Caution: Do NOT Move Into Your New Apartment Until You Do This
If you're moving into a new apartment, there is one thing that I implore you to do: You need to clean it before you settle in. Even if it looks clean, don't doubt that you should still give it your own personal scrub down.
In the past, whenever I moved into a new apartment, my mom told me that no matter what, I needed to wipe down the cabinets, lay down contact paper in all the drawers, and scrub the shower or tub with some kind of potent, take-no-prisoners cleaning solution. So, after you put down your deposit and pick up your new keys, do you know what time it is? It's time to get rid of any traces of prior tenants, painters, handymen, or, let's be honest, potential spiders and bugs who moved in while the place was empty. Below, a list of all the things you should attend to.
1. Clean stainless steel appliances.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
Smudges on stainless steel just looks messy, so here's how to make it sparkle.
Paul Anderson for Hunker
See some old, baked on food on those oven racks? That's got to go.
3. Remove scratches from wood furniture.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
Perhaps your place comes with some built-in wood furniture (like a breakfast nook bench or kitchen hutch). So, if it also comes with scratches, here's how to remove them and make that wood look new again.
4. Clean stains from carpets with some homemade recipes.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
It's possible your apartment comes with wall-to-wall carpeting. And it's also possible that it comes with some unsightly stains. Let's get rid of them.
5. Clean old grease from kitchen cabinet doors.
Chloe Berk
Sounds so unappealing, right? Grease on your cabinet doors? But, moving in to your new place without giving the kitchen a good cleaning is even more unappealing.
6. Get a mildew smell out of the washing machine.
Nicole Mason for Hunker
If your new apartment comes with a washing machine, lucky you! If it smells like mildew? Well, lucky for you we have a way to get that smell out and start fresh.
7. Clean dirty (and other hidden germs) from your kitchen countertop.
Stephen Paul for Hunker
Please, please, please – if there is one thing we highly suggest you do when you move into your new pad, give those kitchen countertops a really good cleaning.
8. If you have a smelly bathroom sink drain, clean it.
Stephen Paul for Hunker
When washing your face and brushing your teeth, a smelly drain is a no. Here's how to combat that.
9. Naturally clean the dishwasher.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
So, your new place has a dishwasher. Thank goodness! Before you use, definitely give it one good cleaning.
10. Freshen each room with a spring-scented room spray.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
The essential oils will help get rid of older, musky smells and leave a fresh new scent.
11. Make an all-natural cleaner.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
The key ingredient is lemongrass ... and, of course, vinegar.
12. Really clean your white kitchen sink.
Stephen Paul for Hunker
Marks and stains on a white sink aren't pretty. Here's how to make that kitchen or bathroom sink look lovely.
13. Keep pesky bugs out of your pantry.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
This is basically thinking ahead ... before it gets really bad with those pantry bugs.
14. Remove old coffee stains from rugs.
Stephen Paul for Hunker
This solution specifically targets old coffee stains.
15. This genius cleaning product changed my life.
Stephen Paul for Hunker
Get this. Whatever you do, get this. Wall marks, scuffs, and spots don't stand a chance.
16. Here's where to store your cleaning stuff.
Ana Stanciu for Hunker
When you're all done cleaning, be sure to properly store your cleaning supplies.