Tips for a Super-Clean Apartment

March 18, 2013

Looking for a few ways to get a jump on spring cleaning your apartment? Here are a few ideas:

Get a jump on spring cleaning.

Cut grease with a hot rag – To clean your cabinets, heat a slightly damp sponge or cloth in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until it’s hot. Spray the cabinets with an all-purpose cleaner containing orange oil, then wipe off the cleaner with the hot sponge.
Toss your mop and bucket – Every pro is a big fan of Swiffer Sweeper products, particularly the Wet Jet. It lets you clean your apartment hardwood floors in less time and in a more sanitary way (mops are often full of bacteria). The solution is automatically sprayed onto the floor with the push of a button. Disposable, textured pads absorb the spray as they clean.
Remove bathroom soap scum – Scum has a nasty way of forming a hard-to-remove film on tile in tubs and showers. You won’t get rid of it by rubbing. Instead, wait for the surface to dry, then scrape off the scum with a plastic putty knife.
Get rid of stains – Pros love stain pens, like Tide to Go and the Clorox Bleach Pen Gel, which are designed to remove small stains from upholstery, grout, caulk, porcelain and clothing (avoid the bleach pens for colored fabric). Just press the tip into the stain to release the solution, then rub the tip across the stain to remove it. Before applying a cleaning solution to an entire surface or fixture, first test it on a tiny area to make sure it won’t damage or discolor the finish.
Switch to microfiber cloths – Throw out the old cotton rags and the paper towels. The ultrafine synthetic fibers rub together during cleaning, creating a static charge that attracts dirt and dust. The cloths won’t scratch surfaces, but leaves a streak- and lint-free finish. Use the absorbent and reusable cloths for cleaning appliances, sinks, and TV and computer monitors, and for drying dishes, and washing windows.

Categorised in: Apartment Decor