Deep Cleaning Checklist.

I’ve combined a handy checklist to make and keep your home clean and tidy, and by keeping up with these tasks your home will be less cluttered, more hygienic, and ready for visitors at any time.

How to Deep Clean – Room by Room

Kitchen

My kitchen is generally one of the busiest rooms in the house, but sometimes it can be hard to keep it clean with so many people in and out throughout the day, hopefully, this kitchen deep-cleaning checklist may help you to keep on top of it with minimal effort.

* Countertops – Read the factory instructions about how to care for your countertops properly, the cleaner you use can depend on the type of countertop you have, for example, laminate countertops need different care to granite, etc. ‘Clean as you go’ is the motto I use, simply clean your countertops after every time you use them. Make it a habit to wipe them with an anti-bacterial spray, wipes, or a clean microfibre cloth.

* Cabinets – At least weekly, wipe down the cabinets on the outside and the inside before putting your dishes away. Replace any shelf liner paper at least yearly, if not sooner. ‘If you use the right type for what’s inside then it’ll last longer’. For example, cedar liner where you keep spices, felt for silver, rubber for slippery glass dishes, and cork where you put fragile glassware due to its softness and ability to resist mold.

* Sink – Get your family to put any dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher if you have one, and only run it when it’s full rather than just store them in the sink. Another trick to making your sink look great and keep it hygienic is to wipe it around with a bleach solution which makes it smell fresh and limits mold/bacteria growth, I do this every week regardless.

* Refrigerator/Freezer – Clean anytime there is a spill, if not then certainly every week, ideally before you buy any more groceries. This is very important because the likes of blood or chicken juice may contaminate other ‘ready to eat’ products. Anything that is being defrosted should always be stored on the bottom shelf so pay close attention to that.
Wipe sticky bottles, and check any fruit and vegetable trays for any spoiled or moldy produce, dispose of if necessary. Wipe down the door and handles with an antibacterial spray and cloth.

* Stove Top – The best course of action when it comes to the stovetop is to clean it thoroughly after every use, including drying it with a soft dry towel, so easy to do before it dries. Each type of stovetop requires a different type of cleaning fluid and material, so check with your manufacturer. If you wipe it down every time you use it no matter the type of stove you have, it will always remain clean and hygienic, there’s nothing worse than dealing with old burnt food.
My tip is to just use water and dishwashing fluid, this way it gets de-greased and cleaned but is also safe for any surface.

* Oven – If ever there is a spill then wipe it. Monthly or as often as your manufacturer suggests, clean the oven completely according to their directions and use their recommended cleaning solutions. If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can use it to clean your iron skillets too by placing them upside down on one of the racks.

* Microwave – Try to get everyone to cover food before reheating or cooking in the microwave. Then, wipe it out after each use with a damp sponge with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, it’s so much easier to do this while any spills are still wet. If you do have stuck-on food, put a microwave-safe bowl of water inside and microwave it for a couple of minutes to allow steam to cover the microwave, you could also add half a lemon to make it smell better. Then wipe down with a dry paper towel or cloth.

* Light Fixtures – Monthly, the same time you change your air conditioner filter and put bleach in your air conditioner drain (only when recommended by the manufacturer), take the time to dust the outside of any light fixtures you have in your kitchen. A great way to do it is to wear dusting gloves. That way you can simply wipe them down with both hands.

* Miscellaneous Appliances – Everyone has random appliances: pressure cookers, food processors, air fryers, etc. The best way to deal with these is to wipe them down with a damp cloth every time you use them using a vinegar and water solution, along with drying them completely with a dry soft towel or paper towel or air-drying. If they tend to collect dust because you only use them a few times a year, then why not store them inside a cupboard to keep them dust-free?

* Baseboards – Weekly, when you give your floors a good scrubbing, also clean the baseboards. You can simply wipe with a wet cloth or sponge using the vinegar and water solution, then dry. Or to save getting on your hands and knees you could always use a clean mop and bucket then do them at the same time as the floor.

* Floor – The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, so you probably need to sweep it daily each time you clean the counters after cooking. You may also need to mop up spills as they occur to prevent slips and trips.

