Cleaning the kitchen thoroughly not only ensures you get your security deposit back but also leaves a positive impression on the next tenant.
Kitchen in Apartment cleaning checklist
Kitchen cleaning is essential when you’re moving out of an apartment.
The kitchen is a high-traffic area that accumulates grease, crumbs, and stains, so giving it a thorough deep clean is crucial for your move-out inspection.
Start by clearing out your cabinets and pantries, taking everything out, and discarding any expired foods.
Wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth, and use the brush attachment on your vacuum to quickly eliminate any lingering crumbs.
Move on to the refrigerator, empty its contents, and dispose of any expired items.
Create a cleaning solution with one part baking soda and seven parts water to wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge, including drawers, doors, and handles.
If your oven has an auto-clean setting, take advantage of it while you focus on other tasks.
Alternatively, create a paste with water and baking soda, apply it to the inside of the oven (avoiding coils), and let it dry. Then, spray distilled white vinegar on the remaining residue and wipe clean.
Don’t forget to clean the grates and racks as well.
Sanitize your sink, drain, and disposal by clearing out a slow drain using a mixture of baking soda and white distilled vinegar.
Clean the sink basin with Dish Soap and hot water, and dry it thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
Don’t neglect your dishwasher.
Wipe down the door with sanitizing wipes to remove soap scum and water spots. Follow a dishwasher cleaning guide to scrub the accessories and tub thoroughly.
For countertops, use sanitizing wipes or an all-purpose cleaner to ensure they’re free from germs.
For stubborn stains or discolored grout, make a paste with baking soda and vinegar, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit before scrubbing with a brush. Wipe clean with a warm, damp cloth or paper towel.
Cleaning the kitchen thoroughly not only ensures you get your security deposit back but also leaves a positive impression on the next tenant.
It’s essential to tackle each step methodically to achieve a spotless and organized kitchen before your move-out inspection.
How often should I clean my apartment?
Determining the frequency of cleaning for your apartment largely depends on your preferences and lifestyle.
There are a couple of schedules you can consider to keep your apartment tidy and organized.
One approach is the seasonal cleaning schedule, which involves a comprehensive deep clean every three months, typically during weekends.
This method allows you to focus on giving your apartment a thorough cleaning every few months, ensuring that no area is overlooked. During these deep cleaning sessions, you can tackle tasks like clearing out clutter, washing windows, scrubbing floors, and thoroughly sanitizing all surfaces.
On the other hand, you may opt for a more segmented approach by breaking down your deep cleaning checklist into smaller tasks to be completed on a monthly or weekly basis.
This way, you can handle one room per month or accomplish 1-2 cleaning tasks each week, making it easier to manage and less overwhelming. For instance, you could reserve one weekend each month to focus on cleaning specific areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or Living Room.
By chipping away at your cleaning tasks regularly, you’ll maintain a consistently clean and organized living space without feeling burdened by an all-encompassing cleaning session.
This approach also allows you to keep up with routine maintenance, preventing dirt and grime from accumulating over time.
Ultimately, the cleaning schedule you choose should align with your lifestyle and the level of cleanliness you desire for your apartment.
Whether you prefer seasonal deep cleaning or more frequent, segmented tasks, the key is to be consistent in your efforts to create a comfortable and inviting living environment.
*The information is for reference only.