January 25, 2024

How to Deep Clean Your NYC Apartment

Living in the vibrant heart of New York City has its undeniable perks — the vibe, the culture, and the constant hum of possibility. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, our apartments — our urban havens — can sometimes fall victim to the inevitable accumulation of everyday life. Dust whispers in forgotten corners, kitchens bear the proud scars of culinary exploits, and bathrooms yearn for a fresh start. If you feel that your regular cleaning efforts fall short of taming this chaos, an NYC apartment deep clean is the remedy.

Why wait for the spring clean marathon to reclaim your crisp and calm space? You can restore your urban haven to its sparkling potential and rediscover the joy of a truly clean city home today and keep it this way. In this post, we will guide you through a comprehensive apartment deep cleaning checklist we use in our cleaning company.

Understanding the Grime: What Makes Your NYC Apartment Dirty

Our dynamic city life presents unique challenges to our living spaces. From the constant influx of dust to the inevitable food splatters in the kitchen and from dust-laden subway windows to pet hair tumbleweeds, the grime adds up quickly in your NYC apartment. Here are some common culprits:

• Dust

Carried by open windows and city ventilation systems, dust settles on surfaces, impacting air quality and aesthetics. Think cobwebs nestled in forgotten corners and a film of dust on high shelves.

• Kitchen mess

Cooking mishaps, greasy buildup, and hidden crumbs under appliances – even the most diligent tidying can’t always keep the kitchen grime at bay.

• Bathroom hotbed

Hard water stains, soap scum, and mildew in the shower – these require targeted cleaning to maintain hygiene and freshness.

• Carpet Captives

Dirt, dust mites, and allergens get trapped in carpets, impairing indoor air quality and requiring periodic deep cleaning.

Benefits of Deep Clean: Why It Is a Must in NYC

Beyond the undeniable aesthetic satisfaction, a deep clean offers tangible benefits for busy New Yorkers:

• Safer & Sounder

Deep cleaning removes built-up dust, allergens, and pollutants, creating a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.

• Streamlined Cleaning

A decluttered and thoroughly cleaned space is easier to spruce up, which saves you time and energy in the long run.

• Productivity Boost

Studies show that clean and organized spaces can improve focus and concentration, and reduce stress levels, making you more productive and fostering a sense of well-being in your urban sanctuary.

How Often to Deep Clean Your NYC Apartment?

Aim for a deep clean every three to six months, depending on your lifestyle, the number of occupants, and the presence of pets. A proactive approach keeps grime at bay and makes the process less daunting. Think of it as a regular wellness check-up for your home!

Deep Clean Guide to a Total Reset of Your NYC Home

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on a deep-clean journey of your home rejuvenation. Here’s your deep-clean roadmap to a sparkling NYC apartment:

1. Declutter

Before we dive into the cleaning frenzy, let’s address the elephant in the room — clutter. Decluttering is about creating a canvas for your deep-cleaning masterpiece. Sort through belongings ruthlessly, discard forgotten items, and donate unused treasures. You’ll be amazed at how much easier cleaning becomes in a streamlined space.

2. Straighten your space

No matter how tidy you are, if you are living not alone, all things in your house get mixed up in a matter of months. Deep cleaning in your apartment is the right time to return items where they belong and organize everything.

Tame the chaos in your cupboards and drawers with shelf risers, trays, and drawer dividers. Label everything – no more spelunking for that elusive garlic powder! Empty kitchen cabinets, purging expired items and banishing crumbs with a microfiber cloth.

3. Outsmart the dust

To eradicate dust in your apartment, remember to dust starting from the ceiling and moving down to the floor because dust always settles down. Grab a telescoping duster and banish cobwebs. Wipe light fixtures and ceiling fans (a wet pillowcase works wonders). Then move down to high shelves and tops, working your way down to drawers, low furniture, and finally, baseboards.

