Deep Cleaning a House: What's Included in a Top-to-Bottom Refresh

Keeping your home clean is essential for maintaining a healthy, happy, and comfortable living space. While routine cleaning helps manage day-to-day messes, every now and then, your home needs a deep, top-to-bottom refresh. Deep cleaning goes beyond surface-level tidying and tackles those often-overlooked areas to restore your home to its best condition. This guide will walk you through the process, provide tips for using eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and help you tackle each area of your home with confidence.

But here’s the best part—we’ll also show you how you can tie these tasks to seasonal cleaning schedules to make the process feel less overwhelming. By the end, you’ll be ready to give your home the ultimate refresh, one room at a time!

1. Decluttering and Preparing Each Room for Deep Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, take time to declutter each room. Removing unnecessary items not only makes cleaning more manageable but also allows you to address hidden messes lurking behind furniture or in tight spaces.

Quick Tips for Decluttering:

• Use Three Piles: Keep, donate, and discard. Go through your items and decide what stays and what goes.
• Go Room by Room: Tackle one space at a time to stay organized.
• Seasonal Angle: During spring, pack away winter clothes and gear. Before winter, organize those closets to prepare for coats, boots, and scarves.

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, you’re ready to start cleaning each room thoroughly.

2. Dusting All Surfaces (Yes, Even the Ceiling!)

Dust tends to settle everywhere, so thorough dusting is a must. Pay special attention to areas we often neglect during regular cleanings, such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, and even walls. Here’s how to tackle it effectively:

• Start High: Dust ceiling fans, corners, and shelving first—any dust or debris will fall downward, making it easier to vacuum later.
• Use a Damp Microfiber Cloth for eco-friendly dusting that traps particles.
• Pro Tip: A lint roller works wonders on delicate lampshades.

3. Cleaning Windows, Mirrors, and Glass Surfaces

Natural light plays a huge role in how clean a home feels. Sparkling windows and reflective surfaces elevate your space, making it feel fresh and inviting.

• Eco-Friendly Mix: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
• Seasonal Angle: Deep-clean windows in the spring to remove winter grime and prepare for more daylight hours ahead.

4. Sanitizing Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be a major breeding ground for germs, so deep cleaning these spaces is non-negotiable. Focus on areas that accumulate the most grime, including toilets, showers, tubs, and sinks.

• Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipe:
• • Mix baking soda and castile soap for an all-purpose scrub that’s tough on soap scum but gentle on the environment.
• Tackle Grout: Use a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste to whiten grout.
• Pro Tip: Don’t forget to wash or replace your shower curtain liner!

5. Deep Cleaning Kitchens

The heart of your home deserves special attention. Kitchens can accumulate grease, grime, and bacteria during daily meal prep, so make your deep cleaning count.

• Appliances:
• • Clean your oven using a paste of baking soda and water.
  • Empty and disinfect your fridge with a mix of water and white vinegar.
• Countertops and Cabinets:
• • Use soapy water for surfaces, and rinse with a damp cloth.
• Seasonal Angle: Deep clean your kitchen before the holidays to make it guest-ready for big meals and gatherings!

6. Vacuuming and Mopping All Floors

Floors take a beating, especially in high-traffic areas. Pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach spots behind furniture or under beds.

• Eco-Friendly Detergent:
• • Use plant-based floor cleaner to keep floors shining without harmful chemicals.
• Vacuum First to pick up loose debris and then mop with the eco-friendly solution above.

7. Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces

To minimize the spread of germs, focus on sanitizing high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and handrails.

• DIY Disinfectant Wipes:
• • Combine rubbing alcohol with water and a few drops of essential oil.

This will keep your family safe without overpowering chemical smells.

8. Addressing Specific Cleaning Needs

Every home has unique “problem areas.” Maybe it’s a muddy entryway after rainy seasons or stubborn pet hair in carpeted areas. Here are a few extra tips to stay ahead:

• Pet Hair:
• • Use a rubber squeegee on carpets to lift pet hair easily.
• Mudrooms/Entryways:
• • Deep clean these spaces during fall and winter transitions.

Pro Tip to Stay Organized

Make a checklist of tasks for each room! By tracking your progress, deep cleaning becomes far more manageable. Bonus? Checking off tasks feels so satisfying.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning Guide

To make deep cleaning less overwhelming, break tasks into seasons:

• Spring:
• • Focus on decluttering, windows, and brightening rooms with more natural light.
• Summer:
• • Dedicate time to outdoor cleaning, like patios, grills, and windows facing the garden.
• Fall:
• • Tackle mudrooms, heavy-duty vacuuming, and prepping spaces for holiday entertaining.
• Winter:
• • Focus on keeping germs at bay by disinfecting frequently used indoor areas.

Final Thoughts

Deep cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, eco-friendly solutions, and seasonal planning, you can refresh your home while reducing toxins and waste.

Want to make your life even easier? Download our free printable deep-cleaning checklist (link to resource) and start crossing off tasks today!

By making deep cleaning a regular part of your routine, you’ll create a healthier, happier home while staying ahead of life’s inevitable messes. Happy cleaning!

Learn more about ecoGlow Cleaning in Charlotte, NC.