Bathrooms

It’s not hard to keep your bathrooms clean, even easier if you put it on a cleaning roster so that other family members can chip in. Your bathroom will be company-ready most of the time if you follow our checklist and tips.

* Walls and Doors – Due to steam that occurs in a bathroom it’s important to wipe the walls down every couple of weeks. This will help cut down on mold and other grime. All you need is a damp cloth and a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. If any marks have appeared, you can use a magic eraser and pay close attention to the corners, doorknobs, and handles.

* Art and Decor – Most people have some decor in the bathroom. Due to the damp environment, first make sure you put the right type of art in that room, covered in glass ideally. Then weekly, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it if needed.

* Tubs, Showers, and Tiles – Ever wondered how hotels keep the mold out of the tile grout? The answer is that they clean and dry it daily. Also, try to ensure that you use an anti-mold sealant around the tub. Then monthly it should be deep cleaned, using the right solution for your type of tile.

* Towel Racks – When you’re wiping down your art and decor on the walls then you may as well wipe down the towel racks, toilet paper holder, and paper towel racks, if you have them, at the same time. If you do it weekly, then a simple damp cloth followed by a dry cloth will do the trick.

* Toilet Bowl – Teenage and adult family members should know to clean the toilet bowl after use when necessary and give it a deep scrub at least weekly. Turn off the water, use the correct type of toilet cleaner for your type of bowl and scrub using your hands, rubber gloves, and a sponge – ensuring you get under the rim. A good squirt of bleach regularly will keep it clean and hygienic. Limescale can become an issue if not and can cause a yellow hardened rim which is harder to remove.

* Sinks, Faucets, and Countertops – These ought to be cleaned daily due to the use of toothpaste and other products such as hairspray. Only use manufacturer-approved cleaning supplies so you don’t damage the ceramic, resin, etc. Realistically it should only need a quick wipe with a damp cloth if done daily!

* Shower Head – Unscrew it and put it in a bowl to soak with a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and water or a store-bought descaler designed for the material that your’s is made from. It’s usually okay to scrub with an old soft toothbrush too now and again. This should be done every six months, or if the water is not coming out due to hard water deposits (limescale).

* Drains – Clean at least monthly. Depending on what type of septic system you have, you’ll need to use the right method. But, when appropriate you’ll want to rid drains of hair and other junk, either using a drain snake or something similar. You can also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to help clean drains and make them run clearly.

* Shower Doors – If you have glass shower doors, they can seem hard to keep clean. Hard water deposits can turn the doors yellow and cloudy. But, if you make it a habit to dry the doors down after every shower, you can avoid that problem altogether. Otherwise, use a product designed for cleaning glass doors and a squeegee monthly.

* Shower Curtains – First, ensure that you have a shower curtain liner. When you have a good liner, it will protect the shower curtain. Replace the liner once a year, or try washing the liner in the washing machine with bleach monthly. You can hang it while wet, then use a hand towel to dry it off if necessary. Teach your family to keep the curtain and liner fully stretched out after their shower to avoid water collecting in wrinkles, and causing a mold build-up.

* Mirrors – Anytime something is splattered on the mirror, take a few seconds and a paper towel to wipe it off. You don’t need fancy cleaners for mirrors. Seriously, all you need is vinegar, together with dry paper towels or an old newspaper. Clean mirrors fully every week, this keeps on top of them.

* Countertop Items – Soap dishes, toothpaste tubes, perfume, hairspray, and shaving cream are often things that are out and ready to use. If you put them away after each use then they’ll get less dust and dirt on them. For things that need to be left out then be sure to wipe them down with a clean damp cloth at least weekly to avoid the build-up of grime.

* Floors and Baseboards – Every week, sweep, scrub, mop, and dry the floors and baseboards. Remember to use the right cleaners based on your type of floor so that you don’t ruin it. You’re almost always safe simply using a cloth soaked with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, and a soft cloth to dry.

* Rugs – Each week when you deep clean the floor, throw the rugs into the washing machine. All sorts of germs and contaminants get on bathroom rugs, so washing them regularly is the best way to go.

