If you’ve never owned a home before, cleaning it from top to bottom for the first time can feel like a daunting task. Here’s a guide to deep-cleaning your house.
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Declutter
Before you start cleaning, get rid of as many items as you can — then you’ll have less to do! If you haven’t touched it or worn it in the past year, ask yourself: Do you really need it? -
Start at the top
Gravity can be your friend — or your enemy. Start cleaning at the top of each room and work your way down so that you aren’t knocking dust and debris onto your freshly cleaned floors. -
Let there be light
When was the last time someone cleaned your light fixtures? Many of them can be detached for a deep cleaning in the sink or tub. -
Screens and windows
Remove screens, wipe them down, and dry them. Then wash your windows on the inside and outside. Scrub your windowsills while you’re at it. -
Clean out your dryer vent
Despite the best effort of lint traps in dryers everywhere, quite a bit of lint still gets into dryer vents. It's not only a potential allergen, but also a fire hazard, so clean them seasonally. -
Vinegar-steam your microwave
Put a cup of white vinegar and a cup of water in a microwave-safe container, crank up the power and nuke it for 5 to 10 minutes. Then wipe it down. -
Detail your kitchen appliances
Clean your oven, your fridge, and your stovetop at a micro level; this would be a good time to remove everything from your kitchen counters and clean them, too. -
Deep-clean your floors
You might have a few different kinds of flooring in your home. Make sure you’re using the cleaning technique best-suited to each type of floor for best results. -
Organize, organize, organize
Establish a place for everything and put everything in its place. When you always know where to find the essentials, you’ll find your life in your home goes more smoothly.
