This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read our affiliate disclosure
Deep cleaning your house really is a challenging task. But with proper guidelines, you can do it easily. In this guide, I will discuss a step-by-step guide to deep clean your home room by room, making your cleaning process easier.
Key Differences Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning
1. Frequency:
– Regular Cleaning: Performed weekly or bi-weekly.
– Deep Cleaning: Typically done every few months or as needed.
2. Scope of Work:
– Regular Cleaning: Focuses on surface cleaning and maintenance.
– Deep Cleaning: Cleaning difficult-to-reach and neglected places thoroughly.
3. Tasks Included:
– Regular Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning frequently used surfaces.
– Deep Cleaning: Scrubbing grout, cleaning behind appliances, washing windows, and decluttering.
4. Time Required:
– Regular Cleaning: Generally takes less time.
– Deep Cleaning: Requires more time and effort to complete.
5. Level of Detail:
– Regular Cleaning: Less detailed, focuses on maintaining cleanliness.
– Deep Cleaning: More detailed and thorough, aimed at removing deep-seated dirt and allergens.
6. Purpose:
– Regular Cleaning: Maintains a tidy environment and prevents buildup.
– Deep Cleaning: Restores cleanliness and freshness to areas that are often ignored.
7. Result:
– Regular Cleaning: Keeps the space looking presentable.
– Deep Cleaning: Provides a more intense clean and can improve indoor air quality.
What to Consider Before Getting Started with Deep Cleaning
- Aim for Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on what can be accomplished in the available time.
- Plan Ahead: Create a schedule or task list for each room to stay organized.
- Gather Supplies: Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary cleaning tools and protective gear.
- Declutter: Remove unnecessary items from each room to make cleaning more efficient.
- Prioritize Tasks: Start with the dirtiest areas, usually the kitchen and bathrooms, to maintain motivation.
- Get Help: Involve family or friends to make cleaning more efficient.
- Clean from Top to Bottom: To avoid having to clean areas again, start with the upper surfaces and work your way down.
Tools You Need for Deep Clean
1. General Cleaners
– Multipurpose cleaner
– Bathroom cleaner
– Specialty cleaners (if applicable)
– Granite cleaner
– Stainless steel cleaner
– Dish soap
2. Tools and Equipment
– Spray bottle
– Mop
– Vacuum
– Broom
– Duster
– Dusting gloves
– Bucket
3. Scrubbing Tools
– Tough scrub brushes
– Soft scrub brushes/sponges
– Microfiber rags (fuzzy and lint-free)
4. Surface Cleaners
– Glass cleaner
– Floor cleaner
5. Laundry and Upholstery
– Laundry detergent
– Upholstery cleaning machine
6. Specific Cleaners
– Dishwasher cleaner like Glisten
– Oven cleaner
– Toilet bowl cleaner
– Washing machine cleaner tablets
7. Additional Supplies
– Rubbing alcohol
– Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleaner
– Lint brush
How To Deep Clean Your Bathroom
Declutter and remove items
- Remove towels, rugs, shower curtains (or liners), toiletries, and floor mats.
- Toss empty bottles and expired products; place remaining items on a counter or in a box.
Ventilate and protect
- Turn on the exhaust fan and open a window if possible.
- Put on rubber gloves and any eye protection if using strong cleaners.
Dust and sweep high to low
- Remove cobwebs and dust light fixtures, vents, and the tops of cabinets.
- To get rid of hair and dirt, sweep or vacuum the floor.
Pre-treat the shower/tub and fixtures
- Spray tile, grout, tub, and shower walls with a bathroom cleaner or vinegar solution.
- For soap scum: sprinkle baking soda on surfaces, then spray vinegar; let it fizz and sit 10–15 minutes.
- For glass doors, use a squeegee or glass cleaner after scrubbing.
Soak toilet and sink fixtures
- Fill the bowl with toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit there.
- Spray the sink, faucets, and overflow areas with cleaner; let it dwell for 5–10 minutes.
Scrub grout and tiles
- Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to scrub grout lines with baking soda paste or a grout cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Scrub the tub, shower, and tiles
- Scrub with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Use a stronger cleaner or diluted bleach only for heavy mold/mildew—ensure ventilation.
