Thinking about giving your home a deep clean? Don’t grab the mop just yet. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, the proper prep and planning can turn a frustrating chore into a stress-free success.
This blog will discuss deep cleaning tips, avoid typical house cleaning mistakes, and learn exactly what to clean before deep cleaning starts.
Why Deep Cleaning Isn’t Just a Regular Clean
Did you know? According to the National Cleaning Survey, over 80% of people say a clean home improves their well-being—but only 26% deep clean regularly.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning targets areas that aren’t covered in regular daily or weekly cleaning. It’s a more intensive process that tackles hidden dirt, allergens, and grime.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning
- Improves air quality
- Reduces stress and increases productivity
- Prolongs the life of your home furnishings
Areas Covered in Deep Cleaning
- Baseboards
- Inside ovens, refrigerators, and cabinets (optional add-ons)
- Upholstery and carpets (through our affiliated vendor – optional add-on)
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
What to Clean Before Deep Cleaning
You might think deep cleaning starts with scrubbing and vacuuming, but it actually begins with prepping your home.
✧ Declutter Surfaces and Floors: Remove any items lying around so the cleaning can focus on dust and dirt rather than moving objects.
✧ Clear Dishes and Sinks: Make sure the kitchen is free from used dishes, so surfaces and sinks can be cleaned thoroughly.
✧ Put Away Laundry and Personal Items: Having clothes and personal belongings out of the way makes every space easier to clean.
✧ Quick Dusting of High Traffic Areas: Lightly dust shelves, countertops, and furniture to prevent layers of dust turning into grime during the deep clean.
How to Create an Effective Deep Cleaning Schedule
A deep cleaning schedule is your best friend when you want to stay organized without burning out.
Break It Down By Room
Tackle one or two rooms at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Monday: Kitchen & Pantry
- Clean behind and under appliances
- Wipe down all cabinets inside and out
- Sanitize counters and backsplashes
- Clean and organize the pantry
Wednesday: Bathrooms & Laundry Room
- Scrub tiles, grout, and bathtubs
- Sanitize toilet and under the sink
- Clean inside the washing machine and dryer
Friday: Bedrooms & Closets
- Vacuum mattresses and under the bed
- Organize closets and wipe down shelves
Sunday: Living Room & Hallways
- Dust electronics and wipe remotes
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Clean windows and blinds
Stick to a Bi-Weekly or Monthly Cycle
Don’t wait months to deep clean. Break it into manageable parts every two to four weeks.
✧ Use a Checklist: Having a list ensures nothing gets missed. You can even create a digital checklist using apps like Trello or Google Keep.
✧ Top Deep Cleaning Tips to Save Time and Effort: These expert-backed deep cleaning tips make the process easier and more effective.
✧ Clean from Top to Bottom: This ensures that dust and dirt from high surfaces don’t settle on already-cleaned lower ones.
✧ Use Microfiber Cloths: These cloths trap dirt and are more effective than paper towels or cotton rags.
✧ Apply Products and Let Them Sit: Letting cleaners sit for 5–10 minutes makes scrubbing easier and kills bacteria more effectively.
✧ Don’t Forget Air Quality: Open windows for ventilation and change out HVAC filters regularly to keep indoor air fresh.
Common House Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common house cleaning mistakes will save you both time and money.
✧ Using the Wrong Cleaning Products: Each surface requires specific cleaners. For instance, avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone.
✧ Skipping High-Touch Areas: Doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls are hotspots for germs. Don’t overlook them.
✧ Not Replacing Cleaning Tools: Old sponges and vacuum filters are less effective and can spread germs.
✧ Overloading Cleaning Tasks in One Day: Trying to clean everything in one day leads to burnout and sloppy results.
Areas Most People Forget to Deep Clean
Some parts of the home rarely get attention. Here are some to include in your deep cleaning schedule.
✧ Baseboards and Molding: These collect dust and scuffs easily. Wipe them down with a damp cloth.
✧ Window Tracks and Blinds: Use a vacuum attachment or toothbrush to get rid of built-up dirt and debris.
✧ Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Dust these before they start circulating allergens throughout your home.
✧ Air Vents and Filters: Clean them seasonally to improve air quality and HVAC efficiency.
Must-Have Tools and Products for Deep Cleaning
A good clean starts with the right tools.
Tools to Invest In
- Microfiber cloths
- Scrub brushes and toothbrushes
- HEPA vacuum cleaner
- Extendable duster
- Mop with a detachable head
Natural Cleaning Agents
- Vinegar for windows and glass
- Baking soda for scrubbing sinks and tubs
- Lemon juice for deodorizing garbage disposals
Store-Bought Solutions
Use EPA-registered disinfectants for killing viruses and bacteria, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Prep vs. Deep Cleaning Checklist
What to Clean Before Deep Cleaning | Deep Cleaning Tasks |
Declutter all surfaces and floors | Scrub baseboards and vents |
Empty trash bins | Deep-clean kitchen appliances |
Clear sink and dishes | Wash windows |
Put away personal items and laundry | Sanitize bathrooms thoroughly |
Wipe sticky surfaces lightly | Clean grout, tubs, and tile |
Call to Action: Your Spotless Home Awaits
Preparing for a deep clean is just as important as the clean itself. These deep cleaning tips, a realistic deep cleaning schedule, and knowing what to clean before deep cleaning will ensure long-lasting results while helping you avoid common house cleaning mistakes.
Let Sparkly Cleaning Nashville handle the heavy lifting. Our trained professionals deliver top-tier results using eco-friendly products and flexible plans tailored to your schedule.
Call us today or visit sparklycleaningnashville.com to request a quote or book your deep cleaning appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Experts recommend every 3–6 months. Households with pets or kids might benefit from doing it more frequently.
Absolutely. A professional service like Sparkly Cleaning Nashville can handle deep cleaning efficiently with expert techniques and equipment.
Regular cleaning includes vacuuming, dusting, and light wiping. Deep cleaning goes further into sanitation and cleaning hidden or ignored areas.
Declutter your space, put away valuables, and communicate any specific concerns or requests to the cleaning team.