Bedrooms

Keeping your bedroom clean is important to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, they can become laden with dust mites and other airborne particles which could lead to airborne breathing issues. Thankfully, it’s not hard to do with these tips.

* Beds, Linen – Ensure you clean your bedding regularly. All you need is two sets and then you can alternate weekly or fortnightly. It is also a good idea to vacuum the mattress in between changing the linen to remove any excess dust mites that will have accumulated. Other than that, make it a habit to make your bed every single day within minutes of getting up.

* Furniture – Dust furniture in the bedroom at least weekly, or at the same time as you change the bed linen. Keeping dust to a minimum in the bedroom will help you to sleep better and hopefully reduce the risk of dust allergens from becoming a problem, especially if asthma is an issue.

* Doors, Floors, and Baseboards – Clean your doors and floors at least weekly. You can probably clean the baseboards monthly for the bedroom since the floor doesn’t have as much foot traffic as a kitchen or lounge.

* Rugs – Monthly, take any area rugs out of the bedroom and shake them out, or wash them if you can.

* Art and Mirrors – Monthly, dust all art and mirrors in your bedroom to keep them dust-free. If you notice dust building up faster, you might consider checking your air conditioner filter to see if the filter needs cleaning or changing. I use a soft brush on my vacuum cleaner, it’s so much easier and stops it from flying around

* Fans – If you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom then this needs to be dusted fully at least monthly to cut down on cobwebs and other air-bourne dust.

* Windows – Monthly, wipe down all windows, ledges, blinds etc.

* Closets – Each season, go through your closet to reorganize and put away things that were for the last season. Often, you’ll find things you didn’t even use that you can donate and give away as well.
My tip is if you haven’t worn it for a year then get rid, donate them to a charity or sell them.

Laundry Room

Whether you have a laundry closet or a room, there are some regular maintenance issues to contend with. If you add these to your deep cleaning checklist then chores are a breeze.

* Washer – Today’s low-energy washers need special care. While the manufacturer does say what to do, often people ignore it until their washer has started to get a weird smell. You can clean it using the products the manufacturer suggests. For example, GE recommends a Tide washing machine cleaner for their washers. Otherwise, you can use a cup of bleach, or a cup of vinegar then use the clean cycle on hot. It’s important to do this monthly and not wait for a bad smell. Wipe down after every use.
Leave the washer door slightly ajar and the detergent drawer just open so there is air circulation, this prevents mold from growing.

* Dryer – Always clean your lint filter before any use. Your machine wont be as efficient otherwise and could lead to a fire risk. Monthly, use a special dryer lint trap cleaner tool to get lint that slips through the filter. You can also use your vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean the screen better, as well as clean the lint trap thoroughly. Also monthly, using a soft cloth damp with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, wipe down the drum inside and you’ll be surprised how much you pick up!

* Floor, Walls, and Baseboards – Like the bathroom, things build up faster in the laundry room. You’ll want to clean the floors and baseboards every week. It’s not hard, just use a sponge mop or a soft damp cloth to wipe down everything afterward then dry when finished.

* Shelves – Due to lint flying around, take time to wipe down shelves and anything sitting on the shelves or on top of your machines every week. Cutting down on lint and dust is essential for helping you keep this room cleaner and dust-free.

Entryway

You know how the entryway that you love so much, and the greeting place for everyone, well this can become a claustrophobic experience when everyone’s stuff ends up there? A few simple to-dos will stop it from getting it so cluttered.

* Furniture – If you have furniture in your entryway then try to make it useful so that you can hide stuff in it. For example, a bench that has a place to put shoes in it will help to cut down on clutter. Clean the furniture at least monthly, or weekly in bad weather.

* Shoes – If you find that you have lots of shoes getting in the way in the entryway, don’t fight them. Instead, get something to put the shoes in so that they’ll be organized. Ask your family to take some off their shoes when they come inside.

* Baskets – A great way to control clutter for a big family in the entryway is to use baskets. If each child has their own then even the adults can too. This way all their stuff can be tossed in the basket to be distributed to the right room easily and organized.

