This is the only apartment cleaning checklist you need to screenshot

Keep on top of your scrubbing game

A living room with a grey sofa with a pink cushion and a pink and grey carpet
(Image credit: Getty)

Is your apartment looking a little bit… gross? It really is incredible how dirt and grime just seem to appear out of nowhere. But listen up: grab your cleaning supplies and tools, because it’s time to get on top of it.

I’ve come up with an easy breezy apartment cleaning checklist system, with checklists broken down by time frame and then by room. By tackling the tasks little by little, you’ll be on top of all your cleaning chores. That way, you won’t be left with one big day when you have to do everything.

Having a cleaning routine to follow will make organizing your time so much easier since you’ll know what you need to do and when. BTW, if you live with a roommate, I’ve also put together a different roommate cleaning schedule for splitting chores.

Screenshot these lists and pop them in a folder in your photo album — you’re going to need to look back at these in the future, trust.

Your go-to apartment cleaning checklist

These daily, weekly, and monthly apartment checklists are going to make your apartment look so clean. I’ve also listed a few key products below, which you’ll need to get started.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

Daily apartment cleaning checklist

 These easy jobs will help keep your apartment looking fresh. 

Bedroom

  • Make the bed
  • Tidy up your "floor-drobe" or declutter your clothes chair
  • Organize your nightstand and desk

Kitchen

  • Wipe down the cabinets, countertops, and any other work surfaces
  • Wipe crumbs and dirt from your stovetop
  • Wash any leftover pots and pans and load the dishwasher
  • Clean up any food spills before they dry

Bathroom

  • Clean the shower and shower door
  • Wipe down the inside of the sink
  • Air out the bathroom

Living room

  • Organize and declutter the coffee table
  • Wipe down the coffee table
  • Plump up the couch cushions

Weekly apartment cleaning checklist

Refresh your space regularly with these simple steps.

Bedroom

  • Swap out your sheets and wash your used bedding
  • Dust the TV stand, nightstand, desk, and headboard
  • Wipe down the TV stand, nightstand, desk, and headboard
  • Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor

Kitchen

  • Check the fridge for any spoiled food
  • Scrub the stovetop to get rid of any burnt spots or crusty food
  • Sweep and mop the floor
  • Empty the trash can
  • Wipe down door knobs, handles, and electronic devices

Bathroom

  • Wipe down the toilet and scrub the bowl with a brush
  • Fill the toilet bowl with bleach
  • Sweep and mop the floor
  • Refill your the toilet paper stash
  • Replace your shower and hand towels
  • Wash your bath mat

Living room

  • Dust the TV stand, picture frames, and bookshelves
  • Wipe down the TV stand, picture frames, and bookshelves
  • Mop or vacuum the floor
  • Wipe down the remote

Monthly apartment cleaning checklist

Bedroom

  • Dust the top of the wardrobe, cabinets, and light fixtures
  • Wipe down the nightstand sides, then vacuum underneath of it
  • Clear out under the bed and vacuum beneath it
  • Dust ceiling fans and lampshades

Kitchen

  • Dust the top of the cabinets, the extractor fan, and the top of the fridge
  • Wipe down the fridge shelves
  • Clean the oven both inside and out
  • Clean the trash can both inside and out
  • Clean the dishwasher both inside and out

Bathroom

  • Scrub grime off the shower and/or bath
  • Wipe down the window ledges
  • Wipe down the front and sides of the sink and cabinets
  • Clean the exhaust fan and air vents

Living room

  • Dust the top of the bookshelves and the light fixtures
  • Wipe the window ledges
  • Wash your throw blankets and throw pillow covers
  • Clean the cushions, getting rid of crumbs and checking for stains

Occasional apartment cleaning tasks

I’ll be real — these will take some work, but the results are so worth it.

  • Dust the tops of the walls with an extendable duster to get rid of cobwebs
  • Clean the windows (BTW, I love cleaning mine with vinegar)
  • Clean mattresses, couches, and chairs with an upholstery cleaner
  • Wash and dry pillows and comforters
  • Clean and replace air filters
  • Check for mold growth and address accordingly

FAQs

Why is it important to clean my apartment?

FYI: You can’t just let dirt and dust sit around, guys. “Cleaning an apartment regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy, hygienic, and comfortable living environment,” says Armeka Townsend, cleaning expert at Zep. “Feel free to adjust the cleaning schedule based on your specific needs and preferences, but maintaining a clean and organized living space is essential for your physical and mental well-being.” Just a few minutes daily really does prevent a larger job down the line. 

How often should I clean my apartment?

The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors such as personal habits, the number of occupants, and the presence of pets. “As a general rule, you should clean your apartment at least once a week, with more frequent attention given to specific areas that are more prone to dirt and grime,” explains Townsend.

Up next: How to deep clean an apartment

Eve Smallman
Content Editor

Hi there! I’m the former content editor at Real Homes and I'm now a freelance journalist.. I've been a lifestyle journalist for over five years, previously working as an editor across regional magazines. Before this, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University a degree in journalism, along with an NCTJ gold diploma. For Real Homes, I specialized in interior design, trends and finding the best viral buys.