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The Ultimate Deep Cleaning Checklist: How To Deep Clean Your Home

Andrew FortuneAndrew Fortune
Jun 24, 2025 11 min read
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The Ultimate Deep Cleaning Checklist: How To Deep Clean Your Home

Did you know most Americans spend over nine hours cleaning their homes every week? Still, it is common to wonder if the house is truly clean. Keeping up with deep cleaning can feel tough, especially when you do not know where to start or how often to do it.

If you are feeling stuck or want to make your cleaning routine easier, you are not alone. With so many cleaning tips and products out there, it is easy to get lost. This guide will walk you through simple, proven steps for deep cleaning your home. Whether you are preparing for a big move, refreshing your space for spring, or just looking for a fresh start, these tips will help make every room feel cleaner and healthier.

Keep reading for easy checklists, expert tips, and smart routines that help you stay on top of deep cleaning all year long.


How often should you deep clean your home? How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Home?

Deep cleaning your home is one of the best ways to keep your living space healthy and welcoming. Most experts suggest giving every room a true deep clean at least once every three to six months. Spring cleaning is a classic choice because it feels great to refresh your house with the change of seasons, but you do not have to wait for spring. You can start a deep cleaning routine any time of the year.

If your days feel busy, you are not alone. Try breaking up big tasks into smaller pieces. Tackle one room each month, or focus on a couple of simple chores every week. This makes cleaning much more manageable and helps you stay organized, especially if you have a larger home.

For most homes, setting up a regular schedule is more important than picking the perfect day to start. Find a rhythm that works for you and your family, and try to stick with it. The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes to keep your home tidy and fresh.

Remember, the real goal is to create a space that feels good to live in. A clean home not only looks better but can help you and your loved ones stay healthier all year long.


Before You Start Deep Cleaning

Getting your home truly clean is easier when you plan ahead. Start by setting a realistic goal for what you want to finish and think about how much time you can really give to the task. Making a simple plan before you begin will help you avoid frustration and get better results.

If You Set a Schedule, Stick to It

Look at your calendar and choose a time that works best in your busy week. Once you pick a time, do your best to follow through. You do not have to clean the whole house in one day. Even quick sessions add up when you keep moving forward.

Tips for Managing Kids and Pets

Kids and pets can slow you down if you do not have a plan for them. Ask a friend or family member to help watch them. If that is not possible, try to include children with small jobs, like picking up toys or matching socks. Turn these chores into games to keep them busy and make cleaning fun.

Work Room by Room With a Simple System

Tackle one space at a time so you do not feel overwhelmed. Try starting in one corner and working left to right, top to bottom. Clean countertops, wipe shelves, and sweep the floor in that order. This system works in every room and helps you see fast progress.

Declutter Before You Clean

Make things easier by removing clutter before you start deep cleaning. Fill a trash bag with things to throw away. Sort items that can be donated or given to friends. For anything that belongs in another room, put it in a basket and return it to its place at the end.
For more organizing ideas, check out these simple decluttering methods.

Take Breaks and Ask for Help

Cleaning can be tiring, so pause to eat, drink water, and stretch. If you have helpers at home, let everyone handle their own part. A teamwork approach can cut your cleaning time in half and make the job feel lighter.


What You Need for a Deep Clean

To deep clean your home, the right supplies will make your work easier and your results better. Make a checklist so you do not miss any important items. Here is a simple breakdown of the best tools and appliances for most home cleaning routines.

Essential Cleaning Tools

  • Rubber gloves
  • All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant spray
  • Glass cleaner
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Sponges and scrub brushes
  • Plastic bucket
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Vacuum with hose or attachments
  • Mop with a bucket or a steam mop
  • Ladder or sturdy step stool
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Furniture polish
  • Water hose for outdoor spaces

Helpful Appliances

  • Washing machine
  • Clothes dryer
  • Lawnmower
  • Leaf blower
  • Dishwasher
  • Power washer (optional for exterior cleaning)
  • Stain remover or furniture vacuum

Don’t worry if you do not own every single tool on this list. For instance, washing dishes by hand works just fine, and you can make simple cleaners at home using baking soda or vinegar. Lemons are handy for removing tough stains or odors, especially in microwaves.

