Whether you’re moving into an apartment in Los Angeles or a home in Austin, maintaining a spotless space is essential for your well-being and comfort; to achieve this, you need the right cleaning gear. In this ApartmentGuide article, we'll walk you through the top cleaning supplies and tips every renter should have and why they are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. We broke our cleaning supplies list down by room to save you time, so scroll to a specific room if needed.
Keeping your house clean offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. On the physical front, a clean home reduces exposure to allergens, dust and harmful bacteria, which can help prevent respiratory issues and allergies — and not to mention, needless illness.
Regular cleaning also promotes physical activity, as tasks like vacuuming, mopping and decluttering engage your muscles and contribute to a more active lifestyle. Moreover, a tidy and organized living space minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries, such as slips and falls.
Mentally, a clean home can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. A clutter-free environment promotes mental clarity, allowing you to focus better and feel more in control of your surroundings. The act of cleaning itself can be therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and order in your life.
Additionally, Lana Dziouba with Clean Couture in Miami, FL shares how maintaining cleanliness throughout your space can help when it comes to receiving your deposit back upon move out.
Before we dive into room-specific cleaning essentials, let's start with the basics that are indispensable for maintaining a clean home regardless of the room.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so keeping it clean is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics.
The bathroom is another area that requires regular cleaning and sanitizing to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew and bacteria.
The living room is where you unwind and entertain guests, so make sure to keep it clean and inviting.
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so it's important to keep it clean and comfortable.
If you're environmentally conscious, consider incorporating eco-friendly cleaning supplies into your arsenal.
For those on a budget, DIY cleaning solutions can be just as effective as store-bought products.
If you prefer store-bought green cleaning products, there are many options available.
To efficiently tackle cleaning tasks, you'll need the right tools.
Now that you have your cleaning supplies, it's crucial to keep them organized for easy access.
No one has endless hours to devote to cleaning tasks. Here's what you can do to stay on track and clean more efficiently so you can get back to what you actually enjoy at home.
Before cleaning, declutter the space to make cleaning more manageable. Decluttering nearly automatically decreases mess because it's one less item you have to clean — or an obstacle to clean around. Plus, a decluttered space is one that collects less dust.
Clean one room at a time to stay focused and maximize efficiency. Some people have even suggested closing the door to the room until it's clean to keep you from noticing things you might need to clean or tidy in surrounding areas.
All of the products and techniques we outlined above apply to both deep cleaning and routine cleaning, but it's important to know the difference between the two.
Regularly scheduled cleaning tasks are considered preventative because they help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes per day to take care of routine cleaning tasks, like washing dishes, vacuuming, tidying or cleaning kitchen counters eliminates the need for a deep clean later. If it helps keep you on track, stick to one area at a time: Committing to clearing one counter will save minutes and hours later.
Not everything can be taken care of by the spot cleaning we mentioned above. Whether you've let cleaning tasks pile up for a while or you just want a total cleaning reset on your home, deep cleaning might be your best bet. Set aside time for deep cleaning sessions to tackle more thorough tasks like cleaning the oven or scrubbing tile grout.
To recap, here are all the house cleaning supplies and organization tools mentioned in this article, listed for your convenience. Next time you're headed to the store, make sure you have all the supplies we discussed here.
In conclusion, having the right cleaning solutions and supplies is essential for keeping your apartment clean and comfortable as a young renter. By investing in these essential cleaning supplies and following a cleaning schedule, you can maintain a spotless home that you'll be proud to call your own. Whether you prefer eco-friendly options, DIY solutions or traditional cleaning products, there are plenty of choices on our cleaning supplies list above to suit your cleaning needs.
The post Cleaning Supplies List for Renters: The 33 Items You Need Now appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Why keeping a clean home is important
Keeping your house clean offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. On the physical front, a clean home reduces exposure to allergens, dust and harmful bacteria, which can help prevent respiratory issues and allergies — and not to mention, needless illness.
Regular cleaning also promotes physical activity, as tasks like vacuuming, mopping and decluttering engage your muscles and contribute to a more active lifestyle. Moreover, a tidy and organized living space minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries, such as slips and falls.
Mentally, a clean home can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. A clutter-free environment promotes mental clarity, allowing you to focus better and feel more in control of your surroundings. The act of cleaning itself can be therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and order in your life.
Additionally, Lana Dziouba with Clean Couture in Miami, FL shares how maintaining cleanliness throughout your space can help when it comes to receiving your deposit back upon move out.
Essential cleaning supplies list for every room
Before we dive into room-specific cleaning essentials, let's start with the basics that are indispensable for maintaining a clean home regardless of the room.
