9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean

posted by Stacie on September 27, 2016 // 21 Comments »

Let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of us who 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.

9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean

Here are some tips to help you when it is your time to clean the house:

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 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 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.

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9 Tips for a Deep Household Clean

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 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. If you discover any moldy spots, like in the fridge, follow this guide on cleaning a moldy fridge to tackle it effectively. Give your kid some wipes or spray and have them do the baseboards, light switches, and around door knobs.

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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 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 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!