Let’s be honest—deep cleaning isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time (unless you moonlight as a vacuum influencer or name your dust bunnies). But if you’re like the majority of busy moms (and dads) having a deep house cleaning checklist? That changes everything.
With a plan in place, you don’t have to overthink the details or wonder what to tackle next. It takes the guesswork and mental load out of the process which makes a big job feel way more doable.
So, to help you reduce as much cleaning stress as we can we’re sharing a printable deep cleaning house checklist you can use once or twice a year (like we do with our spring cleaning checklist).
We’ve also included a helpful non-toxic cleaning supplies list below so you don’t forget any of the essentials either.
Index: Deep Cleaning Checklist
- Cleaning Supplies List Jump to section
- Time Management Jump to section
- Deep Cleaning Checklist Jump to section
Cleaning Supplies List
Before you get started, make sure you have the right cleaning essentials. Nothing derails momentum like having to run out mid-scrub for a sponge or spray.
We recommend gathering non-toxic cleaning products and you can also find a lot of alternatives from our favorite eco-friendly cleaning brands so your clean home doesn’t come at the expense of your health or the environment. These products are better for indoor air quality, safer for kids and pets, and less damaging to our waterways.
Here’s what to keep on hand:
- Vacuum with attachments: Look for models with HEPA filters to reduce allergens.
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and bucket (or spray mop): pair your eco-friendly mop with recycled rags or 100% cotton flannel.
- Reusable cloths and rags: Paper towels are so last decade, today the only paper towel we should all be using are reusable paper towels to cut waste and save money.
- Scrub brushes (various sizes)
- Toilet brush
- Extendable duster: Great for reaching ceiling fans and light fixtures.
- Non-toxic all-purpose cleaner: Brands like Common Good, Meliora, or Branch Basics are great picks.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Versatile, inexpensive, and incredibly effective.
- Glass cleaner: A simple mix of vinegar and water does the trick.
- Disinfectant spray or wipes: Choose plant-based options with safer active ingredients (like hydrogen peroxide).
- Laundry detergent: Opt for biodegradable and fragrance-free brands that come in refillable or plastic-free packaging.
- Rubber gloves: We typically don’t use gloves but if you do opt for reusable and latex-free if possible.
Before buying anything new, see what you already have. Many household staples can double as powerful cleaning agents, and making your own DIY cleaning products (we’ve put together a lot of homemade cleaning solutions for you to whip up) is often the most sustainable (and cost-effective) option. Having your cleaning supplies checklist ready in advance also helps prevent interruptions (especially when you’re aim is to finish cleaning as soon as you possibly can!).
Time Management
Deep cleaning your whole home in one weekend? That’s a one-way ticket to burnout (and let’s be honest, missed spots). Instead, break the process into manageable chunks by focusing on one room at a time. You’ll get better results—and save your energy—when you give each space your full attention.
Plan to spend 2–3 hours per room, depending on how lived-in (read: messy) it is. Spread the work out over a couple of weeks, mixing in lighter tasks with heavier ones to keep your momentum going.
Start by decluttering. You can’t deep clean around piles of stuff, and clearing things out first makes every surface easier to tackle. Sort items into “keep,” “donate,” or “recycle” to avoid decision fatigue later. Once your space is streamlined, that’s your green light to start scrubbing, dusting, and freshening everything from the ceiling fans to the floorboards.
Deep Cleaning Checklist
Use this deep cleaning to do list as your seasonal or annual reset—a room-by-room guide to get into every nook and cranny for a sparkling home.
Kitchen
- Wipe walls, cabinet doors, backsplash, and kickboards
- Empty, declutter and clean cabinets and drawers
- Deep clean appliances inside and out
- Clean behind and beneath large appliances
- Wash trash can and compost bin
- Clean and descale taps and drain
- Deep Clean Fridge and Freezer (throw out expired frozen produce)
Bathroom
- Scrub grout and tile thoroughly
- Disinfect all toilet parts and bathroom fixtures
- Deep clean shower screens and curtain
- Declutter and empty cabinets and clean all surfaces inside
- Wipe down walls, mirrors, and light fixtures
- Wash Bath Mats, hand towels, bath towels and shower curtains
- Sanitize trash cans
- Clean windows, vents and exhaust fans
Bedroom
- Wash all bedding including pillows and duvets
- Flip/rotate mattress and vacuum mattress surface
- Clean under bed and dressers
- Wipe down furniture and vacuum upholstery
- Wash curtains or clean blinds
Living Room
- Move furniture and vacuum underneath
- Wipe and dust electronics and decor
- Wash throw pillow covers and blankets
- Vacuum rugs, carpets and upholstery
- Clean windows, windowsills, and door glass
Entryway / Hallway
- Mop floors and spot clean scuffs
- Declutter entry storage, clean mats
- Wipe baseboards, door handles, and switch plates
Laundry Area
- Clean inside and outside of the washer and dryer
- Wipe down cabinets, shelves, and countertops
- Clean out dryer vents and washing machine filters
- Declutter old cleaning products and organize supplies
- Sanitize laundry baskets and hampers
- Sweep and mop floors
Dining Room
- Dust and polish dining table, chairs, and furniture
- Clean light fixtures and windows
- Wash table linens, placemats, and napkins
- Wipe down walls, baseboards, and cabinets
- Declutter and organize storage areas
Whole Home
- Clean ceiling fans and vents
- Dust baseboards, window frames, and ledges
- Sanitize door handles, switch plates, and banisters
- Wash walls or spot clean marks
- Replace air filters if needed
- Replace air filters and batteries in smoke/CO2 detectors
Download this free ultimate house cleaning checklist as tool to make deep cleaning feel less daunting and more doable. Whether you’re tackling everything in a weekend or spreading it out over a few weeks, this home cleaning guide will help you stay on track and feel accomplished with every tick off the list.
And if you need something a little more simple, have a look at our basic cleaning checklist for a daily, weekly, monthly cleaning schedule.