How to Keep a Brownstone or Walk Up Apartment Clean in NYC
Living in a beautiful brownstone or walk up apartment in New York City has its charm, but keeping it clean is often a challenge. Older buildings bring unique cleaning obstacles like constant dust, worn floors, and tricky corners. Here are practical, cleaning focused tips to help you maintain a spotless space without worrying about repairs or renovations. And if you ever need professional apartment cleaning to tackle those stubborn spots, there are great options available in NYC.
Dust: The Unwanted Roommate
Dust is inevitable, especially in older NYC buildings. Stay on top of it with these strategies:
Declutter before you clean, fewer items on surfaces make dusting faster and more effective.
Use the 15 minute rule, set a timer for 15 minutes to dust surfaces, wipe counters, or vacuum floors. Small efforts daily prevent big messes. (source)
Microfiber cloths trap dust rather than spreading it around, essential for furniture, shelves, and electronics.
Vacuum with a HEPA filter, clean floors, baseboards, and even walls to catch fine dust particles.
Consider an air purifier to reduce airborne dust and improve air quality, especially if you have allergies or pets.
Keeping Floors Clean and Fresh
Old wooden floors can hold onto dust and dirt. Here’s how to keep them clean:
Vacuum or sweep daily to pick up dust and debris, especially in high traffic areas.
Use a gentle wood floor cleaner for weekly deep cleaning, avoid soaking the floor to prevent damage.
Place doormats at entrances to catch dirt before it spreads.
Consider a robotic vacuum to maintain cleanliness effortlessly. (source)
Window and Surface Cleaning
Drafty windows and old sills gather dirt fast. Keep them under control:
Clean window sills and frames weekly to prevent dust buildup.
Use a glass cleaner for streak free windows, let the natural light shine in!
Don’t forget corners and behind furniture, where dust loves to hide. (source)
Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning in Older Apartments
Maintaining cleanliness in these areas prevents grime buildup:
Wipe down kitchen counters and appliances daily with a disinfecting cleaner.
Clean bathroom surfaces regularly, including sinks, mirrors, and tiles, to avoid mold and soap scum.
Use a scrub brush and mild cleaner to keep grout lines clean.
Take out trash frequently to prevent odors and pests.
Organized Cleaning for Small Spaces
Clutter makes cleaning harder. Stay organized to make cleaning easier:
Keep a cleaning caddy stocked with essentials: multi surface spray, microfiber cloths, gloves.
Use baskets or bins to keep everyday items organized and off the floor.
Tidy up daily, like making the bed and wiping surfaces, to prevent mess from building up. (source)
Routine Is Key: Make Cleaning a Habit
Consistency beats occasional deep cleaning. Here’s how to maintain a clean home:
Follow a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklist, including vacuuming, dusting, and wiping surfaces.
Apply the 15 minute rule every day to handle quick tasks, stay ahead of the mess.
Schedule professional cleaning services monthly to tackle areas that are hard to maintain, like deep dust removal and detailed bathroom scrubs.
Living in a historic NYC apartment doesn’t mean you have to live with dirt. With the right cleaning habits, you can enjoy all the charm without the mess.
👉 Contact us today to book a professional cleaning service specialized in brownstones and walk up apartments, we know how to handle dust, floors, and delicate surfaces with care!
