Whether you live in a rented apartment or own your own place, keeping it clean isn't just about appearances - it's about your health, happiness, and creating a cozy space to unwind. However, let's be real, achieving a truly spotless home goes beyond the typical quick clean-up. It also requires deep cleaning every few months, depending on how much the space is used.
But what does it mean to deep clean your home? Well, this is a thorough cleaning approach which involves tackling hard-to-reach spots, addressing accumulated grime and dirt, and focusing on areas that are often neglected in routine cleaning.
Sure, it's a bit of work that requires time, effort, and proper preparation, but with the right approach and a little elbow grease, you can make your home sparkle like the pros do. Here we've put together a detailed checklist to guide you through every step of the deep cleaning process. From top to bottom, we've got you covered, so you can clean your space with confidence.
Now, we know deep cleaning isn't everyone's idea of a good time. That's why there are professional cleaning services! If you've got a hectic schedule, little ones running around, or just prefer to leave it to the experts, don't hesitate to call in the cavalry. Whether it's end-of-tenancy cleaning or just tackling those tough spots from the carpet, the professional cleaners have the tools and know-how to get the cleaning job done right.
In Summary:
If you are aiming to clean your house like a pro, get ready to dive into every nook and cranny of your property. This means tackling each room, from bedrooms to the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms, along with any outdoor spaces like balconies, patios, or backyards.
Let's break it down: for each room in your house, you will want to start by decluttering thoroughly. Next, you should dust all surfaces (from top to bottom), clean any upholstered furniture, wash their removable coverings, and finish up with a thorough vacuuming and mopping of the floors.
For wet areas like the kitchen and bathroom, there's a bit more to tackle. This includes sanitizing sinks, basins, or the tub, as well as cleaning all appliances and other surfaces.
Cleaning a house like a pro obviously includes a lot of work and requires time. To make this task easier and achieve better results, it's a good idea to create a plan. Start by making a general cleaning checklist that outlines the order in which you'll tackle each room and area. Then, create specific cleaning checklists for each room, detailing all the tasks needed for that particular space.
If this sounds confusing to you, no worries! In the next sections, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide and ready-to-use house cleaning checklists. These resources will simplify the process for you and ensure you clean your entire home thoroughly and like a pro.
It is quite common for people to not have a specific order when it comes to cleaning their homes. Instead, they often start in one room and move randomly to another. Now, we are not saying this approach is wrong or ineffective, but it does increase the likelihood of missing something. Additionally, without a plan, managing the entire cleaning process can be more challenging, potentially prolonging the time it takes to complete the task.
So, what's the best order to clean your home and where should you start? Here's a helpful task list to follow:
While the order in which you clean your house is ultimately a matter of personal preference, it might be beneficial to clean your bedroom first, followed by the bathroom. Why? Well, starting with the bedroom reduces the risk of accidentally bringing dirt or cleaning agents into the bathroom. After all, while cleaning the bedroom, you will probably need to pick some items from the bathroom, such as water or other cleaning supplies.
But again, there's no strict rule here - the decision about where to start should be based on what works best for you and your cleaning routine.
Here are some professional tips that can make the cleaning job easier and smoother for you.
By following these tips and establishing a routine, you can clean your house like a pro, ensuring a clean and healthy living environment. Feel free to adjust these tips based on your specific needs and the size/layout of your home.
Get a long-handled duster or a dry microfiber cloth attached to an extension pole and begin removing all the dust from the ceiling. Start at one corner of the room and work your way across the ceiling. Once finished, move on to the walls, beginning at the top and working your way down. Don't forget to dust picture frames, mirrors, and any other stuff hanging on the walls as you go. For these items, a microfiber cloth works well to gently remove dust and keep them looking clean.
Gently wipe each blade of the ceiling fan using a slightly damp microfiber cloth. For grimy blades, a mixture of warm water and a little dish soap can be effective. Light fixtures and switches can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. Be cautious when using water near electrical components and avoid getting liquid into the light switches.
Most curtains and drapes can be washed in washing machines. Check the care label to confirm if this applies to your type of curtains, and if so, simply wash them using a gentle cycle and mild detergent. For cleaning blinds, use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soapy water (dish soap works well) to wipe each slat. To get rid of the dust from the window sills and tracks, you can use a vacuum cleaner. In terms of window frames, you may simply wipe them with a damp cloth.
Start by giving your furniture a good vacuum to remove dust and loose crumbs. It is best to use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. If your sofa cushions have removable covers, toss them in the wash on a gentle cycle. If you want to make bad smells go away then sprinkle some baking soda on the sofa or mattress, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. For a fresh finish, spray the upholstered furniture with your favorite fabric spray or rub the surfaces with dryer sheets.
Dust all hard furniture surfaces including shelves, cabinets, drawers, wardrobes, etc. Use a damp microfiber cloth or diluted all-purpose cleaner with water. Don't forget to give the insides of cabinets and wardrobes some cleaning too. In addition to cleaning the furniture, remember to wipe down all electronics, computer monitors, TV screens, and so on. A dry cloth and glass cleaner can work great for this job.
