If you’re like most people, deep cleaning can feel like a never-ending battle. It’s challenging to keep up with housework, especially if you have a busy bee on the move. Creating a house cleaning checklist ensures your space is always clean and tidy and all tasks are completed regularly.
The following is a thorough step-by-step guide on the right way to deep clean the whole house combined with a complete house cleaning checklist for every room. This can also apply to spring cleaning, or be adapted to a weekly or monthly cleaning checklist.
Complete House Cleaning Checklist
A good house cleaning checklist will cover all the basics, like dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. It should also include some less obvious tasks, like cleaning out the fridge and taking out the trash. And of course, you’ll want to tailor your checklist to your own home and needs.
Just need a quick run-down on what to do? We’ve put together a comprehensive house cleaning checklist to help you get started.
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
- Wipe down all countertops and surfaces
- Sweep and mop the floor
- Empty the dishwasher and/or wash any dishes in the sink
- Clean out the fridge (wipe down shelves, remove old food, etc.)
- Wipe down the surfaces of small appliances (toasters, microwaves)
- Clean the oven (inside and out) and oven trays
- Clean the stovetop
- Dust all other surfaces
Living Room Cleaning Checklist
- Vacuum and/or sweep the floors
- Vacuum upholstered furniture
- Dust all surfaces
- Wipe down any electronics
- Straighten up any clutter
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
- Take out all trash and put in new trash bag
- Wipe down all surfaces, including toilets, showers, tubs, counters, cabinets, mirrors, floors
- Clean toilets with brush and cleaner
- Scrub shower/tub with brush and cleaner
- Wipe down counters, cabinets, and mirrors
- Mop or sweep the floor
- Put away all cleaning supplies
Bedrooms Cleaning Checklist
- Make the bed and straighten
- Move furniture as necessary to vacuum
- Put back furniture to the right position
- Put away any clothes or items that are out of place
- Dust all surfaces
- Vacuum and/or sweep the floor
Read this for some tips on how often you should wash your sheets.
Office Cleaning Checklist
- Desk area
- Dust all surfaces
- Wipe down the keyboard and mouse
- Clean monitor screen
- Empty trash can
Common areas
- Vacuum all carpets
- Sweep and mop all hard floors
- Dust all surfaces
Restrooms
- Clean sink, countertop, and faucet
- Clean and disinfect toilet bowl
- Sweep and mop the floor
Laundry room checklist
- Wash all dirty laundry
- Disinfect and wash your washing machine and other appliances
- Clean and wring your clothing line
- Dust and wipe down all surfaces
- Vacuum and/or mop the floor to remove tracked in dirt
General Cleaning Checklist
- Take out the trash
- Wipe down door knobs, light switches, and other surfaces
- Dust ceiling fans and other hard-to-reach places
- Clean windows (inside and out)
- Straighten up any areas that are cluttered
- Check and replace smoke alarm batteries
- Replace lightbulbs if needed
- Replace air filters if needed
Garage Cleaning Checklist
- Sweep the floor to get rid of any big pieces of dirt or debris.
- Wash the floor with a hose and soap to remove any smaller pieces of dirt or grime.
- Wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, cabinets, and counters.
- Organise everything into neat and tidy piles or bins.
- Throw away any trash or junk that you don’t need.
- Put away any tools or equipment that you won’t be using right away.
- Make sure everything is clean and in its proper place before you finish.
There you have it – a complete house cleaning checklist to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Step by Step on How to Clean Your House from Top to Bottom
Decluttering
Before you can even start thinking about cleaning checklists, you need to declutter every room.
To kick start your house cleaning schedule, go around the house with two bags, one for all the trash and the other for anything else that requires relocating, such as clothes, toys etc. The aim is to ensure unobstructed access to all surfaces that need to be cleaned.
1. Get rid of things you don’t need: One of the main goals of decluttering the whole house is to get rid of stuff you don’t need. So, as you go through your things, ask yourself if you need or want them. If the answer is no, get rid of it.
2. Put things back in their rightful place: Once you’ve decluttered an area, be sure to put everything back in its proper place. This will help to keep your home more organised and easier to keep clean. Do this during your weekly cleaning as things always go missing.
3. Create a donation pile: As you’re decluttering, be sure to set aside any items that you no longer want or need but are still in good condition. These can be donated to charity or given to friends or family members who may have use for them.
4. Don’t forget about closets and cabinets: It’s easy to forget the things we keep hidden away in closets and cabinets, but these quickly clutter. Be sure to rid these areas of things you no longer need.
Time to Dust
To dust your home correctly, gather the following items:
- Soft cloth
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, and an extendable duster
- A feather duster if your lack the attachment
You will also need to identify all of your home surfaces that are prone to dust. These typically include shelves, mantles, picture frames, knick-knacks, and electronics.
