The Ultimate Deep Cleaning Checklist: Clean Your Home Like a Pro!

Deep cleaning a house is a big job!

There’s no magic trick where you spray something and your home becomes spotless.

You need to work step by step to achieve a spotless home. However, there is an ultimate deep cleaning checklist for homes that covers every detail we professionals follow during a deep cleaning session.

Today, I’ll share that checklist with you so you can deep clean your home like a pro.

What is Deep House Cleaning?

In a regular or standard house cleaning, the goal is to make your home look good, tidy and organized.

With deep cleaning, you focus on the details, from top to bottom. For example, every surface, from the tops of cabinets to under the bed or couch, will be dust-free.

For large appliances, you need to pull them out and clean underneath and behind them. This includes beds, couches, refrigerators, stoves, freezers etc.

Deep cleaning is much more thorough than regular cleaning.

In short, deep house cleaning is an extended version of regular cleaning, where you pay attention to every detail of your home.

What is Included in a Deep House Cleaning?

Deep cleaning covers everything from top to bottom in your home, including:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Windows and glass surfaces
• Accessible systems (e.g., bathroom drains, kitchen exhaust fans)
• Outdoor areas (balcony, porch, garden, playground)
• Lawn care (trimming grass, and trees)
• Cleaning the grill, patio, and driveway

I will break this down in the deep cleaning checklist below for easier understanding.

Organizing, decluttering, and laundry are always part of cleaning, but I recommend not doing big organizing tasks (like sorting clothes, shoes, or purses) or heavy-duty laundry during deep cleaning. Avoid doing windows, glass surfaces, and outdoor cleaning at the same time as well.

Why this advice?

If you try to do everything at once, it can become overwhelming. It may shift your focus away from deep cleaning and lead to scattered, unproductive work.

• Windows: Cleaning windows, frames, and sills requires a different setup. Glass doors or balconies might need special care.
• Decluttering: If you rush through decluttering, you might accidentally get rid of something you need later. Take your time with important items like medicine, expired dry foods, makeup, and toiletries.
• Heavy laundry: Bed sheets, curtains, rugs, towels, and pillows. Laundry can take up a lot of time, especially with folding and organizing.

Professionally, during a deep cleaning session, we focus on cleaning visible and accessible areas like cabinet surfaces, not the insides.

You can follow the same process. In your first deep cleaning session, focus on the inside of the house. Plan separate sessions afterward for windows, outdoor areas, organizing, decluttering, and laundry.

Why is Deep House Cleaning Important?

Deep cleaning is essential for maintaining your home.

There’s a noticeable difference in the sustainability and value of a house that undergoes deep cleaning at least once a year versus one that doesn’t.

For example, if you neglect cleaning your kitchen stove filter or oven, their lifespan could be reduced. A deep cleaning gives your oven a fresh start, allowing it to function more efficiently.

It also helps prevent permanent damage to your favorite appliances. For instance, if your oven has cracks or a lot of burnt residue, there’s a risk of fire when you use it.

Deep cleaning not only gives your home a fresh look but also improves indoor air quality and boosts your health by removing dust and allergens.

How Do You Maintain Hygiene When Deep Cleaning?

Cleaning isn’t just about tidying up — it’s about doing it in a way that maintains hygiene.

Use different colored microfiber cloths for each room and stick to this system:

• Blue for living areas and bedrooms
• Green for the kitchen
• Red for the toilet
• Pink for the rest of the bathroom

Use two mop cloths:

• Blue for the entire house except the bathroom
• Pink strictly for the bathroom

Fold your microfiber cloths twice in the middle, so you have eight clean surfaces to use. This ensures you’re always using a fresh side for wiping.

Choose cleaning products that disinfect. Most cleaning detergents also disinfect. If you don’t have cleaning products with disinfectant, you can spray a specific disinfectant and wipe it down after cleaning.

House Deep Cleaning Tools

Make sure you have all the necessary tools in one place beforehand, so you don’t have to waste time searching for missing items while you are focused in cleaning.

This helps you stay focused and efficient throughout the cleaning process.

