As an apartment renter, or someone currently
searching for your next apartment, you probably won’t have a ton of storage space options. Which means you have to be selective about what cleaning tools you keep in your home. Visiting the cleaning supply aisle of your local store can be overwhelming with a myriad of products promising to keep your abode spick and span. But fear not. Cleaning expert Lauren Haynes of London-based
Star Domestic Cleaners discusses the must-have cleaning supplies for apartment renters.
Disinfectant
The first thing you should stock up on? Disinfectant.
“If you want to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading, you have to be stocked up with disinfectant,” says Haynes. “You can even make it on your own by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water. This way you will keep all the services in the kitchen and bathroom neat and sanitized.”
Dishwashing Liquid
“Everybody is familiar with the cleaning abilities which the dish soap has against dirty dishes, but it’s power goes way beyond that,” she says. “Mixed with water, it works great as a spot cleaner for clothes, carpet or upholstery. You can even spray it to repel ants.”
Baking Soda
Haynes describes baking soda as being a “mild abrasive” that can fight odor and is also a key ingredient in different types of homemade cleaners. There are countless ways to
use baking soda while cleaning, plus it’s an inexpensive product.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a gentle cleaner that you can use on most anything.
“White vinegar is one of the best homemade solutions for fighting grime. Mixed with water, it works great for almost anything – from cleaning windows to removing heavy stains,” Haynes says. Like baking soda,
cleaning with vinegar is a cheap solution with many uses!
Microfiber Cloths
First off, what is microfiber? Microfiber is a blend of polyester and nylon that is “split many times smaller than a human hair,”
according to a fact sheet from the University of Washington. Translation? Microfibers can absorb more bacteria, reach cracks that paper towels can get into and hold a substantial amount of water.
Haynes tell us microfiber is great for dusting and polishing.
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Paper Towels
“Clean and throw away! In combination with a disinfectant, paper towels are great for any bacteria-laden area,” says Haynes. Paper towels are great if you have a dirty job (cleaning under the sink) that you don’t want to use your rags for.
Mini Vacuum Cleaner
If you don’t have the space for a big vacuum cleaner, a small one can be equally as effective.
“You just can’t go without a vacuum cleaner, if you want to win the fight against dust. But it doesn’t have to be biggest or the heaviest one, especially if you live in a small place,” says Haynes. “Mini vacuum cleaners are really compact and they are great for removing dust, while the regular sweeping only pushes it away.”
Sweeper Floor Mop
If you have tile in your apartment, consider buying a sweeper floor mop
like one by Swiffer.
“Light and easy to store, the sweeper mop is essential for cleaning a dirty floor. There are even versions with a vacuum attached, which turns it into the ultimate cleaning tool,” says Haynes.
Spring is here, and we hope this guide will help you with your cleaning.
Follow this guide to cleaning and make sure the job is done right, the first time!
