Your apartment isn't just a living space; it's a haven and a sanctuary that feels great to come back to when it’s sparkling clean. Whether you're a seasoned renter or embarking on your first solo adventure, maintaining an apartment can often seem daunting when daily responsibilities start to add up. But it can be made simple. We've got you covered with a guide that includes an overview of room-by-room cleaning, renter-friendly tips, and when and how to utilize your friendly neighborhood maintenance team.

Routine Cleaning

Kitchen

The kitchen deserves lots of routine attention to make sure it’s up to hygienic standards. Start by decluttering countertops and wiping down surfaces on a daily basis to avoid clutter and grime, as well as tackling dishes and cleaning sponges to avoid unpleasant odors and pests. On a weekly basis, sweep and mop the floor, check the inventory inside the fridge to avoid food spoilage, and give your sink a good scrub to get rid of bacteria. Give appliances like the microwave, oven, and refrigerator a deep clean on a monthly basis. Lastly, however often you find it necessary, organizing your pantry and cabinets to discard expired items is also a great habit to get into to keep things orderly. 

Bathroom

Aside from the kitchen, the bathroom might be the one other spot in your house where regular deep cleaning is non-negotiable. Vacuum and mop the floors, then wipe down and disinfect high-touch surfaces like faucets, handles, and light switches to prevent too much bacteria and dust from piling up. Don’t forget about wiping any mirrors and glass surfaces, too. Scrub the toilet bowl, tub, and shower area on a weekly basis to prevent soap scum and grime buildup, and keep your bathroom well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew growth. Lastly, wash your bath mats and shower curtains to keep them in top shape. While it takes a lot of cleaning, a tidy and fresh bathroom ensures a spa-like experience every time you step in.

Living Room

The living room is the spot in your home for relaxation and entertainment, so let’s keep it that way! Every week, start by dusting surfaces, including electronics, tables, bookshelves, and decorations. Vacuum upholstery and rugs to eliminate allergens and dirt, and regularly flip and rotate couch cushions to ensure even wear and tear. Show your floors some love by sweeping or vacuuming regularly and mopping as needed. Lastly, take time to find designated homes for items like remote controls, books, and magazines in order to keep clutter at bay and make your weekly cleaning go much smoother. 

Bedroom

A peaceful and clean bedroom is ideal for restful nights and productive mornings, so to start your days off right, making your bed does wonders for both your mental health and the overall appearance of your room. Weekly, wipe down surfaces and dust all around (especially those often-neglected corners), empty trash bins to prevent odors, organize your closet, and wash your bedding. Quarterly, it’s also a good idea to get into the habit of rotating or flipping your mattress for even wear, and going through your closet to donate any long-forgotten clothes. 

Balcony

If your apartment has a balcony or patio, regular sweeping and/or mopping the floor will eliminate debris and keep the area feeling clean. Keep any potted plants pruned and watered as needed, wipe down your outdoor furniture, and inspect the balcony for any maintenance issues to report. Balconies offer a bit of outdoor peace, and a little attention goes a long way when it comes to maintaining that.

Rapid-Fire Renter-Friendly Tips

If you want more tips and tricks on how to simplify apartment living, here are some quick ones to help you create an organized, comfortable, and welcoming space to call home.

• Get a shoe rack. Place a shoe rack or tray near the entrance to keep dirt and debris from spreading throughout your apartment.
• Use furniture pads. Attach furniture pads to the bottom of chairs, tables, and other heavy furniture to prevent scratches on floors and minimize noise.
• Hang reusable hooks. Use removable adhesive hooks or command strips for organization and hanging lightweight items like keys, hats, bags, and frames without the need for drilling holes.
• Prevent pests. Keep them at bay by regularly cleaning up food crumbs and spills, having maintenance seal gaps and cracks in walls and floors, and using natural repellents like peppermint oil or cedar blocks.
• Optimize your cables. Keep cords organized and tangle-free with cable clips or velcro straps to maintain a tidy and hazard-free living space.
• Familiarize yourself with your online portal. This will make using your apartment's online portal for rent payment, maintenance requests, and communication with management a breeze. 
• Know your lease. Read it thoroughly and understand your lease terms to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure a smooth rental experience. 
• Create a cleaning schedule. Developing a cleaning schedule is essential when it comes to organizing your routines and helps designate tasks when you’re living with roommates to prevent overwhelming clutter buildup.

Contacting Maintenance

Your apartment’s maintenance team members are your partners and support system in caring for your apartment, and they’re here to promptly address any problems that arise during your stay. From plumbing to appliances and electrical quirks, their expertise covers a wide range of issues. If you ever encounter a leaky faucet, malfunctioning stove, or flickering lights, fixing the problem is as simple as reaching out to your maintenance team through your apartment management portal. Describe the issue in detail, specifying the urgency if necessary, and leave it to them to fix it as soon as they can.

Maintaining your apartment doesn’t have to be an overwhelming series of tasks–with the guide we’ve outlined here, we hope that caring for it just got a lot easier. For more apartment tips and tricks, check out the rest of our blog!