• Microfiber Cloths
  (Plenty, with different colors for different areas)
• Glass Cleaner Cloth
  (For mirrors, oven glass, shower glass, windows, etc.)
• Steel Wool
  (For scrubbing oven grills)
• Plastic Sheets
  (To protect the floor during oven cleaning)
• Glass Cleaner Spray
• Mop Cloths
  • Pink for the bathroom
  • Blue for other areas
• Telescopic Mop Stand
• Two Buckets
  • One for mop water
  • One for wiping
• Hand Gloves
• Sponges & Scrubbers
• Scraper
  (Especially for the kitchen stove)
• Narrow Brush
  (For cleaning grout in bathroom and kitchen tiles, sink grout, and around water taps)
• Long-Handled Duster
• Cleaning Detergents
  • Floor cleaner / All-purpose cleaner (or homemade alternatives)
  • Toilet cleaner
  • Hard water stain remover for glass (e.g., Kalk remover)
  • Oven, stove, or sink cleaning detergents
  • Dishwasher cleaning tablets
  • Cabinet cleaner/dish soap
  • Disinfectant spray
• Vacuum Cleaner
  (Including small brush, upholstery, and large nozzle attachments)

Deep House Cleaning Checklist

Deep cleaning is a lot of work! If you are alone to complete the session, you may need to schedule several days!

Therefore, a step-by-step checklist is important to ensure you don’t miss anything during the cleaning session.

Here’s the ultimate deep house cleaning checklist to help you make your home spotless.

This guide also includes suggested intervals for when to deep clean different appliances and areas of your home.

Deep Cleaning Kitchen Checklist

It’s required to deep clean your kitchen at least once or twice a year. However, a few specific appliances in your kitchen may need more frequent cleaning depending on their usage.

There are many things to deep clean in the kitchen, especially appliances like the oven, fridge, freezer, and microwave. Because of this, the kitchen needs the most time to deep clean in the entire house.

Below is a step-by-step deep cleaning checklist for your kitchen, along with regular cleaning tasks.

The recommended deep cleaning intervals may vary based on your usage.

Start With Regular Cleaning Tasks:

1. Throw out the garbage
2. Vacuum rugs and set them aside
3. Dust visible surfaces
   • Light switches
   • Indoor plant leaves or flower petals
   • Walls (mold spots)
4. Quick vacuum:
   • Under the sink/garbage area
   • Dry food crumbs on tables and chairs
   • Dry vegetable baskets (e.g., onions, garlic, potatoes)

Deep Cleaning Tasks:

Walls and Fixtures:

• Kitchen walls: Use a dry mop with a telescopic stick to dust.
• Cabinet tops: Dust with a long-handled duster.
• Ceiling lights: Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Curtain rods & blinds: Use a small brush nozzle to clean.
• Ceiling exhaust fan (if available).

Cabinets & Shelves:

• Shelves: Wipe the insides only if needed, otherwise use a dry microfiber cloth.
• Kitchen cabinets (inside & outside): Wipe from top to bottom.
• Knobs and handles: Clean thoroughly.

Fridge & Freezer:

(Deep clean every 3-4 months)

• Throw out expired or rotten food.
• Clean shelves and drawers.
• Wipe bottles and jars.
• Clean the door rubber seals, inside walls, and outside surfaces.
• Optional: Clean underneath and behind the fridge.
• Freezer:
  • Defrost, drain ice water, and wipe down the interior.
  • Wash or wipe food containers.
  • Sanitize, declutter expired food, and reorganize.

Oven:

(Deep clean every 3-4 months)

• Clean oven trays and grills.
• Clean the inside of the oven and the door (including the glass divider).

Dishwasher:

(Deep clean every 4-6 months)

• Clean the filter, rubber strip, and detergent compartment.
• Wipe inside and outside of the door.
• Run the dishwasher with a cleaning tablet.

Microwave:

(Deep clean once a month)

• Clean the lid, plate, inside, handle, and door (inside and out).

Stove:

(Deep clean once every 3 months)

• Clean cooking ranges and surfaces.
• Degrease the wall behind the stove.
• Clean tile grout.
• Stove hood filter (clean every 3 months).