- Rinse thoroughly, then use a squeegee or microfiber towel to dry.
Clean toilet
- Use a toilet brush to clean the bowl’s interior before flushing.
- Spray the exterior, seat, and base with disinfectant, then wipe them thoroughly.
Clean sink, counters, and vanity
- Scrub sink, drain area, and faucet. Remove toothpaste and soap residue.
- Wipe counters, handles, and cabinet fronts. Clean drawer/cabinet handles.
Clean mirrors and glass
- Spray glass cleaner or a vinegar solution, then wipe with a lint-free cloth or microfiber for a streak-free shine.
Clean light fixtures and vents
- Wipe down light fixtures and exhaust fan cover. If removable, wash in warm soapy water.
Mop floor
- Mop from the far corner toward the door with the appropriate floor cleaner. Pay attention to baseboards—wipe them down if they are dirty.
Replace textiles and items
- Put back washed or fresh towels, rugs, and the shower curtain/liner.
- Replace toiletries neatly; consider grouping by use to reduce clutter.
Empty Trash
- Clear out the primary trash container or bin, clean it thoroughly with disinfectant, and replace it with a fresh liner.
Final inspection and deodorize
- Check for missed spots. Spray a light deodorizer or place a small bowl of baking soda in the cabinet to absorb odors.
Quick tips and safety
- To prevent cleaned areas from becoming soiled again, clean from top to bottom.
- Use the non-mixing rule: never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
- Test cleaners on a small area if unsure about surface compatibility.
- Regular maintenance: quick weekly wipe-downs will reduce need for intensive scrubbing.
Time/effort guide
- Small bathroom: 60–75 minutes
- Medium bathroom: 75–90 minutes
- Large or heavily soiled: 90–120+ minutes
How To Deep Clean Your Kitchen
- Clean from top to bottom — work from high to low so that dust/grime falls to the floor for final cleaning.
- Dust and wipe high surfaces — wipe light fixtures, the tops of cabinets, vent covers, and the tops of refrigerators and cupboards.
- Clean cabinet faces and handles — use a spray cleaner or soapy water, focusing on the handles and edges where grease tends to collect.
- Empty and clean pantry & cabinets — remove items, wipe shelves, discard crumbs/expired items, and reorganize as you replace them.
- Deep clean the refrigerator
- Remove shelves/drawers, then soak them in warm, soapy water.
- Use a baking soda solution (one tablespoon of baking soda per quart of warm water) to clean the inside.
- Clean door seals and exterior; replace shelves/drawers when dry.
- Deep clean the freezer — defrost if necessary; wipe down with a mild cleaner; and replace items in an organized manner.
- Clean the oven and stovetop
- Remove burner grates/racks; soak in hot soapy water or degreaser.
- Apply oven cleaner or a baking soda paste; let it sit for the recommended time, then scrub and rinse.
- Scrub stovetop, knobs, and burner crevices; wipe backsplash.
- Clean the range hood and filters — soak metal filters in hot, soapy water or degreaser; wipe the hood exterior and control panel.
- Clean small appliances — microwave (steam-clean then wipe), toaster, coffee maker (run vinegar/water cycle then rinse), blender base and jars.
- Clean countertops and backsplashes — use the appropriate cleaner for your surface (granite, laminate, quartz, or tile); scrub grout if the surface is tiled.
- Clean the sink and faucet
- Scrub the sink basin with baking soda or a mild abrasive; then disinfect and rinse.
- Clean faucet, handles, and sprayer; polish stainless steel.
- Use a solution of vinegar and baking soda, then water, or run the garbage disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels.
- Dishwasher care — run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar; clean filter and door seals.
- Clean floors — sweep/vacuum, then mop. Pay attention to edges and under appliances if accessible.
- Wipe down the trash/recycling bin — disinfect both inside and out; replace the liner.
- Final touch-ups — clean windows/mirror surfaces, polish stainless steel, replace items neatly, set out fresh dish towels.
Finishing steps and inspection
- Inspect for missed spots — check under appliances, behind trash, and inside cabinets.
- Deodorize — place baking soda in fridge/pantry or boil citrus peels for a fresh scent.
- Organize as you replace — keep frequently used items accessible to reduce countertop clutter.
Quick tips & safety
- Clean top to bottom to avoid re-soiling cleaned areas.
