DEEP CLEANING, your duty before you go back home

PROJECT OVERVIEW

• WORKING TIME: 3 – 6 hrs
• TOTAL TIME: 3 – 6 hrs

• SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
• ESTIMATED COST: $10-20

There comes a point in a home where every room needs more than a quick cleaning to remove visible dust, dirt, and clutter. You can call it deep cleaning, spring cleaning, or “company’s coming” cleaning—whatever the name, it should be done at least yearly.

You can hire a cleaning service to tackle the tasks or follow our checklist of how to deep clean every room in your home. Read on for our guide on deep cleaning your home, room by room.

What is Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning a home means doing more to remove dirt, grime, and clutter than is done during a regular cleaning session. A great comparison is having your teeth cleaned at the dentist’s office versus daily toothbrushing. Deep cleaning of a home is thorough and involves cleaning every room surface from top to bottom.

How Often to Deep Clean Your Home

How frequently you need to deep clean rooms in your home depends on how often and how well you do your routine housekeeping. For most people, once or twice a year is sufficient for deep cleaning. Deep cleaning is not difficult, it just takes more time to make sure a room is thoroughly clean.

Before You Begin

• When cleaning any room, always start at the top and work your way down. This way loose dust and dirt will settle on the floor so you don’t have to backtrack to reclean a surface.
• Start at one side of the room and work in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner so you cover every inch of the room. No skipping from spot to spot.
• Gather all of your cleaning supplies and equipment before you begin working in a room to save time and steps. Use a bucket or box to keep everything handy.
• You don’t need to deep clean the entire house in one day. Clean rooms or areas (all bathrooms, all windows) as you find a few free hours.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• 2 mops, wet and dry
• 1 vacuum or broom
• 1 extendable handle duster
• Washer
• Dryer
• 4 microfiber cloths

Materials

• 1 box disposable dusters
• 1 container laundry detergent
• Bathroom cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Carpet or floor cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Cardboard boxes
• Trash bags

Instructions

4 Spots to Deep Clean in Every Room

Some areas in every room aren’t usually cleaned every week. In addition to the tips for specific rooms in your home, take the time to check these spots off of your deep cleaning list.

1. Ceiling Corners and Moldings Around Doors and WindowsUse a long-handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop, or broom to whisk down the dust and spider webs that have collected on your ceiling and moldings.
2. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
   • Use a disposable duster that traps dust particles with an extendable handle to clean ceiling fans and overhead light fixtures.
   • If you don’t have a disposable duster, secure a clean microfiber cloth to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band. 
   • If you must use a ladder to reach the fixtures or disassemble components for cleaning, it’s a good idea to have another person brace the ladder and come to your aid if you slip or fall.
   • Don’t forget to clean the lightbulbs!
3. Heating and Air Vents
   • Vacuum and clean HVAC vent covers. First, use a vacuum with a hose and upholstery brush attachment to remove dust. Then, if possible, remove the vent cover and rinse it in a sink or soak it in some hot, soapy water to remove stuck-on dirt.
   • Change or clean the filters before replacing the vent covers.
4. Windows and Walls
   • Deep cleaning requires taking time to clean windows so they are sparkling inside and outside.
   • Walls can become dusty and dirty. Take the time to clean grime from painted and wallpapered walls.
   • Clean the baseboards to remove dust and scuff marks.
5. Window TreatmentsClean windows deserve clean window treatments.
   • Clean fabric, wood, and vinyl window blinds.
   • Remove curtains and drapes to wash or dry clean.

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen

Deep cleaning the kitchen requires thoroughly cleaning the countertops, floors (tile, laminate, or vinyl ), walls, and appliances.

