50+ Must-Have Cleaning Products For A Spotless New Apartment

Congratulations! It must be such an exciting time for you to be moving into your new apartment. There’s so much to do, so much to unpack and so much to clean!

Whether you are outsourcing the cleaning or doing it yourself, you need to have the right cleaning products on hand.

But with so many products on the market, how do you even know where to start?

For some weird reason, buying cleaning products excites me. Hey, I write a lot about cleaning anyway. 

That’s why I am so happy to give you a list of the 50+ must-have cleaning products you need- the list I wish I had when I moved into my first apartment.

I also share my tips on how to use these products so you get the most out of them.

So whether you are renting for the first time or you’re simply moving between apartments, here are some things I will cover:

• The basic cleaning products you need
• A thorough list of all the products for each room in your apartment
• Tips for each product
• Eco-friendly cleaning essentials

Basic Cleaning Supplies List 

If you were about to move in tomorrow and need just the basic cleaning essentials until you have time to do a much bigger shopping trip, I consider these the only cleaning products you need.

Many of the products we buy are simply for convenience. A lot of products have multiple uses. 

For instance, dish soap is excellent for not just dishes, it can be used for toilets, bathrooms, floors, and so much more.

If you need a few minimalist cleaning supplies, I have more in-depth information here. But here are the absolute essential cleaning supplies to get you started.

#1 – Vacuum Cleaner 

You need a solid vacuum cleaner. I love my Dyson, but you don’t have to splurge on a Dyson. Any good vacuum cleaner within your budget will do just fine.

#2 – Microfibre Cloth Duo 

I love a microfibre duo like the E-Cloth, but I know this is not available in every country. 

You want to buy two good quality microfibre cloths. One with a slightly rough texture to easily scrape off dirt, and the other a glass cloth to help surfaces shine. 

Many times you don’t even need a mirror cleaner or a glass cleaner – you simply need two good microfibre cloths. Trust me!

#3 – Dish Soap

Dish soap actually solves most household cleaning problems. 

With just dish soap, you can wash your bathroom, toilet, kitchen, hardwood floors, mirrors, and more. A drop of dish soap can also serve as an all-purpose cleaner for counters and surfaces.

But of course, as I mentioned earlier, we buy these other things for convenience.

#5 – Sponges

You want to buy a full pack of sponges to use for different areas of your house – one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, and possibly one for outside the apartment.

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{Read: How to Make The Best Cleaning Caddy For Every Room In Your Home: Free Checklist}

Cleaning Tools & Accessories

The right tools will make your life so much easier in your apartment.

Don’t feel any pressure to buy everything on the list. Skip anyone that is not relevant to you.

#1 – Broom and Dustpan 

You need a good broom and dustpan for your apartment. You can buy a mini one that locks together to clean up small spills, and a larger one for general cleaning.

#2 – Vacuum Cleaner 

As I mentioned before, a good vacuum cleaner will save you time cleaning. I’m very partial to my Dyson because it’s one of the best cordless handheld vacuums on the market, but any good quality vacuum cleaner will do.

#3 – Quality Microfibre Cloths

A really good quality one will last you years and years as long as you take care of them properly. Remember not to wash them with other clothes, only wash microfibre with microfibre. 

Look out for a microfibre cloth with at least 20% polyamide and 80% polyester. In my experience these are usually of much higher quality.

#4 – Microfibre Mop and Bucket

I have nothing against the regular mop, but I love a microfibre mop. Microfibre mops catch onto so much more dirt, and they will make your apartment super clean. 

You can buy a microfibre mop with a replaceable head so that you can change it from time to time.

#5 – All Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner, especially one that comes in a spray bottle, is so convenient because you can just spray and wipe for really clean surfaces. You can also a liquid or powder one that is excellent for stain removal like Bar Keeper’s friend.

#6 – Collapsible Bucket

It’s really important to have a bucket, but it’s even more important to have a collapsible bucket for an apartment so that you can save on space. 

