Deep House Cleaning 101: Your Ultimate Guide

Deep house cleaning is essential to keeping your home in tip-top shape. Not only does it get rid of the dirt and grime that accumulate over time, but it also prevents allergens and other harmful substances in your home.

While it may seem daunting, deep house cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Instead, you can get it done quickly and easily with the right tools and techniques.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about deep house cleaning – from what to use to how to do it. We’ll also give you some helpful tips and tricks to make the process easier.

So, read on whether you are doing deep house cleaning yourself or hiring a cleaning service.

What is Deep House Cleaning?

Every so often, even the cleanest homes may benefit from a thorough deep house cleaning. However, to avoid getting overwhelmed, you must break the effective cleaning procedure into smaller and more manageable activities. But first, let us define what deep cleaning is.

The cleaning tasks between regular cleaning and deep cleaning may overlap, but there is an enormous difference in the details. A regular cleaning focuses on more manageable tasks, including wiping down surfaces, dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming the high-touch areas. Regular cleaning is done more than once a week to maintain the house’s cleanliness.

On the other hand, deep house cleaning is done at least twice a year as the cleaning activities are more intensive. It deals with areas not touched upon during regular cleaning and goes into extra detail to remove the accumulated grime and dust.

It is recommended to hire a deep cleaning service to take care of these more demanding tasks, so you do not have to worry about doing them on your own.

What is Spring Cleaning?

Spring cleaning became a ritual to get rid of Winter’s mess. Back in the day, houses were heated by fires, and the doors were kept closed to prevent the freezing air. Unfortunately, this practice has led to the accumulation of grime and soot during the cold season. This, of course, is not practised anymore as homes are heated differently.

So, why is spring cleaning still being practised today?

Although we may not go into full-on hibernation during the Winter like bears, we tend to be lazy and sluggish too. There is a scientific explanation for this. During this season, fewer hours of daylight can trigger the release of melatonin in the brain. This hormone causes sleepiness. It means we don’t have the energy to do deep house cleaning during these months.

Once the days become longer, we are more energised by sunlight and slowing down melatonin production in early spring. Plus, the dust accumulated during the Winter is already visible with the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Spring Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning: What’s the Difference

Although everybody has heard of spring cleaning before, there is remaining confusion around what this term means and how it differs from deep cleaning.

To put it simply, spring cleaning is an annual deep clean of your house. Like in any other deep cleaning, the activities include those not included in routine cleanings, like cleaning the range hood and ovens or removing the limescale deposits in the bathroom tiles.

The distinction with spring cleaning is these cleans have been traditionally conducted in the spring months. Hence it is called spring cleaning.

Therefore, it is safe to say that spring cleaning is the same as any other deep cleaning you can do at any time of the year.

Guide to Deep Cleaning Your House

Here are the materials you need to ensure that your deep cleaning activity is done right. First, gather up the items listed in this deep cleaning checklist.

• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes
• Sponges and scrubbers
• White vinegar and baking soda
• Step ladder
• Dish soap
• Toilet cleaner
• Microfiber dusting cloths
• Detergent soap
• Toilet brush
• Detailed brush
• Vacuum cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Broom and dustpan
• Hand gloves
• Carpet Shampoo
• Mop
• Wood cleaner and wood polish
• Spray water bottle
• Spot remover
• Squeegee

Now, let’s get deep cleaning!

Step 1. Get the house ready and plan on how to tackle the tasks

Create a to-do list: Deep clean your house effectively by tackling it one room at a time. List all the cleaning tasks and materials you need to complete the job. Check out our cleaning checklist to give you an idea of what to clean in each room.

Declutter and dust: It is hard to do deep cleaning when you have clutter like books, toys, and other things in your way. You should also open all windows. In clearing the mess, pick up as much clutter as possible and return it to its proper place. Once you get them out of the way, you can begin dusting the room using a microfiber cloth or damp rag. Remove the cobwebs, and wipe the ceiling and windowsills. Always keep a rag handy when there are missed spots along the way.