Small Appliances:

(Deep clean once a month)

• Kettle, toaster, and coffee maker:
  • Clean trays, pots, filters, and both inside and outside.

Other Areas:

• Garbage bins: Wash and let them dry (every 3 months).
• Kitchen rags and sponges: Replace as needed.
• Countertops & sink:
  • Deep clean and polish the sink, faucet, and stopper (every 3 months).
  • Clean the sink drain strainer and stopper.
  • Declutter unnecessary items from countertops.

Decluttering:

(Once every 6 months)

• Get rid of expired spices, dry foods, and unnecessary pantry items.
• Discard plastic bottles, boxes, and cutlery not in use.

Organizing:

(Once every 6 months)

• Organize spice jars, cutlery, dish sets, and dry food storage.
• Tidy up grocery poly bags and kitchen storage.

Final Steps:

• Do a final vacuum of the kitchen.
• Mop the floors.
• Put the rugs back in place.

Expert Tips

You may need a step ladder to reach certain areas, so it’s helpful to have someone assist you.

Consider splitting the cleaning into several sessions: start with house cleaning, then move on to windows and glass, and finish with decluttering and organizing. This approach helps you stay focused and manage the deep cleaning process more effectively.

Deep Cleaning Bathroom Checklist

Follow this checklist step by step to avoid getting wet and ensure you don’t skip any steps.

Deep clean your bathroom at least twice a year. Ideally, it’s better to deep clean it once every 3 to 4 months.

Preparation:

• Throw out the garbage and replace the bin liner.
• Shake out the rugs and set them outside.
• Remove items like the laundry basket to maximize cleaning space.

Dusting:

• Bathroom walls: Use a dry mop cloth with a telescopic mop.
• Visible surfaces: Dust pipes, exhaust fan, lights, cabinet tops, mirrors, shower heads, and the floor hood of the sink pipe.

Vacuum:

• Vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove dust and cobwebs.
• Laundry machine filter (if applicable). (Clean after everytime use, at least once every month, )
• Drawers & shelves

Bathroom Floor Drains

(Deep clean once every 3-4 months)

• Clean or unclog the floor drains (shower area and under the bathtub).

Tips: There’s a chance of spilling dirty water while cleaning the shower floor drain. Doing this step early can help you avoid repeating some cleaning tasks later.

Tile and Grout Cleaning:

• Scrub floor tiles and shower area tiles.
• Tile grout: Focus on grout in the shower area.

Tips: Hold the shower head close to the tiles while rinsing to avoid splashing.

Wiping:

• Bathroom walls: Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth using a telescopic mop stand.
• Door: Wipe top to bottom, using a damp cloth first, followed by a dry one.
• Other surfaces: Wipe visible surfaces, knobs, door frames, laundry machines, cabinets, windows, and window sills.
• Clean the shower head, toiletries, and shower pipes.

Thorough Cleaning:

• Toilet: Clean thoroughly.
• Bathtub: Scrub and rinse well.
• Shower glass & mirrors: Use a glass cleaner cloth.
• Remove hard water stains (Kalk) from shower glass using a special detergent.
• Clean the sink, tap grout, and wipe down bottles, toothbrush holders, and other small items.

Decluttering:

• Discard expired makeup and toiletries.
• Replace toothbrushes if needed.

Organizing:

• Organize cabinets and shelves.
• Sort towels and other bathroom essentials.

Laundry:

• Gather shower curtains, rugs, towels, and used microfiber cloths for laundry.

Final Steps:

• Final vacuum: Quick vacuum to remove any remaining dust (avoid wet areas).
• Mop: Mop the floor, repeat if necessary. Let it dry.
• Put rugs and items back in place.

Expert Tips:

Use red microfiber cloths for the toilet and pink ones for the bathroom to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Use a pink mop cloth for the bathroom.

Always vacuum after dusting while the bathroom is dry. Once you clean drains, sinks, or shower areas, it will be harder to vacuum.

