things You Need for an Apartment That You Wouldn’t Think Of …”

How do I disinfect my apartment?

To disinfect your apartment, follow these steps:

1. Clean all surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of water and bleach.
2. Pay extra attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
3. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize electronic devices, such as remote controls and light switches.
4. Allow the surfaces to air dry or wipe them down with a clean cloth.

By following these steps, you’ll create a clean and sanitized living environment.

Conclusion

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, and cleaning your new space is an essential step to ensure a fresh start. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll know exactly what to clean when moving into a new apartment. From removing debris to cleaning appliances, kitchens, bathrooms, and the rest of the space, you’ll create a clean and inviting home. Remember to use the right cleaning supplies, take your time, and enjoy the process of making your new apartment truly your own.

Recommended Links

• Moving Essentials: Check out our comprehensive guide to essential items you’ll need for a smooth move.
• Moving Day Checklist: Get organized and stay on track with our detailed moving day checklist.
• Packing Tips: Learn how to pack efficiently and protect your belongings during the move.
• Long Distance Moves: If you’re moving long-distance, we’ve got you covered with tips and advice.
• Home Organization: Once you’re settled in your new apartment, check out our home organization tips to keep everything in order.

Reference Links

• How to Clean Your New House or Apartment Before You Move In: Check out this article for additional tips on cleaning your new house or apartment before moving in.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cleaning your new apartment. Happy cleaning and enjoy your new home!