- Cleaning gloves: Jeff with Olimpic Maids, a Jersey City cleaning service recommends using a pair of durable cleaning gloves. He states, “they’ll save your hands when it’s time to really get into those tough spots.” Additionally, gloves act as your first line of defense against dirt and germs and protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
- Cleaning caddy: Kim with Done and Dusted Cleaning suggests investing in a portable cleaning caddy or bucket to keep your cleaning supplies organized and easily accessible as you move from room to room.
- Trash bags: Camila with Tidy Havens in Boston, MA recommends keeping a stash of high-quality trash bags on hand. She states, “It is important to keep waste contained and simplify disposal.” Regularly emptying the trash (think once per day) is key to maintaining a clean space.
- Trash bins: Owner of Wash Bins, Kevin Miller, calls clean trash bins “the number one essential cleaning supply.” Trash bins are a great method for apartment communities to create a centralized location for trash. Kevin states, “Clean trash cans and dumpsters help reduce rodent and pest infestation and prevent unpleasant odors from creeping into your living space.”
- Multi-purpose cleaner: Andzela Damme, co-founder of Elite Maids NY, recommends opting for a versatile, all-purpose cleaner that can be used on various surfaces. This will save you money and space compared to having specialized cleaners for every surface. If you want to go the natural route, we've provided some low-cost, DIY cleaning solution ideas below.
- Magic Eraser: The Magic Eraser is a tried and true household cleaning product that Jay Tomasino, co-owner of The Prime Cleaners calls “great for keeping tubs, showers, and walls spotless.”
Kitchen cleaning essentials
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so keeping it clean is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics.
- Dish soap and sponges: You'll need these to hand wash dishes and clean countertops, sinks, and appliances.
- Oven cleaner: To tackle baked-on grease and grime in your oven, a specialized oven cleaner is a must.
- Refrigerator cleaner: Keep your fridge smelling fresh and bacteria-free with a dedicated refrigerator cleaner.
- Dishwasher detergent: If your apartment comes with a dishwasher, make sure you have a good quality detergent to keep your dishes sparkling clean.
Bathroom cleaning supplies
The bathroom is another area that requires regular cleaning and sanitizing to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew and bacteria.
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush: A dedicated toilet bowl cleaner and brush are essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic toilet.
- Scrub brush: Brian, founder of MaidforHaven recommends having a scrub brush for areas away from the toilet. He shares how this is a great tool for “tough spots like grout or shower tiles.” Another option recommended by Coast House Cleaning is to use a “coarse sponge like a Scrub Daddy.”
- Tile and grout cleaner: To keep your bathroom tiles looking pristine, invest in a tile and grout cleaner.
- Shower and tub cleaner: Prevent soap scum and grime buildup in the shower and bathtub with a specialized cleaner. Some of them have mold and mildew cleaning agents that keep buildup in check.
- Glass cleaner: For mirrors and glass surfaces in the bathroom, a good glass cleaner is a must-have for streak-free surfaces.
- Pumice stone: Amin Asifa with ITCPMO Cleaning Services shares how a pumice stone is “a game changer for removing stubborn toilet bowl rings and hard water stains in the shower.”
- Squeegee: Michael Getter with Curb Appeal Power Clean in Woodland Hills, CA recommends using “a squeegee for your showers and mirrors.” He shares how this tool “comes in handy and can prevent hard water that will be difficult to remove when built up.”
Living room cleaning essentials
The living room is where you unwind and entertain guests, so make sure to keep it clean and inviting.
- Furniture polish: Keep your furniture looking its best with a quality furniture polish.
- Carpet cleaner: If your living room has carpeting, a carpet cleaner or stain remover is essential for tackling spills and stains.
- Electronics cleaner: Safely clean your TV, computer screen and other electronics with an electronics-specific cleaning solution.
- Window cleaner: Ludmilla Xavier, manager for Blue and Green Cleaning recommends “a good reusable window cleaner.” Window cleaner is perfect for any area of your home and can help “bring in more light and enhance the overall well-being of the space.”
Bedroom cleaning necessities
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so it's important to keep it clean and comfortable.
- Bed linens spray: A bed linen spray can freshen up your bedding between washes, creating a cozy sleeping environment.
- Mattress protector: Protect your mattress from spills and stains with a waterproof mattress protector.
- Dust cloths: Dusting regularly is essential for maintaining a clean bedroom. Kal Thip with Klean Assurance Junk Removal suggests using microfiber dust cloths and states, “those little miracle works somehow pick up more dirt than your last vacuum session.”
Eco-friendly cleaning options
If you're environmentally conscious, consider incorporating eco-friendly cleaning supplies into your arsenal.
- Biodegradable cleaning products: Look for cleaning products that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- Reusable cleaning cloths: Reduce waste by using washable and reusable cleaning cloths and sponges instead of disposable ones. Andrea Page with Mayday Home Cleaning Services recommends opting for Swedish dishcloths” and states that they are “versatile must-haves,” “reusable, and “biodegradable.”
