Maintaining a clean and healthy home takes more than just regular tidying; an intensive deep cleaning regimen removes hidden dirt and germs that accumulate over time.
Begin by dusting and wiping down flat surfaces such as mantles and tabletops with an extended handle duster to reach higher areas such as ceiling fans and moldings.
1. Clear the Clutter
Just one small cluttered spot can transform a room from organized and welcoming into chaotic. Start by clearing away all clutter from regularly used surfaces.
Choose one small area in the room to focus on, whether it be a drawer or shelf. Empty it and sort items into piles: trash, stuff to put away and stuff to get rid of.
Continue until your space appears neat and organized.
2. Remove Surface Debris
Regular cleaning routines involve wiping surfaces, vacuuming floors and scrubbing kitchen and bathroom areas; deep cleaning involves removing dirt, grime and allergens in areas which regular solutions cannot reach.
Start by wiping all flat surfaces from top to bottom. Next, vacuum and dust bookcases and shelving, including any inside cabinets. Finally, wipe windows/frames as well as all doorknobs/handles clean.
3. Vacuum the Floors
Vacuuming should be part of any regular floor care routine, but is especially essential when conducting a deep clean. High traffic areas such as hallways, foyers, mudrooms and living rooms tend to accumulate dirt more rapidly.
To ensure an efficient vacuum session, be sure to work both directions of vacuuming. Carpet fibers feature twisted loops that trap dirt and grime, so relying on only one direction could leave many filthy spots behind.
4. Clean the Windows
Flawless windows allow light into your home and can make it appear cleaner and fresher, so it is essential to regularly wipe down the inside and outside surfaces, dust frames and wash blinds and curtains (as needed) per care instructions.
Begin by clearing away dust from window frames, tracks and sills with a vacuum, duster or cloth. Next, spray windows with cleaner to keep them sparkling.
5. Clean the Kitchen
Even the cleanest kitchens require periodic deep-cleaning sessions. Start by wiping every surface visible before moving down toward the floor.
Utilize a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment to reach hard-to-reach spots. Don’t forget to throw any dirty cleaning cloths or kitchen towels into the wash, this will ensure they remain cleaner for longer!
6. Clean the Bathroom
Deep cleaning the bathroom doesn’t need to be an all-day affair that consumes all your free time – instead, incorporate it into your regular home maintenance schedule for maximum effectiveness.
Start by clearing away clutter. A long duster or vacuum attachment can help remove cobwebs and dust strands from ceilings and trim surfaces.
Wipe frequently touched surfaces like faucets, toilet handles and counters with disinfecting cleaner to reduce bacteria build-up, while washing and air drying bath towels and mats regularly to avoid mildew growth.
7. Clean the Bedroom
Your bedroom should be an inviting haven that provides restful slumber, which requires regular and thorough cleaning. To achieve this, your bed must be thoroughly dusted each day.
Before beginning, remove and wash all linens – sheets, duvet covers and throws alike.
Sort clothing belonging to your bedroom into two piles – clean and dirty. Place any dirty garments into a laundry basket for further cleaning.
8. Clean the Living Room
Maintaining a clean living room is integral to creating a healthier home environment, and learning the right cleaning techniques can make this task less daunting and time consuming.
Begin by collecting any items that don’t belong in the room and placing them into an appropriate basket or container. Avoid becoming distracted by trying to put back where they belong as this can quickly drain your time.
9. Clean the Dining Room
Dining rooms can become a haven for dirt and clutter to accumulate, which makes deep cleaning your home simpler if you start by clearing away table and chairs.
Next, vacuum or sweep the floor. Finally, dust furniture and hutch, and wipe down any decorative pieces or trinkets or collectibles. Don’t forget to look up to clean ceilings and corners!