Many neighborhood hardware or department stores let you rent big equipment like carpet cleaners, steamers, or pressure washers. This saves storage space and helps you tackle any special jobs without having to buy every gadget.


Internal Home Cleaning Checklist

Use this deep cleaning checklist to cover each area of your home room by room. Thorough cleaning helps your house look, feel, and even smell fresher. Learn more about preparing your home if you plan to list it for sale, or use these steps as your go-to plan when you want your home to feel its absolute best. You can also adjust these steps to fit your unique needs and home layout.


Entryway

  • Wipe the internal side of the front door
  • Wash walls and pictures by wiping with a damp cloth
  • Dust entryway furniture
  • Clean rug/welcome mat
  • Organize shoes
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Entryway Cleaning Tips To Try

Did you know that washing your walls helps you breathe better? This issue happens because dust and allergens stick to the walls and stay there for years without proper care.

You can solve this by wetting a microfiber cloth and wiping the walls in downward motions. No towels? A barely damp mop works just as well.


Living Room

  • Wash throw blankets and pillows
  • Wash window curtains
  • Vacuum upholstered furniture, couches, and chairs (lift cushions)
  • Dust tables and entertainment centers/flat surfaces
  • Dust decor pieces (pictures, art, etc.)
  • Polish wood furniture
  • Wipe down artificial plants
  • Wipe down screens (TV, computers, etc.)
  • Wipe keyboards and remote controls
  • Empty and wash trash bins
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom (carpet included)
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Living Room Cleaning Tips To Try

Your living room is the hub and center of your home, so it tends to become one of the dirtiest spots in your house. You can change this by doing basic cleaning daily to prevent dirt buildup.

Fabric couches and rugs tend to hold a lot of dirt and odor. Sprinkle baking soda and let sit for 1 hour before vacuuming. It will get rid of any odors and help pick up more dirt.


Kitchen

  • Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher
  • Clean the stovetop and inside of the oven
  • Wash the inside of the refrigerator
  • Wipe the exterior of the refrigerator
  • Wipe down all countertops and flat surfaces
  • Wipe the microwave inside and out
  • Wipe and degrease all other appliances
  • Scrub and disinfect the sink
  • Clean the garbage disposal
  • Dump trash
  • Clean and disinfect trash cans
  • Wipe down the outer side of the cabinetry
  • Scrub grout
  • Clean oven and stove vents
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Kitchen Cleaning Tips To Try

Your kitchen space will be the most extensive part of your deep cleaning process because it's an area where potentially harmful bacteria can grow. But you can save some time by implementing some easy hacks.

Scrub the countertops and backsplash with soapy water for faster cleaning and wipe down with a cloth when done. You should also throw lemons into the garbage disposal and run them for 3 minutes. This step will eliminate and help prevent any future smells.

Your dishwasher becomes dirty after a few cycles. Empty the dishwasher and run it on the highest setting with a bowl of vinegar. This tip will cleanse the system thoroughly and prevent bacteria from growing.

Lastly, to save time, check for a self-cleaning option on your oven, and let it run while you finish the rest of the kitchen.


Dining Space

  • Wash tablecloth linens and napkins
  • Wipe and disinfect dining room table and chairs
  • Dust and wipe sideboards and china holding areas
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom (carpet included)
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Playroom Cleaning Tips To Try

Always remember to sweep, mop, and disinfect areas where food is present. The amount of time you spend occupying this space will determine the length of time it takes to clean. If daily cleaning is already included in your regimen, a simple sprucing will do the trick.


