A deep clean goes beyond the usual tidying up—it’s about getting into every nook and cranny, making your home sparkle from top to bottom. Professional cleaners know the right spots to target and the best methods to get your space spotless.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone to help, here are 11 things a professional cleaner would never skip during a deep clean—because sometimes it’s the little details that make the biggest difference.
1. Dusting High and Low
Professional cleaners always start by dusting high surfaces, like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and crown molding, before moving on to lower areas. Why? Because dust and debris fall as you work your way down. By starting high, they ensure they’re not cleaning the same spot twice.
Make sure to get every corner, and don’t forget to dust the baseboards and behind furniture. Using a microfiber cloth or a duster with an extendable handle can help you reach those higher spots without a ladder.
2. Cleaning Behind Appliances
One of the most overlooked places in any home is the space behind appliances, like the fridge, stove, and dishwasher. Professionals know that this area can collect dust, crumbs, and even spills that go unnoticed. It’s essential for keeping your kitchen clean and hygienic.
For a thorough clean, pull out the appliances and vacuum or mop the floor underneath. It’s a game-changer for getting rid of hidden messes and preventing long-term build-up.
3. Scrubbing Grout and Tiles
Grout can be a nightmare to clean, but it’s something that professionals don’t skip. Over time, grout between tiles can discolor and collect grime, leaving your floors and walls looking dull. A professional cleaner will use a specialized grout cleaner or a DIY paste made of baking soda and vinegar to scrub away the stains and restore that fresh, bright appearance.
Take extra time with stubborn spots, and use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout lines for a deep clean that will make your tiles look brand new.
4. Washing Walls and Light Switches
While dusting walls may seem unnecessary, cleaning them is key to a deep clean. Fingerprints, smudges, and airborne particles can stick to walls, making them look dirty over time. Professionals know to wipe down walls with a mild cleaner, especially in high-touch areas like hallways and around light switches.
Don’t forget the light switches themselves! These spots collect germs and grime, so give them a quick scrub with a disinfecting wipe or a damp cloth.
5. Vacuuming Upholstery and Furniture
Vacuuming the floors is a given, but professional cleaners don’t stop there—they also vacuum upholstery, including sofas, armchairs, and cushions. Fabric and upholstery trap dust, pet hair, and crumbs, so cleaning them is essential to maintaining a fresh and clean home.
Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to get into the crevices, and don’t forget to flip the cushions to clean both sides. This extra step will make your furniture look and feel like new.
6. Cleaning and Flipping Mattresses
Professional cleaners know that a deep clean isn’t complete without tending to your mattress. Flipping and rotating the mattress ensures even wear, while vacuuming it helps remove dust mites, dirt, and allergens that can accumulate over time.
Be sure to use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to clean both sides of the mattress, and don’t forget to freshen it up with a light sprinkle of baking soda to neutralize odors.
7. Disinfecting High-Touch Areas
Things like doorknobs, handles, and remote controls are all touched frequently and can harbor germs. During a deep clean, professional cleaners make sure to disinfect these high-touch areas thoroughly. This helps keep your home germ-free and ensures that the spaces you use most often are as clean as possible.
Use a disinfectant wipe or a cleaner with antibacterial properties to wipe down these surfaces. It’s an easy step that has a big impact on overall cleanliness.
8. Cleaning Vents and Air Ducts
Air vents and ducts can be major dust collectors, and ignoring them can lead to poor air quality in your home. Professional cleaners often use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean vents and grilles, helping to improve airflow and reduce dust accumulation.
Don’t forget the area around your vents, as dust can easily build up there as well. Regularly cleaning these spots helps ensure cleaner air and a fresher home environment.
9. Polishing Furniture and Fixtures
Polishing furniture is often skipped in regular cleaning routines, but a deep clean wouldn’t be complete without it. Professional cleaners know that polishing wooden furniture and fixtures adds a layer of protection and keeps them looking shiny and new. Plus, it helps to prevent scratches and wear over time.
Use a wood polish or a gentle cleaning solution to buff and polish your furniture, paying special attention to areas that get frequent use, like coffee tables and side tables.
10. Cleaning Windows and Window Sills
Windows can accumulate a lot of grime, both on the glass and in the sills. During a deep clean, professionals make sure to wipe down both the windows and the surrounding areas, including the frames and sills. Clean windows allow more light into the room, making your space feel brighter and fresher.
For streak-free windows, use a microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the sills and tracks where dust and dirt can collect.
11. Vacuuming Behind and Under Furniture
It’s easy to forget to clean behind and under large furniture pieces, but these areas can be home to dust bunnies, pet hair, and debris. Professional cleaners know that vacuuming these hidden spaces is a crucial part of any deep clean.
If your furniture is heavy, consider moving it for a thorough vacuuming session. Even if it’s not possible to move everything, try using a broom or vacuum hose attachment to reach the areas under your couch or bed.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.