Complete Apartment Cleaning Guide

Keeping an apartment clean doesn't require hours of work or complicated systems. The key is establishing simple habits and routines that prevent messes from building up. A clean apartment is maintained, not achieved through occasional marathon cleaning sessions.

This guide focuses on efficiency—getting the best results with the least effort. Small spaces actually have an advantage here: less area to cover means quicker cleaning sessions.

The Small Space Advantage

Small apartments get a bad reputation, but they're actually easier to keep clean than large homes:

• Less square footage: Every task takes less time
• Fewer possessions: Less stuff means less to organize and clean around
• Quicker visual feedback: You see the results immediately
• Easier to maintain: Consistent routines are simpler to stick with

The goal isn't perfection—it's maintaining a baseline level of cleanliness that feels comfortable and takes minimal effort to sustain.

Daily Habits (5-10 minutes)

These small habits prevent buildup and keep your apartment at baseline clean:

Kitchen

• Wash dishes immediately after eating (or load dishwasher)
• Wipe counters after cooking
• Take out trash when full

Bathroom

• Squeegee shower walls after use (prevents soap scum)
• Wipe sink after brushing teeth
• Hang towels to dry properly

General

• Make bed in the morning
• Put things back after using them
• Quick 5-minute pickup before bed

Weekly Routines (1-2 hours total)

Spread these tasks across the week so no single day is overwhelming:

Monday: Kitchen Deep Clean

• Clean stovetop and oven exterior
• Wipe down appliances
• Clean microwave interior
• Take out recycling

Wednesday: Bathroom

• Clean toilet
• Scrub sink and faucet
• Clean mirror
• Wipe down surfaces

Friday: Floors

• Vacuum all floors
• Mop hard floors
• Shake out rugs if needed

Weekend: Laundry & Linens

• Wash and change bedding
• Do laundry
• Replace bathroom towels

See our detailed weekly cleaning schedule for more options.

Monthly Tasks (30-60 minutes)

These deeper cleaning tasks prevent long-term buildup:

• Clean inside refrigerator
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wipe down doors and door handles
• Clean windows (interior)
• Wash throw pillows and blankets
• Vacuum under furniture
• Clean oven interior
• Wipe down baseboards

Rotate these tasks—do a few each week rather than all at once.

Creating Systems That Work

Everything Has a Home

Every item in your apartment should have a designated place. If something doesn't have a home, it becomes clutter. This is the foundation of easy maintenance.

Clean as You Go

Don't wait until messes accumulate. Wipe the counter while waiting for coffee. Put clothes away while talking on the phone. Small actions throughout the day prevent the need for big cleaning sessions.

Reduce Friction

Make cleaning easy by removing obstacles:

• Keep cleaning supplies where you use them
• Use all-purpose cleaner for most surfaces
• Store vacuum in an accessible location
• Keep a small trash can in every room

Set Timers

Short, timed cleaning sessions are more effective than undefined cleaning time. Set a 15-minute timer and clean until it rings. You'll be surprised how much you accomplish.

Essential Supplies

You don't need dozens of specialized products. A minimal set covers most needs:

• All-purpose cleaner: For most surfaces
• Glass cleaner: For mirrors and windows
• Toilet bowl cleaner: For toilets specifically
• Dish soap: Also works for many general cleaning tasks
• Microfiber cloths: Reusable and effective
• Scrub brush: For tough spots
• Vacuum: Compact stick or canister for small spaces
• Mop: Spray mop or Swiffer-style for convenience

See our complete cleaning supplies guide for recommendations.