- Don’t mix cleaners — never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
- Test cleaners on a small area for delicate surfaces (stone, wood).
- Routine maintenance — weekly wipe-downs and monthly appliance care reduce deep-clean time.
Time estimates
- Small kitchen: 60–90 minutes
- Medium kitchen: 90–150 minutes
- Large or heavily soiled kitchen: 2–4 hours
How To Deep Clean Your Bedroom
- Start high: dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown molding, and vents so dust falls to the floor for later cleaning.
- Dust walls and corners: Use an extendable duster for cobwebs and dust along upper walls.
- Clean light switches and door hardware: Wipe with a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner.
- Dust furniture top-to-bottom: dust shelves, picture frames, headboard, nightstands, dressers — work from top down.
- Empty and wipe drawers/shelves: remove contents, vacuum or wipe interior, evaluate items before replacing. Consider adding drawer organizers.
- Clean mirrors and glass: spray glass cleaner onto the surface and wipe streak-free with a microfiber cloth.
- Spot-clean upholstery and curtains: treat stains on upholstered headboards, chairs, and curtains using recommended cleaners. Vacuum upholstery with the attachment.
- Mattress care: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly. Rotate or flip the mattress if applicable.
- Wash bedding and soft items: wash sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, pillow protectors, and washable pillows according to the labels. Wash curtains if machine-safe.
- Vacuum mattress and under-bed areas: Use the crevice tool to vacuum under the bed, behind furniture, and along baseboards.
- Vacuum or sweep floors: Vacuum carpets thoroughly (making multiple passes) or sweep/hard-floor dust-mop. Use attachments for edges and corners.
- Deep clean floors: mop hard floors with appropriate cleaner or steam-clean carpets/upholstery if needed. Pay attention to area rugs — vacuum both sides or launder per care label.
- Replace and organize: make the bed with fresh linens, return only necessary items to surfaces, and use baskets or trays to keep nightstands tidy.
- Final touch-ups: empty the trash, replace the liners, fluff the pillows, straighten the décor, and spray a light room freshener or use a diffuser for a pleasant scent.
- Quick maintenance plan: schedule weekly 10–15-minute tidy sessions and monthly deeper refreshes to keep the room pristine.
Quick tips & safety
- Work top-to-bottom to avoid re-soiling cleaned surfaces.
- Limit surface clutter — fewer items mean faster cleaning and easier staging for photos on your blog.
- Test cleaners on hidden areas for delicate fabrics or finishes.
- Natural alternative: use vinegar and water for dusting and baking soda for deodorizing the mattress.
Time estimates
- Small bedroom: 45–75 minutes
- Medium bedroom: 75–120 minutes
- Large/master bedroom (with en-suite/closets): 2–3 hours
How To Deep Clean Your Living Room
- Work top-to-bottom: always clean ceilings, light fixtures, and shelves first so dust falls down for later removal.
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents: Use an extendable duster or a damp microfiber cloth for removing sticky buildup.
- Dust walls, artwork, and high surfaces: gently dust frames and shelves; remove and dust décor items individually.
- Wipe electronics and screens: Use a microfiber cloth and manufacturer-recommended cleaner; avoid spraying directly on screens.
- Dust and clean shelves, coffee table, and surfaces: remove items, wipe surfaces, and clean under décor. Reorganize decorative displays as you replace items.
- Spot-clean upholstery and cushions: treat stains with upholstery cleaner or a mild detergent, following the care labels. To get rid of pet hair and dirt, use a lint roller.
- Vacuum furniture and under cushions: use upholstery attachment; vacuum crevices and under sofa cushions. Rotate cushions if applicable.
- Clean windows, window sills, and blinds/curtains: Wipe sills and frames, clean glass with a streak-free solution, and dust or wash blinds/clean curtains according to care instructions.
- Clean baseboards, trim, and door frames by wiping them with a damp cloth or microfiber to remove scuffs and dust. Use a soft brush for grooves.
- Treat rugs and carpets: vacuum thoroughly (multiple directions), spot-treat stains, and consider steam cleaning for deep grime. Shake or vacuum area rugs; flip if washable and appropriate.