1. Clean the Oven, Stovetop, and Microwave
   • Whether you have a self-cleaning oven or an oven you must clean yourself, remove grease and grime. Don’t forget to clean the glass door, if you have one.
   • Clean your gas, electric coil, or ceramic stovetop correctly. If you have drip pans, clean or replace them.
   • Remove odors and food splatters in your microwave.
2. Clean the Refrigerator
   • Empty and clean your refrigerator.
   • Don’t forget to move it away from the wall so you can vacuum the fan and coils on the back to help it work more efficiently.
3. Clean the Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, and Sink.
   • Thoroughly clean the dishwasher including the filter and drain.
   • Clean and freshen the garbage disposal.
   • Bring your stainless steel or copper sink back to its original shine.
4. Clean the Pantry
   • Empty the pantry of all food and supplies.
   • Clean the shelves, walls, and floor.
   • Dispose of expired foods and donate unwanted purchases to a local food bank.
5. Clean and Declutter Cabinets and Drawers
   • Empty every cabinet and drawer.
   • Divide the contents into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash.
   • Clean the interior and exterior of the cabinets. Reline shelves and drawers with fresh liners.
   Deep Clean the Living Room
6. Clean Upholstered, Leather, and Wood Furniture
   • Upholstered couches and chairs should be deep cleaned to remove stains and odor.
   • Clean and condition leather furniture.
   • Dust and remove grime from wood furniture.
7. Clean the Carpets, Area Rugs, and Flooring
   • Deep clean carpeting and area rugs to remove stains and odors. This can be a DIY process or you can hire a carpet cleaning company.
   • Bring solid wood floors back to a shine.
   • Clean laminate, LVP, and tile floors correctly.
8. Dust and Declutter
   • As you dust bookshelves, mantles, and tables, take the time to declutter and donate unused items.
   • Dust and clean electronics.

How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom

1. Remove Soap ScumSoap scum should be removed from every surface including countertops, shower stalls, bathtubs, and shower curtains.
2. Clean the Bathroom FanRemove dust and grime from the bathroom fan.
3. Declutter and Clean Every Surface and FixtureFollow a 5-step method to declutter and clean the bathroom.
4. Remove Mold and MildewIf there is pink or green or black mold growing in your bathroom, clean it away from ceilings, wood, and grout.
5. Clean the Toilet
   • Clean the toilet and toilet tank thoroughly.
   • Don’t forget to clean the toilet brush and toilet brush holder.

How to Deep Clean Bedrooms

1. Wash Pillows and Bedding
   • Wash foam, feather, and polyester fiberfill pillows correctly.
   • Wash all the bedding including mattress pads, sheets, blankets, comforters, and quilts.
2. Clean the Mattress
   • Clean and remove stains and odors from the mattress.
   • Clean the mattress topper.
3. Empty and Clean the Closet and Storage Drawers
   • The best way to deep clean a closet or dresser drawer is to empty each one completely.
   • Vacuum and clean the closet and inspect for insects.
   • Sort clothing and make three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss.
   • Fold or hang each piece of clothing correctly before putting it back in the closet, drawers, or storage bins.
4. Clean Under the Bed
   • Remove everything that is stored under the bed.
   • Vacuum the flooring and the underside of the bed frame.
   • Donate or toss unwanted items.
   • Use closed storage for items you are returning to the space under the bed.

How to Deep Clean a Garage or Attic

1. Empty the Space and Declutter
   • Remove everything from the garage or attic.
   • Sort into three piles: Keep, Donate, or Toss.
   • Organize what you plan to keep and label the storage containers.
2. Clean the Walls and Floor
   • Start at the top of the space and remove dust and grime from the ceiling and walls.
   • Clean the concrete, wood, or mat flooring.

FAQ

• How do I prepare my house for deep cleaning?The best thing to do before deep cleaning a house is to declutter. Getting rid of excess clothing, toys, furniture, and “stuff” will make cleaning so much easier.
• What is included in a deep cleaning of a house?Deep cleaning a house requires more than just routine cleaning. Every surface and item in the rooms should be cleaned thoroughly to remove dust and grime.
• How long does it take to deep clean a whole house?The amount of time depends on how well frequently you do routine cleaning. To deep clean an entire house can take up to 8 hours or more. Consider deep cleaning one room or area at a time to make the task easier.

SOURCE :: https://www.thespruce.com/deep-cleaning-house-7152794
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