New to an apartment in Dallas? Giving it a deep clean before moving in not only keeps it fresh and clean but also helps it feel more like home. Dallas renters often deal with issues like mineral buildup on faucets and shower doors due to the city’s water quality, as well as seasonal dust. The region’s high humidity at certain times of the year can cause mold and mildew to develop in kitchens and bathrooms.
Cleaning before unpacking helps your space feel fresh and healthy for you and your family. This guide includes a handy checklist of must-have cleaning supplies and simple tasks to help you settle in.
Pro Tips for Renters
1. Clean Before Unpacking
Even if the previous tenant or landlord cleaned the apartment, doing your own deep clean ensures it meets your standards. Focus on disinfecting high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and cabinet knobs.
Start with the kitchen and bathroom since they tend to get dirty the quickest. Wipe down the kitchen sink and appliances before using them, and clean the fridge shelves to get rid of any leftover germs. To get rid of hard water stains, try store-bought cleaners or a vinegar solution.
2. Take Photos of Any Damage Before Unpacking
Before you start unpacking, take pictures and videos of any scratches, stains, or damage you spot while cleaning. These can help you get your security deposit back when you move out.
Let your landlord know about any problems, like a leaky pipe, broken appliances, or outlets that don’t work. Taking care of these issues early can save you a lot of hassle later.
3. Create a Simple Cleaning Routine
Keeping your apartment clean after you move in is easier with a regular cleaning routine. Here’s a simple schedule to follow:
- Daily: Wipe down kitchen counters, sinks, and dining areas. Wash dishes right away to keep your kitchen tidy and avoid pests.
- Weekly: Mop floors, dust furniture, and wipe down appliances like the microwave and stovetop. Vacuum carpets to remove dust and allergens.
- Monthly: Deep clean the oven, wash the windows, and check for mold in humid spots like the bathroom.
- Every Few Months: Steam-clean carpets and fabric furniture to get rid of built-up dirt.
Cleaning Tips for Dallas’s Changing Seasons
Dallas’ climate can affect how clean your apartment stays. Here’s how to tweak your cleaning routine by season:
- Spring & Fall: Storms and pollen can make dust levels rise. Keep surfaces, air vents, and shelves dust-free to cut down on allergens.
- Summer: Dallas summers can get really humid, which can cause mold, especially in bathrooms and under sinks. Keep the air flowing by using exhaust fans and a dehumidifier.
- Winter: Heating systems can mess with the air quality inside. Clean heating vents and air filters before winter hits to prevent dust buildup and bad smells.
Must-Have Cleaning Supplies
To clean more efficiently, gather all your supplies before you start. Interruptions can slow you down, so be prepared with:
- Basic Cleaning Supplies: Cloths, sponges, all-purpose cleaner, and disinfectant wipes.
- Kitchen: Degreaser, vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.
- Bathroom: Hard water remover, toilet cleaner, and a brush for grout.
- Floors & Carpets: Mop, vacuum, and a steam cleaner for deep cleaning.
- Other: Duster, glass cleaner, trash bags, and gloves.
Dallas water contains a lot of minerals, so using a hard water remover or vinegar helps keep sinks and bathroom fixtures clean.
Deep Clean These Important Areas in Your Apartment
Kitchen
The kitchen should be one of the first places to clean the house before moving in. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigerator: Take out the shelves and drawers, clean them with vinegar, and let them dry before putting your food back in.
- Stovetop & Oven: Spray degreaser on the stovetop and oven, then wipe it down. For microwaves, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice to help loosen any stuck-on food, making it easier to wipe off.
- Dishwasher: Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a cleaning cycle. Then, sprinkle some baking soda and run another short cycle to help get rid of any smells and buildup.
- Cabinets & Countertops: Wipe down drawers and shelves before putting away your kitchen stuff. Make sure to wipe down countertops before cooking.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms tend to get hard water stains and mildew, so deep cleaning them before using them:
- Toilet: Give it a good scrub, and if you want it to feel brand new, consider replacing the toilet seat.
- Shower & Bathtub: Use vinegar and baking soda to get rid of soap scum and hard water stains.
- Grout & Sink Areas: Scrub grout lines with a good cleaner and wipe down sinks to keep water stains away.
- Mirrors & Fixtures: Wipe them down with a streak-free glass cleaner to keep them shiny and streak-free.
Living Room
Since the living room gets a lot of use, it can collect dust and allergens. Here’s how to keep it clean:
- Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors to remove dirt and dust.
- Furniture: Dust shelves, coffee tables, and window sills with a cloth.
- Ceiling Fans: Wipe fan blades to clear off dust.
- Upholstery: Vacuum couch cushions and use a fabric cleaner to keep them fresh.
Bedrooms
Keeping your bedroom clean helps you sleep better and keeps the air fresh:
- Floors & Under-Bed Cleaning: Vacuum and sweep—don’t forget to clean under the bed and other furniture.
- Dusting: Dust nightstands, window sills, and ceiling fans.
- Bedding & Curtains: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and curtains to keep them fresh and free of dust.
- Closet Organization: Clean shelves before putting your clothes away, and use drawer liners to keep things tidy.
Final Check Before Unpacking
Before you start unpacking, do a final check to make sure nothing was overlooked:
- Give door handles, light switches, and remotes a quick wipe.
- Mop hard floors and vacuum carpets for a finishing touch.
- Make sure kitchen and bathroom surfaces are disinfected.
Once you’re done, your apartment will be fresh and ready to enjoy. A good cleaning routine will make it easy to keep your place fresh and clean over time.
