Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Deep cleaning of a house is recommended every three to six months, with the frequency depending on various factors like the home’s size, number of residents, presence of pets, and individual lifestyle. Seasonal deep cleans are essential for maintaining overall cleanliness, involving cleaning under furniture, washing curtains, and addressing often-neglected areas.
High-traffic spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need more frequent deep cleaning, given their propensity for germ accumulation. Meanwhile, exceptional circumstances, including having pets, small children, or a large family, may necessitate more regular deep cleansing.
Cleaning your house can be a manageable task. With the right strategies and some know-how, you can speed up your cleaning routine significantly while still achieving a deep, satisfying clean. Here are some efficient deep cleaning hacks that will help you keep your home spotless in less time.
1. Start with a plan
Before you start cleaning, take a few minutes to plan. Divide your home into sections and tackle one section at a time. This approach prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and ensures every area is noticed.
For a monthly deep cleaning of a regular-sized house, the plan should focus on areas and tasks that aren’t usually covered in daily or weekly cleaning routines. Doing so ensures a thorough cleanse of the entire home. Here’s an example of a monthly deep cleaning plan to get you inspired:
Deep cleaning of the kitchen
- Clean Appliances: Deep clean the oven, microwave, refrigerator (including behind and underneath, if possible), and dishwasher.
- Cabinets and pantry: Wipe down cabinet doors and shelves. Organize and clean the pantry.
- Deep clean sink and faucets: Use a descaling agent if necessary.
Deep cleaning of the bathrooms:
- Grout and tile cleaning: Thoroughly clean the tiles and grout in the shower and bathroom floor.
- Showerhead and faucets: Descale and clean all fixtures.
- Medicine cabinet: Clean and organize contents.
Deep cleaning of the bedrooms:
- Mattresses and bedding: Vacuum and launder all bedding, including mattress covers and skirts.
- Wardrobes and closets: Organize and dust inside wardrobes or closets.
- Windows and curtains: Clean windows and wash or vacuum curtains.
Living areas:
- Upholstery and carpets: Vacuum and, if needed, shampoo carpets and upholstery.
- Electronics: Dust and clean TV screens, computers, and other electronics.
- Decorative items: Carefully dust and clean decorative items and picture frames.
Other areas, such as your porch or deck, or high surfaces, such as the walls and ceilings, can also be included in your monthly deep cleaning plan. Adding them to your monthly routine can help prevent neglect, which can cause dirt accumulation or discoloration over time.
2. Declutter first
A cluttered space takes longer to clean. Before you start the actual cleaning process, spend some time decluttering. Put away misplaced items and consider donating things you no longer need or use.
Despite the work involved, decluttering your home can be a refreshing and rewarding process. Here are five effective tips to help you declutter your space:
- Set a goal: Setting specific, measurable goals can help you stay focused and motivated. For example, decide to declutter one room at a time, aiming to reduce the items in each room by a certain percentage or to have all decluttering done by a certain date.
- Use the four-box method: As you go through each room, bring four boxes labeled: “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Recycle,” and “Trash.” This method helps you decide about each item and prevents you from moving clutter from place to place. Be honest about what you really need and use.
- Start small and simple: Begin with areas that will have the most impact with the least effort, such as the bathroom or a junk drawer. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to tackle larger, more complex areas like the kitchen or the garage.
- Implement the one-year rule: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, consider letting it go (seasonal items excluded). This rule helps you identify what’s truly necessary and what’s just taking up space. It’s especially useful for clothing, kitchen gadgets, and hobby materials.
- Maintain decluttering habits: Decluttering is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Make it a habit to assess your possessions regularly and keep only what serves a purpose or brings you joy. Implementing a “one in, one out” rule can help maintain your decluttered space by ensuring that for every new item that comes into your home, another one leaves.
Remember, decluttering can be an emotional and physical challenge, so be kind to yourself throughout the process. Take breaks when needed and celebrate your progress along the way.
3. Gather your supplies
Having all your cleaning supplies at hand can significantly speed up the process. Use a caddy or a bucket to carry your supplies from room to room so you don’t have to waste time going back and forth.
4. High to low cleaning
Always start cleaning from the top of a room and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris that falls to the floor will be cleaned up when you vacuum or sweep at the end.
5. Plumbing and drain cleaning
Include your plumbing and drains when it comes to deep cleaning. Regular maintenance of these can prevent more significant problems down the line.
Consider consulting professional plumbing & drain services for thoroughly cleaning and inspecting your home’s plumbing system.
Doing so can save you time and ensure a deeper level of cleanliness, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach or require specialized knowledge.
6. Focus on high-traffic areas
Concentrate on areas that accumulate dirt and germs, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Remember to clean the less pronounced spots like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
7. Use efficient cleaning tools
Invest in high-quality, efficient cleaning tools. Microfiber cloths, a powerful vacuum cleaner, and a good mop can make a big difference in your cleaning routine.
8. Implement easy-to-clean habits
Encourage household members to adopt habits that reduce mess, such as removing shoes at the door, wiping down the shower after use, and cleaning as they cook.
9. Multitask with cleaning solutions
Apply cleaning solutions and let them sit while you work on another task. For instance, spray your shower or bathtub with a cleaner and let it work its magic while you clean the rest of the bathroom.
10. Regular maintenance
Finally, regular maintenance is critical to reducing the time spent on deep cleaning. Daily cleanups can prevent dirt and grime from building up, making your more thorough weekly cleanings much faster and easier.Â
Conclusion
Periodically deep cleaning your home effectively protects your health and makes your daily life comfortable. By incorporating these efficient deep cleaning hacks into your routine, you can enjoy a cleaner home without dedicating your entire day to the task. Remember, cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore – with the right approach, it can be quick, efficient, and enjoyable.