2. Start by dusting any horizontal surfaces with your soft cloth. Be sure to move any items on the surface before dusting, and replace them once you finish.
3. Next, use your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to dust any vertical surfaces. Finally, use your extendable duster to reach any high surfaces, such as ceiling fans or light fixtures.
If you follow these steps, you can be sure that your home will be free of dust!
Clean Windows and Mirrors for a Streak-free Finish
After dusting, it’s time to clean the windows and mirrors. Glass surfaces full of fingerprints, streaks and smudges can be quite unsightly and really detract from your room’s appeal.
Have at least two of these supplies on-hand before cleaning your mirrors:
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Mild dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Lint-free cloth
- Dryer sheets or newspaper
- Ladder
- Commercial cleaner
Below are a few cleaning tips to simplify and speed up your cleaning routine:
Vinegar – Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for windows and mirrors. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz away. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Mild dish soap – Soap can actually leave streaks on your windows and mirrors, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. If you must use soap, opt for a mild dish soap diluted with water.
Dryer sheets – If you find your windows and mirrors are particularly streaky, reach for a tumble dryer sheet. Just dampen the sheet and wipe it over the surface. The static electricity will help to repel dust and dirt, leaving your windows and mirrors clean and streak-free.
Crumpled newspaper – Looking for an eco-friendly way to clean your windows and mirrors? Try using crumpled newspaper. Simply dampen the paper and use it to wipe down the surfaces. The newsprint will help to remove any residue and leave your windows sparkling clean.
Commercial cleaner – If all else fails, there are plenty of great commercial cleaners on the market that efficiently get things done. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle and test in a small area first to avoid damaging your windows or mirrors.
Clean Kitchen Tabletops and Clear Countertops
Cleaning the tabletops, counters, and cabinets will help keep your kitchen sparkling. The most important attention areas are your stovetop and microwave turntable. These should be cleaned regularly to prevent food build-up which can lead to unwanted pests and bad smells.
Have these supplies on-hand:
- Microfiber cloth
- Gentle all-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant spray
- Glass cleaner
1. Before you start cleaning, clear all the counters and surfaces. Wipe down the countertops, backsplash, stovetop and range hood.
2. Next, clean the inside of your oven with a natural oven cleaner or gentle chemical cleaner. Do the same with your microwave and wipe both down with a damp cloth.
3. Once you’ve dealt with the major appliances, move on to cleaning the sink and faucet. Scrub the sink with mild soap and disinfectant. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
4. Finally, sweep and mop the floor. Be sure to get into all the corners and edges for a comprehensive deep clean.
5. If your appliances have visible limescale on their interior or exterior, soak it in a water-vinegar solution. Wait overnight and rinse thoroughly for a beautiful, shiny finish.
Clean the Bathroom
Your bathroom harbours a lot of germs for fairly obvious reasons. From the toilet to the sink, it’s important to keep these areas clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of illness. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to use a dirty bathroom!
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Bleach
- Vacuum and mop
1. Before you start cleaning, take everything out of the bathroom. This includes things like dirty laundry, toothbrushes, and toiletry items.
2. Once everything is out of the way, start dusting all surfaces (if you haven’t already). Be sure to get rid of any cobwebs in the corners too.
3. Next, clean all mirrors and shiny surfaces with a glass cleaner.
4. Tackle the toilet by spraying it down with a disinfectant or bleach solution. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it clean with a toilet brush.
5. Finally, vacuum and mop the floor and empty the trash can.
Vacuuming
After you have dusted and cleaned the windows and mirrors, the next thing on your house cleaning checklist is to vacuum all the floors. This includes carpets, rugs, and hardwood floors.
Vacuuming is one of the most important aspects of keeping your home clean. It removes dirt, dust and other allergens from your floors and prolongs your carpet’s life. If you don’t vacuum regularly, it will harbour germs and potentially cause family illness.
Here are some cleaning tips on how to vacuum properly:
1. Always start in the farthest corner of the room and work your way out. This will ensure that you don’t miss any spots.
2. Make sure to go over each area multiple times. This will pick up all the dirt, dust and allergens.
3. Be sure to vacuum in both directions – back and forth as well as side to side. This will ensure that you cover all the area and don’t miss any spots.
4. Be careful with delicate items. If you have any fragile items on your floor, make sure you’re being extra careful when you vacuum around them. If you can, remove them temporarily to increase ease of access.
5. When it comes to hardwood floors, you can use a vacuum with a beater bar or a soft brush attachment. Just be sure to set the vacuum to the correct setting – otherwise, you damage your floors. Obviously, you’ll want to use the beater bar for carpeted floors to help loosen and lift dirt and debris.
6. Finally, don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and in other hard-to-reach places. These are often the spots that collect the most dirt, dust and allergens.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re vacuuming correctly and keeping your home clean.
