This story is part of Home School, our complete guide to making your first home your own. We share firsthand and expert advice on everything you need to know to make your first home your best home. To learn more tips for settling into a new space, check out our full guide here. The Spruce / Grace Canaan.
It’s no secret that keeping your place neat and tidy is one of the less exciting responsibilities of being a homeowner. If you live solo or just moved out on your own, you know that the responsibility of cleaning falls entirely on your shoulders. ‘The most important thing about keeping a clean house while living solo is efficiency,’ says Taylor Riley, a cleaning expert at Impact Cleaning Professionals and the Founder of Boom. Facility Service Advisors. ‘Most people living solo are busy juggling work and their personal lives, so cleaning can sometimes be an afterthought.’
Kitchen Cleaning Tips: Wipe down stovetop and oven after each use to maintain cleanliness. Cabinet fronts and handles should be wiped down to remove grease and fingerprints. Clean the interior and exterior of your refrigerator regularly. Ensure the microwave is cleaned inside and out to eliminate any residue. Clean the filter of your dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle periodically. Organize your pantry and wipe down shelves to keep them dust-free. Backsplash areas should be wiped down to remove grease and food splatters. Clean your garbage can to prevent unpleasant odors. Bedroom Cleaning Routine: Regularly change and wash sheets, pillowcases, and comforters to prevent dust mites and allergens. A weekly routine of fluffing pillows, straightening the bed, and organizing personal items can keep your bedroom clean. Bedding should be changed and washed, along with dusting and organizing nightstands and dressers. Keep your closet organized and declutter periodically. Vacuum or sweep floors and clean windows and sills. Vacuum or sweep under the bed to remove dust. Dust light fixtures and lamps to prevent buildup. Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner. Bathroom Sanitation: Bathrooms require weekly cleaning to maintain a germ-free environment. Wipe down surfaces including the toilet and countertops with your favorite cleaner. Clean the toilet inside and out, and wipe down the sink and faucet with a disinfectant cleaner. Scrub the shower and bathtub to prevent soap scum and mildew. Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner and mop floors regularly. Clear and wipe down countertops, and wash or replace the shower curtain and liner if needed. Replace towels with clean ones regularly and dust and clean the ventilation fan. Cleaning Other Rooms: Depending on your living situation, other rooms like laundry rooms, home offices, and garages need regular cleaning and organization. For hallways, dust and vacuum floors and fixtures to keep them clean and clutter-free. Sweep and mop floors, and organize shoes and coats in entryways and mudrooms. Wipe down surfaces, clean lint traps, and mop floors in the laundry room. Dust surfaces, clean computer screens, and organize paperwork in the home office. Vacuum or sweep steps and wipe down railings on staircases. Sweep floors, organize tools, and wipe down surfaces in the garage. Keep the basement or attic organized and clean periodically to prevent dust and pests.