I currently have two collapsible buckets, and they save so much space in our home.

#7 – Sponges

As I mentioned earlier, you want sponges for different areas of your apartment – one for outside, one for inside. Don’t buy the cheap stuff – buy good quality sponges that will last a while.

#8 – Steam Mop

While this is not the most essential item to buy, a steam mop can really save you a lot of time when deep cleaning, especially if you have tiled floors.

#9 – Ladder/ Step Stool

You don’t want to be climbing on chairs – trust me, you need a ladder or a step stool. Preferably, something collapsible so that you can store it away without taking up too much space in your apartment.

#10 – Cleaning brush 

You’re going to need all kinds of cleaning brushes – one for the bathroom, one for the kitchen, and one for the floors. I personally like the electric ones because they have interchangeable heads, and I keep one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen.

#11 – Cleaning Caddy

It makes carrying cleaning products around a breeze. You can fill them up with just the essentials, and carry them around wherever you need them. 

You can keep one cleaning caddy for general house cleaning, and one for the bathroom. However, only do this if you have the space for it.

#12 – Bin Bags

A good collection of bin bags is something you’re always going to need in your apartment. If you don’t already do this, double or even triple line your bins to prevent bin juice and save yourself from always having to clean your bin.

{Read: Free Printable Move Out Cleaning Checklist for Tenants}

Kitchen Cleaning Essentials

This is one area where you actually need a lot of products because many of us spend the most time in the kitchen. 

However, my advice would be to shop slowly and buy the basic essentials first. See what you need as you spend more time in your apartment.

#1 – All Purpose/ Counter Spray

This will make wiping your counters really easy.

#2 – Oven Cleaner

You don’t want to spend hours cleaning your oven, so get a strong cleaner that works.

#3 – Degreaser

This will really help with your stove or hob to remove any grease with ease. It also helps remove sticky grease from cabinets.

#4 – Dish Sponges/ Dish brush

You want a good quality one that will last you a while before you need to replace it.

#5 – Dish Cloth

If you prefer to air-dry your dishes, feel free to skip this.

#6 – Napkin

You need something to wipe your hands.

#7 – Electronic Cleaning Brush/ Toothbrush 

Preferably, one with different heads for cleaning detailed small spaces.

#8 – Dishwasher Tablets

If you have a dishwasher, this is a non-negotiable. Don’t forget to buy a rinse aid and some dishwasher salt as well.

#9 – Steel Wool

This really helps with set stains in your oven and hob. I use it after I have used the oven cleaner.

#10 – Bin Bags

Buy these in bulk so that you don’t run out quickly.

#11 – Bin Powder

It soaks up all the bin juice and leaves your bin smelling really good.

#12 – Stainless Steel Cleaner 

If you’re in an apartment with lots of stainless steel appliances, you need this. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel with baby oil.

#13 – Scourer

This is really good for stainless steel pots. I use it all the time.

#14 – Magic Eraser/ Melamine sponge

No apartment should be without this! It cleans everything from stains on the walls to stains on cabinets.

#15 – Liquid Disinfectant

This is really great to disinfect floors from time to time.

#16 – Antibacterial Wipes or Spray 

This will help you easily disinfect your high-touch areas.

#17 – Glass Cloth or Cleaner

I prefer a glass cloth to a glass cleaner, but buy whichever suits your preference.

#18 – Paper Towels

This is one item that you always need for cleaning tables and hands.

#19 – Mop

I’m partial to a microfibre mop, but any good solid mop will do.

#20 – Steam Mop

This is a nice-to-have, especially if you have tiled floors.

#21 – Disposable Cloths

If you’re mopping up a lot of oily grease, you don’t want to use your microfibre cloth. Disposable cloths will save you so much cleaning because you can easily toss them.

#22 – Cream Cleaner

This is not available in every country, but it is so good for cleaning surfaces and getting stains off really easily.

