The Ultimate House Deep Cleaning Checklist You Should Know

A successful deep clean begins well before any scrubbing starts. Taking time to plan and declutter upfront makes the entire process faster, less overwhelming and far more effective.

Start by choosing a realistic approach. Some homes can handle a one-day deep-cleaning blitz, while others benefit from spreading tasks over several days. Decide which areas matter most — kitchens, bathrooms, floors or storage-heavy spaces — so energy is focused where it will have the biggest impact.

Next, gather all supplies at once. Cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, trash bags, donation boxes and storage bins should be ready before you begin. This prevents unnecessary stops and keeps momentum going as you move from room to room, clear surfaces, open windows for ventilation and protect floors or furniture as needed.

Before deep cleaning, declutter each space quickly and intentionally. Removing excess items makes it easier to clean thoroughly and helps reveal what truly belongs in the room. Create simple categories — keep, donate, discard, sell and relocate — and avoid overthinking each decision. If an item hasn’t been used in months, no longer fits your lifestyle, or serves only a seasonal purpose, it may not need to stay in the home full-time.

Deep cleaning often surfaces bulky or rarely used belongings that disrupt everyday living. Setting these items aside for temporary or longer-term storage can free up space immediately and help your freshly cleaned home stay organized longer.

Finally, keep safety top of mind. Wear gloves when appropriate, avoid mixing cleaning products and ensure proper airflow when using stronger cleaners.

Instead of tackling one room at a time from start to finish, deep cleaning works best when approached by category. Cleaning similar items together — like surfaces, floors or fixtures — reduces backtracking and helps ensure nothing gets missed as you move through the house.

Start with tasks that create dust or debris and work your way down. For example, cleaning ceiling fans and vents before floors prevents rework later. This method also allows you to use the same tools and cleaners across multiple spaces, making the process more efficient.

Focus on these core categories first:

Surfaces & Fixtures

These are often overlooked during regular cleaning but make a noticeable difference when refreshed.

• Walls, baseboards, doors and trim

• Light switches, outlet covers and door handles

• Light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents and registers

• Windows, tracks, screens, blinds and curtain rods

Floors & Soft Surfaces

Deep-cleaning floors and fabrics helps remove allergens, odors and long-term buildup.

• Carpets, rugs, runners and mats

• Hardwood, tile, laminate and grout

• Upholstery, cushions, throws and fabric headboards

Tools

• Duster or dust cloth
• Broom
• Dustpan and Brush
• Spray bottle
• Toilet brush
• Squeegee
• Stiff bristle brush or pumice stone* (*for porcelain only!)
• Mop

Supplies

• Eco-friendly cleaning solutions and/or any of the following products
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• All-purpose bathroom cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes
• Boxes and/or crates for storage

The kitchen sees constant use, which means grease, crumbs and bacteria can quietly accumulate over time. A deep clean restores both cleanliness and functionality.

Begin by working top to bottom and emptying areas before cleaning whenever possible, so surfaces can be fully wiped and reorganized.

• Appliances (inside and out): Clean the oven, stovetop, hood filter, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. Don’t forget appliance sides, handles and control panels.

• Cabinets and drawers: Remove contents, wipe shelves and interiors, then only return items you actually use.

• Countertops and backsplash: Scrub thoroughly, paying attention to seams, grout lines and behind small appliances.

• Sink and disposal: Disinfect the basin, polish the faucet and freshen the disposal with baking soda and vinegar or citrus peels.

• Pantry refresh: Check expiration dates, wipe shelves and group similar items so everything is easy to find.

Bathrooms may be smaller than other rooms, but they require extra attention due to moisture, daily use and hidden buildup. A thorough deep clean helps prevent mold and odors while making the space feel noticeably fresher.

Work from top to bottom and allow cleaners to sit for a few minutes where needed to break down soap scum and grime before scrubbing.

• Shower and tub: Scrub walls, doors, grout lines and fixtures. Pay special attention to corners, shelves and areas where water pools.

• Toilet: Clean and disinfect the bowl, tank, base, hinges and the floor behind it — a commonly missed spot.

• Sink and vanity: Wipe down faucets, handles and basins. Empty drawers and cabinets, discard expired products, and clean interiors before reorganizing.

• Mirrors and glass: Remove streaks and fingerprints using a lint-free cloth.

• Fans and vents: Dust or vacuum exhaust fans to improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

• Floors and baseboards: Scrub tile or vinyl flooring and clean grout lines thoroughly.

Living rooms, family rooms, studies and shared spaces quietly collect dust and clutter, especially in high-traffic households. Deep cleaning these areas restores comfort and makes the home feel more inviting overall.

Start by removing loose items and decor so surfaces can be cleaned properly before putting anything back.

