There’s something incredibly satisfying about a home that’s not just tidy, but truly clean. It’s that feeling of stepping into a room and being greeted with fresh scents clear surfaces, and knowing every closet and corner is the same. Maybe you’re gearing up for a move, battling allergies, or just refreshing your space–either way, this checklist is your guide through every step of true deep cleaning.
We’re here to walk you through not just the obvious tasks, but also the easily forgotten spots so your home gets refreshed from top to bottom.
Mindset and Preparation
Deep cleaning an entire house is a big task, but with your checklist and some prep ahead of time, you set yourself up for success. Here’s what to do first:
- Gather your supplies
- Make a realistic plan
- Check your mindset
Before you start, stock up on your deep clean basics like a vacuum, mop, microfiber cloths, and a variety of cleaning products for different surfaces.
Think beyond the usual—grab a toothbrush for tight spaces, a squeegee for windows, and a duster for ceiling fans. Having everything within reach keeps you from interrupting your flow to search for missing items.
Then, decide on a schedule that will work for you so you’re not dead tired by the halfway point. Maybe you’ll tackle one room a day, or perhaps you prefer to power through in a single weekend. Whatever your approach, be realistic about what you can accomplish. Prioritize high-traffic areas and spaces that need extra attention. There’s no right or wrong order—start where you feel most motivated and work your way through.
Finally, you should try to approach deep cleaning with enthusiasm. Think about the satisfaction of a spotless home and less clutter. Play your favorite music or podcast to keep your spirits up.
Living Room
- Declutter Surfaces: Clear away unnecessary items from tables, shelves, and other surfaces. Donate or store items you no longer need.
- Dust Everything: Use microfiber cloths to dust all surfaces, including shelves, electronics, picture frames, and light fixtures. Don’t forget ceiling fans and vents. Dusting from high to low helps ensure no area is missed.
- Clean Upholstery: Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly, paying special attention to crevices and under cushions. For stains, use appropriate fabric cleaners.
- Vacuum or Mop Floors: Move furniture and clean underneath. For hard floors, mop with a suitable cleaner. Don’t forget baseboards and edges where dust tends to collect.
- Wash Windows: Clean windows inside and out, including sills and tracks. Use a glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution for a streak-free finish. Launder or vacuum curtains and dust blinds.
Kitchen
- Empty and Clean Fridge/Pantry: Remove all items, dispose of expired foods, and wipe down shelves. For the fridge, consider a baking soda and water solution to eliminate odors.
- Clean Appliances: Thoroughly clean the oven, microwave, and stovetop. Don’t forget the dishwasher; run an empty cycle with vinegar to clean it. For small appliances, wipe down surfaces and clean interiors as needed.
- Wipe Down Cabinets and Countertops: Use a gentle cleaner for cabinets and a disinfectant for countertops. Pay special attention to handles and knobs.
- Scrub Sink and Faucet: Use a scrub brush and baking soda paste to clean the sink and faucet. Polish stainless steel with a suitable cleaner.
- Sweep and Mop Floors: Start by sweeping thoroughly, then mop using a cleaner appropriate for your flooring type. Pay extra attention to corners and under appliances.
Bathrooms
- Scrub Shower/Tub: Grab a strong cleaner for soap scum and mildew. A mix of vinegar and baking soda works well on grout. Don’t forget to clean the showerhead and faucets.
- Clean Toilet, Sink, and Faucet: Use a disinfectant cleaner. For the toilet, scrub inside and out, including the base. Wipe down the sink and faucet, removing any hard water stains.
- Polish Mirrors and Fixtures: Wipe down mirrors with a glass cleaner and use a multi-surface cleaner for fixtures.
- Declutter and Wipe Cabinets: Remove old products and wipe down shelves inside cabinets. Organize items neatly, keeping daily essentials accessible.
- Clean Floors and Tiles: Scrub the floor, especially in grout lines. Use a disinfectant suitable for bathroom surfaces.
Bedrooms
- Strip and Wash Bedding: Launder all sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Consider washing pillows and mattress covers as well.
- Vacuum Mattress: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to clean the mattress. Flip or rotate the mattress to ensure even wear.