Mop Your Floors for a Shiny Finish
After vacuuming, it’s time to finish up with a thorough mop. Start in one corner of the room and work your way around until you have mopped the entire area. You can use a traditional mop or a microfiber cloth for this.
Hardwood floors
If you have hardwood floors, use the correct cleaner and mop head. Some cleaners can damage hardwood floors, so it’s essential to read the labels carefully. Use a damp mophead to avoid getting the floor too wet for best results.
Tile floors
Tile floors can be trickier to clean than other floor types. Be sure to sweep or vacuum first to remove any loose dirt and dust. Then, mop with a clean mop head and the correct cleaner. Avoid using too much water on tile floors, as this can damage the grout. If your tile floors are looking dull, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner to bring back the shine.
When mopping your floors, use a clean mop head and the correct amount of cleaner. Too much cleaner can leave your floors sticky, while too little may not pick up all the dirt and grime. Also, ensure you rinse your mop head often to avoid spreading dirt and debris around. You may also contact a professional tile and grout cleaner near you for a more efficient treatment of your kitchen and bathroom tiles.
House Cleaning Checklist Tips
Tailor your checklist – Feel free to add or remove tasks as necessary to create a custom cleaning routine for your needs.
Buy your supplies first – This way you can start cleaning right away and don’t have to waste time running to the store for supplies.
Make a schedule – Try to set aside a specific day or time each week for cleaning. You don’t want to multitask cleaning with other things like cooking or doing laundry.
Get the family involved – If everyone pitches in, the cleaning will go much faster and will facilitate much needed family bonding time.
Hire professional help – If you just can’t seem to find the time to clean, a professional cleaner is the next best option. You may contact our house cleaning professionals here at Calibre Cleaning for roof cleaning, driveway cleaning, exterior house washing, end of lease cleaning, and many other services. Read our guide on the true cost of professional cleaning services here.
Set a timer – It’s easy to lose track of time and spend much longer cleaning than necessary. Set a timer for each task on your checklist to help you stay on track.
Don’t multi-task – We’ve already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating. If you try to do too many things at once, nothing will get done well. Focus on one task at a time and you’ll do a wonderful job!
Take your time – If you rush through cleaning, you’re likely to miss spots or do a less than stellar job. Try to relax but not to the point where you become a slacker.
Start at the top – Dust and cobwebs tend to settle on surfaces near the ceiling. If you do this last, dust and debris will fall onto the ground and you’ll have to clean all over again.
End with the floor – This way, any dirt or debris that falls while you’re cleaning will be cleaned up when you vacuum or mop.
Tax Deductibility of Cleaning Expenses
Interestingly, for those who use a part of their home for business purposes, the cost of cleaning that specific area might even be tax deductible. This can be a significant advantage for home-based business owners, freelancers, and remote workers. It’s important to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific requirements and limitations of deducting house cleaning expenses on your tax return.
House Cleaning Checklist Q & A
Q: What’s the best way to clean windows?
A: A popular window cleaning trick is to use a vinegar and water solution. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist your windows. Then, use a lint-free cloth or sponge to wipe the solution away.
If you don’t fancy making your own solution you can always purchase one of the many commercial streak free glass cleaning products in the market, which should do an even better job. For tougher stains, you can add a little bit of dish soap to the mixture.
Q: How often should I vacuum my carpets?
A: Wall to wall carpeting should be vacuumed at least once a week, and more often in high traffic areas. If you have pets or high traffic areas, opt to vacuum more often. If you start to notice that your carpets are looking dirty or matted, it’s time to get the old vacuum out!
Q: What’s the best way to clean hardwood floors?
A: The best way to clean hardwood floors is to use a microfiber mop and a gentle cleaner. Avoid using excessive amounts of water, as this can damage your floors. Instead, focus on spot cleaning as needed. For tough stains, you can use a diluted vinegar solution.
Q: How often should I dust my furniture?
A: Dusting your furniture once a week is generally sufficient. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, you may need to dust more often. If you start to notice that your furniture is looking dirty or dusty, it’s time for dusting.
Q: What’s the best way to clean stainless steel appliances?
A: The best way to clean stainless steel appliances is to use a vinegar and water solution. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist your appliances. Then, use a lint-free cloth or sponge to wipe the solution away. For tougher stains, you can add a little bit of dish soap to the mixture.
Calibre Cleaning house cleaners are a call away
Need professional help with your house cleaning? Then it’s time to contact Calibre Cleaning! All of our experienced cleaners follow printable cleaning checklists to make sure your home is clean from top to bottom. Plus, we offer flexible scheduling options to fit your busy lifestyle. Contact us today to get started and have your home tidy year round! You can book our professional house cleaners in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Brisbane, and many other cities in Australia.
If you liked this article, check out our spring cleaning checklist for more helpful tips!