Complete Deep Cleaning Checklist for Your Whole House

If you’re overdue for a deep cleaning, but you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. For this guide, we’ve partnered with cleaning specialists to tell you everything you need to do to get your space spick and span. We’ve put together this room-by-room checklist to make your next deep cleaning a breeze, from the kitchen to the garage. Let’s get started!

Deep Cleaning House Checklist (Printable)

Download Image

A checklist document showing different rooms of the house and the steps to deep clean them.

Cleaning specialist Jonathan Tavarez says to focus on cleaning and sanitizing frequently-used surfaces, items, and appliances when doing a deep clean. Start by decluttering your space and dusting surfaces from top to bottom. Then, clean high-traffic surfaces like countertops, sweep/mop, and vacuum carpets/upholstery.

Section 1 of 10:

Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

When it comes to your kitchen, Tavarez says to make sure you clean appliances like coffee makers, silverware, cups, and plates. He adds that it helps to clean frequently-used items like salt and pepper shakers.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Here is a complete deep cleaning list for your kitchen:
- Wash any dirty dishes and run the dishwasher.
  - Unload the dishes and put them away, when the dishwasher is done.
- Clean your stovetop.
  - Remove and soak grates and eliminate grease and burnt-on food.
- Clean your oven by wiping or scraping anything burnt onto the racks.
- Clean your microwave.
- Clean your coffee maker (pot, basket/filter, and outside).
- Empty and clean your fridge and freezer.
  - Throw out expired food.
  - Wipe down shelves, drawers, and handles.
- Vacuum hard-to-reach places under the fridge and stove.
- Clean out and organize your pantry.
- Empty your toaster tray.
- Disinfect and wipe down handles, light switches, sinks, and countertops.
- Clean and sanitize your sink, including faucet, basin, drain, and surrounding surfaces.
- Freshen your garbage disposal with a few lemon peels.
- Sweep the floors.
- Clean your dishwasher filter and run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner.
- Dust your kitchen blinds.
- Clean your kitchen windows.
- Wipe down baseboards.
- Take out the trash and recycling.
- Mop or wet Swiffer the floors.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Jonathan Tavarez is a cleaning specialist who founded Pro Housekeepers, a premium cleaning service, and Germaphobix, a sanitization product company.

Courtney Jacobs is a cleaning expert who shares cleaning hacks, guides, and more on her Instagram and Substack.

Ashley Matuska is a professional cleaner and the founder and owner of Dashing Maids and specializes in sustainable deep cleaning.

Filip Boksa is a house cleaning professional and the CEO and founder of King of Maids, which specializes in home cleaning and organization services.

Section 2 of 10:

Bathroom Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

In the bathroom, “the areas with the most exposure should be disinfected with peroxide or bleach,” notes Tavarez. “This includes doorknobs, countertops, faucets, toilets, sinks, showers, and baths.”^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} When deep cleaning your bathroom, complete the following steps:
- Dust the bathroom from top to bottom.
- Sweep the floors.
- Sanitize and wipe down door knobs, light switches, and hard surfaces.
- Scrub your shower, bathtub, and sink.
  - Make sure to scrub the grout, showerhead, faucets, and handles!
- Snake your shower drain.
- Clean mirrors with glass cleaner.
- Organize cabinets, shelves, drawers, and closets.
- Start a load of laundry with shower curtain, towels, and bathmats.
- Deep clean the toilet.
- Wipe down baseboards.
- Take out the trash.
- Mop or wet Swiffer the floors.

Section 3 of 10:

Bedroom Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

In your bedroom, take the time to go through your things before you start cleaning. Clearing out any extra clutter will make the cleaning process go smoother. Tavarez emphasizes that a deep clean involves washing bed sheets and pillowcases, so don’t forget to start that load of laundry!^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Here’s a complete list of what to do when deep cleaning a bedroom:
- Declutter your space.
  - Discard trash and donate items you no longer use.
- Dust everything top to bottom.
  - Dust dressers, lamps, bedside tables, desk, headboards, shelves, etc.
- Sweep the floors and vacuum any carpet or rugs.
- Wash dirty clothes and put them away.
- Clean out your closet.
  - Donate clothes and organize what’s left.
- Wash your bedding and make your bed with clean sheets.
- Organize bedside table drawers, bookshelves, and other tabletop surfaces.

Section 4 of 10:

Living Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

Make sure to vacuum rugs and upholstered furniture in the living room. In particular, Tavarez says to vacuum couches and make sure to dust objects like paintings and decorations.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} Check off the following items when you deep clean your living room:
- Dust everything from top to bottom.
  - Remember to dust ceiling fan blades, vents, bookshelves, frames, and screens!
- Wash windows, window sills, and ledges
- Wipe down baseboards.
- Sweep the floors.
- Vacuum any carpets or rugs.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture like couches and chairs.
- Wash cushions and throw pillow covers.
- Declutter tables and shelves.
- Mop or wet Swiffer hardwood floors.

Section 5 of 10:

Dining Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

Keep eating surfaces extra clean in the dining room. Do things like clearing dishes and wiping down place settings every night to keep your space extra tidy. Make sure you keep your dining room clear of crumbs of food that can draw bugs by sweeping regularly. When you’re doing a dining room deep clean, complete the following:^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Clear any dishes.
- Dust from top to bottom.
  - Make sure to dust light fixtures, table tops, ledges, and other furniture.
- Clean, sanitize, and wipe down the dining table.
- Disinfect light switches and outlets.
- Wash placemats.
- Sweep the floor.
- Vacuum any rugs or carpeted areas.