- Dust and Declutter Surfaces: Clear off nightstands, dressers, and shelves. Dust thoroughly, including under and behind items. Organize belongings neatly.
- Organize Closet: Sort through clothes and shoes, donating items you no longer wear. Wipe down shelves and vacuum the floor inside the closet.
- Clean Floors: Vacuum carpets, or if you have hard floors, sweep and mop. Don’t forget to vacuum or dust under the bed.
Home Office
- Clear and Clean Desk: Remove all items from your desk. Dust the surface and any equipment, including your computer, keyboard, and monitor.
- Dust Electronics: Use a microfiber cloth and appropriate cleaner. Be gentle with screens to avoid damage.
- Organize Papers and Supplies: Sort through paperwork, filing what’s needed and shredding what’s not. Organize office supplies in drawers or containers.
- Clean Shelves and Storage: Dust shelves and organize books and other items. Wipe down storage bins and boxes.
- Vacuum or Mop Floors: Pay special attention to corners and under desks. If you have a chair mat, clean it thoroughly.
Hallways and Entryways
- Declutter and Organize: Remove shoes, coats, and other items that accumulate. Store them neatly or put them away.
- Dust Light Fixtures and Trim: Dust any overhead lights, trim, and wall decorations. Don’t forget door frames and baseboards.
- Clean Doors and Handles: Wipe down all doors and handles with a disinfectant, focusing on areas that are frequently touched.
- Vacuum or Mop Floors: Thoroughly clean all entryways and hallways, paying attention to high-traffic areas. Use a suitable cleaner for the flooring type.
Laundry Room
- Clean Appliances: Wipe down the exterior of the washer and dryer. Clean inside the washer drum and dryer lint trap. Run an empty cycle with a cleaner or vinegar in the washer.
- Organize Supplies: Tidy up laundry detergents, softeners, and other products. Consider using baskets or bins for organization.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean countertops, shelves, and any storage units. Pay attention to dust and detergent spills.
- Sweep and Mop Floors: Sweep thoroughly to remove lint and debris, then mop the floor.
Other Areas
- Closets: Go through storage closets, decluttering and organizing. Vacuum or mop the floors, and dust shelves.
- Basement/Attic: If applicable, tidy these spaces by sorting through stored items. Dust and sweep away cobwebs. Clean floors and windows if present.
- Outdoor Spaces: Sweep patios, clean outdoor furniture, and check for any maintenance needs. Clean windows and doors leading outside. Check and clean gutters if accessible.
Regular Maintenance Tips
You can also keep your home consistently clean and reduce effort during deep cleaning by integrating some regular TLC into your routines and checklist.
Daily:
- Wipe down kitchen counters and dining tables after meals.
- Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas to prevent dirt buildup.
- Tidy up clutter in living areas and put items back in their places.
Weekly:
- Clean bathroom sinks, mirrors, and toilets.
- Dust all surfaces, including shelves and electronics.
- Change bed linens and wash pillowcases.
- Mop floors in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Monthly:
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents.
- Vacuum furniture and under cushions.
- Clean the interior of the microwave and oven.
- Wipe down kitchen cabinets and spot-clean walls.
Seasonally:
- Wash windows and clean window treatments.
- Rotate and flip mattresses for even wear.
- Deep clean carpets or rugs and upholstery.
- Organize closets, donate unused items, and store seasonal clothing.
When to Call a Professional
If you encounter persistent mold in bathrooms, tough stains on carpets, or extensive duct cleaning needs, it’s time to consider professional help. They have the expertise to tackle these challenging issues, ensuring a thorough and safe clean. This is especially true for delicate materials or high-risk areas, like mold remediation or pest infestations.
Also, if you’re preparing for a major event, like hosting guests or selling your home, professional deep cleaning can make your space shine and relieve you of the need for a checklist. They can handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other important tasks.
Conclusion
Pretty much everyone knows and loves the feeling of home right after deep cleaning – with this checklist, you’ve got a streamlined, simple deep clean every time. Regular upkeep will keep the workload manageable and your home consistently looking its best.
For the moments when you need the eyes of an expert in Melbourne, FL, and surrounding areas, schedule today with Honor Services.
