Pros and Cons: Traditional Mops vs. Steam Mops

April 15, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Pros and Cons series, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of important decisions that apartment dwellers are making every day. Whether it’s time for spring cleaning or you’re just doing your regular apartment cleaning, traditional mops and steam mops are both great choices for making your floors shine like new. That said, with…

How (and How Often) to Deep Clean Your Fridge

March 31, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When you see a fridge spill or identify a bad smell in your fridge, finding the culprit isn’t always easy. The good news is that you don’t have to find the source to eliminate it – deep-cleaning your fridge should do the trick. Below, learn how (and how often) you should deep clean your fridge.…

Vacuuming vs. Sweeping: Which Situations Call for Which?

March 18, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When it’s time for daily cleaning or a bigger occasion like spring cleaning, some people prefer vacuuming, but sweeping advocates will insist that vacuums aren’t necessary. Others still might sweep and then vacuum instead of doing one or the other. However, in some situations, one might indeed be better than the other. Below, find out…

How to Identify (and Eliminate) That Bad Smell in Your Fridge

March 11, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Getting your refrigerator organized can feel like a challenge, and worse yet, you’ll sometimes discover that your fridge is emanating a rancid smell. However, sometimes locating the source of this foul odor can be tricky, and eliminating the odor might not be so easy. The problem is that if you leave this odor unattended, your…

Hate Washing the Dishes? Here’s How to Get It Done

February 25, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Unless you love cleaning, you probably don’t like washing the dishes. You might hate doing the dishes so much that you avoid this important apartment task at all costs. However, neglecting the dishes is a mistake that can lead to pests, which nobody wants. The good news is that you can make this often tedious…

Sustainable Living: Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Store-Bought Cleaners

January 18, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Sustainable Living series, we look at how tenants and homeowners are changing their apartments to be more sustainable. According to the Environmental Working Group, which advocates for non-toxic chemicals in products, some popular household cleaners have harmful ingredients. In fact, many everyday cleaners contain carcinogens and toxins that can potentially lead to skin irritation,…

Four Tips for Handling Fruit Flies in Your Apartment

January 11, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re like most people, then you don’t find fruit flies particularly pleasant. That’s why, if you see them in your apartment, you might feel the urge to get rid of them before they become a bigger issue. Fruit flies can be especially bothersome since they multiply rapidly, which can mean approximately 500 eggs near…

Do You Need to Remove Snow from Your Balcony?

January 6, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

You probably know that it’s important to shovel snow from sidewalks and driveways, but you might be unaware that shoveling snow from your apartment’s balcony can also be helpful. In fact, depending on your lease and what type of balcony you have, you might need to remove snow from it to prevent balcony damage. Below,…

How to Safely Shovel Snow

December 7, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When it’s your responsibility to shovel snow near your apartment, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind. Although you may want to shovel quickly so you don’t spend a ton of time laboring to create a clear, safe path from your front door to the outside world, it’s essential to work gradually…

Your Ultimate Dishwasher vs. Non-Dishwasher Checklist

November 10, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When it comes time to clean your dishes, many people think that using a dishwasher is more convenient. Additionally, dishwashers are usually more eco-friendly than handwashing dishes. However, some dishes and cookware are not dishwasher-safe, meaning you should never put them in your dishwasher. Here’s your complete checklist of dishwasher and non-dishwasher-safe items. Dishwasher-safe items…