If you have a lot to declutter and organize, schedule that for a separate session to stay focused on cleaning.Prepare your laundry basket with towels, curtains, and rugs for the next day, so you stay focused on cleaning.

Don’t attempt to disassemble anything you’re not confident about, like the toilet flusher or drain components.

Deep Cleaning Bedroom Checklist

It would help if you deep-cleaned your bedroom and all residential rooms at least once a year.

However, twice a year is the best practice.

Compared to areas like the bathroom and kitchen, residential rooms are easier to deep clean.

Here is the deep cleaning checklist for a bedroom-

Preparation:

• Empty the garbage bin and replace the liner.
• Soapy water in a bucket for wiping
• Mop water in a bucket

Dusting:

• Walls: Use a dry mop cloth on a telescopic mop for easy reach from top to bottom.
• Lights: Dust ceiling lights with a long-handled duster.
• Exhaust fan: Use a long-handled duster or a dry blue microfiber cloth.
• Cabinet tops, shelves, tables, and visible surfaces.
• Mold spots on walls or ceilings.
• Door frames and boxes.
• Indoor plants and flower petals.
• Curtain rods.
• Paintings or picture frames: Hold the frame with one hand and dust gently with the other to avoid accidental drops.

Bed:

• Dust the headboard with a textile nozzle or a clean dry blue microfiber cloth.
• Vacuum the mattress.
• Wipe the bed frame with a dry cloth.
• Change the bedding: Replace sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
• Organize the bed neatly.
• Rotate the mattress for even wear.

Wiping:

• Cabinet Tops
• Doors (top to bottom), door frames, knobs, and any stains: Always use a dry cloth after a damp cloth to avoid streaks.
• Cabinet doors (inside, outside, and knobs).
• Window sills.

Decluttering:

• Throw out unnecessary visible items to create an open space.
• Remove clothes that are not in use from inside the cabinet.
• Get rid of unnecessary items in the closet.

Organizing:

• Closet: Organize clothes and accessories neatly.
• Tables: Arrange visible items like laptops, books, or stationery.
• Bedside tables: Tidy up any items on the surface.

Vacuuming:

• Cabinet drawers.
• Behind the cabinet.
• Under the bed.
• The entire floor.

Laundry:

• Bedding, curtains, and rugs.

Final Steps:

• Mop the floor.
• Replace the rugs after the floor is dry. Rotate the rugs if necessary.

Expert Tips:

Decluttering and organizing your closet or cabinet can take days if there’s a lot to sort through.

During deep cleaning, you’ll also have heavy laundry, which takes time to wash, fold, and put away, especially with items like curtains.

The same goes for cleaning windows. It’s best to plan separate sessions for these tasks one by one to stay focused on the deep cleaning itself.

Deep Cleaning Living Room Checklist

Deep cleaning your living room twice a year is a good practice to maintain a sustainable and healthy home environment.

Dusting:

• Walls: Use a dry mop cloth with a telescopic mop stick. Be careful not to accidentally bump into any paintings or picture frames hung on the wall.
• Lights: Wipe with a dry blue microfiber cloth.
• Shelves: Dust all surfaces.
• Visible surfaces: Dust all furniture and decorations.
• Molds: Check for and dust any mold.
• Door frames: Dust the top and sides of door frames.
• Screens (TV, laptop, desktop)
• Ceiling fan: Dust the blades and motor housing.
• Paintings and picture frames: Dust carefully.
• Indoor plants and flower petals: Remove any dust or fallen petals.
• Boxes: Dust the tops and sides.

Wiping:

• All visible surfaces: Wipe down all furniture and decor.
• Window sills: Clean with a damp cloth.
• Tea tables: Wipe thoroughly.
• Door: Clean from top to bottom, including the entire frame.

Vacuum the Couch:

This is the most important part of a living room. If you have pets or children, pay extra attention to pet hair and food crumbs in it.

• Couch Cushions: Vacuum all cushions one by one and set them aside.
• Couch frame: Use the textile nozzle to vacuum the frame, including the back and underneath.
• Shake blankets: Shake out any blankets and vacuum as needed.
• Rearrange: Once finished, organize the cushions and blankets neatly.

