I’ll admit that I’m pretty particular about the way I clean my space. Though I tidy up a little bit each day, I still find myself deep cleaning at least once a month. Brian’s tried to convince me that it’s unnecessary to clean as frequently and thoroughly as I do. He’s appeared by my side with a cordless sweeper, a long-handled broom, scrub-free bathroom cleaners, and all kinds of Swiffer products. As helpful as he is, I still prefer a more up-close and personal approach: sweeping and scrubbing while on my hands and knees. Sure, it’s a workout, but it remains the most effective way for me to ensure that the dust, crumbs, and grime are gone.
Everyone’s happy place is different; my happy place is a clean space.
Clutter-Free Joy
The accumulation of clutter can lead to a cycle of depression, anxiety, and even more clutter. It has an impact on how we prioritize our time and navigate our thoughts. Although clutter comes in different forms, I recognize that my perception of it may be more granular than others’.
To me, clutter can appear as dust on surfaces, unfinished projects, items with no home, and purposeless knick-knacks that don’t bring me joy. A clean, clutter-free space truly helps me feel balanced and at peace. When things start to pile up, I feel the itch and know it’s time for a deep cleaning!
Tried and True Deep Cleaning Techniques
Whether you’re a cleanaholic or just someone who values a tidy space, these deep cleaning techniques will leave your home looking and feeling ultra-clean.
Dance it Out with Furniture and Appliances
Move all that you can to get under and behind furniture and appliances when cleaning. You’d be surprised at how much gunk accumulates in hidden areas! Brian and I discovered all kinds of goodies that the previous owners left beneath the refrigerator. Ick.
If you’re unable to move things out of the way, try to find ways to clean beneath them as well as you can. I’ve used all kinds of vacuums, poles, and rags to get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. My favorite tool is our trusty Shop Vac! So much power!
Tops of Doors & Other Neglected Afterthoughts
Have you ever looked at the top of your door and door frame? I started paying more attention to these neglected treasures once I realized how dirty they had gotten! Windowsills, ceiling fans, light fixtures, range hood filters, and even the top of the refrigerator are all places that tend to frequently slip under the radar. Consider the last time you cleaned something that wasn’t a very obvious area to clean. Have you checked on it lately? Grab a ladder and a damp cloth, and get ready for some deep cleaning!
Hand Sweep and Mop
Brian et al. have told me that this isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do. I can understand that; sometimes it’s not my favorite either. However, using a handheld brush and dustpan gets me closer to the floor, which puts the mess at eye level. I spend my time carefully sweeping through each room, paying close attention to corners and less-trafficked areas. Sometimes, I’ll go over my sweeping with a vacuum for an extra level of thoroughness.
Though the house cleaning industry has come a long way with modern cleaning equipment, I haven’t found a solution that picks up all of the dirt and debris I find other than through manual cleaning. I’ve used the Swiffer WetJet a number of times in the past, but it doesn’t compare to a good ol’ fashioned hand scrub. I like to hand mop with a bucket of warm water, dish detergent, and a bit of vinegar. It’s effective, detailed, and an excellent workout.
Refresh Baseboards
Cleaning the floors by hand also brings me closer to my baseboards. These little ledges finish off a room so nicely, but they’re also major dust collectors! Wipe them down for a deep clean finish. Many people swear by using a dryer sheet to help pick up the dust, but I just stick to sweeping and mopping baseboards while I am cleaning the floor. Different strokes for different folks!
Stay on Top of Windows and Window Blinds
From the inside looking out, windows are the gateway to the world outside. Looking outside from your home, there are a range of sights to appreciate, from sunshine and greenery to cozy, rainy days and the quiet calm of dusk. I don’t know about you, but I don’t enjoy it when my view is limited because of a grimy window.
Wiping down windows from the inside helps keep smudges and dust at bay. If you can, try to clean them from the outside, too. I also tend to wipe down the window blinds while I’m at it for that extra shine.
Degrease Those Kitchen Cabinets
If you use your kitchen even a little, then you know how messy it can get. Over time, odors, grease, and dust gradually build on top of one another. Give your kitchen a deep cleaning by thoroughly scrubbing every surface, including your kitchen cabinets. Even if you’re not much of a cook, you’re bound to find stray stains, smudges, and the occasional smeared fingerprint.
Honorable Mentions
There are countless ways to deep clean a home. Today, I’ve shared with you six of my favorite deep cleaning moves that I make whenever I crave an ultra-clean space. Other satisfying honorable mentions include:
- Cleaning out the entire refrigerator, inclusive of soaking drawers and shelves
- Scrubbing down the oven with an oven cleaner or homemade mix of baking soda, salt, and water
- Wiping down everyday use items like door knobs and light switches
- Taking off all sofa cushions, vacuum beneath, and remove and wash/spot clean cushion covers
- Vacuuming the dust out of all HVAC vents
- Toothbrushing grout lines
A well-kept space can allow you to fully enjoy your surroundings, whether you choose to clean your home yourself or prefer to hire someone out. If I had more hours in my day, I could probably spend some more time cleaning. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but it certainly makes me happy and brings me peace of mind!
Is Deep Cleaning Worth It?
It could be. I know it is for me! However, you might feel differently. I enjoy a deep clean because it clears my head and helps me focus on the other things I enjoy. I also find cleaning to be meditative in a lot of ways. A clean, clutter-free space promotes clarity and a sense of well-being.
What do you think about deep cleaning? Do you think it would be beneficial to you?
2 Responses
I love the idea of making cleaning a workout! Getting up close and personal with the dust and grime ensures nothing gets missed. Your method of using a handheld brush and dustpan is something I’ll definitely try. Great insights!
Much appreciated! It’s so true. Once I started thinking of cleaning as a workout, it changed the experience for me. It really makes cleaning feel more rewarding!!