A Guide to Spring Cleaning your Apartment

The tradition of “Spring Cleaning” is a tradition for a reason—while we don’t necessarily need to clean the soot from our fireplaces, the changing of the seasons sparks within us a fresh start, and what fresher way to start than by deep cleaning? Check out this guide—which can also double as a checklist for those who can’t figure out where to start—for helpful tips and tricks on preparing for a new season. This guide is organized by room for ease and efficiency. By Raven Halle

1. Kitchen

Let’s begin in the kitchen. Using your products of choice and/or any self-cleaning features on your appliances, clean your countertops, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and any other smaller appliances like toasters or air fryers. Next, you can deep clean your fridge and cabinets. A good place to start is by throwing out food that has gone bad and considering donating any non-perishables that you no longer need. Next, you can remove the shelves from your fridge and give them as well as the fridge’s interior a good wiping down. To finish, wash all of your dish rags and sponges, shake out dirt from any floor mats, and then sweep, mop, and/or vacuum.

2. Dining Area and Living Room

Start by dusting any light fixtures, shelves, bookcases, blinds, ceiling fans, electronics, and windowsills. If you have any silverware that needs polishing, polish it! Next, spot clean or vacuum any chair or couch cushions, and wash any slipcovers. Declutter the common areas by throwing out trash, packing up anything you no longer use for donating, and rearranging any items or furniture. Sanitize any electronics, remote controls, or toys (if there are children in the apartment). Finish up by sweeping, mopping, and/or vacuuming hard floors and carpeted areas.

3. Bathroom

Begin cleaning your bathroom by getting rid of any old or expired products, or products you no longer use. Dust and windex your mirror(s) along with wiping down the countertop. Next, use your choice of cleaning products to clean the sink, toilet, and shower/bathtub. Check your shower curtain liner and replace it if necessary. Finish by washing any bathmats and sweeping and mopping the floor.

4. Laundry Area

Perhaps one of the most overlooked areas of cleaning is the washing machine, but there are many ways to clean it—the simplest of which is running an empty cycle on hot with two cups of white vinegar instead of detergent. After, you can then scrub both the inside and outside of the machine. Next, clean the lint trap in the dryer and organize any laundry supplies. Finish by sweeping or vacuuming the area.

5. Bedroom(s)

Begin by dusting any furniture, curtain rods, and windowsills. Next, throw your pillowcases, blankets, and any other washable bed items into the wash. If you store your clothes by season, start packing up some of your winter things to make room for the items you wear in warmer weather. Going through your wardrobe is also a great opportunity to take inventory of what you need, what you have, and what you no longer use. If there are any things you no longer want or need, pack them up and consider donating them. Finish up by shampooing carpets (if applicable) and vacuuming all areas.

6. Miscellaneous

There are a couple of other things you can do around the entire apartment, such as testing and replacing the batteries for your smoke alarm, cleaning air vents and replacing air filters, replacing any light bulbs, and sanitizing door handles and light switches.

For more information on The Flats Apartment Living in Downtown Avalon Park, call 407-273-4337 or email Info@TheFlatsAtAvalonPark.com.

By Raven Halle