- Clean and polish hard floors: sweep/dust-mop, then mop with appropriate cleaner. Pay attention to corners and under furniture (move what you can).
- Tackle small details: clean light switches, door handles, remote controls (disinfect gently), and coasters/trays.
- Replace textiles and re-fluff: put back fresh pillow covers and throws, fluff pillows, and arrange seating for a neat look.
- Final declutter & staging: remove trash, replace liners, straighten magazines/books, and add a finishing touch (plant, candle, or diffuser).
- Quick maintenance plan: schedule weekly 10–15 minute tidies (clear surfaces, fluff pillows, quick vacuum) and monthly deeper refreshes.
Quick tips & safety
- Clean top to bottom to avoid re-soiling cleaned areas.
- Unplug electronics before cleaning and use recommended cleaners to avoid damage.
- Never mix cleaners (especially bleach and ammonia/vinegar).
- Test cleaners on hidden spots for delicate fabrics or finishes.
- Declutter regularly — less clutter means faster deep cleans and better photos for your blog.
Time estimates
- Small living room: 45–75 minutes
- Medium living room: 75–120 minutes
- Large or heavily soiled space: 2+ hours
How To Deep Clean Your Laundry Room
- Clear and sort shelving/cabinets
- Remove all bottles/boxes, check the expiration dates on detergents, discard empty/old containers, wipe shelves with soapy water or a cleaner, and reorganize with bins and labels.
- Clean laundry sink/utility tub
- Scrub with baking soda and vinegar, or use an all-purpose cleaner. Clear and deodorize the drain with baking soda and hot water.
- Pre-treat washer surfaces
- Wipe exterior and control panel with a damp microfiber cloth. Use an old toothbrush for crevices around knobs and dispensers.
- Deep-clean washer drum & dispenser
- For front-loaders, use a commercial washing machine cleaner or two cups of white vinegar to start a hot wash cycle. Then, use half a cup of baking soda to start a second hot cycle. Remove and soak the detergent drawers. Scrub the seals and gaskets with a vinegar solution and dry thoroughly. You can read: How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine
- For top-loaders: run a hot cycle with 4 cups of hot water, 1 cup of bleach (or 2 cups of vinegar), and let it soak. Then, run a full cycle. Clean agitator and dispensers.
- Check hoses and connections
- Inspect hot/cold water hoses for cracks, bulges, or corrosion; tighten connections and replace hoses that are older than 5 years or show signs of wear.
- Clean behind and under appliances
- Move the washer/dryer if possible, vacuum lint and debris, and wipe the floor and baseboards. Keep safety: unplug first.
- Clean the dryer thoroughly
- Empty the lint trap and wash it with soap/water if needed. Vacuum the lint housing and the area behind the dryer. Use a dryer vent brush or hire pros to clean the vent duct to the exterior — lint buildup is a fire hazard. Wipe exterior and control knobs.
- Clean floor and baseboards
- Sweep or vacuum, then mop with an appropriate cleaner. Pay attention to grout or stubborn stains and scrub as needed.
- Wipe walls, light fixtures, and vents
- Dust and wipe down walls, switch plates, washers/dryers top, and ceiling fixtures. Clean the exhaust vent cover.
- Sanitize high-touch surfaces
- Disinfect knobs, counters, switch plates, hamper lids, and door handles with a suitable disinfectant.
- Organize laundry supplies
- Use clear bins, labels, and a tray for commonly used items. Keep hazardous products out of reach of children/pets.
- Final inspection & replace items
- Put back laundry, rugs, and baskets when the area is dry. Run a short cycle on the washer/dryer to ensure everything works.
Quick tips & safety
- Work top-to-bottom so debris falls to the floor for final cleaning.
- Unplug appliances before pulling them out or doing major cleaning.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
- Clean dryer vents regularly (annually or more often if heavy use) to reduce fire risk.
- Use rubber or stainless hoses for longer life where possible.
- Test cleaners on a small area for painted walls or specialty finishes.
Maintenance schedule (recommended)
- After every load: clean lint trap and wipe spills.
- Weekly: wipe surfaces, sweep/vacuum floor.
- Monthly: run washer cleaning cycle, clean dryer vent housing, wipe shelves.
- Annually: inspect/replace hoses, deep-clean dryer duct (or hire pro).
