Basic Home Cleaning - FURNISHED APARTMENTS
Basic Home Cleaning for Furnished Apartments
Living in a furnished apartment offers convenience, but it also requires keeping the provided furniture and appliances clean.
Here's a rundown of how to tackle a basic cleaning routine in your furnished haven:
General Cleaning:
Dusting: Regularly dust furniture, shelves, electronics, and light fixtures with a microfiber cloth. Tip: For electronics, turn them off first and use a slightly damp cloth to avoid damaging them.
Vacuuming: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture at least once a week. Pay attention to high-traffic areas and under furniture cushions. Tip: Use the appropriate vacuum cleaner attachment for different surfaces (upholstery tool, crevice tool, etc.)
Sweeping: Sweep or mop hard floors like tile, wood, or laminate daily. Tip: Use a microfiber mop for most hard floors and a specific wood floor cleaner if applicable (check with your landlord for recommendations on cleaning products for the specific flooring).
Emptying Trash: Take out the trash regularly to avoid unpleasant odors and overflowing bins. Tip: Line your trash cans with trash bags for easier cleaning.
Kitchen Cleaning:
Wipe down appliances: Clean the exterior surfaces of your refrigerator, stove, microwave, and toaster oven with disinfectant wipes or a solution of warm water and dish soap. Tip: Don't forget to clean underneath and behind appliances if possible.
Clean the sink: Wash the sink with warm water and dish soap. Disinfect the faucet handles and surrounding area. Tip: For stubborn grime, baking soda can be a great natural cleaning agent.
Countertops and stovetop: Wipe down countertops and stovetops with appropriate cleaners. Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals on granite or other delicate surfaces (check with your landlord for recommendations).
Bathroom Cleaning:
Toilet cleaning: Disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, and surrounding area with a toilet cleaner and toilet brush. Tip: Let the disinfectant sit for some time as per the product instructions for effective cleaning.
Shower/bathtub: Clean shower walls, bathtub surfaces, and faucets with a bathroom cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. Tip: For soap scum buildup, consider using a vinegar solution or a commercially available scum remover.
Mirrors and vanity: Wipe down mirrors and the bathroom vanity with a glass cleaner or a multi-surface disinfectant wipe.
Living Area Cleaning:
Spot clean furniture: Address spills and stains on upholstered furniture promptly. Use appropriate cleaning solutions for the fabric type (check furniture tags for cleaning instructions). Tip: For small fabric snags, a fabric shaver can be helpful.
Make beds: Tidy up beds by making them daily. Fluff pillows and straighten sheets and blankets. Tip: Wash linens according to care instructions on the tags (usually every 1-2 weeks).
Declutter surfaces: Keep surfaces like coffee tables, dining tables, and countertops clear of clutter. Put things away in drawers, cabinets, or designated storage areas.
Additional Tips for Furnished Apartments:
Read the lease agreement: Some lease agreements might outline specific cleaning requirements for furnished apartments. Review these guidelines to ensure you're following the expectations.
Check with your landlord: Inquire about any specific cleaning instructions for the furniture or appliances provided. They might have recommendations for certain cleaning products or techniques to avoid damaging the furnishings.
Focus on high-touch areas: Pay close attention to cleaning doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, and remote controls, as these are frequently touched surfaces.
Maintain good ventilation: Open windows or run exhaust fans while cleaning, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to remove moisture and odors.
