Does your home need some extra TLC in the cleaning department? Even if you clean week to week, sooner or later, you’ll need to do deep cleaning to get rid of the dirt and grime that has built-up in those hard-to-reach areas around the apartment. It’s not exactly fun work (unless you’re Monica Geller), but the results are totally worth it.
The Living Area
Start cleaning up high and use a duster to get into the corners of the ceiling. If you don’t have a duster long enough, use the bristle end of a broom covered in an old T-shirt. Be sure to dust the crown molding and ceiling fans, too.
Baseboards can get extremely dusty, especially if you have a pet in the apartment. Sweep the hair off and then, using mild soap and water, scrub the baseboards until they’re good as new. Walls should be spot-cleaned.
Next, with your duster, make your way around the room and dust off all the wall art, including frames, artwork, shelves and other knickknacks. While you’re at it, dust any door frames and clean as needed.
Use a duster, rag and furniture polish to really make your pieces sparkle. A vacuum hose attachment can be useful for removing debris from chairs and couches. Spritz the furniture with a little fabric freshener.
Be sure you vacuum the carpet and mop wood/laminate flooring for a squeaky-clean feel.
The Kitchen
Start with the ceiling and follow the same process as you did in the living areas.
You want to make sure to clean the inside and outside of the fridge. The handle and crispers can get especially dirty. Toss out old or expired food. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the shelves and drawers with a gentle cleaning solution. Dry with a hand towel and return food to fridge.
Microwaves always get messy. Loosen stubborn food splatters with one part water and one part lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the bowl for 3 minutes, and then let it sit for an additional 3 minutes. Anything that is stuck on should be easy to wipe away.
A stove and oven require a bit more elbow grease than a fridge, but it’s so worth the effort. I like to avoid harsh chemicals when I clean. For my oven, I use baking soda, vinegar and water to scrub off hardened food particles. Be sure to clean the splatters off the burners with the same solution, just avoid the area where the ignition lite is.
Disinfect your countertops and shine the sink for a clean looking kitchen!
The Bedrooms
Follow the same process as you did in the living areas, starting at the top and working your way down to the floors. Also, remove and wash all of your bedding, down to the mattress pad and pillows.
The Bathrooms
Dust the corners and walls as needed.
Then, use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove water spots from the mirror. Next, use an all-purpose cleaner and new cloth to disinfect counters and shelving. Don’t forget to scrub the sink! Distilled white vinegar is excellent for eradicating soap scum and dried toothpaste.
Tackle the tub/shower with distilled vinegar, and use mildew spray as needed. If applicable, take down your shower curtain and toss it in the wash. Since shower liners can get grimy really fast, think about replacing it every 6 months.
Next, clean the toilet bowl and wipe down the outside of it, too. I suggest using disinfecting wipes for the seat, lid and handle. However, do the handle first since it's one of the germiest parts of the toilet.
And finally, sweep and mop the floor.
