Maintaining a clean and organised home is a goal many of us strive for. However, the prospect of cleaning an entire house can seem and it definitely is overwhelming especially when you have so many other things to dedicate your attention to! To make the tasks more manageable, it's crucial to have a well-structured plan. In this blog, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on where to start when cleaning your house, along with a downloadable cleaning to-do list to make your life a little easier and your cleaning structure a little more manageable.
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary cleaning supplies. This includes a variety of cleaning products, but which cleaning products do you need? It depends on your preferences and the surfaces you're cleaning. Ensure you have suitable products for different areas of your house.
Which Cleaning Products: Select effective cleaning products that cater to your specific cleaning needs. Be mindful of eco-friendly options or products that are safe for pets if you have cats or dogs.
Which Cleaning Products Kill Bacteria: To ensure a hygienic environment, look for cleaning products with antibacterial properties. These can help in eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses.
Cleaning Without Chemicals: If you prefer a chemical-free approach, consider cleaning without chemicals. White vinegar, for example, is a versatile and natural cleaning agent that can be used effectively.
Step 2: Declutter and Organise
Before diving into cleaning, start by decluttering. It's essential to tidy up and put away items that are out of place. An organised space will make cleaning more efficient.
Step 3: Set a Cleaning Schedule
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, set a cleaning schedule. Determine when you have the time and energy to clean, and allocate specific tasks to different days or times. A cleaning schedule helps keep you on track.
How Cleaning Schedule Helps: Having a schedule ensures that you allocate enough time for each room. For example, you might decide to clean one room per day or dedicate a morning or afternoon to cleaning.
Step 4: Start with High-Traffic Areas
Begin your cleaning journey in high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, or hallway. These spaces typically require more attention, so focusing on them first is a practical approach.
When Cleaning a House Where to Start: Starting in these areas ensures that the most commonly used spaces are clean and fresh.
Step 5: Work from Top to Bottom
When cleaning each room, work from top to bottom. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves before tackling surfaces at eye level. This approach ensures that any dust or dirt that falls gets cleaned up as you work your way down.
Step 6: Vacuum and Mop Floors
Once surfaces and other areas are clean, it's time to tackle the floors. Vacuum carpets and rugs and mop hard floors. Be sure to use the appropriate cleaning products for each type of flooring.
Step 7: Room-Specific Tasks
Now, let's dive into specific tasks for different rooms to ensure you ain't missing anything and your home is spotless when you are done!
Kitchen
Wash and put away any dirty dishes.
Clean and disinfect the sink and faucet.
Clear countertops and clean appliances, including the stove and refrigerator.
Wipe down cabinet surfaces and handles.
Sweep or vacuum the floor, then mop it with a suitable cleaning solution.
Living Room
Wipe down electronics and remote controls.
Dust surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and décor.
Vacuum carpets or sweep hard floors.
Vacuum or clean couches and upholstery as needed.
Clean windows and window sills.
Bathroom
Clean mirrors and glass.
Disinfect the sink, faucet, and countertops.
Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the seat, bowl, and exterior.
Scrub the shower or bathtub.
Clean tiles on walls and floors.
Sweep or vacuum the floor, then mop it with a suitable cleaning solution.
Bedrooms
Straighten up and put away any clutter.
Make the bed with fresh linens (before doing so, make sure you refresh your mattress to keep it bacteria-free, if you want to learn how read our article The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Mattress Fresh and Clean in 5 Easy Steps)
Dust surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and décor.
Vacuum carpets or sweep hard floors.
Clean windows and window sills.
Children's Room
Organise and put away toys.
Make the bed with fresh linens.
Dust surfaces, shelves, and wipe down furniture.
Vacuum carpets or sweep hard floors.
Clean windows and window sills.
Step 8: Final Touches
After cleaning each room, do a final inspection to make sure you haven't missed anything. Replace any items you moved during cleaning, and check that the rooms look and smells clean. You can add final touches by inserting diffusers around your home in selected rooms, plug-in and bathroom fresheners should you wish to!
For your convenience, we've prepared a downloadable cleaning to-do list that you can use as a checklist to ensure you don't miss any essential cleaning tasks. To download the list click here.
As you go you may find that your home needs additional tasks that best fit its character, so go all out and feel free to customise the list to suit your home's needs. After a while you may end up with a completely different list and that's completely okay - this is only a starting point to get you going!
Conclusion:
Remember that maintaining a clean house is an ongoing process. Regular cleaning routines will help keep your space fresh and comfortable. How often you clean your home is entirely up to you, we recommend doing a deep clean at least once a week to ensure there is no dust and bacteria build-up which can cause you allergic reactions. With a structured plan and the right approach, house cleaning can be a manageable and even a therapeutic task.
However always remember that no one is perfect and keeping a clean home at all times is nearly impossible, especially if you have a busy routine or children and pets.
We, from Miss Clean Home are always here to help you in your domestic or commercial cleaning encounters.
For professional cleaning services in the Folkestone and Kent area, reach out to us and we can provide our services and take away your stress in no-time! You can now request a free quote specifying the needs of your space and our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a custom quote.