Playrooms

  • Wash and disinfect toys
  • Wash stuffed animals
  • Wipe and disinfect any toy bins and holders
  • Dust and wipe flat surfaces
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Playroom Cleaning Tips To Try

By now, any broken trinkets and toys have been thrown away during the decluttering process. So now you set out cleaning the bins and reorganizing the toys to be neat and uniform.

When the kids come to play, fill them in on the new order of things and make cleaning up afterward fun with rhymes and songs.


Office Space

  • Wipe flat surfaces
  • Dust decor and accessories on the desk
  • Wipe down screens (TV, computers, etc.)
  • Wipe and sanitize keyboards
  • Dust bookshelves
  • Vacuum office chair
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Office Cleaning Tips To Try

Your office is where the most productivity occurs, so it's important to keep the space tidy and organized. Keep junk mail to a minimum and throw it away as soon as it enters the home.

You can keep separate folders for important occasions and file them away once finished. This step will prevent giant stacks of paperwork from building up on your desk.


Bedrooms

  • Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
  • Wipe all flat surfaces
  • Dust headboard (vacuum if upholstered)
  • Wash and change bed sheets
  • Wash curtains
  • Clean inside drawers and cabinets
  • Wipe walls and pictures with a damp cloth
  • Vacuum and flip the mattress
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom (carpet included)
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Bedroom Cleaning Tips To Try

Your bedroom, a space that should be relaxing and calming, can become a nightmare when not thoroughly cleaned. Strip the bed entirely and sprinkle the mattress with baking soda when deep cleaning. It will freshen up any odors and help lift dirt built up in the fibers.

After sitting for 1 hour, vacuum up the baking soda, check for mattress stains and clean with a damp microfiber towel. You can repeat these steps for fabric-based furniture like headboards and corner armchairs.

Remember to change your pillows annually. Then, when it's time to wash them, make sure to dry them to prevent any mold from growing inside.


Bathrooms

  • Takedown and wash shower curtains and liners
  • Deep scrub shower and tub (including showerhead)
  • Clean out the drains
  • Clean bathroom vents and exhaust fan
  • Wipe sinks and countertops
  • Deep scrub toilet bowl
  • Wipe inside cabinets and drawers
  • Wash towels
  • Clean shower mats
  • Restock toiletries
  • Clean mirrors
  • Empty trash
  • Disinfect the trash can
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Bathroom Cleaning Tips To Try

It can be challenging to keep up with bathroom maintenance, leaving soap scum and hard water stains to grow on every wet surface. You can eliminate tough stains with your choice of cleaning solutions, but if they aren't strong enough, try soaking your shower head and fixtures with vinegar and baking soda.

These ingredients break down tough stains without the harsh chemical smells. This same method can clean dirty grout and won't erode any adhesion like some other cleaners.

Another tip to keep in mind is regularly cleaning your shower curtains and liners. Most plastic-based liners can be placed on a delicate wash cycle in your washing machine and reused to save money. Remember to remove any metal clips and hang them to air dry.


Closets

  • Remove closet contents
  • Wipe walls and shelves with a damp cloth
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards
  • Return and organize closet contents

Closet Cleaning Tips To Try

Closet clutter can add up quickly if you don't pay attention. Prevent mess by organizing items with bins and labels and giving them designated spots within the closet. If everything has a home, it'll be easier to find when you need them later on.


Laundry Room

  • Wipe the outside of the washer and dryer
  • Run a washing machine cleaning cycle
  • Clean lint trap
  • Wipe internal dryer machine drum
  • Dust and wipe shelving
  • Fold and put away clothing and linen
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of the floors and baseboards

Laundry Room Cleaning Tips To Try

While rushing to complete daily laundry, many people forget that, like all appliances, upkeep of your washer and dryer are required to keep them running well. They pose significant health and fire hazards if improperly maintained.

You should clean the lint trap before drying every load. It’s also a good idea to clean the exhaust ventilation annually. It occasionally sucks up lint and blocks the vent from moving hot air out of your home.