Vacuum the floors thoroughly to collect dust and debris. Make sure to also tackle the dirt behind and under your furniture. Pay special attention to carpets and rugs, especially if you have pets, because pet hair often stuck between the fibers. To deal with odours, sprinkle baking soda on carpets or rugs, leave for a few hours (or overnight), then vacuum thoroughly. Finally, mop the hard floors with a suitable floor cleaner for a fresh finish.
You may be interested in reading our Bedroom Cleaning Checklist for more information.
Start by wetting the shower area, including the shower walls, tub, or basin. Then apply a suitable bathroom cleaner and let it sit for a while to break down grime. Next, grab a sponge and gently scrub the tub and wall surfaces. Pay special attention to tile grout - an old toothbrush works wonders here. Once you're done, rinse the entire shower area thoroughly with water for a fresh, clean finish.
Now, it is time to get those mirrors shining bright! Wipe down all mirrors with a dry cloth or paper towel and a good glass cleaner. Next, apply a suitable cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water to the sink. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down any buildup. While the cleaner works its magic, wipe down countertops, shelves, and both the interior and exterior of cabinets. Then scrub the sink with a sponge to remove any residue and rinse everything with water for a sparkling shine. Remember to properly clean all hard-to-reach places in your bathroom. Also, give a good clean to all small accessories surrounding the vanity space such as boxes, baskets, toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and so on.
Apply toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl, ensuring you cover all areas, including under the rim. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to break down any stains and germs. Then grab the toilet brush and give it a thorough scrub, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Don't forget to clean the outside of the toilet, including the seat and base. Wipe down with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth with cleaner for a germ-free finish.
Mop the bathroom floor with a proper floor cleaner, starting from the far corner and working your way toward the door. Pay attention to corners and edges, where dirt and hair tend to accumulate.
Want tips on how to clean a bathroom? Follow our Bathroom Cleaning Made Easy Tips for a perfect clean!
Wipe down shelves, cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. For convenience, transfer the cleaning solution to a spray bottle and apply evenly over the surfaces. Ensure the cleaner is suitable for the cabinet material. Remember to tidy and organize inside the cabinets as well.
Clean countertops using an appropriate cleaner. Thoroughly clean all appliances inside and out, including the oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, and others. For disinfecting the fridge interior, a solution of white vinegar and warm water works effectively. This natural cleaner is also excellent for cleaning the dishwasher. Simply fill the dishwasher's cup with white vinegar and run it on a hot water cycle.
Wash the dishes and return them to their designated places. Properly clean and disinfect the sink using a suitable cleaner. A solution of vinegar and water can also work well for this task.
Follow the same cleaning approach used for wall cabinets, ensuring to clean both inside and outside surfaces. Pay special attention to crevices and handles.
Vacuum the kitchen floor thoroughly to remove dust and debris. If possible, you may also want to move large appliances a little bit to reach the areas between or behind them. Then mop the floor with water and a floor cleaner solution for a final touch.
As you complete the final steps of your house cleaning checklist, don't forget the finishing touches that make a space truly feel fresh and inviting. Gather all dirty towels, remove cushions and linens and toss them in the washing machine for a thorough clean. Additionally, take a moment to empty every trash can around the home, ensuring no waste is left behind. These small tasks can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness and ambiance of your living space.
You may find our guide on how to clean a fabric sofa useful.
When it comes to deep clean your home, there are many tasks you can tackle on your own without any special equipment or products. These include decluttering and organizing your space, dusting hard furniture, vacuuming the floors, and more. However, certain house cleaning tasks may be challenging to perform efficiently without the proper tools. For instance, deep cleaning upholstered furniture and mattresses, removing stains and pet odours from carpets, or handling post-party or post-renovation cleaning. Each of these cleaning jobs may require specialized equipment and the right approach to tackle them effectively, making it beneficial to leave them to a professional cleaner. After all, you don't want to risk damaging your beautiful couch in the living room or the luxurious carpet in the bedroom.
There are also situations where hiring specialists is definitely the more prudent choice. For example, if you need to complete your end-of-tenancy cleaning but aren't sure if you can do it to the standard required for a full deposit refund. Another scenario where professional cleaning services are highly beneficial is if you have pets and children. They often create messes, not to mention the stains and odors that our four-legged friends can leave on upholstery and rugs. Many times, DIY approaches and off-the-shelf cleaning products prove to be ineffective.
Professional house cleaners are trained in the best cleaning practices, techniques, and use of cleaning products. They have experience cleaning a variety of spaces and surfaces, ensuring that your home is cleaned thoroughly and efficiently. Additionally, they have access to commercial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions that deliver superior results compared to what a typical household might use.
So, if you want to save time on that daunting spring cleaning task or if you're simply too busy to manage weekly cleaning, don't hesitate to reach out to professional cleaners. Their expertise and resources can make a significant difference in the cleanliness and freshness of your home.