* Floors and Rugs – Entryways get dirty fast because people come in with their dirty shoes which can often be muddy. Use the right type of rug or floor in the entryway for a simple clean-up. This is not the place for a rug that can’t be tossed into the washer! 

Garage

If you have a garage but don’t use it for your car then that needs sorting too. Most people who have garages use them to store more stuff that they don’t use. Consider it a challenge to organize your garage.

* Get Proper Storage Tools – The best way to keep any room clean and attractive, including the garage, is to invest in the right type of shelving and storage containers. When you see a need for storage solutions then you’ll be surprised how cost-effective they can be, even the hosepipe can be wall mounted to stop it from getting tangled and kinked.

* Donate and Toss – Keep a donate bin as well as a toss bin. Whenever you come across something you’ve not used for an entire year, determine if you can donate it or if you need to toss it. It’s much easier to keep things clean if you don’t have extra stuff that you don’t use, I know the old adage of ‘I might use it or it’ll come in handy’ but seriously if space is an issue then get rid.

* Label Everything – A great way to help yourself and your family put things where they go is to label things in the garage. That way, everything in the garage has a home and a place.

* Assess Seasonally – Each season, go through what’s in your garage if it’s out of order so that you can do better next season by keeping it organized.

* Floors and Surfaces – About every six months, go into your garage and lift up everything you can in wall-mounted storage units. Scrub the floors and the walls, including the garage door. Wipe down all the things you put back into the garage, by doing that you’ll be able to assess whether you need them or not.

Porch

If you have a porch or stoop, this is a place where the dirt collects. It comes from people’s shoes, but also the wind can blow things onto your porch where they can get trapped in corners. All you need to do is take a broom and sweep, including the walls. For wood surfaces, clean them accordingly as well as repair any paint that needs to be fixed.

To Recap:

1. Dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards.
2. Wipe down all walls, doors, and trim.
3. Vacuum or sweep all floors and carpets, and then mop or scrub them.
4. Clean all windows, inside and out, including window sills and tracks.
5. Deep clean all bathrooms, including scrubbing the toilet, sink, and shower/tub.
6. Clean the kitchen, including scrubbing the sink, counters, and appliances.
7. Launder all bed linens, towels, and curtains.
8. Clean and organize all closets and storage areas.
9. Disinfect all frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and light switches.

Optional tasks:

10. Have your carpets professionally cleaned.
11. Get your upholstery and/or draperies professionally cleaned.
12. Have the exterior of your home pressure washed.
13. Replace air filters and smoke detector batteries.

Remember to use appropriate cleaning products and follow all safety precautions when cleaning your home. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for maintaining a clean home on a regular basis to keep it looking its best all year round.

FAQs:

1. How often should I clean my house?

It is generally recommended to do a thorough cleaning of your home at least once a week. However, the actual frequency of cleaning will depend on your personal preferences and the size and layout of your home. Some areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, may need to be cleaned more frequently due to the presence of germs and bacteria.

2. What cleaning products should I use?

There are many different cleaning products available on the market, and the best choice will depend on your specific cleaning needs. For general cleaning, a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner is usually enough and will degrease at the same time. For tougher stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaner or a specialized product such as a glass cleaner or bathroom cleaner. It is important to read the label and follow the instructions for any cleaning product you use to ensure that you use it safely.

3. How do I remove stains from carpets and upholstery?

There are several ways to remove stains from carpets and upholstery. For general stains, you can try blotting the stain with a damp cloth or using a mild detergent to gently scrub the stain. For tougher stains, you may need to use a specialized stain remover or consult a professional carpet cleaner.

4. How do I clean hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and debris. To clean hardwood floors, you can use a damp mop or a cleaning solution specifically designed for hardwood floors. Be sure to dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage or slip hazards. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on hardwood floors, as these can damage the finish.

5. How do I clean and disinfect surfaces in my home?

To clean and disinfect surfaces in your home, start by removing any dirt or debris using a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner. Then, use a disinfectant cleaner or a solution of water and bleach to kill any germs and bacteria. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label of the disinfectant and use the recommended amount. Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for the recommended amount of time before wiping it off and allowing the surface to air dry.