Spring is just around the corner and after a long, cold winter, everyone’s ready for a fresh start. Naturally, the best way to kick off the season is to throw open the windows and get down to some spring cleaning in your apartment.

Spring cleaning an apartment is more involved than just checking off your average apartment cleaning checklist. This annual ritual gives you the chance to freshen up, organize and sanitize areas that might be neglected throughout the rest of the year. 

Below is your complete apartment spring cleaning checklist, as well as how to keep your apartment clean for the rest of the year. 

Cleaning an Apartment, Step by Step

Cleaning your apartment can feel very daunting, especially if you’ve let some chores slide during the winter months. To make the process more approachable, we’ve broken it down into small, actionable steps.

First, Declutter

You don’t want to clean something you’re not going to keep anyway, especially if you’re cleaning a small apartment. Set aside a day to go through cabinets, drawers and closets. Then donate, recycle or toss anything you no longer want or need. Put away heavy winter clothes and shoes and pull out your spring and summer items. If you have any loose items sitting out on your counters or tables, take the time to find a home for them. 

Check-In With Your Property Manager

Some spring-cleaning chores (such as changing HVAC filters, carpet cleaning, drain cleaning, replacing batteries in smoke detectors or annual pest prevention) might be carried out by the maintenance team. Contact your property manager before taking on these tasks yourself. They will help you schedule a time and find a provider to get these tasks done. 

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Make sure to have these necessities on hand: cleaning cloths and sponges, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, rubber gloves, mop, vacuum with attachments, extendable duster, a heavy-duty scrub brush and oven cleaner. Having these necessities handy will make your spring cleaning session much more efficient. 

Go Room by Room

Go through each room in your apartment, cleaning and dusting every surface as you go. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, blinds, vents, shelves, wall art, moldings, baseboards, the tops of cabinets—basically, any surface that collects dust. Be sure to remove items from shelves and countertops before you dust. Finally, clean door frames, door knobs and light switches with an all-purpose cleaner and a sponge.

Clean Windows and Electronics

Computers, TVs and other electronics tend to accumulate a lot of dust both on the screens and behind the units. Wipe them off with a microfiber cloth or duster. Vacuum curtains, blinds, window sills and window tracks before cleaning the sills and tracks with an all-purpose cleaner and a brush. Finish by wiping down the windows with glass cleaner. 

Tackle the Kitchen

Spring cleaning an apartment kitchen goes beyond the typical everyday cleaning. Empty your cabinets, drawers and refrigerator, and toss out anything expired. Clean the inside of the refrigerator and freezer, including all the drawers, shelves and door compartments. Wipe down the inside of cabinets and drawers before putting items back in. Clean the inside of the oven and sanitize the dishwasher with white vinegar and hot water. Finish by cleaning and sanitizing your garbage can and recycling bin.

Flip Your Mattress

Flipping your mattress every year extends its life span and will also help you sleep better. Wash your mattress pad and pillow protectors. Swap out flannel sheets for more breathable cotton, and put away any heavy winter blankets or quilts.

Get the Bathroom Gleaming

Spring cleaning a small apartment bathroom is about organizing as much as cleaning. Throw out expired or unused products in your medicine cabinet and under your sink. Thoroughly wash bathroom accessories, such as toothbrushes and soap holders. Remove, wash and replace your shower curtain, liner, bath mats and any decorative towels.

Vacuum and Deep Clean Carpets

Take some extra time to vacuum your carpet, including underneath furniture and along baseboards. When you’re ready to clean the carpet you have two options: rent a carpet shampooer (available at most home improvement stores) or ask your property manager if they can take care of this for you. Either way, be sure to open the windows to help your carpet dry quickly.

How To Keep Your Apartment Clean

After you’ve worked through your apartment spring cleaning checklist, you’ll want to find ways to keep your apartment clean year-round. 

  • Take a few minutes to clean every day. Find a time in your daily routine to take 10 minutes to freshen up your space. This will help prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to deep clean later on. 
  • Find a place for everything. Having a dedicated storage space for your items is another way to prevent clutter from building up. If you live in a small apartment, you might have to get creative with shelves and storage bins. 
  • Keep an all-purpose cleaner on hand. This way, if you notice a spill or other small mess, it’s easy to clean up right away. You also won’t have to worry about digging through a giant pile of cleaning products to find the right one. 
  • Make cleaning more fun. Cleaning can sometimes be a downer, especially when you’d rather be socializing or enjoying a favorite hobby. Find ways to make cleaning more fun, as this will incentivize you to do it more often. If you live with a partner or roommates, cleaning can be a fun social activity. Listening to your favorite music, podcast or audiobook is another great way to make cleaning more engaging. 

Spruce Up With Southern Management

Cleaning an apartment is never much fun, but there’s nothing like that feeling of starting a new season in a fresh and sparkling space.

At Southern Management, we’re doing our part to keep your home sparkling, too. We take pride in maintaining beautiful, well-kept communities. Not only are common areas like the lobbies, laundry rooms, business centers and fitness centers cleaned and sanitized regularly, we also deep-clean, paint and refresh each apartment between residents.

If you’re looking for a fresh start in a new space, check out some of Southern Management’s apartment communities throughout the Maryland and Virginia regions, and contact us with any questions about leasing, pricing or just to chat about your options.