Step 2. Living Room

We recommend tackling the most challenging portion of the house, like the living room, which is a high-traffic area.

Wipe down the surfaces: Using the all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth, wipe down the tables, entertainment sections, and bookshelves. Don’t forget to go behind them using the duster with the handle. You should also take down books and decors from the shelves and, with a microfiber cloth, wipe down the accumulated dust on all the sides of the furniture.

Clean the couch: Your couch can accumulate dirt from frequent use. Therefore, it should be dealt with with exceptional care. First, remove the cushions and give them a good wipe-down. Next, throw the pillows in the washer. Then, vacuum the couch using the extensions to remove all the crumbs from its deep recesses. When you’re done, return the cushions and fluff them up.

Vacuum and mop the floor: In deep house cleaning, you should thoroughly clean all the areas beneath and behind the furniture. If possible, push the couch and the bookshelves, or use the vacuum for the hard-to-reach places. Vacuuming will improve the air quality in the busiest section of your house.

Clean the ceiling fan: The ceiling fan is frequently not included in regular cleaning and can accumulate dust. Use a step ladder to reach the blades. Wipe off the light fixtures too. To prevent the dust from getting on your floor, cover the blades with an old pillowcase and wipe the dust off, ensuring that it falls inside the case and not on the floor.

Step 3. Kitchen

The next target area in your deep house cleaning chores is the kitchen. This area needs more arduous work. Therefore, you will need more of your scrubber, detail brush, baking soda, and soap for extra help.

Wash the rugs and mats: Take out all your kitchen mats and rugs and throw them in the washing machine. Use warm water and detergent soap to wipe them down for those not supposed to be washed. Rinse and hang out to dry,

Clean the microwave: We have posted some microwave cleaning hacks here for reference. First, remove the revolving plate and clean it in the sink. Next, mix a few tablespoons of white vinegar into a cup of water and place it inside the microwave. Turn it on and set it for two minutes. When done, leave it to sit for a few more minutes, then clean the inside of the microwave with a paper towel, sponge, or microfiber cloth.

Clean the stove: To begin cleaning the stove, remove the burners first. Next, clean the grime on its surface with vinegar and baking soda, clean the burner caps with a non-abrasive sponge, and wipe the stovetop with a damp cloth. Finally, wash the burner tops in the sink and return them.

Clean the inside of the oven: It may sound like challenging work, but deep cleaning your oven is quite simple. Begin by taking out the racks and washing them in the sink with dish soap. Next, spray the interior of the oven with your cleaner. Finally, use the scrubber to remove all the excess dirt and grime from the inside of the oven.

Clean the refrigerator and shelves: Unplug the fridge before cleaning and remove all the items. Then, with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose spray, begin cleaning the inside and shelves. First, wash the racks in the sink and replace them. Once you are done with the interior, clean the appliance’s exterior. To clean stubborn dirt, use an old toothbrush or detailed brush. Then finish it off with your microfiber cloth. Return all the items when they are completely dry.

Clean the dishwasher: This task is easy to do. Take out all the racks and clean them with soap and water in the sink. Place it inside the dishwasher and run it on the highest setting with a bit of vinegar. When done, wipe the inside of the door with a sponge and warm water. Don’t forget to clean the filter.

Clean the sink: When you are through with the appliances, the last thing to do in the kitchen is clean the sink. First, empty it for proper cleaning. Next, rinse the sink with hot water and scrub it with soap and a sponge. You can use baking soda if you have stubborn dirt and clean the drain down with baking soda and vinegar.

Step 4: Dining Room

The dining room can also have a lot of dirt buildup due to the number of people using it, even for a brief time. Here is how to deep clean the dining room.

Wipe down the chairs and tables: Remove the stain on the chairs and the dining table using an all-purpose cleaner. If the seat cushions are washable, throw them in the washer with the tablecloth and placemats or wipe them down with a spot cleaner.

Vacuum and mop the floors: Like the other areas of the house, some spots were not cleaned during routine cleaning. Move the furniture, then vacuum and mop these areas.

