How To Make Your Apartment Look Clean In 5 Minutes

By Food & Wine
Updated July 06, 2017
Credit: Refinery29
This piece originally appeared on Refinery29.com.‘Tis the season for your home to be strewn with last-minute wrapping accoutrements, used Champagne flutes, and dry-clean-only party dresses. With holiday madness in full swing, you don’t have time to clean up the dishes from last night, never mind give your apartment the deep clean it needs before the New Year. Whether you want to be prepared for a visit from a neighbor or you just need some peace of mind before you walk out of the door, you want your place looking presentable — fast. Click through for 10 ways to eliminate mess, in under five minutes. ILLUSTRATED BY 
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Snap A Pic

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Before you dive in, take a quick photo of the space. “It's so easy to get used to clutter that has been in one spot for a while,” points out Emma Chapman, the lifestyle blogger behind A Beautiful Mess. “Glancing at the photo and trying to spot anything that looks out of place helps me to notice little things that I may not have spotted before.” You can then quickly move those little things to a proper, or at least less noticeable, place.

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Stash Clutter

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In a pinch, toss out-of-place odds and ends into a laundry basket (like this woven one) or a bin that you can stow out of eye’s view for sorting later.

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Repurpose Empty Spaces

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An empty napkin holder can serve as a de facto mail sorter so bills don’t get lost in the shuffle. Corral rogue office supplies in a pretty mug or glass. Take the impromptu cleanup a step further by throwing a patterned tray underneath for a subtle organizational vibe.

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Sweep Up

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Your mission: Eliminate little crumbs or dust bunnies that will stick to people’s socks. “It just makes your guests feel dirty,” says Kadi Dulude, owner of NYC cleaning service Wizard of Homes.

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Tackle The Bathroom

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Wipe any gobs of toothpaste from the sink, and rinse crusted soap from the dish. Make sure the TP roll is plump, and swish a little bleach in the toilet bowl. Forget scrubbing any mildew-y grout — just pull the shower curtain closed.

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Rub Down Surfaces

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For more tips on how to make your apartment clean in 5 minutes go to Refinery29.

Don’t worry if your cleaning supplies aren’t well stocked: You don’t need anything fancy to give your shelves or tables a once-over. “Go ahead and use water for everyday cleaning. Just wet a microfiber cloth,” says Dulude. (Remember: This won’t disinfect any surfaces.)

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