Moving into a new apartment? Before you start unpacking, take time to clean. Even if the place looks fine, dust, germs, and grime from previous tenants could still be there.
A new apartment cleaning checklist helps you start fresh. Cleaning now is easier than doing it later when your stuff is everywhere. Plus, a clean home feels better—it’s safer, healthier, and truly yours.
Let’s go step by step to make sure your new space is move-in ready.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Before you start scrubbing, make sure you have the right tools. A good cleaning kit makes the job easier and faster. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose cleaner – Works on most surfaces, from countertops to doorknobs.
- Disinfectant wipes – Perfect for quick cleanups and killing germs.
- Microfiber cloths – Grab dust and dirt better than paper towels. Plus, they’re reusable.
- Mop and bucket – Essential for keeping floors spotless.
- Vacuum cleaner – A must for carpets and getting rid of dust.
- Baking soda and vinegar – Natural, powerful cleaners for tough stains and odors.
- Glass cleaner – For streak-free windows, mirrors, and shiny surfaces.
- Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from chemicals and grime.
Having these supplies ready will make your move-in cleaning much smoother. Now, let’s get started!
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Before you start scrubbing, take a few minutes to prepare. A little planning makes cleaning faster and easier.
1. Declutter First
Clear out everything the last tenant left—old mail, stray screws, or forgotten food in the fridge. If you’ve already moved in some boxes, stack them in one area so they’re out of the way. A clear space makes it easier to clean properly.
2. Make a Plan
Create a simple cleaning checklist instead of jumping around from room to room. Go one area at a time—kitchen, bathroom, living space—so you don’t miss anything. If you’re short on time, break the cleaning into small tasks and tackle them step by step.
Now that you’re ready, let’s start deep cleaning!
Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide
Cleaning an entire apartment can feel overwhelming. But if you break it down room by room, it becomes much easier. Follow this checklist to make sure every area is fresh and move-in ready.
Kitchen: Deep Clean Before You Cook
The kitchen is where you’ll prep meals, so it needs to be extra clean. Even if it looks fine, you don’t know what’s been left behind by previous tenants. Here’s what to do:
- Wipe down countertops and backsplashes – Use an all-purpose cleaner to remove crumbs, grease, and bacteria.
- Scrub the sink and faucet – Baking soda and vinegar can help remove stains and odors.
- Clean inside and outside cabinets and drawers – Wipe them down before washing dishes.
- Deep clean appliances:
- Refrigerator: Remove all shelves and drawers, wash them with warm, soapy water, and wipe down the fridge’s inside.
- Oven: Use an oven cleaner or baking soda paste to scrub off grease and burnt food.
- Microwave: Heat a bowl of water and lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe away loosened grime.
- Sweep and mop the floor – Get rid of food crumbs and sticky spots for a spotless finish.
Bathroom: A Germ-Free Zone
Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so a deep clean is necessary. Make sure to disinfect everything properly:
- Toilet: Scrub the bowl, seat, and handle with disinfectant.
- Shower or bathtub: Use a scrub brush and bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum and mildew. Pay extra attention to the grout.
- Sink and faucet: Wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner and polish fixtures for a shiny finish.
- Mirrors and glass surfaces: Use glass cleaner for a streak-free shine.
- Cabinets and drawers: Clean inside and out before putting away toiletries.
- Mop the floor: Use a bathroom-safe cleaner to remove dirt and germs.
Bedrooms and Living Areas: Fresh and Cozy Spaces
These spaces should be dust-free, organized, and inviting. Here’s how to get them move-in ready:
- Dust all surfaces – Don’t forget shelves, furniture, and baseboards.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs – Get rid of dust, dirt, and any lingering pet hair from past tenants.
- Mop hard floors – Use the right cleaner for your floor type to keep them looking great.
- Clean windows, sills, and tracks – A simple wipe-down with glass cleaner does wonders.
- Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches – These often-overlooked spots collect a surprising amount of germs.
- Organize closets and storage spaces – A fresh start means no clutter from day one.
Special Attention Areas
Once the main rooms are clean, it’s time to tackle the often-overlooked spots. These areas may not be in plain sight, but they can collect dust, allergens, and grime over time.
Ceilings and Walls: Clearing Hidden Dust
Even if you don’t notice it, dust and cobwebs love to hide in corners, ceilings, and along walls. Here’s how to handle them:
- Check the corners and ceiling edges – Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum with an extension to remove cobwebs.
- Wipe down walls – Spot clean fingerprints, scuff marks, or stains using a damp microfiber cloth or a magic eraser.
Air Vents and Filters:
Good air quality matters, especially in a new apartment where you don’t know when the vents were last cleaned.
- Dust air vents – Wipe them down with a damp cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust buildup.
- Replace HVAC filters – Check the filters if your apartment has central air. A clean filter helps keep the air fresh and reduces allergens.
Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans:
Light fixtures can trap dust and make your space look dim. Ceiling fans collect dirt too, spreading dust everywhere when they run.
- Dust and wipe down fixtures – Use a microfiber cloth or duster to clean light covers and lampshades.
- Clean fan blades – Wipe each blade with a damp cloth to remove built-up dust.
- Check light bulbs – Replace any burned-out so your apartment feels bright and welcoming.
Final Check
Once these areas are clean, step back and admire your work. You’ve covered every inch of your apartment—now it’s truly fresh and move-in ready!
Let The Cleaning Squad Do the Cleaning for You
Moving is already a lot of work—why spend extra time scrubbing floors and wiping down cabinets? Let The Cleaning Squad take care of it!
We’ll deep clean your new apartment so you can move in stress-free. We ensure that kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and windows are all clean and sanitized.
Don’t wait—get a fresh start in a clean home. Contact us now!
