5 Essential Cleaning Supplies for Your First Apartment

When you settle into your first apartment, you may want to do an initial cleanup. With so many cleaning agents that all say the same thing, you might not know where to start. Below is a list of handy cleaning supplies to have have available, both for when you move in and down the road. These are some of the things that you need to have if you’re going to clean your apartment well.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a very good cleaner. It is very abrasive, so it’s easy to get stains off with it. Baking soda is much cheaper than regular cleaners, but it does the job just as well, and without all the chemicals. Mix baking soda with water and scrub on the stains with a sponge. You can clean ovens, cabinet doors and even put some in your washing machine to take the stains off of your clothes.

2. Homemade Glass Cleaner

It’s good to save money with whatever cleaning supplies you buy. Instead of having to buy commercial glass cleaners, you can make your own. Your windows will look just as good with a homemade cleaner as they will with a regular glass cleaner, and it’s much more affordable. Take about 2 to 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 3 cups to a quart of water and mix them. For a bigger batch, add ½ cup of vinegar to a gallon of water.

3. Air Fresheners

While you’re cleaning, the cleaning supplies themselves can work up a really bad smell. Air fresheners solve that problem. While some people prefer regular air fresheners, candles are an option, too. Candles do the job just as well as other air fresheners if you get the right ones. Look for scented candles to make your rooms smell good. You may prefer candles because they’re cheaper and don’t have the chemicals that some air fresheners do.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Toilets have to be cleaned often. A toilet bowl cleaner is essential for your cleaning supplies list. You can most likely find these at your regular grocery store. You’ll probably want to have a toilet brush with you, although some people just use a sponge for their toilet bowl cleaner. Just remember to wear gloves.

5. Carpet Cleaners

Carpet cleaners are very important. If the carpets aren’t clean it can lead to a host of other problems. Even though you can buy carpet cleaners from almost any store, you can also make your own. You can use baking soda for carpet cleaning. Sprinkle some on the floor and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Vacuum over it and check for stains on the carpet. If you find any, just scrub them with soap and water until it comes off. An alternative is a simple spray-on carpet cleaner that works much the same way.

Cleaning isn’t always fun, but it must be done. Having the right cleaning supplies for your first apartment can keep it looking the way it did the day you first moved in.