Section 6 of 10:

Laundry Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

As weird as it may seem, your washing machine needs to be cleaned, too! Maintain your laundry room appliances when you’re doing a deep clean, and don’t forget to declutter and organize while you’re at it. Here’s a full list of tasks for deep cleaning your laundry room:
- Dust from top to bottom.
  - Make sure you dust light fixtures, corners, and vents.
- Clear counters, the tops of machines, and shelves.
- Dispose of any empty bottles or trash.
- Wipe down cabinets and shelves.
- Organize any shelves, cabinets, or storage spaces.
- Scrub the utility sink and faucets, if applicable.
- Clean the washer by running an empty hot water cycle with a washing machine cleaner.
  - Scrub the detergent drawer.
- Clean the dryer by emptying the lint trap, washing with warm soapy water, and letting it dry.
  - Vacuum the inside of the lint trap slot.
  - Wipe down the interior drum.
- Sweep and vacuum behind the washer and dryer, if space allows.
- Wipe down baseboards.
- Sweep and mop the floors.

Section 7 of 10:

Garage Deep Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

If you have a garage, make sure you spend some time clearing out space and getting organized. Remember to do your basic dusting, sanitizing, and sweeping, too. If your deep cleaning involves your garage, complete the following tasks:^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Move your car(s) out of the garage.
- Sort and declutter items.
  - Donate or sell items you no longer need.
  - Discard broken or unusable items.
- Dust walls, ceiling, and corners.
- Deep clean surfaces, including shelves, tabletops, and cabinets.
- Sweep and scrub the floors.
- Sanitize high-touch areas like door handles, switches, and garage openers.
- Organize cabinets, shelves, and storage compartments.

Section 8 of 10:

Outdoor Patio Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

If you have an outdoor patio, you’ll want to keep it decluttered and clean for guests. Since outdoor spaces can be tricky to keep perfectly clean, just do your best with tidying up and washing any dirty surfaces. Complete these tasks if you need to deep clean your outdoor patio area:^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Wash window exteriors.
- Use a hose or pressure washer to spray dirt off the side of the house.
- Sweep away leaves, bugs, dirt, and cobwebs.
- Rinse remaining debris with the hose or pressure washer.
- Deep clean outdoor grill grates.
- Handwash grill utensils.
- Wipe outdoor lightbulbs with a cloth to remove dust, dirt, bugs, and leaves.
  - Wipe down the light fixture, too.
- Vacuum any upholstered cushions for outdoor furniture.
  - Remove cushion covers and wash in the washing machine, if applicable.
- Wipe or hose down non-upholstered outdoor furniture.

Section 9 of 10:

Playroom Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

In a true deep clean, you can’t forget about the kiddos’ space. Take the time to get the playroom nice and tidy, clearing out clutter and organizing along the way. Make sure to sanitize surfaces, as playrooms are usually high-touch environments. When you’re cleaning your playroom, complete the following tasks:^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Remove toys from the playroom to make cleaning easier.
- Declutter by creating a donation pile.
- Clear out any trash.
- Dust the room from top to bottom.
- Sanitize and wipe down hard surfaces like tables, shelves, and cubbies.
  - Don’t forget light switches and doorknobs!
- Clean the floor.
  - Sweep and mop hardwood or tile floors and vacuum carpeted surfaces.
- Clean toys.
  - Wipe and sanitize plastic toys and wash any washing machine safe fabric toys.
- Organize toys in cubbies, drawers, or shelves.
- Vacuum any upholstered furniture.

Section 10 of 10:

Pet Area Cleaning Checklist

Download Article

Of course, your furry friends’ space will need a touch-up, too. This is another space that will likely need to be sanitized while you clean. Plus, you’ll want to factor in time for doing a load of laundry to eliminate any funky odors. Here’s a full list of tasks to complete when cleaning up your pet’s area:^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Wash all pet beds, blankets, and removable cushion covers.
- Steam clean or shampoo carpets and rugs.
- Vacuum and wipe down cat trees.
- Sweep and vacuum any dirt or pet dander.
- Wipe down baseboards, walls, and corners.
- Deep clean crates and playpens.
- Wash leashes, harnesses, and pet clothes.
- Deep clean or replace toys.
- Empty and sanitize food storage bins.
- Sanitize and wipe down any hard surfaces like tables, doorknobs, or gates.
- Mop or wet Swiffer tile floors.
- Vacuum carpeted areas.

Common Questions: Deep Cleaning Your Home

How often should you deep clean your whole house? If you keep up with routine chores like vacuuming and wiping surfaces, deep cleans should only be necessary every 3 to 6 months. Cleaning specialist Courtney Jacobs recommends vacuuming high-traffic areas daily to keep your space clean—this can give you more time between deep cleaning sessions.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Courtney Jacobs
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview}

What important spots do people forget when deep cleaning? People often miss high surfaces like tops of cabinets, low areas like behind toilets, and small surfaces like light switches and door handles. Professional cleaner Ashley Matuska says to wipe baseboards and cabinets and move furniture to get lower surfaces like under the bed.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Ashley Matuska
Professional Cleaner

Expert Interview}

What’s the best order to deep clean a house? House cleaning professional Filip Boksa says to work your way around a room clockwise, going from top to bottom. He recommends starting with decluttering and removing any trash. Then, continues Boksa, do any laundry, dust lampshades and furniture, wipe down surfaces, and sweep/mop the floors. Finally, concludes Boksa, vacuum upholstery and carpets last.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Filip Boksa
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview}