Is your apartment looking a little bit… gross? It really is incredible how dirt and grime just seem to appear out of nowhere. But listen up: grab your cleaning supplies and tools, because it’s time to get on top of it.
I’ve come up with an easy breezy apartment cleaning checklist system, with checklists broken down by time frame and then by room. By tackling the tasks little by little, you’ll be on top of all your cleaning chores. That way, you won’t be left with one big day when you have to do everything.
Having a cleaning routine to follow will make organizing your time so much easier since you’ll know what you need to do and when. BTW, if you live with a roommate, I’ve also put together a different roommate cleaning schedule for splitting chores.
Screenshot these lists and pop them in a folder in your photo album — you’re going to need to look back at these in the future, trust.
Your go-to apartment cleaning checklist
These daily, weekly, and monthly apartment checklists are going to make your apartment look so clean. I’ve also listed a few key products below, which you’ll need to get started.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
Price: $2.99
The perfect everyday spray, this cleaner is great for all around your home. Affordable, well-scented, and cruelty-free, it's an essential for your cleaning caddy. Well-scented and thoughtfully made, what could be better to spritz your home with? This is a firm favorite among the Real Homes team.
Price: $18.44
Don’t be fooled by the budget-friendly price tag of this simple dry and wet mop. While it’s not electric, it’s the perfect manual cleaning tool for small apartments and dorms and is backed by our editor-in-chief and 50,000 five-star reviews.
Price: $16.93
These microfiber cloths are my fave to use. The cute colors just make me so happy and put me in a good cleaning mood. They're super soft, don't leave stray fibers, and are easy to wash. I'm a fan of the classic rainbow set, but it's worth having a peep on Amazon to see if any patterns match your aesthetic.
Price: $15.45
This toilet wand has been all over my TikTok FYP, and it's so efficient that I can def see why. All you have to do is click the disposable head on, scrub the toilet with it, and then throw away the head when you're done. That way, you won't keep scrubbing the toilet with the same germs. Genius.
Price: $25.25
Made with no synthetic chemicals, this herbaceous air freshener has been a firm favorite of ours for years. With notes of tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus, it's great for officially canceling bad bathroom smells.
Price: $28.97
You get a hand duster and an extendable duster in this set. The fluffy head quickly traps dirt and chemicals, so you won't be flinging dust around your bedroom. It also extends up to 53 inches, so you won't have to stretch or wobble on a chair while cleaning.
Daily apartment cleaning checklist
These easy jobs will help keep your apartment looking fresh.
Bedroom
- Make the bed
- Tidy up your "floor-drobe" or declutter your clothes chair
- Organize your nightstand and desk
Kitchen
- Wipe down the cabinets, countertops, and any other work surfaces
- Wipe crumbs and dirt from your stovetop
- Wash any leftover pots and pans and load the dishwasher
- Clean up any food spills before they dry
Bathroom
- Clean the shower and shower door
- Wipe down the inside of the sink
- Air out the bathroom
Living room
- Organize and declutter the coffee table
- Wipe down the coffee table
- Plump up the couch cushions
Weekly apartment cleaning checklist
Refresh your space regularly with these simple steps.
Bedroom
- Swap out your sheets and wash your used bedding
- Dust the TV stand, nightstand, desk, and headboard
- Wipe down the TV stand, nightstand, desk, and headboard
- Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor
Kitchen
- Check the fridge for any spoiled food
- Scrub the stovetop to get rid of any burnt spots or crusty food
- Sweep and mop the floor
- Empty the trash can
- Wipe down door knobs, handles, and electronic devices
Bathroom
- Wipe down the toilet and scrub the bowl with a brush
- Fill the toilet bowl with bleach
- Sweep and mop the floor
- Refill your the toilet paper stash
- Replace your shower and hand towels
- Wash your bath mat
Living room
- Dust the TV stand, picture frames, and bookshelves
- Wipe down the TV stand, picture frames, and bookshelves
- Mop or vacuum the floor
- Wipe down the remote
Monthly apartment cleaning checklist
Bedroom
- Dust the top of the wardrobe, cabinets, and light fixtures
- Wipe down the nightstand sides, then vacuum underneath of it
- Clear out under the bed and vacuum beneath it
- Dust ceiling fans and lampshades
Kitchen
- Dust the top of the cabinets, the extractor fan, and the top of the fridge
- Wipe down the fridge shelves
- Clean the oven both inside and out
- Clean the trash can both inside and out
- Clean the dishwasher both inside and out
Bathroom
- Scrub grime off the shower and/or bath
- Wipe down the window ledges
- Wipe down the front and sides of the sink and cabinets
- Clean the exhaust fan and air vents
Living room
- Dust the top of the bookshelves and the light fixtures
- Wipe the window ledges
- Wash your throw blankets and throw pillow covers
- Clean the cushions, getting rid of crumbs and checking for stains
Occasional apartment cleaning tasks
I’ll be real — these will take some work, but the results are so worth it.
- Dust the tops of the walls with an extendable duster to get rid of cobwebs
- Clean the windows (BTW, I love cleaning mine with vinegar)
- Clean mattresses, couches, and chairs with an upholstery cleaner
- Wash and dry pillows and comforters
- Clean and replace air filters
- Check for mold growth and address accordingly
FAQs
Why is it important to clean my apartment?
FYI: You can’t just let dirt and dust sit around, guys. “Cleaning an apartment regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy, hygienic, and comfortable living environment,” says Armeka Townsend, cleaning expert at Zep. “Feel free to adjust the cleaning schedule based on your specific needs and preferences, but maintaining a clean and organized living space is essential for your physical and mental well-being.” Just a few minutes daily really does prevent a larger job down the line.
How often should I clean my apartment?
The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors such as personal habits, the number of occupants, and the presence of pets. “As a general rule, you should clean your apartment at least once a week, with more frequent attention given to specific areas that are more prone to dirt and grime,” explains Townsend.
Up next: How to deep clean an apartment