During winter we tend to spend more time inside the house. Even though we clean house regularly, there might be lots of unseen dust and dirt settled on appliances and corners of the house.  Living in a not so clean house for next few months could be irritating. When you are stuck most time indoor, deep cleaning of the house might help you to feel better.  Deep cleaning your house involves more thorough and detailed cleaning compared to regular, day-to-day cleaning. It’s typically done periodically to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Here are some tips to help you deep clean your house effectively:

General Tips:

• Plan: Start with a checklist or plan that outlines the specific areas and tasks you want to address during your deep cleaning session. Having a plan helps you stay organized and focused.
• Gather supplies: Collect all the cleaning supplies you’ll need, including cleaning solutions, brushes, scrubbers, microfiber cloths, dusters, vacuum cleaner, mop, and trash bags.
• Declutter: Before you begin cleaning, declutter the areas you plan to deep clean. Clear away items that don’t belong, organize belongings, and remove unnecessary clutter.

Room-by-room deep cleaning:

Kitchen:

1. Clean and sanitize all kitchen surfaces, including countertops, appliances, and cabinet doors.
2. Empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer.
3. Clean the oven, microwave, and stovetop thoroughly.
4. Wash dishes, clean the sink, and unclog the drain if necessary.
5. Empty and wash trash cans.
6. Organize the cabinets.

Living areas:

1. Dust all surfaces, including shelves, picture frames, and electronics.
2. Vacuum and/or clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
3. Clean and polish wood furniture.
4. Wipe down light switches, door handles, and remote controls.
5. Wash curtains and blinds.

Bedroom:

1. Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.
2. Vacuum and flip or rotate the mattress.
3. Dust and clean all surfaces.
4. Organize and declutter dressers and closets. Remove unwanted clothes, shoes, torn clothes, bags etc.

Floors:

1. If you have carpet and rugs vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly. Use broomstick if vacuum is not an option.
2. Sweep and mop hard floors, such as tile, hardwood, or laminate.
3. Pay attention to corners and baseboards.
4. Consider deep cleaning the carpets or rugs if necessary.

Bathroom:

1. Scrub and disinfect all bathroom surfaces, including the sink, toilet, tub, and shower.
2. Clean mirrors and glass surfaces using mild homemade cleaning solutions.
3. Replace or wash shower curtains and bathmats.
4. Clean bathroom walls, remove soap scum.
5. Wash or replace the showerhead if it’s clogged.

Additional deep cleaning tips:

• Windows: Clean windows inside and out. Don’t forget to wipe down sills and frames.
• Air vents: Dust and clean air vents and registers to improve air quality.
• Light fixtures: Remove and clean light fixtures, replacing any burned-out bulbs.
• Baseboards: Dust and wipe down baseboards throughout the house.
• Ceiling fans: Clean ceiling fans and remove dust from blades.
• Appliances: Clean and maintain large appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine. Check and clean dryer vents.
• Garage: Organize and clean the garage if applicable. Dispose of items you no longer need.

Remember to wear appropriate cleaning gear, like gloves and protective eyewear, especially when using strong cleaning solutions. Deep cleaning can be a time-consuming task, so break it down into manageable sections or tackle one room at a time to make the process more achievable.

Image credit: Photo by CDC on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)