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9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean
9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean
Let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of us who actually like cleaning. Or is that just me? A few times a year my home will reach a point where I know it has been too long since it’s had a good, deep cleaning. Those layers of dust are piling up, taunting me. It is hard to get into the mode to get it done sometimes, especially with a busy schedule and a family of five. The level of mess that three kids, two dogs, and one husband are capable of creating is scary. To defeat the mess you need a plan of attack and these 9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean.
Here are some tips to help you when it is your time to really clean the house:
9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean
1. Make a checklist.
Go around the house, to each room and write down the things that stand out and have been nagging at you. Things like cobwebs and dusting. Maybe there is a repair that needs doing that isn’t a huge ordeal, but one that keeps getting overlooked because it is not a priority; put that on the list. Lists can really help you stay on track. They allow you to check things off as you go, and they help you to see your accomplishments at the end of the day!
2. Turn it into a family activity.
Don’t take it all on yourself as Mom. Chances are, you didn’t make most of the mess. Doing a deep cleaning is not meant to be for one person to do and it is completely acceptable to have help. Give your kids areas they spend a lot of time in, and tasks that won’t totally overwhelm them. Use the checklist and let them check things off as they complete them too. Give your hubby the repairs and things he does well.
3. Do the hard things first.
Start with the harder things and get them out of the way. Then as you are finishing the lighter work, you won’t feel as spent and irritated.
4. Eliminate distractions.
Assign some tasks, but be sure that things that cause distractions are not around. Turn off the television and computer. Put on some music that will help keep you motivated.
5. Get rid of clutter.
Talk to your family about getting rid of things before you start the cleaning process. Make piles for trash and for donations. Encourage everyone to pass unused items on to other people who need them. I like to use the “one year” rule. If I haven’t worn it or used it in the past year, it can go. If your kids haven’t played with something in a long time, they won’t miss it when it goes either. De-cluttering frees up space and it feels great when you see the results!
6. Organize.
Spend time on organization. The stress that you save yourself later down the road is worth its weight in gold. Use recycled boxes in drawers for dividers, or in closets to store winter clothes. Label things and file them away for later. It is good to teach this skill to your children as well. Ask them if they have any good ideas to help ready things.
7. Get to the deep cleaning.
Once the clutter is gone, and things are organized, you can get down to the nitty gritty of the dirt. You don’t want to start this part until things are out of the way. Start with the big things: Deep clean the carpets, wash down the ceiling fans, take a broom to the corners and cobwebs, and wash the windows. Remove curtains and put them in the washer. Clean the oven and the refrigerator. Give your kid some wipes or spray and have them do the baseboards, light switches and around door knobs.
8. Come up with a weekly plan.
Do the rest of the cleaning that’s left after the deep stuff is done. Things that should be a weekly chore, like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping should be finished last. Once this is done and you see the finished picture, all of that hard work will make sense.
9. Use good cleaning products that work well.
It is important to use the right tool for the job. A product like glass cleaner works fantastically on a mirror, but can ruin other surfaces. I personally use the HDX line of cleaners exclusively from Home Depot. The HDX line offers a variety of cleaning products that perform well at a great price. These products really do a great job of knocking out the dirt, and they do it at a price that won’t break the bank. That is important in our household and I love that HDX products are such a good value alternative to national brands. Make certain to try the new FlexPro kitchen trash bags and the new paper towels. You won’t want to buy anything else after trying them out!
Get more great cleaning tips
Bathroom Cleaning Tips from Your Home Based Mom
Quick Home Cleaning Routine from Honey Were Home
‘Secret’ Green Cleaning Tips for Bathrooms from An Oregon Cottage
Teaching Kids How to Clean with a Simple Game from All Things Thrifty
I am so over due for a major de-cluttering! I lack the motivation though, LOL 🙂
Great, great tips. I’ve found if I put off the hard jobs until last, I’ll use being tired as an excuse to do them the next day. And then NEVER do them…
I skipped “spring” cleaning this year so a fall cleaning is definitely in order!! I’m going to try your tip about doing the hard stuff first! I never know where to start! I need to check out that cleaning line at Home Depot! A deep clean before the holidays is a requirement for me!! Thanks!
These are all amazing tips. I ALWAYS use a check list when I’m deep cleaning the house.
Thanks for the great tips. I always make my son and husband help me when I need to deep clean the house. They don’t like it, but I refuse to do it on my own.
I am a huge fan of doing the hard things first. It gives you such a sense of accomplishment.
I am in the middle of a big deep clean on our house. Organizing has been the biggest problem for me, but I bought a bunch of organizing containers and it helped.
These are great tips, as a thorough deep cleaning every now and then is always a good idea. I tend to clean best when I have good music to motivate me!
I need to get a head start on the cleaning this weekend. I should probably do some stocking up on cleaning supplies!
These are great tips for doing a Deep Household Clean. I will have to make a plan and do it this weekend.
You have great tips here! HDX products sounds like great cleaning partners!
I love your tips. I should make it a family habit, should involve my hubby and my son!
These are excellent tips, as I am a complete neat freak! I’ve never heard of this brand and will have to check out!
I’m planning a deep clean this weekend when my guys are away at Cub Scouts. I need them out of the way to really make a dent in this dust!
Getting rid of the clutter is such a huge thing. No matter how much you clean, if you have clutter, it wont feel clean.
I am guilty of starting with the little things as well. I start by trying to “tidy up”. I get so caught up in all the little rabbit trails it takes me on that I am exhausted and out of time before I get to the big things. Thanks for the tips of how to stay on track and have a plan. I also agree that great cleaning products are a must and are a huge time saver. They keep you from having to do projects multiple times.
I have serious OCD so this list is right up my ally, and just about my regular routine. This is a wonderful list to keep everyone on track.
These are great tips! I am due with my first child Oct 31 and would love to get a good deep clean in before she comes.
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