A Comprehensive Checklist for Deep Cleaning Your House

Possibly deeper than you wanted, but hey. Can’t say we’re not thorough.

So you’re here to get your deep clean on, eh? We commend you. The deep clean is a massive undertaking. One must be brave and stay vigilant, dodging distractions and resisting the urge to bail and play outside or eat snacks instead.

• Dust everything from top to bottom:
  • dressers
  • lamps
  • bedside tables
  • artwork
  • knickknacks
  • headboard
  • shelves
  • frames
• Vacuum your curtains and/or wash the blinds.
  • Check the label, but you can usually wash your curtains in the washing machine.
• Sweep, dry mop and/or vacuum the floors.
• Clean the floor.
• Wash windows, window sills and ledges.
• Vacuum curtains with upholstery attachment.
• Wash your dirty clothes.
  • Put laundry away when it’s done (that’s the hard part).
• Clean out your closet.
  • Donate clothes that no longer fit to a thrift store or friend.
  • Take shoes out of the closet, and sweep and vacuum closet floor.
• Wash all of your bedding:
  • sheets
  • pillow cases
  • duvet covers
  • shams (if they’re washable)
  • Be sure to read and follow the care and cleaning instructions on the labels.
• Make your bed (with the clean sheets).
• Rotate your mattress.
• Clean out and organize bedside table drawers.
  • Trash expired prescriptions, old receipts, dead batteries, etc.
• Shampoo any rugs or carpets, especially if you’ve got pets.

Deep clean living spaces

• Dust everything from top to bottom.
  • Swiffer Dusters are good for reaching all those hard-to-reach areas, plus the dust pads actually trap and lock dust particles instead of spreading them around.
  • ceiling fan blades
  • vents
  • bookshelves
  • artwork
  • frames
  • light fixtures
  • screens (including your TV)
  • plants
  • speakers
  • record player or stereo system
• Wash the windows, window sills and ledges.
• Dust and wash doors.
• Wash the walls and baseboards.
  • Walls actually absorb and trap all sorts of smells.
• Sweep, vacuum and mop. Then run a wet mop across the hard floors.
  • We like the Swiffer Sweeper, which takes care of the dry and wet mopping—no mop bucket required.
• Vacuum everything:
  • couches
  • chairs
  • curtains
  • love seats
  • chaise longues
  • pet beds
  • anything that’s upholstered
• Shampoo rugs or carpets with a steam cleaner.
  • Or, if you’re feeling lazy, sprinkle baking soda all over your carpet, let it sit overnight to neutralize any smells and vacuum it up in the morning. We’ll give you a hall pass on this one.
• Wash cushions and throw pillow covers.
  • Be sure to read the care instructions first.
  • If you can’t wash them, hit them with some Febreze Fabric to freshen them up a bit.
• Disinfect:
  • remote controls
  • high-touch items
  • doorknobs
  • light switches
• Clean your screens:
  • televisions
  • laptops
  • tablets
• Organize your stuff!
  • Declutter items on your tables and shelves.
  • Bring unused cups into the kitchen.
  • Put your darn shoes away. At least for today.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Replace batteries, if necessary.

Deep clean the garage, yard, and outdoor spaces

• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Sweep and power wash:
  • decks
  • porches
  • patios
• Check weather strips and caulking:
  • doors
  • windows
• Clean your grill.
• Clean patio furniture and outdoor pillows.
• Yard maintenance:
  • Rake leaves.
  • Mow the lawn.
  • Tend to the garden.
  • Fill the bird feeders.
• Clean out and organize the garage.
  • Sweep.
• Replace furnace filter.
  • This should be done every three months.
• Sweep out the chimney.
• Clean out and wash cars.

Deep clean kid areas and playrooms

• Move furniture and vacuum beneath:
  • playpens
  • beds
  • kiddie tables
  • crafting stations
• Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any wall stains (crayons, anyone?)
• Sanitize plastic toys.
  • Add a couple drops of bleach to a gallon of water, soak them overnight and let them air dry.
• Hand wash soft plushies.
  • You can use a hair dryer to fluff their fur back up afterward.
• Donate stuff that’s no longer being used or doesn’t fit:
  • clothes
  • books
  • toys
• Organize:
  • clothes
  • books
  • toys

Deep clean pet stuff

• Vacuum:
  • carpet
  • couches
  • pet bed
• Run a dry mop, like the Swiffer Heavy Duty Pet Dry Sweeper, on your hard floors to collect and trap loose hair and dander.
• Wet mop the floor, especially those corners where the dog hangs out and/or around the litter box and food bowls.
• Make this easier on yourself with the Swiffer Heavy Duty Pet Wet Mop.
• Launder the pet beds.
  • If they’re really ratty, toss them, and buy new ones.
• Clean and sanitize hard plastic pet toys.
• Throw out any disgusting, torn up toys, and replace them with fresh ones.
• Neutralize potent pet smells.
  • Sprinkle baking soda on everything, let it sit overnight and vacuum it up in the morning. It works great on upholstery, pet beds, soft toys, etc.
• Spray Febreze Fabric Pet Odor Fighter around the pet zones for a burst of freshness.

Wow, you made it to the bottom! You must have the cleanest house ever. Now can you come over and do ours?

*When used as directed and within 60 seconds, effective against bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica and viruses including human coronavirus, Influenza A H1N1, and respiratory syncytial virus. Microban does not provide 24-hour residual virus protection.

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