deep clean house checklist

A Comprehensive Deep Clean House Checklist

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Deep cleaning your house can often feel overwhelming due to the many tasks involved because it takes a lot of time and work to clean your home thoroughly. However, the process becomes much more manageable with a well-structured checklist to guide you.

This comprehensive deep clean house checklist provides a systematic approach to help you get started. By breaking down the cleaning tasks into specific areas of your home, you can tackle each one systematically and efficiently, ensuring that no corner is left untouched. You can also follow these steps as part of your annual deep clean regimen in the spring cleaning.

Quick Tips Before Deep Cleaning Your House

Getting started with deep cleaning can feel overwhelming, but you can make the process smoother with a few tips.

  1. Start by creating a checklist or a cleaning plan to organize your tasks and ensure you cover all areas.
  2. Break down the cleaning process into manageable sections or rooms to avoid getting overwhelmed.
  3. Start by decluttering each room to make the cleaning process more efficient.
  4. Gather all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools in one place to avoid unnecessary interruptions and ensure you have everything within your reach. Opening windows or providing proper ventilation to circulate fresh air while cleaning is also good.
  5. Consider enlisting the help of family members or even hiring a professional house cleaning service for a more efficient deep cleaning experience.
  6. Lastly, consider playing music or your favorite podcast to keep you motivated and make cleaning more enjoyable.

Supplies and Tools You Will Need for Deep Cleaning

To effectively carry out the deep cleaning tasks mentioned in this checklist, it is helpful to have the following cleaning items on hand:

1. Microfiber Cloths: Used for dusting and wiping down surfaces without leaving streaks.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner: A reliable all-purpose cleaner will assist in cleaning various surfaces in your home.

3. Disinfecting Wipes: Disinfecting wipes are convenient for quickly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as light switches and doorknobs.

4. Vacuum Cleaner or Broom: A vacuum cleaner or broom is essential for removing dust and debris from floors and carpets

5. Kitchen Cleaner: Select a kitchen cleaner that is suitable for the surfaces in your kitchen, including countertops, appliances, and the inside of the oven.

6. Bathroom Cleaner: Look for a bathroom cleaner that effectively tackles soap scum, grime, and mineral deposits.

7. Glass Cleaner: A glass cleaner will help you achieve streak-free mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces throughout your home.

8.  Duster: A duster with an extendable handle is useful for reaching high and hard-to-access areas, such as ceiling fans and light fixtures. Purchase Duster on Amazon

9.  Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands while cleaning by wearing durable rubber gloves.

10. Storage and Organizational Supplies: Consider purchasing storage bins, drawer dividers, and other organizational supplies to help declutter and organize your closets, cabinets, and drawers.

Remember to customize the list according to your specific needs and preferences. These essential cleaning items readily available will help streamline your deep cleaning process and ensure effective results.

Deep Cleaning House Checklist

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1. General Deep Cleaning Tips

The bathroom, the living room, the bedroom, and the kitchen are the top 4 rooms to deep clean if you're planning to clean your house thoroughly. Before we look at the four priority rooms, let's look at a more general deep cleaning checklist.

  • To begin your deep cleaning journey, start with general cleaning tasks that apply to all areas of your house.
  • Dusting all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and decorations, helps remove accumulated dirt and allergens.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like light switches and doorknobs promote a clean and hygienic environment.
  • Wiping down baseboards and moldings freshens the appearance of your home.
  • Vacuuming or sweeping the floors and carpets eliminates dust and debris.

I. Walls and Ceilings

Look for fingerprints in corners and around light fixtures. Use the right cleaning techniques if the walls have different paint finishes or wallpaper.

You should clean flat painted walls by sponging a solution of liquid dish detergent and water onto the surfaces, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying with a towel. Use disposable cleaning erasers for tougher stains, but be careful when doing so to prevent removing the paint from the wall.

Wipe walls with wallpaper using water and liquid dishwashing soap after removing surface dust with a microfiber cloth. Next, apply a small quantity of fabric softener on a sponge and rub it on any sticky places you come across. Let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse with clean water and a sponge. You can easily remove adhesive remnants with a fabric softener.

