9 Apartment Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work In Small Spaces

Are you living in a small apartment? If yes, you may be looking for the best way to keep your place tidy. If so, you have reached the right blog. In this post, we are going to list some apartment cleaning hacks that are effective for small places.
With such tricks, you can make the process of cleaning much easier. In case you are struggling with sanitizing tight corners, you can find an appropriate way to clean them. Let’s read the blog without any delay!
Effective Hacks To Clean Small Spaces
Use A Caddy For All Your Cleaning Supplies
The best way to clean your small apartment is to use a caddy for all your cleaning supplies. It can save valuable space and time. What happens is you usually run between rooms to get tools and clean the surfaces. When you have a caddy, everything is within arm’s reach.
You can use a compact plastic or fabric caddy. Then, keep your tools in it like sprays, cloths, and gloves. You can store your caddy under the sink or inside a closet. It is a great method to stay motivated while cleaning, as you can prevent frustration.
Clean Top To Bottom, Left To Right
The other hack for apartment cleaning of small places is to clean top to bottom, left to right. This trick can prevent you from doubling your work. The right practice is to start with cleaning high areas. It can be shelves or ceiling fans. This makes the dust and dirt fall downward.
Then, you can move from left to right across the room. It can keep you on track and make sure you don’t miss any spots. This hack is more effective, especially in tight apartments. Why? Efficient movements make a big difference in small places.
Use Over-The-Door Organizers For Hidden Clutter
Maximize vertical space by using over-the-door organizers to store cleaning tools and other small items. These organizers fit easily on closet, bathroom, or utility room doors and are great for keeping supplies like microfiber cloths, lint rollers, spray bottles, and sponges.
In a small apartment, cabinets and drawers fill up fast, so this hack keeps everything tidy yet accessible. You can even use clear pockets to quickly see what you have. Over-the-door organizers help maintain a clean look without sacrificing space, making them an ideal storage solution for compact homes.
Disinfect Sponges In The Microwave
Your sponge might look clean, but it often hides harmful bacteria. A simple, effective hack is to microwave a damp sponge for 1 minute to disinfect it. The heat kills most germs, keeping your cleaning tools sanitary and odor-free. Just make sure there’s no metal in your sponge and that it’s wet before microwaving.
This small habit can prevent bad smells from spreading in your small kitchen. In compact living areas, where strong odors linger longer, this trick keeps things fresher and healthier without needing harsh chemicals or constant sponge replacements.
Turn Vinegar And Baking Soda Into Your Cleaning Duo
When space is tight, multi-use cleaners are a must while doing apartment cleaning. White vinegar and baking soda are powerful, natural cleaners that can replace several commercial products. Use them together to clear drain clogs, remove hard water stains, freshen up the fridge, or clean bathroom tiles.
They’re safe, non-toxic, and budget-friendly—perfect for apartment dwellers looking to reduce clutter and simplify their routine. Store them in labeled jars or reusable containers to save shelf space. These two ingredients offer a compact and eco-friendly way to tackle everyday messes without stuffing your cabinets full of single-use cleaners.
Use Your Dishwasher For More Than Dishes
In small apartments, your dishwasher can do more than just clean plates. Use it to wash items like microwave turntables, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, light fixture covers, and even plastic pet bowls. This saves time and keeps surfaces free of small clutter.
Just load these items on the top rack and choose a gentle cycle. This method not only reduces handwashing but also clears up counter space and maintains hygiene with minimal effort. When you live in a space where every surface counts, using your dishwasher creatively is a true game-changer.
Declutter While You Clean
Cleaning is the perfect time to evaluate what you really need. As you dust, vacuum, or wipe surfaces, take a moment to ask yourself if each item serves a purpose. If not, donate or discard it. In small apartments, clutter builds up quickly and makes rooms feel even smaller.
Regular decluttering while cleaning helps you stay ahead of the mess and keeps your home light and airy. It also makes your next cleaning session easier and faster. One-in, one-out rules and monthly purges can turn this into a routine rather than a major chore.
Keep A Lint Roller Handy
A lint roller is more than a clothing tool—it’s a fast fix for crumbs, pet hair, and dust on soft surfaces. Use it on lampshades, throw pillows, upholstery, and even drawers to pick up hard-to-reach dirt. It’s especially helpful in apartment cleaning, where vacuuming every day isn’t practical.
Plus, lint rollers are small enough to store in a drawer or cleaning caddy. For quick touch-ups before guests arrive or to maintain tidiness between deep cleans, this tool is a lifesaver. In tight spaces, every shortcut helps—and the lint roller delivers big results in seconds.
Make Your Bed Every Morning
This simple habit transforms your entire apartment. In small spaces, the bed often takes center stage, so when it’s neat, the whole room looks cleaner. Making your bed takes less than two minutes but sets a positive tone for the day. Use minimal bedding or a tidy throw blanket to save time.
This daily ritual also discourages clutter from piling up on the bed. In studio apartments or shared spaces, a made bed can visually separate your sleeping zone from the rest of the room, instantly improving the feel of your space.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your small apartment clean, it doesn’t have to be stressful. You just need some space-saving hacks. By implementing such tricks, you can simplify your routine and stay organized. Each tip you have read in this post can bring you closer to a clutter-free space.
And in case you are too busy to use these ideas, you can hire a house cleaning service in Las Vegas like Aloha Maids. They are experts and reliable cleaners who can fit your lifestyle well.