Deep cleaning involves addressing areas that are often overlooked during routine home cleaning. This step-by-step guide ensures every room in your home is thoroughly refreshed.
1. Preparation Before You Start
- Gather Supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, scrubbing brushes, vacuum, mop, gloves, and trash bags.
- Optional: Steam cleaner, grout brush, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Declutter:
- Remove items from surfaces to make cleaning easier.
- Work Top to Bottom:
- Start with higher surfaces like shelves and work your way down to floors.
Room-by-Room Guide
Kitchen
- Appliances:
- Clean the inside of the microwave, oven, and refrigerator.
- Wipe down exterior surfaces, including the dishwasher and stovetop.
- Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar.
- Cabinets and Drawers:
- Empty, vacuum crumbs, and wipe interiors with a damp cloth.
- Clean handles and knobs.
- Countertops and Backsplashes:
- Scrub with an all-purpose cleaner or a baking soda solution for tough stains.
- Sink and Faucets:
- Scrub with a non-abrasive cleaner and polish faucets.
- Run baking soda and vinegar through the garbage disposal.
- Floors:
- Sweep, mop, and scrub grout if tiled.
Bathroom
- Shower and Bathtub:
- Scrub tiles and grout with a bathroom cleaner or a vinegar solution.
- Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
- Sink and Countertop:
- Wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner and polish fixtures.
- Toilet:
- Use toilet cleaner inside the bowl and scrub with a brush.
- Wipe exterior surfaces, including the base.
- Mirror and Glass:
- Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution.
- Floors and Trash:
- Vacuum or sweep, mop thoroughly, and empty trash bins.
Living Room
- Furniture:
- Vacuum upholstered furniture, including under cushions.
- Dust wood furniture and polish with appropriate products.
- Electronics:
- Wipe down screens with a microfiber cloth and clean remotes with disinfectant.
- Windows and Blinds:
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Dust or wash blinds and wipe window sills.
- Floors:
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Sweep and mop hardwood or tile floors.
Bedrooms
- Bedding and Mattress:
- Wash all bedding, including mattress covers.
- Vacuum the mattress and sprinkle with baking soda for deodorizing.
- Closets:
- Declutter, dust shelves, and wipe down surfaces.
- Vacuum the closet floor.
- Nightstands and Surfaces:
- Dust and disinfect surfaces.
- Declutter and organize items.
- Floors:
- Vacuum or sweep, paying attention to under the bed.
Laundry Room
- Washer and Dryer:
- Run an empty cycle with vinegar in the washer.
- Clean the lint trap and vacuum around the dryer.
- Shelving and Cabinets:
- Wipe down and organize cleaning supplies.
- Floors:
- Sweep and mop.
General Deep Cleaning Tips for the Entire Home
- Ceilings and Fans: Dust and clean using a microfiber duster or damp cloth.
- Baseboards and Walls: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Light Fixtures and Switches: Dust and wipe down.
- Doors and Handles: Clean with disinfectant.
- Air Vents and Filters: Remove dust and replace filters as needed.
Schedule for Maintenance
- Deep clean seasonally to keep your home in great condition.
- Address high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms more frequently.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll achieve a sparkling deep clean home that feels fresh and welcoming.