A deep clean of your home can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and the right approach, you can achieve a sparkling, fresh home in just one weekend. Whether you’re preparing for a special event, tackling a spring cleaning project, or just need a fresh start, this guide will show you how to deep clean your entire home in two days—no stress, no fuss!
Step 1: Plan Ahead and Gather Your Supplies
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to deep cleaning. Before you dive into scrubbing and organizing, take some time to gather your cleaning supplies and create a game plan.
What You’ll Need:
- All-purpose cleaner (for most surfaces)
- Glass cleaner (for windows and mirrors)
- Disinfectant (for high-touch areas like door handles and light switches)
- Floor cleaner (for tile, wood, or laminate floors)
- Baking soda and vinegar (for natural cleaning and deodorizing)
- Microfiber cloths (for dusting and wiping)
- Scrub brushes and sponges (for tougher grime)
- Mop and bucket (for floors)
- Vacuum cleaner (with attachments for corners and upholstery)
- Trash bags (for decluttering)
- Organizational bins (for sorting items as you go)
Tip: Write out a cleaning checklist and break the tasks down by room. This will help you stay on track and ensure nothing gets missed.
Step 2: Declutter First – Set a Timer
Before you even think about picking up a mop, it’s important to declutter your space. A clean surface is much easier to scrub when there’s less stuff in the way. Decluttering will also make your home look cleaner and more organized right away, which is motivating.
How to declutter quickly:
- Set a timer: Spend 15 minutes in each room picking up clutter. Grab a trash bag and toss anything that’s expired, broken, or unnecessary. Make quick decisions—don’t overthink it!
- Create piles: Set aside things to donate, things to store, and things that need to be put back in their proper place. Use bins or laundry baskets to sort and tackle later.
- Organize as you go: If you come across things that need organizing (like mail or books), put them in a designated area to sort later. The goal is to make the space feel tidier without getting sidetracked.
Step 3: Start with High-Traffic Areas
Focus on the areas that are used most often, such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. These areas tend to collect the most dirt and grime, so getting them out of the way early will help you feel more accomplished.
Living Room:
- Dust and vacuum: Dust light fixtures, shelves, and baseboards first, then vacuum the floors, upholstery, and under furniture. Don’t forget to vacuum behind the couch or TV stand.
- Wipe down surfaces: Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down any tables, counters, and TV screens. If you have any glass tables, use a glass cleaner to remove smudges.
- Fluff pillows and cushions: Give your pillows and throws a good fluffing to freshen up the space.
Kitchen:
- Clear off countertops: Start by clearing your countertops of all clutter and wiping down the surfaces. Clean your sink, faucet, and any small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.).
- Tackle the stovetop and oven: Clean the stovetop burners and wipe down the oven. If your oven is extra dirty, use a baking soda paste (baking soda + water) and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Clean your fridge: Remove expired food, wipe down shelves, and clean the refrigerator door. Don’t forget the handles!
- Wipe down cabinets: Use a damp cloth to wipe down cabinet doors and drawer fronts, especially those in high-use areas like next to the stove.
Bathroom:
- Clean mirrors and glass: Use a glass cleaner to tackle mirrors, shower doors, and any glass surfaces.
- Scrub the toilet and sink: Use a disinfectant to clean the toilet, sink, and faucet. Don’t forget to clean behind and around the toilet base.
- Shower or tub: Scrub grout lines, soap dishes, and tiles. For stubborn grime, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to break down soap scum.
- Wipe down surfaces: Clean the bathroom counters, light fixtures, and any other frequently-touched surfaces.
Step 4: Move on to Bedrooms and Closets
Now that the high-traffic areas are looking fresh, it’s time to focus on your personal spaces. Bedrooms and closets can often get overlooked in a regular cleaning session, but they deserve attention, too.
Bedroom:
- Dust surfaces: Dust furniture, including nightstands, dressers, and shelves. Be sure to dust the tops of tall furniture and around light fixtures.
- Change bedding: Fresh sheets and pillowcases make the room feel instantly cleaner. Wash any extra blankets or pillowcases as well.
- Vacuum or mop the floors: Depending on your flooring type, vacuum the carpet or mop hardwood/tile floors.
Closets:
- Tidy up your closet: Take a few minutes to organize your clothes, shoes, and accessories. Donate anything you haven’t worn in the last year.
- Vacuum or mop: Clean the floors of your closet by vacuuming or mopping, depending on the type of flooring.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Details
The little things can make a big difference when it comes to deep cleaning. It’s often the small details that add a fresh, polished feel to your home.
How to tackle the details:
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans: Grab a step ladder or extendable duster to clean ceiling fans, chandeliers, and light fixtures.
- Wipe down baseboards and trim: Dusting or wiping down the baseboards and trim adds a touch of cleanliness to the whole room.
- Clean windows and blinds: Wash your windows with a glass cleaner and dust your blinds with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum attachment.
- Empty trash bins: Empty all trash bins in the house, including bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom bins. Replace with fresh liners.
Step 6: Focus on the Floors
Floors often take the most abuse, so giving them a deep clean is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. You’ll notice a huge difference once your floors are spotless.
- Vacuum carpets: Vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly, including corners and edges. Use an upholstery attachment to clean upholstery and under furniture.
- Mop hard floors: For tile, hardwood, or laminate floors, mop with an appropriate floor cleaner. Pay special attention to areas that collect dust or dirt, like under furniture and behind doors.
Step 7: Final Touches and Relax
Once all the cleaning is done, take a step back and admire your hard work. Add a few finishing touches to make your home feel cozy and inviting.
- Set out fresh towels in the bathroom and place a festive candle or diffuser in each room to make your home smell wonderful.
- Fluff pillows on the couch and set out a cozy blanket for extra comfort.
- Treat yourself: After all that hard work, reward yourself with a cup of tea or your favorite holiday treat, and enjoy your sparkling clean home!
Final Thoughts
Deep cleaning your home in just one weekend is completely achievable with the right plan and a little bit of elbow grease. By breaking down the tasks room by room and focusing on high-traffic areas first, you’ll be able to tackle your entire home without feeling overwhelmed. And don’t forget, a little decluttering goes a long way in creating a fresh, organized space!
Don’t have the time personally? Jim’s Cleaning can give you a helping hand. Book online to receive your obligation free quote today!
