How To Clean an Apartment Before Moving In: 10 Steps

Renting an apartment means you get a place to live without the hassle of buying, maintaining, and selling a house. However, it does require you to make sure the new home is clean and livable before moving in.

After all, it’s highly likely you’re not the first tenant to ever live in the space. This article will cover how to clean an apartment before moving in (and which tasks should be left to House cleaning Services Dubai). Let’s get started!

Step 1. Assess the Space.

Don’t just start scrubbing away as soon as you unlock the door. You need to take a minute and figure out how much cleaning is required. To assess how much and which areas you actually need to clean, here are a few pointers:

• Check how much cobwebs, dust, and dirt is present
• Inspect areas like the kitchen and bathroom for signs of mold or mildew
• Check how clean the floors, carpets, and upholstery are
• Take notes of areas that require special attention or deep cleaning

Step 2. Remove Any Furniture or Items Left Behind.

Sometimes apartments come with furniture that the previous tenant left behind. Before you start cleaning, it’s best to get rid of all the unwanted items first, as they can hinder your cleaning process and make it harder to access certain spaces.

Get all the furniture and items out of the apartment as soon as possible, either by disposing of or donating them. Of course, you must ensure the landlord and old tenant agree with removing these items first.

Step 3. Gather Supplies.

Once you’ve assessed the space, it’s time to start gathering the right supplies for cleaning an apartment before moving in. Here is a basic checklist of what you should have:

• Cleaning cloths
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner
• All-purpose cleaning solution
• Baking soda, vinegar, and other natural cleaners (optional)

Most of these can be found in your local store. However, depending on how much cleaning is required, you may need to rent specialized equipment, such as steam cleaners or industrial-grade vacuums, from a cleaning service provider.

Another option would be just to hire a professional cleaning service to take care of certain areas of the apartment. This can make your life a lot easier, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.

Step 4. Start with the Ceilings and Walls.

We usually recommend you start top-down for maximum efficiency when cleaning an apartment before moving in. That’s because the ceilings and walls tend to accumulate the most dirt, cobwebs, and dust.

You can use a broom and dustpan to pick up the cobwebs and any dirt or debris on the ceiling. Then, grab your cleaning cloths, all-purpose cleaner, and a step ladder and start wiping down walls and ceilings with the solution.

Begin at the top and work your way down to make sure you don’t miss any spots. Once finished, wipe everything down with a dry cleaning cloth for a streak-free shine.

Tip: If you notice any stubborn stains, try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to tackle tougher spots.

Step 5. Clean Windows and Doors.

Cleaning windows and doors can be tricky because they can easily get scratched or smudged. To prevent any damage, first, use a dry cleaning cloth to wipe down the windows and doors.

Then, grab a bucket of soapy water and your all-purpose cleaner and start cleaning the glass, frames, and door handles.

For extra sparkle and shine, you can use a window cleaning solution. Just make sure to avoid any harsh chemicals when cleaning windows and doors, as they can damage the surfaces.

Step 6. Vacuum All Surfaces.

After you’ve taken care of all the walls, ceilings, windows, and doors, it’s time to move on to vacuuming all surfaces in the apartment. This includes carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard floors.

You can make this step easier and more efficient by using a handheld vacuum cleaner or an industrial-grade vacuum cleaner. This will help you to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris that’s not easily accessible with a broom and dustpan.

When vacuuming carpets and rugs, make sure to go over each area twice in different directions for the best results.

Step 7. Clean the upholstery.

In case you’re keeping any furniture from the previous tenant, it’s critical to give it a thorough clean before using it. To do so, first, use a vacuum cleaner and then wipe down all upholstered surfaces with an all-purpose cleaning solution and a dry cloth.

Do you need to get professional help to clean the upholstery?

If the sofas and chairs are looking a bit worse for wear, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service. After all, years of dirt and grime build-up can be difficult to remove as they penetrate deep into the fabric.

A professional cleaning service like Crystal Purity Home Maids in Dubai has the necessary equipment, like steam cleaners and specialized cleaning solutions, which can make all the difference.

Step 8. Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Appliances.

If you find the appliances in the apartment are a bit worse for wear, don’t worry — you can still restore them to their former glory. Begin by cleaning out the inside of appliances such as the fridge, oven, and dishwasher using an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth.

For deeper cleaning, use baking soda or vinegar. You can also spray the exterior surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe them down with a cloth.

For the bathroom, make sure to scrub away any dirt or grime on surfaces such as bathtubs, sinks, and showers using an all-purpose cleaner. Finally, mop the floors with a diluted cleaning solution to remove any built-up dirt and debris.

Related: How to Clean Every Type of Furniture at Home: The Ultimate Guide 

Step 9. Check for any damages that need repairs.

As you’re cleaning, pay attention to any damages that need repairs. This can include anything from broken fixtures and loose handles to broken tiles and peeling paint.

If you notice any issues, inform the landlord or property manager as soon as possible so they can take care of it. This will help ensure that you and your family have a safe and comfortable living space during your stay.

Step 10. Air out the Apartment.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, the last thing to do is air out the apartment by opening all windows and doors for a few hours. This will help eliminate any odors or lingering fumes from cleaners and disinfectants you used while cleaning.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to clean an apartment before moving in?

A: The best way to clean an apartment depends on how much effort you’re willing to put in.

For basic cleaning, start by dusting and vacuuming all surfaces, then scrubbing the walls, floors, windows, and doors with a soapy water solution. Finally, air out the apartment by opening all windows and doors for a few hours.

Q: Is it worth hiring a professional cleaning service for my apartment?

A: Hiring a professional cleaning service can be beneficial if you want to deep clean your apartment or if there are materials that need specialized cleaning solutions.

Professional cleaners have the necessary equipment, like steam cleaners and specialized cleaning solutions, which can make all the difference.

Q: How often should I clean my apartment?

A: How often you clean your apartment will depend on how old it is, how many people live in the home, and how often you use it.

If your apartment is new or recently refurbished, then basic cleaning should be done at least once a month. For older apartments or those with more frequent use, cleaning should be done at least once a week.

Conclusion

Rushing into a new apartment without cleaning it first can be a recipe for disaster. By learning how to clean an apartment before moving in, you can be assured you’re moving into a hygienic and comfortable living space.

We hope these steps have helped you better understand how to properly clean your apartment before moving in. Good luck!

Sandy Villamor

Call me Sandy, a writer, and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. A writer by day and reader by night.