Step 5. Bathrooms

The bathroom may not be as frequently used as other parts of the house, like the kitchen, but it has its fair share of dirt. Here are how professionals in deep cleaning services would usually do it.
Dust the walls: Before moving on to deep cleaning, it is a terrific idea to clean the walls first. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the walls to remove any grime and dust. Use the stepladder to reach the higher parts of the wall and the ceiling.

Scrub the toilet and bowl: Clean the bowl like you usually do with a cleaner and toilet brush. Disinfect the toilet seat and commode with wipes or spray. Remove the stain inside the bowl with a pumice stone and for the stubborn stains at the base of the bowl with a brush and baking soda.

Clean the mould and mildew: Remove the mould and mildew with a mixture of soap, baking soda, and warm water in a paste form. Spread it over the mould or mildew and let it stay for a few minutes. Then, scrub it away with a brush.

Wash the towels and shower curtains: Take down the shower curtains and collect all the dirty washcloths and towels. Put them in the washer with half a cup of baking soda to remove mould or mildew and the musty smell.

Clean the showerhead and bathtub: For the grime buildup on the bathtub and showerhead. First, spray all the surfaces in the shower with warm water. Then, use the scrubber and all-purpose cleaner to clean the area. Do the final rinse. For the showerhead, clean it with soap and a sponge. Soak it in vinegar to loosen the dirt and wipe it clean if it has a stain.

Clean the counters and sink: While you are at it, also clean the faucet handles and doorknobs. Clean the drain by sprinkling baking soda and following it with vinegar. Wash it down with hot water.

Step 6. Bedrooms

Deep cleaning of the bedroom is necessary to remove the clutter and organise it. In addition, it will add a relaxing and calming feeling for you to sleep in. Here is how to deeply clean the bedroom:

Wash the bedding and mattresses: After dusting, remove all bedding and throw it in the washer. If you cannot wash the mattress, flip it over to eliminate the odour and dirt. You can also sprinkle the mattress with baking soda to remove the scent. Leave it for a while, and then vacuum. Replace the bedding when done.

Clean out the closets and floors: Vacuum the inside of the closet using the necessary attachment to get behind the wall. Remove the furniture like the dresser, end table, and mirror, then vacuum the hidden areas.

Other Deep Cleaning Tasks

There are so many areas in the house that you need to cover when doing a deep cleaning. For example, all window treatments should be washed or cleaned. Windows thorough cleaning inside out. Here are some other tasks that you should include:

Wiping down and vacuuming staircases – Use a vacuum cleaner with a specific attachment to clean the staircases.

Cleaning the walls – Make sure not to scrub hard as it will damage the paint or wallpaper. Hire a deep cleaning service. They will know how to do it right.

Cleaning the vents and switches – Vacuum the vents with the attachments and wipe down the switches with a disinfectant.

Cleaning the baseboards – Wipe the baseboards with an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth.

Should I Hire a Deep Cleaning Service?

Deep cleaning is an arduous task. It can take much of your time to thoroughly clean your house. It’s even more difficult if you don’t have family members like a husband and kids to support you.

However, there is a simple solution to this inconvenience. You can completely offload the tasks by hiring a professional maid for deep cleaning services.

Conclusion

Deep cleaning of your home is a big step in creating a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for you and your family. Using these deep cleaning techniques, you’ll reduce your future cleaning time. You can also continue the work you’ve started by hiring a reputable deep cleaning service for your home.

Do you need help with your deep cleaning? Urban Care not only offers deep cleaning services for your home but also provides regular cleaning. Hire them now so you can spend less time cleaning and more quality time with your family and friends.

Check this free and downloadable DIY deep cleaning checklist!

Julie Salvatierra

Julie is a passionate writer a mother of three kids and a dedicated cleaning enthusiast, eager to share valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining a clean and organized home. With a deep understanding of the challenges of maintaining a tidy living space, Julie has spent years honing its expertise in cleaning methods, organizing techniques, and sustainable practices.