II. Windows

Use a damp microfiber towel and window cleaner on the glass and an all-purpose cleaner on the window sills. In addition, use a bleach cleaner to remove any mold or mildew you may have seen on the window sills or frame.

You can use an old toothbrush, a cleaning brush, or a rough sponge to scrub away the mold after mixing one part of chlorine bleach with warm water three times. After removing the mold, place the brush in a plastic bag before discarding it to prevent the spread of spores.

Vacuum any window features, such as roller shades or blinds, to eliminate dust. To remove any remaining dirt, clean them with a sponge and a liquid dish detergent, and a water solution.

iii. Cleaning Cabinets and Closets

Use a putty knife to clean between cracks and remove any debris carefully. Check the spaces between the stove and the surface. Use a light cleanser or baking soda and water to clean tile backsplashes.

Use paper towels or a clean cloth wet with a gentle all-purpose cleaner to clean the interior and outside of the cabinet, linen closet, and bathroom vanity drawers. Hardware like handles, knobs, and pulls shouldn't be overlooked.

To clean the interior of cabinets, particularly if they are painted or lined, use a light all-purpose cleaner or warm soapy water on paper towels. Also, consider putting shelf liners if they aren't already lined to ensure the interiors are prepared for your dishes.

Clean the doors and top of cabinets. Use a cleaner made for wood cabinets if the surface is wood. Use an all-purpose oil cleanser or a sprinkle of baking soda and water to clean oily cabinets. Create a paste, then apply it and let it sit for a while. Use paper towels and a mild all-purpose cleaner to clean the drawer interiors and handles.

Iv. Interior Doors

Doors and door knobs are often overlooked when cleaning, but as they are regularly touched on surfaces, they need extra care to remove all that dirt and grime.

Dust the top edge of the door frame and the top of the door first. Then scrub the area well to get rid of fingerprints and smudges. Don't forget to clean and polish all the door hardware, including the doorknobs and hinges.

2. Kitchen

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We now move on to the kitchen deep cleaning checklist. Remember that the kitchen is often the heart of a home, requiring special attention during deep cleaning. Also, a healthy kitchen is clean, and sometimes it takes more than just a simple surface cleaning to ensure that a kitchen is healthy.

Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist

  • Clean and disinfect countertops where food preparation occurs.
  • Wipe down kitchen appliances, including the stove, microwave, and refrigerator, inside and out, using a damp microfiber cloth.
  • Pay extra attention to the oven, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned.
  • Empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer, removing any expired food items.
  • Clean and disinfect the kitchen sink, faucet, and drain to maintain hygiene.
  • Wash dishes or load and run the dishwasher to clear any lingering mess.

3. Bathroom

Image Credits: anitashousekeeping.com

Bathrooms demand meticulous cleaning to ensure a sanitary and pleasant environment. Begin by removing your shower curtain, the liner, and a few towels, put them into the washing machine, and then dry your liner by hanging it. After, spray a shower cleaner on the liner before you shower to keep it cleaner for longer. In addition to keeping your shower in a spot you can feel clean in while getting clean, this will increase the lifespan of your shower liner.

Deep Cleaning the Bathroom

  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect the toilet, including the seat, lid, and base.
  • Scrub and disinfect the bathtub and shower, paying attention to tiles, grout, and glass surfaces.
  • Clean the sink, faucet, and drain, removing any buildup.
  • Wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces to achieve a streak-free shine.
  • Clean and disinfect countertops and any other surfaces in the bathroom.
  • Wash or replace shower curtains and bath mats and organize cabinets and drawers for a clutter-free space.

4. Bedroom

Image Credits: tidylifehappywife.com

Bedrooms are spaces where relaxation and restfulness are essential, so deep cleaning is crucial. If your home has numerous bedrooms, dust and clean each one separately before you start cleaning the flooring and stairs.

