Apartment Life… Clean

How to Keep Your Apartment Clean with Limited Supplies: A Practical Guide for Families with Kids and Pets

Cleaning an apartment can feel like an overwhelming task, especially with limited storage space and the added responsibilities of caring for children and pets. Whether you're living in a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartment, having a streamlined, effective cleaning routine and the right supplies can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through how often you should clean, what supplies are absolutely essential to keep on hand, and what professional cleaners typically bring for deeper cleaning jobs. Let's break it down by room and task to make your cleaning routine as efficient as possible.

To find other Tips you can check out this Redfin Article

How Often Should You Clean?

Maintaining a clean apartment doesn't have to mean spending hours every day scrubbing and wiping. By creating a consistent schedule, you can keep things manageable:

• Daily: Light surface cleaning, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and keep clutter to a minimum. Pet owners may need to vacuum or sweep areas with heavy shedding, and families with young children should focus on tidying up toys and crumbs.

• Weekly: Vacuum and mop all floors, clean bathroom fixtures, wipe down appliances, and dust surfaces throughout the apartment.

• Monthly: Deep clean areas that are often neglected like baseboards, windowsills, the inside of the refrigerator, and behind furniture.

• Quarterly: Depending on your living situation, you may need to schedule a professional deep cleaning. This is especially helpful for families with pets or small children, where more stubborn dirt, grime, and allergens build up over time.

Essential Cleaning Supplies for a Small Apartment

With limited storage space, it's important to focus on a core set of versatile and effective cleaning products. Here's what every apartment should keep on hand for daily cleaning:

• Multi-Surface Cleaner

  • A good multi-surface cleaner is the cornerstone of any cleaning routine. Use it for countertops, sinks, kitchen surfaces, and bathroom areas. Look for something gentle but effective, especially if you have children or pets who may come into contact with surfaces after cleaning.

• Disinfecting Wipes or Spray

  • Having a disinfectant on hand is important, especially in high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and bathroom fixtures. Opt for products that are safe for pets and kids, as they'll likely be touching these surfaces regularly.

• Microfiber Cloths

  • These are reusable, take up minimal space, and can handle everything from dusting to wiping down surfaces. Microfiber is also better for trapping dirt and bacteria compared to paper towels or regular cloths, making it an essential tool for homes with kids and pets.

• Vacuum or Broom & Dustpan

  • A small vacuum or a broom and dustpan combo is critical, especially if you have pets that shed or kids who track dirt indoors. Choose a vacuum with good suction and a HEPA filter if you want to minimize allergens in the air.

• Mop or Floor Wipes

  • For mopping, consider a compact mop that can be easily stored or disposable floor wipes for quick cleanups. Homes with children and pets should prioritize keeping floors as clean as possible to reduce allergens and harmful germs.

• Glass Cleaner

  • A streak-free glass cleaner is essential for mirrors, windows, and any shiny surfaces like tabletops. It’s especially useful in homes with toddlers who tend to leave handprints everywhere!

• Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover

  • Kids and pets are notorious for creating laundry challenges, so always have a reliable laundry detergent and stain remover on hand. Keep it stored safely out of reach from little hands and paws.

• Pet-Specific Cleaner (if applicable)

  • If you have pets, a dedicated pet stain and odor remover is a must. Accidents happen, and this will save your floors and upholstery from lasting damage or odor.

Professional Cleaning Supplies vs. What You Need Daily

While it's important to have a core set of supplies for daily and weekly cleaning, professional cleaners bring some additional tools for a deeper clean. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically needed for daily cleaning versus what a professional might bring for a deep clean:

What You Should Keep for Daily Cleaning:

• Here’s a quick list of essential cleaning supplies to keep on hand for maintaining a tidy and hygienic living space every day:

  • Multi-Surface Cleaner

  • Microfiber Cloths

  • Disinfecting Wipes or Spray

  • Vacuum or Broom

  • Mop/Floor Wipes

  • Glass Cleaner

  • Pet-Specific Cleaners (if applicable)

What Professionals Bring for Deep Cleaning:

• Here’s a rundown of the powerful tools and products professionals bring for deep cleaning, ensuring a thorough and polished result in areas often missed during regular home cleaning:

  • Heavy-Duty Degreasers: Often used for kitchen appliances like ovens and range hoods, which accumulate grease and grime over time.

  • Commercial-Grade Disinfectants: These are stronger than your daily-use disinfectant and are especially helpful for sanitizing areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

  • High-Powered Vacuum: Professional cleaners often use vacuums with higher suction power and HEPA filters, which remove more allergens and dirt than typical home vacuums.

  • Detailing Brushes: Perfect for cleaning intricate areas like baseboards, corners, and grout.

  • Extendable Dusters: Used for high surfaces such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tall shelves.

  • Window Squeegees: Ensures streak-free windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.

Special Considerations for Homes with Kids and Pets

• For families with small children or pets, cleaning becomes more than just a task—it’s a necessity for health and safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Use Non-Toxic Cleaners: Choose products that are labeled non-toxic and pet- and child-safe. Many eco-friendly cleaners are great for this purpose. Avoid harsh chemicals, particularly in areas where kids and pets play, eat, or sleep.

  • Secure Cleaning Supplies: Make sure all cleaning products are stored out of reach from children and pets. Even products labeled as "safe" can be harmful if ingested or mishandled.

  • Regular Vacuuming: Pet hair and dander can quickly accumulate, contributing to allergies and odors. Families with pets should vacuum more frequently, ideally several times a week.

  • Spot Cleaning: Kids and pets are prone to spills and accidents. Instead of waiting for your scheduled weekly clean, tackle these messes as soon as they happen to prevent stains and odors from setting in.

  • Consider Air Quality: With children and pets in the home, maintaining good air quality is crucial. Regular dusting, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and using an air purifier can help reduce allergens and pet dander.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your apartment clean doesn’t require an endless supply of cleaning products or a ton of space to store them. By focusing on a few essential, versatile supplies and keeping to a regular cleaning schedule, you can maintain a healthy, clean home for your family, kids, and pets. For those times when deep cleaning is necessary, consider hiring a professional service to bring in the heavy-duty tools and ensure your space is thoroughly refreshed.

By staying organized and proactive, you can easily manage the balance between your daily cleaning needs and the occasional deeper clean, all while maintaining a clutter-free, safe environment for everyone in your home.

To find other tips - check out this Redfin Article -> Cleaning Supplies List for Renters: The 33 Items You Need Now