Your Back-to-School Apartment Cleaning Game Plan

August 12, 2025 | Cleaning Tips

Moving into your first apartment or dorm? Congrats! Whether you’re a student, recent grad, or just stepping into that glorious era of adulting, this is your moment. But let’s be honest, new freedom also comes with new responsibilities… like keeping your space clean and actually livable.

No one wants to start the school year in a dusty chaos cave. So before you dive into textbooks or late-night ramen runs, let’s get your place looking (and smelling) fresh with this easy peazy guide to cleaning and organizing your apartment. And yes, we’re going to make it easy with a little help from O-Cedar.

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H2prO™ Flat Mop System

Flex & Catch™ Heavy Duty Dusting Kit

PowerCorner® Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dust Pan

1. Deep Clean Like A Pro (Before the Clutter Takes Over)

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1. Deep Clean Like A Pro (Before the Clutter Takes Over)

First rule of a clean apartment? A solid deep clean. This sets the vibe and helps you avoid that “mystery smell” two weeks from now.

Cleaning your first apartment - Key Areas:

Floors: Vacuum or sweep to remove dirt and debris, then mop your floors, especially if you have tile or wood flooring. The O-Cedar H2prO™ Flat Mop System makes mopping so satisfying and easy, plus it stores away neatly into any corner or closet.

Windows & Mirrors: Smudges kill natural light. A spritz of glass cleaner + a clean cloth = instant clean glow. We recommend using a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning and a natural cleaner such as white vinegar.

Kitchen area: Go beyond wiping counters. Clean out the fridge (check those expiration dates), scrub the microwave, and don’t forget cabinet handles. Scrunge Multi-Use will be your best friend here. It’s tough on greasy buildup and stuck-on messes but gentle enough to use on countertops, dishes, and appliances. Whether you're cleaning after meal prep or a late-night snack binge, Scrunge has your back.

Bathroom: Your bathroom might be the smallest room, but it needs major cleaning love. Scrub the toilet, sink, and shower including those sneaky corners and grout lines. Don’t forget the glass — they love to collect water spots and soap scum.

2. Declutter Your Room (and Your Sanity)

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2. Declutter Your Room (and Your Sanity)

Clutter is the silent killer of productivity, and good vibes. Get rid of what you don’t need and organize what you do.

Start Here:
Closet: Haven’t worn it in a year? It’s time to donate it. Use under-bed bins or hanging organizers to save space.

💡Pro Tip: Hang all your clothes with the hangers facing the same direction. Each time you wear something, put it back with the hanger flipped the opposite way. After a few months, you’ll clearly see which items you never wear making it easier to declutter without second-guessing.

Desk and Workspace Setup: Clear off your desk and set up a focused, clutter-free study zone. Desks collect dust faster than you think, especially around monitors and cables. Keep a compact duster like our Flex & Catch™ Dusting Kit in a nearby drawer so you can do a quick weekly refresh.

This tool is compact, super flexible, and the 3-foot extendable handle gets into every little corner of your space. Vents? Check. Bookshelves? Check. The top of the mini fridge? Also check.

Kitchen: Toss expired snacks, sauces you haven’t touched since last year, and anything with mysterious stains. Then group items by category, breakfast items, grab-and-go snacks, spices, etc and store them in bins or clear containers so you can see what you have.

3. Target High-Traffic Zones

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3. Target High-Traffic Zones

Some areas get dirty fast, and staying on top of them means less deep-cleaning later.

Entryway: This is dirt’s favorite hangout. Use a mat, keep shoes contained, and give it a quick sweep often.
Kitchen Counters: Wipe them down daily. Spills turn into crusty stains fast.
Bathroom Sink & Mirror: A 30-second wipe-down keeps toothpaste splatter from becoming permanent décor.

4. Build a Cleaning Schedule

Consistency > intensity. You don’t need to clean for hours, just a few minutes here and there.

Easy Routine Ideas:

Daily: Make your bed, wipe down counters, do the dishes.
Weekly: Mop floors (H2prO Flat Mop = your bestie), clean the bathroom, change your sheets.
Monthly: Deep clean appliances, organize your closet, and finally toss that takeout container in the fridge you’ve been avoiding.

5. Set Yourself Up with the Right Tools

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5. Set Yourself Up with the Right Tools

Having supplies on hand means less mental resistance when it’s time to clean.

Apartment Essentials:

All-purpose cleaner
Microfiber cloths
H2prO™ Flat Mop
Flex & Catch™ Duster
Scrunge® Sponges
Pet Pro Broom with Step-On Dustpan
Trash and recycling bags

6. Freshen It Up

You’ve cleaned. Now make it feel ✨fresh✨.

Essential Oils: Citrus in the kitchen, lavender in the bedroom.
Air Fresheners or Candles: Plug-ins or sprays work too.
Houseplants: Spider plants and snake plants are easy to maintain and look lovely.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

A clean apartment = a clear mind. Whether you’re diving into midterms, job hunting, or just figuring out how to adult, having a space that feels fresh and organized makes everything easier.

The best part? With a few key habits and the right tools, you’ll be able to stay on top of messes before they even happen.

Ready to crush back-to-school season (and keep your apartment looking amazing)? Follow O-Cedar on Instagram and TikTok for more tips!