What Kind of Cleaning Implements Do You Need for Your First Apartment?

Welcome to your new home! Moving into your first apartment comes with the excitement of starting fresh, but it also challenges you to sort out the necessary cleaning tools. This guide will help you navigate through the essentials you need to maintain a clean and healthy living space.

Basic Cleaning Supplies You Can't Live Without

When you move into a fresh, clean apartment, you have the perfect opportunity to assess the cleaning supplies you truly need. Unlike many people who overstate their cleaning arsenal, you can simplify and stick to the basics. A sponge and spray bottle filled with white vinegar are more than enough to keep everything sparkling.

Hiring a Professional Cleaner's Perspective on Essential Tools

As a professional cleaner, I have seen it all. Clients often ask for a laundry list of cleaning tools, but in reality, a simple set of supplies will get the job done. The key items include:

General Cleaning Supplies

Grease Cutting Dish Soap for tackling tough grease stains Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner for sparkling clean tiles and surfaces Bar Keeper’s Friend for polishing brass and other metals White Vinegar for all-purpose cleaning and deodorizing Microfiber Cloths for dusting and wiping without scratching surfaces Rubber Gloves for protecting your hands from chemicals and water Twist Mop for easy cleaning of hard floors Scratch Free Sponges like Scotch Brite for tough tasks A Good Vacuum Cleaner like a Shark Navigator or Kenmore canister for carpeted areas

Specialized Cleaning Tools

For specific cleaning needs, consider these items:

Dustmop or Sponge Mop (Comet, Clorox, or Lysol) for cleaning carpets Toilet Plunger and Toilet Brush with cleaner for the rest room Extension-Handled Duster for reaching high areas like walls, ceilings, and fans Step Ladder for reaching higher surfaces Bucket with Cotton Rags or Microfiber Cloths for hard floors

Specialty Items for Hard Surfaces

Bleach for easy toilet cleaning Murphy’s Oil Soap or Wood Floor Cleaner for hardwood or linoleum floors Dawn Dish Detergent for general cleaning and dishes

Specific Cleaning Tasks and Supplies

Depending on your living space, here are some additional supplies to consider:

Clean Carpeted Areas

CARPET VACUUM CLEANER (Shark Navigator or Kenmore) Dustmop Sponge Mop

For Hard Floors

Broom and Dustpan for hard floors Sweet for small spills Toilet Plunger with cleaner Extension-Handled Duster for walls, ceiling fans, and high surfaces Step Ladder if needed Clean Bottle of bleach for easy toilet cleaning Murphy’s Oil Soap or Wood Floor Cleaner for hardwood floors Dawn Dish Detergent for general cleaning and dishes Dish Drainer Rack Dish Brush Doobie Dish Cleaner and Woven Metallic Scrubber for pots and pans Bleach for cleaning coffee cups and coffee pot once monthly White Vinegar for cleaning coffee pot monthly Scrubbing Bubbles or Baking Soda for cleaning bathrooms and sinks

Final Tips

With these essential cleaning supplies, you'll be well-equipped to maintain a clean and pleasant living environment. Remember, less is often more, especially when it comes to cleaning tools. By starting with a simple set of reliable supplies, you can enjoy a fresh, clean home without overcomplicating your task list. Happy cleaning!