Similarly, washing machine drums need to be scrubbed and cleaned to prevent mold buildup. Most newer washing machine models come with a self-clean feature. If yours does not, you can invest in a washing machine solution or can spray vinegar in the drum and run it on the hottest setting.


Garage

  • Remove storage off the garage floor
  • Dry floor cleaning with a vacuum or broom
  • Wet cleaning of floors with soapy water and a scrub brush
  • Hose down with water
  • Organize storage bins
  • Wipe all flat surfaces

Garage Cleaning Tips To Try

Your garage is a great multi-purpose storage space. Keep it organized by categorizing seasonal and daily used items for easy access. Tools and car items can be placed along the walls with tool holders, and always make sure to properly clean or dispose of car fluids to prevent local pollution.

What to Clean Throughout the House

Deep cleaning your home means looking beyond the obvious. There are a few key features that every room shares. If you keep up with these tasks, your entire home will feel brighter and healthier.

  • Windows and Window Treatments: Windows and blinds gather dust fast. Use a damp microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner to wipe each window. Take down and rinse off screens when the weather is nice. If you have curtains, give them a good wash or vacuum.
  • Light Fixtures and Fans: Ceiling fans, lamps, and light fixtures get dusty even when you do not notice. Use a step stool or ladder to reach the top. Dust these areas with a soft cloth or duster. For best results, gently wipe every light source in your home.
  • High and Hard-to-Reach Spots: Top corners, trim, and vents often collect cobwebs and grime. Check shelves, air vents, and crown molding as you move room to room. A long-handled duster or vacuum hose can help.

Keeping these home features clean makes a big difference in air quality and light. For fixtures that are tricky or too high to reach safely, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Small details like these make your entire house sparkle and support a healthier space for your family.


External Home Cleaning Checklist

A clean exterior gives your home a welcoming first impression and helps maintain property value. Good curb appeal makes your house stand out and can even help if you plan to sell. Regular outdoor cleaning also keeps your space healthy and safe.


Front and Side Yard Spaces

  • Pick up trash
  • Sweep or blow away debris
  • Power wash the front and sides of the house
  • Landscape flowers and bushes
  • Mow lawn
  • Pull weeds
  • Power wash (or scrub) the driveway
  • Organize any outside furniture
  • Wash and sanitize outdoor trash bins

Front Yard Tips To try

When cleaning the outside of your home, it's best to do it on a day with clear skies. Grab a ladder and take your time going through each task diligently and safely.

Start from the top of your house and work your way down to ground level. Finish off with a good rinse of all your tools and equipment.


Backyard

  • Power wash the backside of the house
  • Power wash or scrub the porch
  • Wipe outdoor furniture
  • Clean outdoor grill
  • Clean pool (if applicable)
  • Mow lawn
  • Pull weeds
  • Landscape flowers and bushes
  • Organize backyard sheds

Backyard Tips To Try

Your backyard is your outdoor oasis of recreation fun. Unfortunately, it's usually only cleaned once a year before summer begins. You can kickstart the summer months early by maintaining the upkeep year-round.

You can save even more time by investing in covers for your outdoor furniture and grill, so they're protected from rain and rough weather.


Things To Remember

When cleaning the external areas of your home, take note of the areas that are hidden from eye view. These areas include your roof, gutters, shutters, and crawl spaces. These areas can become caked and clogged with leaves and foliage, increasing your chances of damage should lousy weather occur.

You can hire trained professionals to examine these spaces and provide the necessary care for them without compromising your safety.

WRITTEN BY
Andrew Fortune
Andrew Fortune
Realtor

Hi! I'm Andrew Fortune, the founder of Great Colorado Homes and the creator of this website. I'm also a Realtor in Colorado Springs. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. I am always open to suggestions and ideas from our readers. You can find all my contact info here. Let me know if you need a Realtor in Colorado Springs.

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