Time estimates
- Small laundry area: 30–60 minutes
- Medium (separate room): 60–90 minutes
- Large or heavily soiled (move appliances): 90–180 minutes
How To Deep Clean Your Garage
- Remove everything: work in sections if the garage is full. Move contents to your staging area and group like with like.
- Sort and declutter: make piles — keep, donate/sell, recycle, hazardous, trash. Be decisive; use the 1-year rule for infrequently used items.
- Sweep and vacuum loose debris: Start at the back and work toward the door; use a shop vacuum for corners and crevices.
- Treat oil and chemical stains: Apply absorbent material (such as cat litter) for fresh spills. For set-in stains, use a concrete degreaser or a mixture of baking soda and degreaser, and scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse or pressure wash.
- Pressure-wash or deep-clean floor: use a pressure washer or hose & scrub solution; allow to dry fully. For large grime, repeat the degreasing step.
- Dust and wipe surfaces: wipe down shelves, cabinets, door frames, light fixtures, and windows. Clean spider webs, cobwebs, and insect nests.
- Clean and inspect tools & equipment: wipe down tools, sharpen blades, lubricate moving parts, empty/clean mowers, and check gas/oil levels (store per safety guidelines).
- Clean workbench and storage units: empty, wipe, and reorganize drawers and cabinets; discard broken/unusable items.
- Inspect and clean garage door area: clear tracks, wipe rollers, lubricate hinges, and test balance/auto-reverse safety features.
- Address pests & insulation: seal gaps, check for rodent droppings, replace damaged insulation, and set traps or hire pest control if needed.
- Organize and return items: Install or use shelving, cabinets, pegboards, and labeled bins to store like items together. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Final sweep and mop: remove any remaining dust, sweep, and mop. Replace rugs or mats if desired.
- Dispose of hazardous waste properly: take paints, solvents, batteries, and motor oil to a local hazardous-waste drop-off or recycling center.
Sorting & disposal guidance
- Hazardous materials: store separately and transport to an approved facility — don’t put them in regular trash.
- Electronics & batteries: recycle at e-waste centers.
- Large bulky items: donate if usable, schedule a bulk pickup, or arrange special disposal.
- Metal scraps: consider recycling or selling to scrap yards.
Organization & storage ideas
- Wall storage: pegboard, slatwall, and heavy-duty hooks for tools and garden gear.
- Ceiling storage: overhead racks for seasonal bins and bulky items.
- Labeled bins: clear or labeled containers for fast identification.
- Zone system: designate zones for tools, sports, garden, automotive, and seasonal storage.
- Lockable cabinet: Store chemicals and pesticides out of reach of children/pets.
Safety tips & hazardous-material handling
- Never mix chemicals (e.g., bleach + ammonia).
- Store flammable liquids in approved, metal containers and keep them away from heat sources.
- Ventilate when using solvents or painting.
- Keep a fire extinguisher rated for wood/chemical fires accessible in the garage.
- Check carbon monoxide risk before running engines inside — avoid indoor operation.
Maintenance schedule (recommended)
- Weekly: sweep and return items to their zones.
- Monthly: spot-clean spills, check for leaks, and inspect tools.
- Quarterly: reevaluate stored items, clean shelves, check batteries/chargers.
- Annually: deep clean floor, inspect hoses/cables, service equipment, and audit stored chemicals.
Time estimates
- Small/organized garage: 1–3 hours
- Medium/cluttered garage: 3–6 hours
- Large/heavily cluttered or multi-car garage: 6–12+ hours (may require multiple days or help)
Read also:
How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom: 10 Must-Try Tricks That Actually Work
6 Genius Ways to Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain (Fast & Effectively)
How to Clean Under the Bed Without Moving It
How to Clean Toilet Bowl Ring? 10 Effective DIY Methods
How to Clean a Big Rug Without a Machine
How to Clean Hardwood Floors Naturally: 7 Quick & Easy Tips
How to Clean a Leather Couch Naturally at Home

My name is Mostarefa. I am an expert in home improvement. With 10 years of experience in the world of home improvement, I have started this blog to empower readers to make confident design choices and cultivate beautiful, functional living spaces. In this blog, I talk about trending home improvement ideas, as well as cleaning and organizing tips.