by Lisa Mazurek

Created on: December 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2009

So, your moving into a new apartment. The first thing you need to think about is cleaning it the way you like it. This means getting in the apartment before you bring your things in. You don't want to be cleaning around furniture and boxes. To avoid this, plan on having an extra day or two to clean and fix it up before the movers come.

Most apartments are cleaned before the move in date by the management. There is only one problem with this. Is it clean enough? Some things to consider before moving in. Do you need to paint? Are the carpets cleaned? Always tackle these things first. Just a reminder. Be sure your gas and electric is turned on, so that you can see and have hot water.

For cleaning supplies, I would advise getting an all purpose cleaner like Lysol. It will clean and disinfect floors, counters, bathrooms and appliances. Comet or soft scrub is great for the bathroom and kitchen. Lemon oil or furniture polish for woodwork. Easy Off or Dow oven cleaner for ovens. Vinegar and ammonia are great cleaning chemicals as long as they are not mixed together. Ammonia will clean blinds and will remove grease. Vinegar is excellent for windows, light fixtures and floors.

Always be sure to bring plenty of cleaning cloths, paper towels and garbage bags with you on your cleaning day. Some additional items you can bring are a step ladder, which will help you to reach ceiling fans and light fixtures. Light bulbs to replace burned out ones, scrub sponges, mop, broom, bucket, vacuum with attachments, a lunch, drinks, a basic tool set for removing or hanging things, toilet paper and a radio. After all, this could be a long day.

Now that your ready to clean your new apartment you should start with the windows. Before you clean the windows, take the blinds down and soak them in a tub with ammonia and very hot water. On to the windows. If your windows are not too dirty, try using steel wool graded 0000. Steel wool won't scratch and it removes dirt, paint and varnish without using water. After you clean the windows, vacuum the inside with an attachment. You can put the blinds back up and they will dry by themselves.

The next thing you should clean is your appliances and hopefully they are not really dirty. Remove shelves and racks from the insides of the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. This will make it easier to clean. Some suggestions when cleaning stoves. Turn all electric burners on long enough to clean them. It only takes a few minutes for them to heat up and whatever is on there will burn off. Check oven to see if it is a self cleaning oven before you start cleaning it. This is also a good time to make sure all appliances are in good working condition.

For cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathroom, I suggest vacuuming first. Clean your light fixtures and ceiling fans with ammonia and water or vinegar and water. Vacuum, wash floors and if you have any energy left you can hang up curtains and pictures. Whatever you need to do that can be done easier without the furniture and boxes inside the apartment should be done. Following these tips should make your move in day less hectic.

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