DIY cleaning solutions
For those on a budget, DIY cleaning solutions can be just as effective as store-bought products.
- Distilled white vinegar and baking soda: These two household staples can clean and disinfect various surfaces. The team with Tidy Hands Cleaners states, “Baking soda is perfect for scrubbing tough stains and deodorizing carpets, while white vinegar can be used to clean glass, mirrors, and even disinfect surfaces.”
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural degreaser and can add a pleasant, energizing scent to your cleaning solutions.
These cleaning products keep your house clean and green
If you prefer store-bought green cleaning products, there are many options available.
- Plant-based cleaners: Look for cleaning products that are made from plant-based ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals.
- Certified Green products: Some cleaning products carry certifications like the Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice, indicating they meet specific environmental and safety standards.
Cleaning tools and accessories
To efficiently tackle cleaning tasks, you'll need the right tools.
- Mop: Karla with Tex-Mex Cleaning Services recommends a flat mop with a pack of six mop pads. She states, “One of the beauties of having several mop pads is that you don’t have to carry around a bucket of water.”
- Broom: Naween Mendis, CEO of Casa Elite Cleaning shares how the “key for keeping floors clean” is with a broom that you can utilize across non-carpeted floors.
- Microfiber cloths and sponges: Microfiber cloths are excellent at trapping dust and dirt, making them versatile cleaning tools.
- Vacuum cleaners: If your apartment has carpets, invest in a vacuum cleaner that suits your space and needs. Managing member for SusyQ’s Cleaning, Susy Quintanilla suggests “regularly vacuuming high traffic areas to help reduce dirt, allergens, and pet hair.”
Organizing your cleaning supplies
Now that you have your cleaning supplies, it's crucial to keep them organized for easy access.
Storage solutions
- Shelving or cabinets: Consider adding shelving or a cabinet in a convenient location to store your cleaning supplies neatly.
- Labels: Use labels on containers and shelves to ensure you can quickly locate the right cleaning product.
Time-saving techniques
No one has endless hours to devote to cleaning tasks. Here's what you can do to stay on track and clean more efficiently so you can get back to what you actually enjoy at home.
But first, declutter
Before cleaning, declutter the space to make cleaning more manageable. Decluttering nearly automatically decreases mess because it's one less item you have to clean — or an obstacle to clean around. Plus, a decluttered space is one that collects less dust.
Try a room-by-room approach
Clean one room at a time to stay focused and maximize efficiency. Some people have even suggested closing the door to the room until it's clean to keep you from noticing things you might need to clean or tidy in surrounding areas.
Deep cleaning vs. routine cleaning
All of the products and techniques we outlined above apply to both deep cleaning and routine cleaning, but it's important to know the difference between the two.
Routine cleaning for a healthy home
Regularly scheduled cleaning tasks are considered preventative because they help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes per day to take care of routine cleaning tasks, like washing dishes, vacuuming, tidying or cleaning kitchen counters eliminates the need for a deep clean later. If it helps keep you on track, stick to one area at a time: Committing to clearing one counter will save minutes and hours later.
Deep cleaning for a spotless home
Not everything can be taken care of by the spot cleaning we mentioned above. Whether you've let cleaning tasks pile up for a while or you just want a total cleaning reset on your home, deep cleaning might be your best bet. Set aside time for deep cleaning sessions to tackle more thorough tasks like cleaning the oven or scrubbing tile grout.
Basic cleaning supplies checklist
To recap, here are all the house cleaning supplies and organization tools mentioned in this article, listed for your convenience. Next time you're headed to the store, make sure you have all the supplies we discussed here.
What you need:
- Cleaning gloves
- Cleaning caddy or bucket
- Trash bags
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- Dish soap and sponges
- Oven cleaner
- Refrigerator cleaner
- Dishwasher detergent
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
- Tile and grout cleaner
- Shower and tub cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Furniture polish
- Carpet cleaner
- Electronics cleaner
- Bed linens spray
- Mattress protector
- Dust cloths
- Reusable cleaning cloths
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Plant-based cleaners
- Certified Green products
- Mops and brooms
- Microfiber cloths and sponges
- Vacuum cleaners
Start your pre-spring clean today!
In conclusion, having the right cleaning solutions and supplies is essential for keeping your apartment clean and comfortable as a young renter. By investing in these essential cleaning supplies and following a cleaning schedule, you can maintain a spotless home that you'll be proud to call your own. Whether you prefer eco-friendly options, DIY solutions or traditional cleaning products, there are plenty of choices on our cleaning supplies list above to suit your cleaning needs.
The post Cleaning Supplies List for Renters: The 33 Items You Need Now appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.