Introduction
- Introducing the importance of deep cleaning
- Overview of what deep cleaning involves
- Briefly address common questions and misconceptions about deep cleaning
Benefits of Deep Cleaning
While many think of deep cleaning as a way to make the home look nice for guests or special occasions, the benefits extend much further and have practical implications for everyday living.
Regular spot cleaning is more superficial in the name of maximizing bang for the buck, and often means overlooking areas like beneath appliances, inside ovens, or under furniture. Deep cleaning these areas prevents buildup that can wear down or damage these items over time.
Grease buildup and crumbs in the underside of an oven top, for instance, are common things to see in a deep cleaning, and things that if left too long can cause a few issues:
- Grease and other buildup can restrict airflow or become potential fire hazards, since they may be flammable and are right underneath hot burners.
- Crumbs can be germ magnets as bacteria are drawn to feed on them, and can spread to the touch surfaces not far away even in between top surface cleaning sessions.
Deep cleaning is also a useful opportunity to discover less obvious issues in your home, such as mold, leaks, or electrical problems. These issues often exist silently as we go about our lives, and it’s looking on top of things, behind things, and underneath things that we get a better sense of our home’s condition.
In the same way that some people recommend changing your car’s oil yourself because it’s an excuse to get under the car and look at the condition of other things, deep cleaning is a good check-in point for homeowners.
After a deep cleaning, maintaining that level of cleanliness becomes much easier. It sets a new baseline, so your normal cleaning routine becomes more productive because the really dried-on, baked-on, and built-up spots have already been removed.
The Deep Cleaning Process: Room-by-Room Checklist
Cleaning The Kitchen:
- Appliances Inside and Out: Clean inside the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Don’t forget the coils and vents at the back.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Empty, wipe down, and reorganize.
- Sink and Garbage Disposal: Scrub and sanitize, and consider using a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to freshen the disposal.
- Under Appliances: Move them out to clean underneath if possible.
Cleaning The Bathroom:
- Grout and Tile: Scrub grout and tile, even in less visible areas.
- Exhaust Fan: Dust and clean as these can become clogged with debris.
- Behind the Toilet: This often-neglected area needs attention too.
- Showerhead: Soak in vinegar to remove mineral deposits.
Deep Cleaning Living Areas:
- Baseboards and Crown Molding: Dust and wipe down.
- Window Frames and Tracks: Often overlooked, these need a good scrub.
- Behind and Under Furniture: Move furniture to clean underneath.
- Air Vents and Radiators: Vacuum and wipe down.
- Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: Dust and clean, even the bulbs.
Bedrooms, Too:
- Under the Bed: Vacuum and dust, a common hiding place for dust bunnies.
- Closets: Organize, dust, and vacuum.
- Mattress: Vacuum and flip or rotate.
Cleaning Up The Office/Study:
- Electronics: Dust and wipe screens and keyboards.
- Paper Clutter: Organize or recycle.
- Cables and Wires: Clean and organize.
The Laundry/Utility Room:
- Washer and Dryer: Clean inside, behind, and underneath.
- Water Heater: Check for leaks or corrosion.
- Sinks and Countertops: Scrub and organize.
Garage/Outdoor Cleaning Ideas:
- Garage Shelves and Floors: Clear, clean, and organize.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Check and clear if needed.
- Outdoor Furniture: Clean and check for needed maintenance.
- Trash Cans: Wash and sanitize.
Deep Cleaning FAQ
What tools and products do I need for deep cleaning?
The tools and products will vary depending on the task. Generally, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, a quality vacuum, mop, and a selection of cleaning solutions (either commercial or natural like vinegar and baking soda) will cover most situations.
Make sure to read the instructions for cleaning specific surfaces and use appropriate cleaning agents. Some chemicals can damage or discolor certain surfaces.
For instance:
- You probably know that bleach will discolor clothing, but you may not know that it also damages porous surfaces like marble and granite. It’s easy to think well-known surface cleaners make sense on any hard surface, and in this case it’s an expensive surface in which to learn the hard way.
- Cleaners with ammonia can damage wood surfaces
- Abrasive scrubbers can etch glass or make it look cloudy
- Alcohol-based cleaners can cause leather surfaces to crack
How can I make deep cleaning more manageable? It’s a lot of work!
It sure is. The best place to begin is to break the total list into doable sections. For example, you might start in your kitchen and tell yourself that’s the goal for today. Tomorrow or the next day when you have more time, move on into the living rooms or bathrooms.
Trying to tackle too much at once leads to burnout, and makes it less likely you’ll finish cleaning your whole home without cutting corners to get it done.
How do I deep clean upholstery or delicate surfaces?
For delicate surfaces, such as upholstery or natural stone, the key is using appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques.
For upholstery, spot testing a hidden area with a recommended cleaner is essential, and gentle blotting rather than scrubbing often works best. For natural stone or wood, ensure you use pH-balanced cleaners specially formulated for those surfaces.
If you have allergies or sensitivities, using natural cleaning products like vinegar, lemon, or baking soda can be a great alternative. Ventilating rooms while cleaning and wearing gloves can also help minimize reactions.
If you’re unsure as you dig into the process, certain tasks like carpet cleaning, pressure washing, or cleaning high and hard-to-reach places, might benefit from professional services.
And if you decide to hire professionals to help with your regular cleaning routine, give us a call!