Let’s face it, life is busy, and most of us don’t have the luxury of spending a lot of time deep cleaning our homes. And when it’s the time to get all the piled-up cleaning tasks done, things can get overwhelming. That’s why breaking the process into smaller, more manageable tasks is the most practical thing.
If you still need help and need help figuring out where to start, follow the ultimate guide we prepared below, and be surprised that you can clean your entire home in just one day!
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning of your house is crucial for maintaining its cleanliness and healthiness. It effectively removes the buildup of dirt and grime and helps eliminate allergens and other potential health hazards.
While some tasks may overlap between regular and deep cleaning, the latter entails a more thorough approach. Regular cleaning focuses on the frequently touched areas and is done weekly to maintain essential cleanliness, including wiping down surfaces, dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
In contrast, deep cleaning is performed less frequently, at least twice a year, and involves a more intensive cleaning process. This cleaning addresses areas not covered during regular cleaning and takes extra effort to remove built-up grime and dust.
A Step-by-Step Guide
To make the deep cleaning process more efficient, start with these tips as you work through each room in your home.
Declutter Before Deep Cleaning
To streamline your deep cleaning process, address any visible clutter in the room by finding a new location or getting rid of it. Leave the items behind closed doors for another time so your deep cleaning checklist is simple enough. Removing clutter makes the cleaning process more manageable and provides a visually appealing and tidy environment that can motivate you to continue cleaning.
Start with Hard-to-Reach Areas
To clean large, hard-to-reach surfaces, follow this order:
- Ceilings
- Ceiling trim
- Ceiling light fixtures, including bulbs
- Remaining trim, baseboards, and walls
The best equipment for these surfaces is a clean microfiber mop or duster with a telescoping handle. This tool is thin enough to reach behind the sofa without moving it. For surfaces above eye level, a lightly dampened mop is sufficient. Use a mixture of warm water and a drop of dishwashing soap for surfaces closer to the floor that tend to accumulate more dirt and dust. Add a splash of white vinegar in bathrooms to prevent mould and mildew growth. When using a mop is not feasible, use a microfiber cloth. Make sure to rinse the cloth frequently and wring it thoroughly.
Thoroughly Clean your Windows
Cleaning windows is an easy task that yields excellent results.
- Start by vacuuming the window sills and tracks.
- Then, spray the window with glass cleaner from top to bottom.
- Let the cleaner sit for a minute, then use a squeegee to remove it.
- Wipe your windows in one direction to avoid streaks.
Clean your Window Treatments
To simplify the cleaning process:
- Don’t remove shades or blinds. Vacuum them with the brush attachment.
- Instead of washing and ironing curtains, fluff them in the dryer for a few minutes while you clean the rod and rings. Hang them back up immediately.
Wipe and Vacuum Surfaces
Clean the remaining hard surfaces, such as shelves, wooden furniture, built-ins, etc., using furniture cleaner and polish and a soft cloth. To make the cleaning process quicker, put a clean cotton tube sock on your dominant hand to dust the surfaces and move objects out of the way with your other hand. Finally, use a lint roller on the lampshades.
Deep Clean your Flooring
- Get started by moving large furniture like sofas and beds. Then use your vacuum’s attachment to get into hard-to-reach corners and along baseboards.
- Use a microfiber mop and an appropriate cleaner if you have hard flooring.
- If you have carpet flooring, ensure that you hire professionals to do the carpet cleaning to guarantee your carpet is thoroughly cleaned and safe for kids and pets.
The Takeaway
Once you’ve accomplished these smaller tasks, you can tackle room-specific chores. This ultimate guide to deep cleaning can be handy if you’re feeling lost and need help knowing where and which part of the house to clean.
For demanding tasks like deep cleaning your mattresses, which require professional attention, we recommend you hire deep cleaning services, so you do not have to worry about doing them on your own.