Read all of the directions and warning labels on all materials before using them so that you don't end up with a science experiment gone wrong instead of a clean apartment. Since you're reading this article, we know you're not exactly Alice from The Brady Bunch . Still, we're sure even an uninformed slacker like you can handle simple tasks like sweeping and vacuuming without our help. Hey, we're not that patronizing. If you're looking for real cleaning challenges, though, feel free to skip this and go on to the next step .
Polish helps seal and protect the wood, which helps keep it looking like new.
Plastic and Formica surfaces are more versatile than wood, so they're easier to clean. They're also more likely to be very dirty. For areas that are not very dirty, you can just use plain soap and water and lightly go over the surface until it is shiny. If your countertops are somewhat stained, you should use warm water and a household cleaner like Formula 409. If you have particular stains, create a solution of baking soda and water and use a toothbrush to scrub it out.