4. Wipe away mess

Dampen a microfiber cloth with soapy water or all-purpose cleaner and go through the messy surfaces to tackle fingerprints, grease splatters, stains, and lurking crumbs:    

• kitchen cabinets, drawers, and drawer runners
• counters
• walls, shelves, doors, and door frames
• baseboards

A wet Magic Eraser helps get rid of stubborn scuffs and stains (but remember gentle persuasion and spot testing!)

5. Spruce up your windows

Let’s bathe your haven in natural light. Spray cleaning solution on a microfiber cloth and wipe windows in circular motions, working from top to bottom. Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish. Use a damp microfiber cloth for sills and a gentle brush for blinds (vacuum afterward for extra thoroughness). Freshen your curtains up with a good wash or dry cleaning, depending on the fabric.

6. Banish germs

While wiping and scrubbing leave your haven gleaming, a true deep clean requires an extra layer of protection: disinfection. Grab disinfecting wipes and target those pesky germs and bacteria lurking on high-touch surfaces:  

• Door knobs and handles
• Kitchen and bathroom faucets
• Light switches and thermostats
• Remote controls and keyboards (use wipes or cleaning sprays specifically designed for electronics)
• Mobile phones and tablets

7. Return glow to appliances and faucets

• Fridge. Empty, wipe down shelves and drawers, and defrost if needed. Tackle spills and grime, including the often-forgotten door gaskets. Don’t forget to clean under and behind the fridge.
• Microwave. Clean the interior by heating a cup of water for three minutes to create steam and then wiping the mess away with a paper towel or cloth. Remove and wash the glass turntable.
• Dishwasher. Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or, alternatively, run the hottest cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack.
• Oven and stovetop. Remove grates and soak them in soapy water. Get rid of burnt-on food with a specialized oven cleaner (apply and let it soak for a better effect).  
• Scrub the sink, disinfect faucets and handles, and tackle hard water stains. Consider replacing worn-out sponges and dishcloths.

8. Scrub your bathroom

• Toilet bowl, sink, and bathtub. Disinfect and deep clean with appropriate cleaners.
• Showerhead. Remove limescale build-up with a vinegar soak or commercial descaler.
• Tiles, faucets, and grout. Scrub the tiles with a non-abrasive cleaner, paying attention to grout lines. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Polish faucets for a gleaming finish.
• Tackle mildew and grime in grout lines with a bleach solution (be careful with colored grout! Test on a hidden area first). For tougher stains, consider a specialized grout cleaner or a steamer.
• Shower curtain (actually, the germiest item in your bathroom). Wash or replace it for a fresh new look.
• Shower doors. Scrub away water stains and soap scum.  

Here are several ways how to restore the cleanliness of shower doors (also work for tiles):  

• Vinegar plus water in equal parts. Mix in a spray bottle. Mist generously and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The acidic bite of vinegar cuts through soap scum with ease.
• Baking Soda Paste. For tougher stains, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply directly to the scum and scrub gently with a damp sponge.
• The magic trick. If stubborn stains resist, a rubber eraser or melamine sponge can be your ally. Use them gently to avoid scratching the glass.
• Squeegee Salvation. To prevent future build-up, invest in a trusty squeegee and make it your post-shower ritual. 

9. Finalize deep cleaning with sparkling floors

Imagine the satisfaction of walking barefoot on freshly cleaned floors! Deep clean carpets with a professional service or a high-quality steam cleaner. Mop hard floors with a suitable cleaner (we suggest using a disinfecting solution for the bathroom and kitchen but ensuring it is safe for the surface).

The Deep Clean Dilemma: When Is Professional Help Better?

While a DIY deep clean can be rewarding, some situations call for professional expertise. Consider hiring a trusted cleaning service like White Glove Cleaner NYC if:

• You have limited time or energy.
• Your apartment is particularly large or requires specialized cleaning (e.g., window cleaning, upholstery cleaning).
• You find specific cleaning challenges daunting, like tackling stubborn stains or mold remediation.

White Glove Cleaner offers deep cleaning services tailored to your NYC apartment, using eco-friendly cleaning products and techniques. Let the pros transform your urban space into a sparkling, serene haven. Schedule your deep clean today and rediscover the peace of a perfectly clean home.