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Living Area Cleaning Essentials

You don’t really need too many products for your living room or living areas. Here is a thorough list of everything you need for this space.

#1 – Broom and Dustpan

For sweeping up dirt and dust.

#2 – All Purpose Spray

To clean surfaces, like furniture, and countertops.

#3 – Microfibre Cloths 

There are different types of microfibre cloths so you want to get the ones for dusting, one for use on a regular basis and one glass cloth for your mirrors and glass.

#4 – Lint Roller

For removing lint from furniture, lamps, and other fabric surfaces.

#5 – Furniture Polish

Furniture polish can be used to protect and shine furniture. It’s not a must have but a nice to have.

#6 – Carpet Stain Remover

It’s good to have one on hand because you don’t know when you will spill something that needs to be removed immediately. Most carpet stain removers can also be used for the sofa.

#7 – Magic Eraser/ Melamine Sponge

If you don’t get anything else, get this. It will remove stains from walls and surfaces with ease.

#8 – Extendable duster 

 This can be used to reach cobwebs in hard-to-reach places, such as ceiling corners.

Bathroom Cleaning Essentials

This is the one area of the house where I don’t skimp on products. I need those products to work!

#1 – Toilet Cleaner & Toilet Brush

You want a good quality toilet bowl cleaner and brush. You can also use bleach, but be sure to follow the directions.

#2 – All Purpose Bathroom Cleaner

This will help with your tubs, surfaces, and toilet seat. Look for a cleaner that is specifically designed for bathrooms.

#3 – Glass Cleaner or Cloth

I’m partial to a glass cleaning cloths for the bathroom mirror, but a glass cleaner will also work. Be sure to use a product that is designed for glass, as other cleaners can leave streaks.

#4 – Mould and Mildew Cleaner

If you’re living in an older apartment, this will come in very handy. Mould and mildew can be difficult to remove, but a good mold and mildew cleaner will make the job easier.

#5 – Rubber Gloves

Don’t even attempt cleaning your bathroom without a pair of sturdy rubber gloves. This will protect your hands from harsh chemicals and dirty water.

#6 – Steel Wool

I find steel wool really useful for removing hard water stains from glass. Be sure to use #0000 steel wool or the presoaked kind to avoid scratching surfaces.

#7 – Scrub Brush

You want something with strong bristles that will scrub off dirt in your bathroom.

#8 – Toothbrush/ Grout brush/ Electric Brushes

I’m partial to electric brushes because they have interchangeable heads for tackling different parts of the bathroom. The grout head really gets into those grout lines and keeps them clean.

Laundry Cleaning Essentials

These are not cleaning products for the laundry room, but for your actual laundry. We all know that laundry never stops.

#1 – Oxygen Bleach/ Stain Remover

I cannot do without oxygen bleach. it removes stains from almost any clothes and trust me I have a son who gets all manner of stains on all his clothes.

#2 – Laundry Detergent

You can buy the powder or liquid. I buy both for different types of laundry. 

#3 – Fabric Softener

Fabric softener can help to make your clothes soft and fluffy but please don’t use it on towels.

#4 – Bleach

Bleach is a strong cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains, but I prefer the oxygen bleach. 

#5 – Mesh Laundry Bags

They protect delicate fabrics from damage. They also help to prevent small items from getting lost in the washing machine.

#6 – Lint Roller/ Brush

A lint roller or brush is a must-have for removing lint from clothes.

#7 – Scent Booster

Scent boosters can be added to your laundry to make your clothes smell fresh. I personally don’t use them often as they can cause build up over time.

#8 – Colour Catchers

These are not absolutely essential if you sort your laundry but if you don’t have the time to, they can be added to your laundry to prevent colours from bleeding.

#9 – Washing Machine Cleaner

If you want to have your laundry smelling fresh all year, you need to clean your washing machine every month. It can also help to keep your machine working properly.

