How to Clean Your Apartment Like a Pro in Under an Hour
Cleaning your entire apartment from top to bottom may seem like a daunting task, but with the right plan, techniques, and tools, you can get your place sparkling clean in under an hour. Here's how the pros do it:
Declutter First (5-10 minutes)
Before you start cleaning, take 5-10 minutes to quickly declutter each room. Put away items that are out of place, and make piles for things to throw away or donate. Having clear surfaces will make the actual cleaning much faster. Sort items into categories like keep, discard, or donate to streamline the process. Move furniture or large items that may obstruct cleaning so you can reach all corners effectively.
Gather Your Supplies (2 minutes)
Pros don't waste time fumbling with inadequate cleaning supplies. Gather all the essential cleaning supplies in a portable caddy so you can carry everything from room to room. Must-haves include:
Microfiber cloths
Extendable duster
Disinfecting wipes
Vacuum with attachments
Mop
All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Bathroom cleaner
Clean Top to Bottom (10 minutes per room)
Start cleaning each room from the top down - ceilings, then walls, counters and other surfaces, and finally the floors. Use your extendable duster for cobwebs in high corners, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Wipe down walls, trim, and baseboards with a slightly damp microfiber mop. Spritz with water for higher surfaces and add a drop of dish soap for lower, dirtier areas.
Focus on High-Touch Surfaces (5 minutes per room)
Prioritize cleaning the surfaces that get touched the most and harbor the most germs - doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, etc. Give them a quick wipe down with a disinfecting cloth. Don’t forget often-overlooked spots like remote controls, phones, and computer keyboards.
Tackle the Kitchen and Bath (15 minutes)
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the dirtiest and most time-consuming to clean. To maximize efficiency:
Fill the sink with hot soapy water and soak dishes, utensils, and stove grates while you clean.
Spray the inside of the microwave and oven with cleaner and let sit while wiping down the exterior.
In the bathroom, spray the tub/shower and toilet with cleaner, then wipe down the mirrors, sink, and exterior while the cleaners work.
Go back and scrub the tub/shower and toilet, then rinse.
Finish up dishes and wipe down the stove.
Vacuum and Mop Efficiently (10-15 minutes)
Vacuuming and mopping the floors is often the most time-consuming part. To speed it up:
Start in the farthest corner and work your way out the door so you don't redo any areas.
Use the vacuum attachments to quickly get corners, along baseboards, and under furniture without moving it.
For hard floors, use a spray mop and work your way out the door.
For carpets, go over high-traffic areas twice.
Finishing Touches (2-5 minutes)
With the major cleaning done, finish up with a few quick touches:
Fluff and straighten couch pillows and cushions.
Fold throw blankets.
Straighten items on shelves and tables.
Light a scented candle or use an air freshener for a clean smell.
By decluttering, gathering supplies, cleaning top to bottom, focusing on high-touch areas, tackling the kitchen and bath, vacuuming and mopping efficiently, and adding finishing touches, you can get your entire apartment professionally clean in under an hour. Stay focused, use the right tools, and keep moving in an organized way from task to task and room to room. With practice, you'll develop a system and routine that works for your space. Soon, cleaning your apartment will become a quick and efficient breeze rather than an overwhelming chore. Happy cleaning!