• Upholstered furniture: Vacuum cushions, seams and under furniture. Spot-clean stains and rotate cushions if possible.

• Hard surfaces: Dust and wipe shelving, coffee tables, side tables, mantels and media consoles.

• Electronics: Gently clean TV screens, remotes, gaming controllers and cords using appropriate tools.

• Decor and accessories: Clean lamps, frames, plants (real or artificial) and decorative objects before restyling.

• Entryways and drop zones: Tidy shoes, bags, coats and everyday items that tend to accumulate near doors.

• Baseboards and corners: Finish by addressing edges where dust tends to gather unnoticed.

Bedrooms should feel comfortable and restorative. Clutter and dust, however, can quickly disrupt that. A deep clean helps reset the space and makes it easier to keep tidy moving forward.

Start by stripping the bed and clearing surfaces so everything can be cleaned thoroughly before being put back.

• Mattress and bed frame: Vacuum the mattress, spot-clean stains, and wipe down bed frames, headboards, and slats.

• Bedding and textiles: Wash sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, comforters and decorative pillows according to care instructions.

• Nightstands and dressers: Empty drawers, wipe interiors and return only items you actually use.

• Closets: Edit clothing first, then clean shelves, rods and floors before reorganizing.

• Under-bed storage: Remove items, vacuum thoroughly and reassess what belongs there long-term.

• Windows, lamps and surfaces: Dust blinds, wipe lampshades and clean mirrors and window glass.

• Floors and baseboards: Finish by vacuuming or mopping floors and cleaning along edges.

These spaces often become catch-alls for everything that doesn’t have a clear home — which is why deep cleaning them can make such a noticeable difference throughout the rest of the house.

Garage, Basement & Utility Spaces

Focus on creating order first, then cleaning.

• Sort items into clear zones (tools, seasonal decor, sports equipment, household supplies)

• Dispose of broken or unused items responsibly

• Sweep floors and wipe down shelving

• Use vertical storage to free up floor space

• Group seasonal or rarely used items together for easy access

Outdoor Areas

Refreshing outdoor spaces helps extend your deep clean beyond the walls of your home.

• Clean patios, decks, balconies and entryways

• Wash outdoor furniture and cushions

• Shake out mats and clean railings

• Prepare seasonal items for storage when not in use

Because these areas store bulky, seasonal or infrequently used items, they’re often the best place to reassess what truly needs to stay accessible year-round. 

One of the biggest benefits of deep cleaning is clarity. As you move through each space, it becomes easier to see which items support daily life — and which ones quietly take up valuable room.

In general, items worth keeping at home are those you use weekly or monthly, rely on for routines or genuinely enjoy seeing and accessing. Everything else deserves a second look.

Items that often make sense to store elsewhere include:

• Seasonal belongings, such as holiday decor, winter gear or warm-weather equipment

• Bulky items that crowd closets or living spaces, like extra furniture and spare appliances

• Occasionally used items, including hosting supplies, specialty cookware, pool accessories or hobby gear

• Sentimental items that you want to keep safe but don’t need to access regularly

• Transitional belongings, such as items kept during moves, renovations or life changes

Once the deep clean is complete, a few simple habits can help maintain that freshly reset feeling without requiring another full overhaul anytime soon.

Start by shifting from “deep clean” mode to light, consistent upkeep. Weekly resets — wiping surfaces, tidying clutter and doing a quick vacuum — prevent buildup from returning. Monthly check-ins are a good time to clean overlooked spots like vents, baseboards and storage areas before they become problems again.

It also helps to be intentional about what re-enters your space. Before bringing items back out of storage, buying duplicates or accepting hand-me-downs, consider whether they truly serve a purpose in your home right now. Fewer excess items mean less to manage over time.

Finally, treat your deep clean as a seasonal or situational tool rather than a one-time event. Whether it’s a quarterly refresh or a pre-holiday reset, revisiting this checklist when needed keeps your home feeling lighter and more manageable year-round.

This may feel like a daunting list of tasks, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, you can break it up into manageable chunks and tackle one area or room at a time to make it more manageable. If this is the first time you’re tackling a major cleanout, take advantage of the opportunity to declutter, get organized and create a plan to maintain your space. Here’s a quick recap of what you need to do to get started:

• Plan your deep clean with a realistic timeline and clear priorities

• Gather supplies and prep rooms before starting

• Declutter first to make cleaning faster and more effective

• Tackle cleaning by category, starting from the top down

• Deep clean high-impact areas like kitchens and bathrooms thoroughly

• Refresh bedrooms and shared spaces to improve daily comfort

• Reassess garages, basements, and outdoor areas for excess items

• Decide what to keep at home and what to store elsewhere

• Set simple weekly and monthly habits to maintain results

And as always, check out the many options for storing your excess belongings conveniently and affordably at SmartStop Self Storage.