It’s Time for Spring Cleaning Tips! 

As the weather warms up and spring rolls in, it’s time to break out the cleaning supplies and start freshening up your home. For New Jersey renters, spring cleaning can be an especially daunting task. From kitchen appliances to bathroom fixtures, there is a lot of work to be done to make your apartment or townhome sparkle and shine. Fortunately, there are lots of Spring cleaning tips and tricks you can use to make the process easier and more efficient. To help you get started, here’s a checklist specifically tailored to renters. 

Create a Schedule and Gather Supplies 

Spring cleaning is a big job, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To stay organized and on track, create a cleaning schedule that divides the tasks into manageable chunks. Start by breaking down each room into smaller tasks. For example, you could break down the bathroom into cleaning the sink, toilet, tub, shower, and floors. Assign a day of the week for each task and make sure to stick to the plan. As an added incentive, you can reward yourself for completing each task with a movie night, take out dinner, or special treat. 

Before you begin your spring cleaning, it is important to make sure you have all the supplies you need. Here is a list of essential items for your spring cleaning checklist: 

  • Cleaning Products: Make sure you have a variety of cleaning products on hand, such as all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, and disinfectants. 
  • Vacuum: A good vacuum will help you get rid of dirt and dust from carpets and upholstery. 
  • Broom and Dustpan: For sweeping hard floors and getting into tight corners. 
  • Mop: If you have hardwood or tile floors, a mop will be necessary for deep cleaning. 
  • Scrub Brush and Sponges: These will be helpful for scrubbing surfaces like tubs and sinks.  
  • Rags: Rags are useful for wiping down surfaces or polishing furniture.  
  • Gloves: You’ll want to make sure you have a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands while you clean. 
  • Disposable Trash Bags: Have plenty of garbage bags on hand so you can easily remove any debris or rubbish.  

Gathering all these supplies before you start your spring cleaning will make the process much easier and more efficient. Make sure to check all areas of your apartment so you don’t miss anything, and you’ll be ready to tackle these Spring cleaning tips in no time! 

Start With the Bathroom 

bathroom setting

The bathroom is always a great place to start. After all, you want the place where you get clean to be, well, clean! It is a small space that can often be tackled in one go, making it easier and more efficient to get done.  

Start by clearing out the countertops, shelves, and any other surfaces. Wipe them down with a gentle cleaner and take out any unnecessary items, such as expired medications or cosmetics. Throw away any trash that has accumulated and vacuum the floors. 

Next, you will want to scrub your tub, shower, and sink. Use a mild abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda and white vinegar, for tough areas, and rinse with hot water afterward. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect the toilet, including the lid and handle.  

Finally, deep clean the grout between tiles with a toothbrush and an all-purpose cleaner. To give your bathroom an extra sparkle, consider polishing any chrome fixtures and mirrors. 

Move on to the Kitchen 

kitchen area

When it comes to spring cleaning, the kitchen is often one of the most challenging spaces. Grease and grime can accumulate quickly in this room, and, if it’s not dealt with regularly, the buildup can be hard to tackle. Here are a few tips to make your spring cleaning of the kitchen easier: 

  1. Start by clearing off countertops and wiping them down with a mild soap or all-purpose cleaner. 
  2. Next, empty the refrigerator. We know. It’s a lot. Discard any expired or stinky items and give the refrigerator a good scrub with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner. 
  3. Scrub down the range hood and stove top, paying extra attention to any stuck-on food residue. 
  4. Clean out the inside of the oven, taking care to remove any stuck-on food or grease.
  5. Clean the walls and floors, including tile grout. 
  6. Use a degreaser to remove any grease from the sink. 
  7. Clean the inside and outside of cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves. Toss any foods, condiments, or other items that are expired.  
  8. Finally, reorganize utensils, pots, pans, and dishes for a clean look.  

The Living Room and Dining Room 

living room area

It’s time to start on the living room and dining room, the heart of your home! For this area, you’ll want to start by vacuuming and mopping the floors. Then move on to dusting the furniture and shelves. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, as dust can accumulate quickly. You’ll also want to make sure all upholstery is clean, as this is one of the most frequently used areas of your home. Remove cushions to make sure you’re getting any crumbs, pet hair, or dust bunnies that may have found a home there. 

Once the surfaces are clean, you can move onto any windows in the room. Cleaning the windows and frames will help to let in natural light, making the space look brighter and more inviting. Afterward, consider rearranging the furniture to give the room a new look. 

In the dining room, you’ll want to begin by wiping down all surfaces and then vacuuming and mopping the floors. You should also take the time to deep clean any table linens, as well as thoroughly wash any dishes that have been left out. Once you’re finished, don’t forget Spring cleaning tips like lighting some candles or putting some fresh flowers on the table. 

Next Up: Bedrooms 

bedroom area

Begin the bedroom cleaning by dusting the ceiling fan, light fixtures, and wall hangings. Once these are done, move on to dusting the furniture, windowsills, and window coverings. Don’t forget to vacuum or mop the floors. 

Next, get rid of any clutter in the room, such as piles of clothes, books, magazines, toys, etc. Remove all bedding and curtains for laundering. Take the opportunity to air out the mattresses and replace them, if necessary. Consider dusting and disinfecting areas, such as door handles, and switch plates to keep germs at bay. 

Finally, organize all items in the room and make sure everything is neatly arranged. You may even want to go the extra mile and add a few decorative touches, such as fresh flowers or new artwork, to give the space a bright and welcoming atmosphere. 

Don’t Forget the Closets! 

When it comes to Spring cleaning tips, closets are often overlooked. As you can imagine, however, they can be some of the most cluttered and messiest spots in your home. Take the time to go through each closet to remove all items. This way you can see what you use and what can be donated or thrown out. Then start dusting shelves, wiping down surfaces, and sweeping/vacuuming the floors. You can take this time to reorganize your closet and swap out seasonal items. Make sure to inspect anything that may have been pushed to the back of the closet and forgotten about. It’s a great opportunity to declutter and make room for the things that you need. 

The Balcony or Porch 

balcony area

Don’t forget the outdoor space! The balcony or porch of your apartment is the perfect place to enjoy the warmer weather when it arrives. Before you get to the fun part though, it’s important to do some deep cleaning. 

Sweep away any debris that’s accumulated over the winter months. This includes leaves, twigs, and other bits of nature that may have blown onto your balcony or porch. Wipe down any furniture on the balcony or porch. Remove cushions and use a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. If your furniture has seen better days, consider replacing it before it wears out even more. 

If your balcony or porch has railings, make sure to scrub them clean with a brush and warm, soapy water. If there are any cracks or crevices in the railings, use an old toothbrush to get out all the built-up grime and dirt. If you have potted plants on the balcony or porch, make sure to clean the pots before planting any new flowers or herbs. Soak the pots in warm, soapy water and scrub off any dirt with a brush. 

Maintenance Going Forward 

Once you have completed your spring cleaning, it’s important to maintain the cleanliness of your home. This means creating a regular cleaning schedule and following it. This could mean vacuuming weekly, dusting daily, or whatever you need to do to keep your space in tip-top shape. It’s also important to inspect your rental for any maintenance needs. This includes checking smoke detectors, changing lightbulbs, and examining windows and doors for drafts. Making sure everything is in working order can help prevent problems down the road.