You vacuum, you mop, and your home looks clean… but is it really clean?
Even the tidiest homes can hide layers of dust, bacteria, and buildup in places you rarely think to check. That’s why, from time to time, your home needs more than a quick tidy-up. It needs an extreme deep clean — the kind that reaches every neglected corner and leaves your space fresh, sanitized, and truly reset.
Whether you’re doing a seasonal refresh, moving in or out, or just sick of lurking grime, these 9 expert-approved tips will guide you through a proper, top-to-bottom deep clean — and yes, they include some surprising spots you’ve probably never cleaned before.
1. Start With a Declutter Sweep
Before you clean anything, clear the clutter. Grab a laundry basket and walk through each room, picking up:
- Paper piles
- Random clothes
- Dishes, cords, and items that don’t belong
“You can’t clean surfaces if you can’t see them,” say organizing pros.
A clutter-free space helps you clean faster and more thoroughly — and it’s a mental reset, too.
2. Clean High Before You Clean Low
Dust and grime fall — so always start from the top down. That means:
- Ceiling fans
- Light fixtures
- Tops of cabinets and tall furniture
Use an extendable duster or microfiber cloth to trap dust (not just push it around). Don’t forget crown molding and tops of door frames — they collect more than you think.
3. Attack the Walls, Doors, and Trim
Most people focus on floors and counters, but walls and doors harbor handprints, smudges, and dust too.
Mix warm water with a splash of dish soap and use a microfiber cloth to:
- Wipe walls (especially around light switches and furniture)
- Clean baseboards and trim
- Spot-treat door panels and frames
“This one step instantly brightens a room — even if you don’t repaint,” say home stagers.
4. Deep Clean the Kitchen — Beyond the Counters
Sure, you wipe the counters daily… but what about:
- Behind and under the fridge?
- Grease buildup on cabinet doors?
- Crumbs inside the toaster or under the stove burners?
Use baking soda paste for sticky gunk, vinegar spray for grease, and a toothbrush for tight corners. Empty the fridge and wipe each shelf. Toss expired sauces and mystery jars.
5. Your Dishwasher and Washing Machine Need Cleaning Too
Appliances that clean… need to be cleaned. Leftover moisture and soap residue create the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and funky smells.
- Dishwasher: Place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle.
- Washing machine: Run a cycle with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. Wipe down seals and dispensers.
“Appliances last longer and smell better when you deep clean them monthly,” say repair techs.
6. Scrub Bathroom Surfaces You Usually Skip
Even if you clean your toilet weekly, a true deep clean goes further:
- Wash shower curtains and liners
- Scrub grout with a baking soda paste
- Soak toothbrush holders, soap dishes, and sink stoppers
- Clean behind and under the toilet base — where all the gross stuff hides
Disinfect high-touch surfaces like faucet handles, cabinet knobs, and toilet flushers.
7. Tackle the Forgotten Fabrics
Your sheets are clean — but what about:
- Curtains and drapes?
- Throw blankets and pillow covers?
- Mattress covers and pet bedding?
These items absorb dust, skin cells, and allergens. Wash them all, or steam clean when possible. Don’t forget to vacuum mattresses and fabric headboards.
8. Detail-Clean Windows and Window Tracks
You might wipe the glass once in a while, but window tracks and sills are magnets for mold, dirt, dead bugs, and dust.
Use:
- An old toothbrush to loosen grime
- Vinegar and baking soda paste for stuck-on buildup
- A vacuum with a crevice tool to suck out debris
Then wash the glass with a streak-free solution and microfiber cloth.
9. Finish With the Floors — All of Them
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to clean the floors thoroughly:
- Move furniture (yes, even the couch)
- Vacuum under beds, rugs, and behind dressers
- Mop with a natural cleaner or steam for a real sanitizing effect
If you have carpets, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a pro once or twice a year.
“Clean floors are the final touch that makes a home feel truly refreshed,” say cleaning consultants.
Bonus Tips for an Easier Deep Clean
- Create a checklist: Room by room, so you don’t miss anything.
- Set a timer: Work in 20–30 minute bursts to avoid burnout.
- Play music or podcasts: Make it enjoyable — not a chore.
- Use natural cleaners: Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and castile soap work wonders without harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts: Reset Your Home, Reset Your Mind
A deep-cleaned home doesn’t just look better — it feels better. It reduces allergens, eliminates odors, and creates a space where you can think, breathe, and live with ease.
Yes, it takes effort. But the reward? A home that sparkles from top to bottom — and peace of mind that every inch is truly clean.
So pick a weekend, put on some gloves, and get to it. You won’t believe the difference until you’ve done it.