Daily habits (dishes, counters, pickup) should happen every day—they take 5-10 minutes total. Weekly cleaning (bathroom, floors, dusting) takes about an hour spread across the week. Monthly deep cleaning tasks can be rotated in as needed. See our weekly schedule for details.
Weekly is the standard recommendation. If you shower before bed, have allergies, or live in a hot climate, you might want to change them more frequently. At minimum, every two weeks. Pillowcases can be changed more often than full sheets if needed.
The essentials: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, dish soap, microfiber cloths, scrub brush, vacuum, and mop. That's really all you need for most apartment cleaning. See our supplies guide.
Squeegee shower walls after every use—it takes 30 seconds and prevents 90% of soap scum buildup. You can also use a daily shower spray or switch to liquid body wash instead of bar soap, which leaves less residue.
Common sources: trash (take it out), garbage disposal (run ice and citrus peels), refrigerator (clean and add baking soda box), drain (baking soda + vinegar). Also check for forgotten food in hidden spots. Prevention is best—take out trash regularly and clean as you cook.
Weekly for most apartments. If you have pets, allergies, or high-traffic areas, twice weekly may be better. The entry area often needs more frequent attention. A good doormat and shoes-off policy reduces vacuuming needs significantly.
That depends on your budget and time. A monthly or bi-weekly professional clean can help with deep cleaning while you maintain between visits. For move-in/move-out cleaning, professionals often make sense. Calculate the hourly cost versus the value of your time.
Use glass cleaner (or 1:1 vinegar-water mix) and microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. Clean on a cloudy day—direct sun causes cleaner to dry too fast and streak. Wipe in one direction on one side, perpendicular on the other, so you can identify which side any streaks are on.
Focus on what guests see and use: clear clutter (stuff can go in a closed room), clean the bathroom (especially toilet, sink, mirror), wipe kitchen counters, straighten the living room. See our cleaning before guests guide for time-based priorities.
Start small—just 5 minutes. Set a timer and stop when it rings (you often continue). Build habits by linking cleaning to existing routines (wipe sink while brushing teeth). Put on music or a podcast. Focus on maintaining clean, not achieving clean—small consistent effort beats occasional marathons.
No. Vinegar is great for glass, mineral deposits, and general surface cleaning, but avoid using it on natural stone (marble, granite), hardwood floors, or egg-based stains (sets them). It's not a disinfectant. For toilets and heavy-duty sanitizing, use appropriate cleaners.
Everything needs a home. If something doesn't have a designated place, it becomes clutter. Keep flat surfaces clear. Use the one-in-one-out rule for new purchases. Do a 5-minute nightly pickup. Regular small decluttering sessions beat annual purges. See our decluttering guide.