Spring is here, and that means it’s time for a deep clean. Whether you’re getting ready to put your house on the market or you just want to freshen things up, deep cleaning your home from top to bottom is a necessary task. But where do you start? And what exactly does “deep cleaning“ entail?
Never fear because this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about deep cleaning your home; from making a plan to tackling those tough-to-clean areas. So grab your rubber gloves and get ready to make your house shine!
Making a Plan
The first step in any deep cleaning project is to make a plan. This will help you stay organized and focused as you work through each room in your house. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your plan:
- Make a list of all the rooms in your house that need to be cleaned, including closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
- For each room, list all the tasks that need to be completed, such as dusting, vacuuming and mopping.
- If possible, break down each task into smaller steps so you can easily see what needs to be done.
- Estimate how long each task will take so you can budget your time accordingly.
- Choose a day or days when you will have uninterrupted time to clean so you can focus on the task.
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start cleaning!
Cleaning Top to Bottom
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t miss anything while deep cleaning is to start at the top of each room and work your way down. This way, any dirt or dust that falls will land on surfaces that haven’t been cleaned yet. When cleaning each room, be sure to:
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, door frames, moldings, and baseboards.
- Wipe down walls with a damp sponge or cloth.
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas and corners where dirt accumulates.
- Consider steam cleaning your carpets to remove any stubborn dirt or stains
- Vacuum furniture and under couch cushions.
- Mop floors using hot water and a disinfectant cleaner. Don’t forget to clean under rugs!
Tackling Those Tough Areas
Deep cleaning also means getting into all those nooks and crannies often overlooked during regular cleaning routines. Here are some tips for tackling those tough areas:
Oven
Most ovens have a self-cleaning cycle but if yours doesn’t—or if it’s just been a while since it was last used—you may need to put in some elbow grease. Start by removing the racks and scrubbing them with hot soapy water. Then, use a sponge or cloth dipped in hot water mixed with baking soda or vinegar. Be careful not to splash any water on the heating element. Wipe the sponge or cloth down the inside of the oven door and body. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean towel or cloth before putting the racks back in place and voila! A sparkling clean oven awaits you.
Refrigerator
Start by removing everything from the fridge—yes, everything—and throwing away anything that’s expired or that you no longer use. Wipe down shelves with hot soapy water then rinse with clean water and dry with a towel or cloth before putting food back inside. Don’t forget about the freezer! Remove ice buildup by chipping it away with an ice pick (be careful!) or letting it melt then wipe down shelves with hot soapy water before drying with a towel or cloth.
Blinds/Curtains:
Dust blinds using a feather duster or microfiber cloth then vacuum using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner (or use an old pair of socks!). Curtains can be vacuumed using the brush attachment as well but may also benefit from being taken down and washed according to their care instructions (most curtains can be machine washed on a gentle cycle).
Sink
The sink is often one of the first places that dirt and grime accumulate, so it’s important to give it a good scrubbing now and then. Start by emptying the sink of all dishes and utensils. Then fill it with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Swish the water around to create suds then use a sponge or cloth to scrub the sides, bottom, and drain of the sink. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel or cloth.
Shower/Bathtub
Deep cleaning the shower or bathtub can be a bit daunting but it’s worth it in the end. Start by removing all the items from the shower or bathtub—including the curtain, if there is one. Then use a sponge or cloth dipped in hot water mixed with baking soda or vinegar to scrub down the entire surface of the shower or bathtub. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel or cloth. If any tough spots won’t budge, consider using a commercial cleaner or a paste made of baking soda and water.
Toilet
The toilet is often one of the last areas to be cleaned during a deep cleaning project, but it’s one of the most important. To clean the toilet, start by removing any excess dirt or grime from the exterior with a cloth or sponge. Next, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, focusing on the areas where dirt and grime tend to build up. Finally, use a wet rag or sponge to wipe down the exterior of the toilet and flush it!
Deep cleaning your home may seem like a daunting task, but we promise it’s not as bad as it seems! By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll have your whole house sparkling clean in no time—just in time for spring entertaining!