Bedroom Deep Cleaning Checklist

  • Change bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers to ensure cleanliness.
  • Vacuum or sweep the floors to remove dust and debris.
  • Dust and clean furniture surfaces, including nightstands and dressers, to maintain a tidy appearance.
  • Wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces using a glass cleaner to achieve a polished look.
  • Clean light fixtures and lampshades to create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere.
  • Declutter and organize closets to optimize storage and create a serene ambiance.

5. Living Areas and Dining Room

Image Credits: bhg.com

Living areas, such as the living room and dining room, require regular cleaning to maintain a comfortable and inviting space. Thoroughly clean the living and dining areas to ensure that you don't hide dirt and allow odors to develop. Additionally, since these areas are simple to overlook, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean hallways, entryways, and landing areas.

Living Room and Dining Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

  • Vacuum or sweep the floors to remove dirt and dust.
  • Dust and clean furniture, including couches, chairs, and coffee tables, to eliminate allergens.
  • Wipe and disinfect dining room table and chairs
  • Clean and polish wood surfaces to revitalize their appearance.
  • Wipe down electronic devices, such as TVs and remotes, to ensure cleanliness.
  • Clean and dust decorative items to enhance the overall aesthetic.
  • Vacuum upholstery and wash or steam clean if necessary.
  • Clean curtains or blinds to freshen up the windows and control natural light.

6. Deep Cleaning Light Fixtures

Image Credits: www.thespruce.com

  1. Turn off the light fixture and allow it to cool down before cleaning. Turn off the circuit breaker or disconnect the power source if the light fixture is connected to electricity.
  2. If you’re light fixture has removable parts such as glass shades, globes, or light bulbs, carefully remove them.
  3. Gently wipe the surface of the fixture using a microfiber or soft cloth, removing any loose dust or debris.
  4. Clean the glass shades or globes by soaking them in a bucket of warm water combined with mild dish soap, then clean the glass surfaces with a gentle cloth or sponge and later rinse them.
  5. If the fixture itself needs cleaning, dampen a cloth with an all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner (depending on the material of the fixture).
  6. Clean the light bulbs using a dry or slightly dampened cloth with a mild cleaning solution.
  7. Carefully reassemble the light fixture once all the components are dry.
  8. After reinstalling the light fixture, wipe down any surrounding surfaces or areas that may have collected dust during the cleaning process.

Hiring a Professional House Cleaning Service

Image Credits: scrubnbubbles.com

If you're feeling overwhelmed with cleaning your house, you can consider hiring a professional house cleaning service. You can never go wrong with a well-known cleaning service.

Frequently Asked Questions on Deep Clean House Checklist

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1. How often should you deep clean your home?

The frequency of deep cleaning your home depends on various factors, such as household size, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Generally, it is recommended to clean your home deep at least once or twice a year. However, high-traffic areas and frequently used rooms may require more frequent deep cleaning. Assess your home's needs and adjust the frequency accordingly to maintain a clean and healthy living environment

2. What does a professional house cleaning checklist look like?

The following is an example of a premium home cleaning checklist:

  • Cleaning and sweeping the floor and carpets
  • Garbage disposal
  • Sanitizing light fixtures and door handles
  • Cleaning the ledges, window sills, and windows
  • Altering linen (often as an additional service)
  • Cleaning the exterior of the kitchen's appliances
  • Cleaning the exterior of the kitchen cabinets and the countertops
  • Dishes are done (often as an additional service)
  • Cleaning and sanitizing the restroom
  • Sanitizing the sink, shower, and bathtub

Conclusion on Deep Clean House Checklist

Image Credits: thespruce.com

You don't have to spend all day doing a thorough cleaning of your home. With the help of this comprehensive checklist and the right cleaning tools, you can approach each area of your home systematically and efficiently. Following the guidelines, you can create a clean, hygienic, and inviting living space for you and your family to enjoy. So, gather your cleaning supplies, tackle one task at a time, and enjoy the satisfaction of a thoroughly deep-cleaned home.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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