The best way to clean a studio apartment is to start by decluttering, then dusting and wiping surfaces, then cleaning the floors, kitchen, and bathroom, and finally, organising closets and drawers. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the space spotless and manageable.
Living in a studio apartment has its perks—cosy space, less furniture, and easier maintenance. However, cleaning such a compact area can be tricky. Here’s my take on how to keep your studio flat spotless and organised.
Start with Decluttering
Before cleaning, clear out the clutter. It’s amazing how quickly small spaces can fill up with unnecessary items.
Sort your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
- Use storage solutions like bins and shelves to keep things organised. Drawers and cupboards are the best places to store everyday items.
- Tidy up as much as possible by hanging your garments and putting them in the wardrobe.
- It will be useful to have a dedicated space for your shoes, possibly a shoe rack with several shelves.
- As soon as you do the washing up, dry all dishes and cutlery with a towel and put them in the kitchen cupboards.
This will make the cleaning process much smoother. You can trust me on that. I’ve been there, done that and worn the T-shirt 😉
Dusting and Wiping Surfaces
Once the clutter is gone, start dusting. Dust can accumulate quickly in a small space. Use a microfibre cloth to dust surfaces like shelves, tables, and countertops. Don’t forget to dust electronics, picture frames, and light fixtures. For high surfaces, a long-handled duster will come in handy. After dusting, wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt.
Cleaning the Floors
Vacuum or sweep the floors thoroughly. Pay special attention to corners and under furniture, as dust bunnies tend to hide there. If you have a carpet, consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture allergens. For hard floors, mop them using a suitable cleaner for the type of flooring you have, be it wood, tile, or laminate.
Kitchen Cleaning
Given the limited space, the kitchen in a studio apartment can get dirty quickly.
- Start by wiping down all surfaces, including worktops, the hob/stovetop, and the sink, using a sponge and a general kitchen cleaner.
- Rinse the cleaning agent and polish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the inside of your microwave and oven regularly to prevent grease build-up.
- Don’t forget to empty the rubbish bin and take out the recycling.
- Organise your pantry and fridge, check for expired items, and wipe down shelves.
Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms in studio apartments are often small but require regular cleaning.
- Spray your shower cabin or bath with a detergent and scrub it to remove lime scale and soap scums.
- Clean the toilet with a suitable toilet cleaner and a brush to remove germs and dirt.
- Clean the basin and polish the taps.
A mix of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders on tough stains and soap scum. Clean the mirror with a glass cleaner to avoid streaks. Make sure to wash bath mats and towels frequently to keep the bathroom fresh.
Windows and Mirrors
Clean windows and mirrors can brighten up a small space. Use a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth to wipe down windows and mirrors. This will remove smudges and fingerprints, letting more natural light into your apartment.
Tackle the Bed Area
Keep your studio apartment tidy if it has a designated bed area or a pull-out couch. Change your bed linen weekly and vacuum the mattress to keep dust mites at bay. Use storage boxes under the bed to store off-season clothes or extra bedding.
Organise Closets and Drawers
Small spaces need smart storage solutions. Regularly organise your closets and drawers to maximise your limited space. Use dividers and organisers to keep everything in place. This will keep your flat looking tidy and make it easier to find what you need.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping a studio apartment clean. Make a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Daily tasks like washing dishes and wiping down surfaces can prevent a build-up of dirt and clutter. Weekly deep cleaning sessions will ensure your apartment stays spotless.
Green Cleaning Products
Consider using green cleaning products to keep your apartment clean and eco-friendly. Many natural products, like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, can clean effectively without harsh chemicals. These options are safer for you and the environment.
Final Touches
Add some final touches to keep your studio apartment looking and smelling fresh. Use air fresheners or essential oils to give your space a pleasant scent. Adding plants can also improve air quality and add a touch of greenery to your home.
I know all of the above might seem challenging, but with regular effort and smart strategies, it’s entirely manageable. A clean, organised space will make your home more comfortable and enjoyable. Make your home your pride and joy, especially important when friends and family are visiting. You will be the hero. Trust me on that. Just look at my T-shirt 😉