Did you know Americans spend around six hours a week cleaning their homes? Six hours! And get this—about a third of them still feel like that’s not enough. Maybe it’s because most of us just do the basics when we clean.
Ever feel like your house seems clean, but it’s still not quite hitting the mark? When was the last time you did a real deep clean? If you’re not sure where to start, don’t stress—we’ve got you. Check out the tips below to make a plan.
The Optimal Times to Deep Clean Your Home
Some people like to do a big deep clean once or twice a year, but you can tackle the tasks below anytime. Instead of doing it all at once, try cleaning specific rooms when they feel like they need it. A good way to break it down is:
- Bedrooms/living rooms
- Bathrooms/laundry room
- Kitchen
Each area needs its cleaning supplies and methods, so breaking it down like this makes it easier.
Whatever room you’re working on, start by picking up anything lying around. Don’t worry about drawers or closets—just clear what’s visible. Tidying up first makes it easier to clean and keeps your stuff from getting dusty.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms
For these rooms, start from the top. Dust ceiling fans and window shades first, then sweep up any dust that falls. Consider using a dust repellant to prevent future buildup.
For carpets and rugs, vacuum first. Treat stains with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, and a few drops of dish soap. For heavily soiled carpets, rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service. For wooden floors, sweep, mop, and apply wood polish if available. For hardwood, add a thin coat of wax every few years to prevent liquid damage. Wipe floorboards with a water-vinegar solution. Clean windows, remove screens and wipe sills.
Wash all bedding, including duvet covers and mattress pads, and flip your mattress. In kids’ rooms, wipe plastic toys with soapy water. Vacuum under couch cushions and large furniture once or twice a year, as these spots don’t get dirty as quickly.
Bathrooms and Laundry Areas
For bathrooms, use a water-vinegar mixture or a standard cleaner. While these rooms are cleaned regularly, don’t forget areas that often get overlooked. Empty and wash bathroom trash cans, clean or replace bath mats and shower curtains, and take time to clean floors and cabinets. Unscrew faucet tips to check filters for clogs.
Laundry rooms may not seem like a priority, but deep cleaning them can refresh your home. Cleaning your washer and dryer also helps them last longer. Washing machines can build up detergent and minerals, so clean them with vinegar or a detergent dispenser, then run an empty cycle.
Did you know 2,900 dryer fires are reported each year, mostly from not cleaning the machine? If you haven’t cleaned your lint screen recently, now’s the time. After that, once a year is enough. Use a vacuum to clear lint from the filter space, and check the ductwork and vent too.
Kitchens
For kitchens, wipe surfaces with a non-toxic spray and clean your refrigerator inside and out. Use degreasers for cooking appliances, and oven cleaners to loosen residue. Appliances with heavy buildup may need extra cleaning. If your oven has a self-cleaning mode, run it first, then wipe it down. Clean the range and hood, and wipe any appliances exposed to food splatter or dust.
Empty your cabinets and wipe the insides. Freshen your garbage disposal by running saltwater and lemon rind through it. Wear gloves and be careful with chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Never mix them, as this can create toxic fumes. Avoid using them in food prep areas.
Now Your House Is Clean
Deep cleaning takes effort, but it’s not rocket science. Focus on one room at a time to keep it manageable. Feeling overwhelmed? Consider hiring a professional. For a small fee, they can get your home in great shape in just one day. Once your house is deep cleaned, you’ll enjoy a bright, healthy space for your family.