Additional Vacuuming:

• Armchairs: Use the textile nozzle for thorough cleaning.
• Carpets: Vacuum carpets thoroughly, paying special attention to pet hair or debris.

Organizing:

• There are usually a lot of items in the living room. After dusting and wiping, place everything in its correct spot.

Decluttering:

• Quick decluttering is fine during deep cleaning of your living room.

Vacuum the Floor:

• Use a small brush attachment for the corners and along the shelves.
• Pull out the couch to vacuum the back and underneath.
• Floor surface.

Mop:

• Mop the floor, let it dry, and then put the rugs back in place.

Deep Cleaning Kid’s Room Checklist

Cleaning a kid’s room is similar to cleaning any other room but with a stronger focus on organization.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Fold Visible Clothes: Fold and organize any clothing left out.
• Dust and Wipe Big Toys: Clean larger toys and place them neatly.
• Sort and Store Small Toys: Put small toys into baskets. If possible, sort them into categories like Legos, cars, dolls, etc.
• Organize the Kid’s Table: Tidy up any art supplies, books, or other items on the kid’s table.
• Make the Bed/Bunk Bed Care: Arrange the bed neatly with any stuffed animals, dolls, or toys on it.

Expert Tips:

If there’s a bunk bed, be extra careful to avoid any falls when making the upper bed. Ensure you have stable footing and take your time.

Deep Cleaning Office Room Checklist

Cleaning an office room requires extra care, especially when decluttering items.

If you’re cleaning your partner’s office, be cautious not to misplace anything important.

Here’s a checklist:

1. Dust Electronics and Stationery:
   • Carefully dust electronics like desktop screens, keyboards, mice, and headsets.
   • Tidy up wires and cords.
2. Organize Stationery:
   • Dust and organize pens, books, notes, and other office supplies.
3. Clean Furniture and Boards:
   • Wipe down desks, chairs, shelves, and any whiteboards or bulletin boards.
4. Shake Rugs:
   • Remove and shake out any rugs to eliminate dust.
5. Vacuum and Mop:
   • Thoroughly vacuum the floor, then mop for a spotless finish.

Deep Cleaning Entrance (Hallway) Checklist

Dusting:

• Door frame
• Jacket hangers
• Jacket/shoe cabinet (top to bottom)
• Shake out the door mat
• Vacuum the bottoms of shoes
• Lamp and ceiling lights
• Clean or wash the boot trays

Wiping:

• The main door (inside and out)
• Visible surfaces (cabinets, shelves, etc.)

Organizing:

• Neatly arrange shoes and jackets
• Organize keys, purses, and other small items

Deep Cleaning Laundry Room Checklist

Follow the usual room cleaning steps with these extra tasks:

1. Wipe the Laundry Machine:
   • Thoroughly wipe the exterior and clean the gasket.
2. Dust and Wipe:
   • Dust and wipe the water pipes if visible.
3. Vacuum the Dryer Filter (Dryer Vent):
   • Remove any lint buildup in the dryer filter.
4. Laundry Organization:
   • Fold any clean clothes.
   • Sort the dirty laundry.
5. Countertops:
   • Dust and wipe all countertops.
6. Laundry Load (Optional):
   • Run a load of laundry if needed.
7. Organize Cleaning Cabinets:
   • Arrange laundry and cleaning detergents neatly with labels facing forward.
8. Vacuum Maintenance:
   • Rinse the vacuum filter, clean all parts, and change the vacuum’s trash bag.
   • Wipe the vacuum nozzle and clean the duster before storing it.
9. Cleaning Detergent Bottles:
   • Wipe the bottoms and place them label-side out.
10. Used Microfiber Cloths:
    • Put used microfiber cloths directly into the laundry machine after your cleaning session.

Deep Cleaning Storage Room Checklist

Declutter:

• Check and discard expired food items (spices, food cans, dry groceries, etc.).

Lift and Clean:

• Lift stored items and quickly vacuum the area with a small brush nozzle. Put items back in place.

Organize:

• Arrange items neatly so they are visible and easy to find. Group similar items together (cans, spices, dry goods, boxes, etc.).