#10 – Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are a great way to reduce static and help your clothes dry faster. They are also a more eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets.

#11 – Bubble Shaver

This is not really a cleaning product but it would have all your clothes looking like new once the bubbles are off 

Windows & Outdoor Cleaning Essentials

You might think that when you move into an apartment, you only have to worry about cleaning the inside. 

But the outside matters too, especially if you’ve moved into a place with a nice outdoor space or garden. I’ve excluded garden items from this list because not every apartment has a garden.

#1 – Squeegee

A squeegee is a must-have for cleaning windows. It helps to remove water and dirt quickly and easily.

#2 – Dish Soap

Dish soap can also be used to clean windows. It is a good option for your windows..

#3 – Window Washing Kit

It typically includes a squeegee, a bucket, and a microfibre cloth. You can buy these separately but they can be cheaper when you buy them as a kit. Just make sure you’re buying a good quality one.

#4 – Bucket

Don’t forget to buy a collapsible bucket to save space.

#5 – Glass Scraper Blade 

It is a tool that can be used to remove stuck-on dirt or paint specks from windows.

#6 – Outdoor Scrub Brush

It’s really important to get one with sturdier bristles designed for outdoor cleaning.

#7 – Outdoor Broom and Dustpan

I think it’s better to keep your outdoor and indoor brooms separate. 

#8 – Microfibre Cloth

This is useful for cleaning the glass edge after cleaning.

#9 – Outdoor Bin

If your apartment doesn’t provide one, please get one and store it in a convenient place. 

#10 – Pressure Washer

This is not essential, but it can be a helpful tool for deep cleaning.

#11 – Garden Hose

This might be useful when you need access to water plants in your front or back apartment garden. 

Green and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Essentials

If you’re really into eco-friendly cleaning, there are many products you can make from just a few basic ingredients.

These products can really help you clean your home without harsh chemicals.

• Citric acid is perfect for cleaning the toilet. Simply dissolve 1/2 cup of citric acid in 1 gallon of warm water and use it to clean your toilet bowl.
• Hydrogen peroxide can remove mould stains. Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and apply the solution to the moldy area. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• Alcohol can help with stains. Apply a small amount of alcohol to a cloth and rub it on the stain. Let the alcohol sit for a few minutes, then wipe or rinse.
• Vinegar is an all-around house cleaner. It can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including counters, floors, and windows. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean your surfaces.

#1 – Spray Bottle

​You need this to spray your DIY cleaning solutions.

#2 – Baking Soda

The multi purpose natural cleaner that can be used to remove dirt, grime, and odours.

#3 – Vinegar 

A natural disinfectant that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces and it dissolves soap scum and hard water stains.

#4 – Lemon Juice

An alternative to vinegar.

#5 – Citric Acid 

Citric acid is a natural cleaner that can be used to remove hard water stains and rust. It also whitens toilets.

#6 – Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. It is also a good bleach alternative.

#7 – Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a natural disinfectant that can also be used to remove hard to remove stains.

#8 – Castile Soap

Castile soap is a natural soap alternative to regular dish soap.

#9 – Essential Oils

Essential oils can be added to cleaning solutions to add a fresh scent. They can also be used to repel insects.

Final Tips

I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with too many cleaning products. Here are my best tips when shopping for cleaning products:

• Don’t do it all at once. You might not need all of the products that I mentioned. Live in your apartment for a little while and see what you need over time. You can always download the printable or come back to this post to check off what you need.
• Dish soap. Remember that dish soap is a very versatile product that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. It is often overlooked, but it can solve 99% of the cleaning problems in most apartments.
• Cleaning services. If you can afford it, hiring a cleaning service can save you a lot of time and energy.

I hope this apartment cleaning checklist helps you with everything you need for your new home. 

Congratulations! I hope you can make your apartment as spotless as possible.

And if you need any motivation to clean, here’s something that will get your cleaning gears moving.

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