This Deep Clean Routine Will Transform Even the Tiniest Apartment
Living in Los Angeles means juggling a fast-paced lifestyle with a not-so-spacious apartment. Whether you’re in a downtown studio or a cozy one-bedroom in West Hollywood, you’ve probably noticed how quickly your place can go from “cute and tidy” to “how did this happen?” If you’re tired of surface-level tidying and want your space to feel fresh again, here’s the apartment deep cleaning routine we swear by—and our clients love it too.
Why Deep Cleaning Is a Game Changer for Small Spaces
One of the biggest myths we hear is: “My place is small, so it doesn’t get that dirty.”
Actually, it’s the opposite. Small apartments get dirty faster because every inch is high-traffic, high-touch, and overused. There’s no “guest room” or “extra closet” to hide the chaos.
Plus, clutter in a small space just hits harder. When your home is your office, your gym, your chill zone and your kitchen, a little mess becomes overwhelming fast. A proper deep clean can bring back that “just moved in” feeling—without having to call your landlord.
First, Gather Your Tools and Toss the Junk
Before diving into the actual cleaning, you’ll want to declutter a bit. You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo, but removing trash, expired food, and random stuff you haven’t touched in months will make the process way smoother.
My go-to deep clean kit includes:
Microfiber cloths
All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
A good scrub brush for different surfaces
- Plastic scraper
- Degreaser
A vacuum with attachments
Magic erasers
A good playlist or podcast
Pro Tip: Try this routine by turning on your favorite true crime podcast during cleaning.
The Room-by-Room Deep Clean Breakdown
🧼 Kitchen
Start here—it’s the heart of your home, and it always gets gross fast.
Wipe down cabinet doors (especially near the stove—hello, grease!)
Scrub the stovetop, backsplash, and inside the microwave
Clean the fridge inside and out—yes, even those sticky drawers
Take out the trash, clean the can (don’t forget to clean inside!), and disinfect the lid
Don’t forget under the sink—it’s the land of mystery leaks and old sponges
- Using manual, clean exhaust fan over the stovetop. In some fans you might need to replace charcoal filters.
Pro Tip: Try to pull out fridge if possible. Some unpleasant smells might come from bits that are hidden under the fridge.
🛁 Bathroom (30–40 minutes)
This is where grime hides in plain sight.
Spray down the shower, tub, and tiles with a bathroom cleaning spray
Scrub grout with good scrubbing brush
Wipe mirrors, clean the sink and faucet base
- Wipe down walls, exhaust fans and baseboards
Sanitize toilet thoroughly—don’t skip under the seat hinges
- Use vinegar to clean shower head and remove hard water deposits
Vacuum and mop the floor last
Pro Tip: We recommend to use lavender-scented cleaner in your bathroom. Not only does it smell amazing, but it will feel like a spa every time you walk in.
🛋️ Living Area (20–30 minutes)
Even if it’s just a living corner, it deserves love too.
Dust shelves, electronics, and light fixtures
- Wash all blankets, cushion covers and sofa covers (if they’re washable and removable)
Vacuum under the couch and behind furniture
Wipe down coffee tables, side tables, and remotes
Clean windows and window sills (they get dusty fast in LA)
Pro Tip: Rotate your furniture seasonally—it’s a great excuse to clean underneath and refresh your space’s vibe.
🛏️ Bedroom (20–30 minutes)
Let’s be honest—this is where clean laundry becomes your second wardrobe.
Wash your sheets and your pillows (most people forget the latter)
- Wash mattress protector
Vacuum under the bed
Wipe down nightstands, lamp bases, closet handles. Vacuum drawers.
Flip or rotate your mattress if you haven’t in 6 months
Bonus: Lightly spray your bedding with a DIY lavender linen spray. It’s simple to make and feels like a hotel every night.
Smart Tips for Busy L.A. Professionals
We get it—you’ve got meetings, commutes (or Zoom marathons), and maybe a little one or a pet running around. Here’s how to make deep cleaning doable:
Break it up: Instead of cleaning your whole apartment in one go, split tasks across a week.
Use timers: Set a 25-minute timer (Pomodoro style) to stay focused.
Clean in layers: First declutter, then dust, then wipe, then mop.
Pro Tip: If you can swing it, hire pros for a deep clean once a quarter. We have clients who keep it light week-to-week and bring us in every season to reset their space. It’s totally worth it.
Ready to Love Your Apartment Again?
The best thing about this apartment deep cleaning routine is how instantly rewarding it feels. You don’t need a huge space or designer furniture to feel at peace in your home. Clean countertops, fresh sheets, and a dust-free couch can make your place feel brand new.
If you’re still not sure where to start, or you’d rather have someone else do the dirty work, give us a shout. Our LA team specializes in small-space deep cleans that fit your schedule—and leave your apartment sparkling.
Now go light a candle, pour a drink, and enjoy your freshly cleaned home. You earned it. 🧽✨
Photo by Gabriel Beaudry on Unsplash