Tips for Effective Deep Cleaning
Tips for Effective Deep Cleaning
Every now and then a home needs a deep cleaning to remove dust and dirt buildup. Moving heavy furniture each week is impossible but doing it once or twice a month can really help to keep allergy problems at bay. The more often you do your deep cleaning, the easier it will become to keep it up. Deep cleaning benefits you in so many ways. It is well worth your time and effort.
When you go to deep clean, it is best to do so in stages. Trying to dive in without a plan in place can be a disaster at worst and inconvenient at best. Consider the following steps to get the best bang for your time and money:
Pre Cleaning Stage
Pre-cleaning is basically tidying up the home quickly. This is where you prepare the room for deep cleaning. Put away any clutter you come into contact with and move furniture around so that you can clean under it. Go room to room with a basket or bucket to collect items that belong in other rooms. Anything that will be in the way when you sweep through should be put up, thrown away or otherwise disposed of. Pre-cleaning paves the way for a more thorough cleaning.
Reaching High to Clean
Now begin to deep clean at the highest points of the home. This means on top of the refrigerator, ceiling fans, curtains, and anything else eye level or above. While you are up there, change light bulbs and dust off ceilings. The top areas of your home are usually the dirtiest, and by cleaning them first you will not have to redo things down below.
Here’s a handy list you can use to be sure not to miss anything:
- Dust or vacuum upper ledges & above cabinets
- Wipe all air vents clean
- Turn off fans and clean the blades
- Replace light bulbs (check the porch too)
- Wipe the ceiling with a broom
- Replace the air conditioner filter
Cleaning What You See
For this part of deep cleaning, focus on everything that you can see at eye level. This should include walls, bookshelves and bathroom countertops. Here’s another list to use:
- Clean blinds and windows
- Shift books and wipe them down
- Wipe down picture frames, mirrors and tchotchkes
- Wipe off leather furniture, end tables and coffee tables
Clean and Bend
Here’s where the work happens! This list will help you clean everything at waist level.
- Vacuum all the floors and treat spots
- Wash the bedding and replace it
- Clean the upholstered furniture pieces
- Scrub sinks and polish fixtures
- Scrub toilets, tubs and showers
- Polish wood tops and wood furniture
Get Down But Not Dirty
Do some deep bending to get into some deep cleaning. At this level, the focus is on the floor area.
- Sweep hardwood floors and tile floors
- Mop tile floors
- Vacuum every room
- Clean area rugs and small rugs
- Wipe down baseboards with a damp cloth
- Give the porch areas some attention with a good sweeping
Print and laminate this list and keep it handy. It’s a great list to use for every spring cleaning or whenever a deep cleaning is needed. Feel free to add specialty items to the list to get a deep cleaning guide that is more specific.
