By Ryan Castillo.

Maintaining a clean and organized apartment is essential for creating a comfortable and healthy living environment. Whether you’re a seasoned apartment dweller in Atlanta, GA, or just starting out on your own in Seattle, WA, incorporating effective cleaning strategies into your routine can make a significant difference in the freshness of your space.

From simple daily habits to more thorough weekly tasks, implementing these 14 expert-approved apartment cleaning tips can streamline your efforts and ensure your apartment remains clean and tranquil.

1. Never leave a room empty-handed

Never leave a room empty-handed when cleaning an apartment because it allows you to make the most of your time by tackling small tasks as you move through each space, ultimately streamlining the cleaning process and achieving a more thorough result.

“Embrace the mantra of ‘Never leave a room empty-handed’ to maintain a clutter-free home,” recommends Home Sweet Home Cleaning & Gardening LLC. “By making it a habit to carry out misplaced items, dirty laundry, or items to their designated places as you move between rooms, you prevent the build-up of mess and eliminate the need for extensive cleaning sessions.”

2. Use a squeegee on your carpets to gather pet hair

Using a squeegee on your carpets to gather pet hair is effective because the rubber edge creates friction, loosening hair from the carpet fibers, while the smooth surface allows for easy collection.

Minneapolis, MN-based Right Touch Residential Cleaning says, “We swear by using a squeegee on your carpets to gather pet hair into easy-to-vacuum clumps, leaving your floors fur-free in no time.”

3. Try a Cuban mop

Using a Cuban mop offers several advantages, such as its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. This traditional cleaning tool, consisting of a cloth or rag attached to a stick, excels in efficiently wiping floors, particularly in hard-to-reach areas or tight spaces.

“One of my favorite tips for apartment dwellers is to get a Cuban mop,” notes All Star Cleaning Services. “They are really small and do not take up much space. You can use them with either a terry cloth or a microfiber towel. They do a great job in small places, and when you are done, you can throw the towel in the washing machine.”

4. Add a window squeegee to your shower

Keeping a window squeegee in the shower is a practical habit that helps to prevent water spots and mineral buildup on the glass surfaces.

“After every shower, use it to wipe away water residue from the glass door and prevent hard water build-up. Use a silicone hair catcher to prevent clogged drains. This quick and easy tip will help keep your shower clean every day,” states Avanti Green, located in Las Vegas, NV.

5. Store pet food in containers

Keeping pet food in containers is essential for maintaining its freshness and preventing contamination. Sealing pet food into airtight containers helps to preserve its flavor and nutritional value while also keeping pests such as insects and rodents at bay.

Alexis White, owner and operator of Tiffany’s Maid Service remarks, “Keep pet food in a container. Bugs and rodents are a huge problem in apartment buildings if your neighbors aren’t clean, the bugs will find you too.”

6. Make your bed right away in the morning

Making your bed first thing in the morning sets you up for success by fostering a sense of accomplishment and order. It also instantly declutters your space.

“Make your bed first thing in the morning,” recommends Miraculous Maids, located in Edmonton, AB. “This instantly improves the look of your room and sets a positive tone for the day.”

7. Use EPA-approved disinfectants

Switching to EPA-approved disinfectants ensures effective and safe sanitation by relying on products that have undergone rigorous testing for their ability to kill pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.

“Protect your apartment from invisible threats like viruses, bacteria, fungi, mites, and bed bugs with EPA-approved disinfectants. This powerful, EPA-approved disinfectant and insecticide rapidly kills germs, bugs, and odors. It’s nonresidual, so you can safely spray and return home in 15 minutes. Use it on nearly any surface, including mattresses and upholstery,” states Rachel Kaplan of Sterifab.

8. Get rid of wine stains with hydrogen peroxide

Consider eliminating wine stains with hydrogen peroxide because it effectively breaks down the pigments in the stain, making it easier to lift from the fabric or surface.

Atlanta, GA-based Citrus Carpet Cleaners shares, “Spilling red wine on your carpet can be frightening, but there’s a simple solution. Mix hydrogen peroxide with dish soap, apply it to the stain with a light-colored towel, let it sit, then blot and rinse to remove the stain effectively.”

9. Plan out a weekly schedule for small tasks

Creating a weekly schedule for small tasks helps to maintain organization and efficiency in managing household chores or work responsibilities.

“Set up a weekly schedule that includes small tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and wiping surfaces,” remarks Koller Cleaning Services, located in Miami, FL. “Break down larger chores into manageable daily routines to maintain a consistently tidy home.”

10. Designate a specific area for cleaning supplies

Having a dedicated space for cleaning supplies makes it easier to locate the necessary tools and products when needed.

“Designate a specific area for cleaning supplies and keep them organized in a caddy,” recommends Shelby Township, MI-based Dawn To Dusk Cleaning. “This makes it easy to access what you need quickly and ensures you’re always prepared for a quick clean-up.”

11. Focus on one task at a time

Focusing on one task at a time improves efficiency and productivity by allowing you to dedicate your full attention and energy to completing that task effectively.

Yorleny’s Cleaning Service, based in West Palm Beach, FL, states, “Optimize your apartment cleaning routine by focusing on one task at a time — whether it’s decluttering, dusting, or vacuuming — for efficiency and to avoid overwhelming yourself. Maintain a consistently clean and inviting living space by establishing a regular cleaning schedule and adopting daily habits like surface wiping and ongoing organization.”

12. Don’t let trash pile up

You should not let trash pile up because it can lead to unpleasant odors, attract pests, and create unsanitary conditions in your living or working environment.

“If you live on a high floor of an apartment building, you might have the urge to pile trash bags and think, ‘I’ll take those the next time I go out.’ Then you don’t have enough time, or your hands are full, and the trash doesn’t get taken out. You might end up with quite a few bags and a mess on your hands,” notes Tucson, AZ-based The Maid Connection.

13. Use a damp microfiber cloth and a vacuum cleaner

You should use a damp microfiber cloth and a vacuum cleaner for cleaning because they offer an effective and efficient way to remove dust, dirt, and debris from surfaces and floors.

“We love our furry pet buddies, but sometimes shedding can be a hassle. For a more eco-friendly approach on floors, mix two parts water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle to add a natural cleaning solution to microfiber cloths. This will help lift and remove pet hair while being gentle on both hardwood and tile surfaces,” says First Up Cleaning, based in New York, NY.

“Throw those paper towels away. Microfiber cloths are the best way to clean anything from a mirror to dusting. They are reusable and cost-effective, and you are saving the environment,” adds Maid for Today, located in Margate, FL.

14. Set up a recurring cleaning service

Setting up a recurring cleaning service offers numerous benefits, including consistent maintenance of cleanliness, time-saving convenience, and peace of mind.

The best way to get your deposit back is to sign up for recurring services with a professional cleaning company, even on a monthly basis. Doing it this way leaves your apartment well-maintained. Most professional cleaning companies charge higher rates if the apartment is in bad condition; thus, maintaining your home is a huge cost-saving strategy that increases your chances of getting your deposit back when it’s time to move out,” states Cobalt Clean House Cleaning Services located in Las Vegas, NV.