If you've never owned a home before, it's possible that you've never deep-cleaned a home before. However, when you own your own house, the desire to see it clean is strong. Here are some tips to help you know exactly how to go about deep cleaning!
Make a list to divide and conquer
The most overwhelming part of deep-cleaning can be the moment when you realize just how much there is to do. Before you even let yourself go there, stop and make a list of everything you need to do.
- Begin by listing all the rooms in your house - including your garage, basement and the attic. Also remember outdoor living spaces like porches, balconies and decks.
- Start listing what needs to be done in each space. Pretty soon you'll have a comprehensive list of everything you need to do to get your house clean.
- After you've got your master list, begin to divide it up. You can delegate different rooms to other family members who are helping with cleaning, or divide it by day of the week so you are not overwhelmed.
Start at the top
Gravity may be your friend or your enemy when cleaning a home. You can avoid a lot of heartache by understanding this, and beginning your work at the top of each room, moving your way down. This way, any dust you're knocking loose from high shelves or light fixtures will land on a floor that you haven't yet cleaned instead of a floor you just finished mopping.
Organize your list from literal top to bottom before you even walk into the room. That way you can easily run down the list in order without messing up an area you just cleaned
Declutter
When you have a lot of things like books, clothes, pots and pans, etc. then cleaning around all of it becomes a challenge. The first step in any room should be a sweep to assess what you currently use and what you haven't touched in a couple of years. Whatever falls into the latter category should be considered for disposal - donate it or sell it.
Clean screens and windows
Cleaning screens and windows is not the most popular thing to do, which is probably why it doesn't get done very often. However, it does make a big difference in the quality of light that pours through those windows, and it's well worth addressing at least once a year.
Remember the light fixtures
Windows aren't the only factors influencing the quality of light in your house. Your light fixtures are probably dusty or dirty and you may not even notice because they're so far above your head. Make sure that you're removing and cleaning light fixtures in each room, drying them thoroughly before you replace them.
Kitchen appliances
If your microwave and stove top is crusty, then the chances are that your other kitchen appliances could also use some attention. The oven, the stove and the refrigerator are usually the dirtiest appliances, so make sure you're putting them on your rotating "to clean" list -- and stick to it. Most of the newer refrigerators include easy-to-remove shelves and door inserts that can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
Power wash outside
While you're sprucing up the exterior of your home, rent or buy a power washer. You will be amazed how much dust and dirt accrues on the outside of your house. Power washing can make your house look like it's got a brand-new paint job!
Make it a habit
If you only do this cleaning once a year, then it's not going to stay clean for long. Keep your list of rooms and think about your weekly schedule, plus try to squeeze in some of the deep-cleaning every now then. You’ll see that your home will stay cleaner for longer!
