The Only First Apartment Cleaning Supplies List You’ll Ever Need

Moving into your first apartment feels exciting until you realize the sink is full of dirty dishes… and you don’t even own a sponge. 

Trust me, it happens to almost everyone. 

You think about the furniture, the décor, maybe even the Wi-Fi setup — but cleaning supplies? They usually don’t make it to the top of the list.

That’s why I put together this simple first apartment cleaning supplies list. Nothing fancy, nothing overwhelming — just the real basics you’ll actually use. 

From keeping your kitchen grease-free to handling those “oops” bathroom moments, this list will save you a late-night run to the store.

Pin it:

1. Kitchen Cleaning Essentials

The kitchen is usually where the mess shows up first. 

Even if you’re not cooking big meals, you’ll still deal with dishes, crumbs, and sticky counters. 

Having a few basics on hand makes cleanup quick and painless.

• Dish soap & sponges – Your everyday heroes. Keep at least two so one can dry out while you use the other.
• Scrub brush – For the tough stuff that sponges can’t handle, like pans or sink corners.
• Microfiber cloths – Way better than paper towels because they actually trap dust and grease.
• All-purpose cleaner – A good spray works for counters, tables, and even quick fridge cleanups.
• Trash bags & liners – Sounds obvious, but forgetting them means a messy situation on day one.

These are the supplies you’ll reach for almost daily. 

And honestly, nothing makes your new place feel more like home than a clean kitchen that smells fresh.

Also Read: First Apartment Kitchen Essentials

2. Bathroom Cleaning Supplies

Bathrooms get messy fast, and nothing kills the “new apartment excitement” like a grimy sink or clogged toilet. 

A small set of bathroom cleaning tools will save you from those gross surprises.

• Toilet brush + cleaner – Not glamorous, but an absolute must from day one.
• Glass or mirror cleaner – For toothpaste splatters and fingerprints that show up way too often.
• Disinfectant wipes or spray – Quick fix for counters, handles, and other high-touch spots.
• Shower/tub scrubber – Soap scum builds up before you even notice. Having a scrubber makes it easier to stay ahead of it.
• Plunger – You’ll probably forget about this one until you desperately need it. Keep it tucked in a corner, just in case.

With these few basics, your bathroom stays fresh and guest-ready without needing hours of scrubbing.

Also Read: 27 First Apartment Decorating Ideas

3. Floor & Surface Cleaning Tools

Floors collect everything — dust, crumbs, hair, you name it. 

Even if you’re not a “shoes off at the door” kind of person, you’ll notice how quickly dirt piles up in an apartment. 

A few simple tools keep it under control.

• Broom & dustpan – The classic duo. Perfect for sweeping up daily messes without dragging out bigger gear.
• Mop or Swiffer – Sticky kitchen floors and bathroom spills need more than a broom. A Swiffer is easy for small spaces, but a mop works just as well.
• Vacuum (if budget allows) – Handy for carpets, rugs, or if you’ve got pets. Doesn’t need to be fancy — a small one works fine.
• Microfiber duster (or extendable one) – Ceiling fans, shelves, and random dusty corners will thank you.

Keeping these on hand means you won’t feel like your place gets dirty the second you clean it. 

A quick sweep or wipe every couple of days makes a huge difference.

Also Read: Things You Need for Your First Apartment

4. Laundry & Fabric Care

Laundry sneaks up on you fast in a first apartment — one minute you’re fine, the next you’re out of clean socks. 

Having a few basics ready makes laundry day way less of a headache.

• Laundry detergent – Pick one you like the smell of, because your whole closet will carry that scent.
• Stain remover – Spills happen. A good stain stick or spray saves your favorite clothes more times than you’d expect.
• Dryer sheets or fabric softener – Not essential, but they make clothes smell fresh and reduce static cling.
• Drying rack (if no dryer) – Super useful for delicates or if your apartment only has shared machines.
• Lint roller – A lifesaver if you’ve got pets or just want your black clothes to look crisp.

With just these few things, you’ll be ready for laundry day without scrambling for last-minute fixes.

Also Read: Moving Out Checklist for Women

5. Safety & Protective Items

Cleaning can get a little messy, so it helps to have a few “support tools” that make the job easier (and less gross). 

These aren’t glamorous, but you’ll be glad you have them around.

• Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from harsh cleaners and hot water. Plus, scrubbing a tub without gloves? Nope.
• Bucket – Doesn’t just work for mopping — you’ll use it for soaking, carrying supplies, or even emergencies.
• Old towels/rags – Perfect for spills, drying off wet floors, or quick wipe-downs. Cut up old t-shirts if you don’t want to buy extra.
• Spray bottle – Great for DIY cleaners or just mixing water with vinegar for quick disinfecting.

These little things don’t seem urgent until you’re in the middle of a mess — then they become essential.

6. Nice-to-Have Extras (But Not Urgent)

These aren’t “day one” must-haves, but they’re the little upgrades that make cleaning easier and your apartment feel fresher. 

You can grab them over time as you settle in.

• Air freshener or fabric spray – Makes the place smell clean, even when you didn’t have time to deep clean.
• Vacuum attachments – Handy for tight spaces like under the couch or along baseboards.
• Specialty cleaners – Wood polish, stainless steel cleaner, or granite spray if your apartment has those surfaces.
• Magic Erasers – Seriously, they’re miracle workers on scuff marks, wall stains, and random messes.

Think of these as your “bonus round” supplies — not urgent, but once you have them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.

7. Budget-Friendly Starter Kit Ideas

You don’t need to drop a ton of money on cleaning supplies all at once. 

Start with the basics, then add extras as you go. 

The good news is that many stores — and even Amazon — sell starter bundles that cover most of what you’ll need.

• All-in-one cleaning caddy – Usually comes with sponges, an all-purpose cleaner, and sometimes a scrub brush.
• Mop + broom sets – Buying them together is cheaper than separately.
• Multi-surface sprays – One bottle for counters, glass, and even bathrooms keeps things simple (and budget-friendly).
• Dollar store finds – Sponges, gloves, and rags don’t need to be fancy. Stocking up here saves you a lot.

The trick is to buy what you’ll actually use right away. 

You don’t need ten different sprays — just one good all-purpose cleaner and a couple of basics will get you started.

One Last Thing Before You Go…

Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but it’s easy to overlook the little things that make daily life easier. 

Cleaning supplies might not be the most fun purchase, but trust me — you’ll thank yourself the first time you spill spaghetti sauce on the counter at midnight.

Start small, stock the basics, and let the extras come later. 

Before you know it, keeping your place clean won’t feel like a huge task — just a simple part of your routine that makes your space feel like home.