Floor Cleaning:

• Vacuum and mop the floor to finish up.

Glass Window Cleaning Checklist

Required Tools:

• Window cleaning bucket with strainer
• Window cleaner handle + rail with rubber
• Wiper handle and blades (various wiper blade sizes to match different window categories)
• Wiper stand (optional for high windows)
• Dish soap
• waist belt with tool holder
• Screwdriver
• Glass cleaner microfiber cloth
• Blue microfiber cloths
• Step ladder (if necessary)

Step-by-Step Window Cleaning Checklist

This method ensures spotless windows without leaving water stains or damaging your floors!

1. Prepare the Soapy Water:
   • Fill the bucket with water and mix in dish soap.
2. Get Tools Ready:
   • Stir the water with window cleaner rubber side
   • Attach the tool holder to your waist belt.
   • Organize cleaning tools in your waist holder (screwdriver, wiper blade).
3. Protect the Area:
   • Empty the windowsills and place microfiber cloths beneath the window to catch any soapy water.
4. Open the Window:
   • Use the screwdriver to open the window carefully so you can clean the inside of the window.
5. Start Cleaning (Inside First):
   • Dip the wiper cushion in the soapy water and rub the window surface.
   • Use the wiper to remove the soapy water.
   • Wipe with a glass cleaner microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
   • Check the window from different angles, especially in sunlight, to ensure cleanliness.
6. Repeat for All Window Glass Surfaces
   • Clean all window glasses, and edges.
7. Clean Window Frames:
   • Use a damp blue microfiber cloth to wipe the window frames.
8. Close the Window:
   • Secure the window with the screwdriver.
9. Final Touches:
   • Wipe knobs and windowsills.
   • Replace items back on the windowsills.

Deep Cleaning Garage Checklist

Following this checklist will help keep your garage clean, organized, and functional

1. Dust the Walls:
   • Use a telescopic mop to dust the garage walls and ceilings.
2. Shake Out Rugs/Door Mats:
   • Shake rugs and door mats outside to remove dust and dirt.
3. Vacuum Caution:
   • Avoid using a regular home vacuum in the garage to prevent motor damage from stones or debris. Use an industrial vacuum if available.
4. Organize and Declutter:
   • Sort and declutter shelves, organizing tools, boxes, and other stored items.
5. Check Garage Door Batteries:
   • Test the garage door opener’s batteries, and replace them if needed.
6. Sweep the Floor:
   • Use a broom to manually sweep the garage floor, focusing on corners and hard-to-reach areas.
7. Wash the Floor:
   • Hose down or mop the garage floor to remove any remaining dust and debris.

Disinfection and Sanitization Checklist

Focus on these highly touched areas for regular disinfection:

1. Toilet – Seat, flush handle, and lid.
2. Door Knobs – All interior and exterior door handles.
3. Cabinet Door Knobs – In the kitchen, bathroom, and other storage areas.
4. Remotes – TV, AC, fan, and other frequently used remotes.
5. Mouse and Keyboard – Especially in the office or study areas.
6. Dining Tables – Regularly disinfect table surfaces.
7. Kitchen Sink – Focus on the sink basin and edges.
8. Faucets – All sink and shower faucets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Light Switches – In all rooms, including hallways and bathrooms.
10. Trash Bins – Handles, lids, and surrounding areas.
11. Hose Pipe Head – If frequently handled for outdoor or garden tasks.

Yearly Checkups Checklist

These yearly tasks help maintain your home’s safety, cleanliness, and efficiency.

1. Fireplace:
   • Clean out ashes.
   • Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning.
2. HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning):
   • Get a professional inspection and servicing to ensure proper function.
3. Carpet Cleaning:
   • Plan to have your carpets professionally cleaned once a year, especially if they are unsuitable for home washing.

After a deep cleaning session, maintaining your house becomes much easier and truly worth the effort.

A clean and organized space enhances comfort and makes everyday tasks more manageable.

Plus, regular upkeep prevents constant deep cleaning and keeps your home looking spotless year-round.