The Ultimate Deep Cleaning Checklist: How to Make Your Home Sparkle
#1 House Cleaners in Seattle
Deep cleaning goes beyond everyday tidying—it’s about tackling those hidden spots that accumulate dust, grime, and bacteria over time. Whether you’re preparing for guests, tackling seasonal cleaning, or just giving your home a much-needed refresh, deep cleaning ensures a healthier and more inviting space. To help you achieve a spotless home, we’ve put together the ultimate deep cleaning checklist. Follow these steps to make every room in your home sparkle!
Steps
1. Start with Decluttering
Before you begin deep cleaning, remove unnecessary clutter from each room. Clutter not only makes cleaning harder but also collects dust and allergens.
Decluttering Tips:
✔ Sort items into three categories: Keep, Donate, and Discard.
✔ Store seasonal or rarely used items in labeled storage bins.
✔ Use drawer organizers and storage baskets to keep surfaces tidy.
✔ Recycle old papers, magazines, and expired items in the kitchen and bathroom.
Once your space is decluttered, you’ll have a clear path to deep clean effectively.
2. Focus on High-Touch Areas
Germs and bacteria thrive on frequently touched surfaces. Regularly disinfecting these areas helps prevent illness and keeps your home truly clean.
High-Touch Areas to Clean:
✔ Doorknobs and handles
✔ Light switches
✔ Remote controls
✔ Cabinet and appliance handles
✔ Stair railings
✔ Phones, tablets, and keyboards
Use disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth with a gentle cleaning solution to sanitize these surfaces without damaging them.
3. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used areas in any home, making it a hotspot for grease, crumbs, and bacteria.
Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist:
✔ Wipe down cabinets, inside and out.
✔ Clean countertops with a disinfectant.
✔ Scrub the sink and faucet to remove water stains and buildup.
✔ Empty and wipe down the refrigerator, throwing away expired food.
✔ Clean the inside of the oven and microwave.
✔ Sanitize cutting boards and kitchen sponges.
✔ Sweep and mop the floors.
To tackle grease buildup, mix equal parts vinegar and water for an effective DIY degreaser.
4. Refresh the Bathroom
A deep-cleaned bathroom not only looks good but also prevents mold and mildew buildup.
Bathroom Deep Cleaning Checklist:
✔ Scrub the toilet, including under the rim.
✔ Wipe down the sink, countertop, and faucet.
✔ Clean mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner.
✔ Scrub the bathtub and shower walls, paying attention to grout lines.
✔ Wash or replace shower curtains and bath mats.
✔ Disinfect the trash can and replace the liner.
For stubborn grout stains, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste and scrub with an old toothbrush.
5. Tackle Walls, Windows, and Baseboards
Dust and grime often collect on walls, baseboards, and windows, yet they are frequently overlooked.
How to Clean These Overlooked Areas:
✔ Wipe down walls with a damp microfiber cloth to remove smudges.
✔ Dust and wipe baseboards with a soapy sponge.
✔ Clean window sills and tracks using a vacuum or damp cloth.
✔ Wash windows inside and out with a glass cleaner or vinegar solution.
Clean windows let in more natural light, instantly making your home feel fresher and brighter.
6. Deep Cleaning Essentials: Floors, Fabrics & Air Quality
Your floors and soft furnishings collect the most dust, dirt, and allergens. Start by thoroughly vacuuming carpets, paying extra attention to edges and under furniture. For stubborn stains, blot (don’t rub) with dish soap and warm water. Hardwood floors should be swept, mopped, and polished for extra shine, while tile and grout need scrubbing to remove stains and bacteria.
Soft furnishings like bedding, curtains, and upholstery trap dust and allergens. Wash bedding, vacuum mattresses, and steam clean sofas to improve indoor air quality. Don’t forget air vents—vacuum ducts, replace HVAC filters, and clean ceiling fan blades to keep fresh air circulating.
7. Final Touches: Trash, Odor Control & a Fresh Scent
To prevent lingering odors, wash trash bins with warm, soapy water and disinfect them using vinegar or baking soda. For lasting freshness, place a dryer sheet or baking soda at the bottom of each bin.
A sparkling clean home isn’t complete without a pleasant scent! Use essential oil diffusers, scented sachets, or simmer lemon slices and herbs to naturally freshen the air.
Deep cleaning takes effort, but the rewards are worth it. If it feels overwhelming, One Cleaning is here to help—contact us today for a spotless home!