Surely, it can be a daunting task to maintain cleanliness in your home, but with a well-structured plan, it becomes relatively manageable. A deep clean is a thorough cleaning process that ensures your living spaces are not just clean, but also healthy and safe. However, it requires adequate preparation to ensure efficiency, productivity, and longevity.
Let’s delve into 12 key things I always do before a deep clean to make the process smooth and more manageable. Let’s dive in!
1. Create a Cleaning Plan
Before I embark on a deep clean, I always draft a comprehensive plan. This involves identifying the rooms and spaces that require cleaning and the specific tasks each area needs. For instance, in the kitchen, it might involve cleaning the oven, scrubbing the sink, and cleaning out the refrigerator.
A well-articulated plan helps to keep me organized and ensures that no task is left undone. It can be as simple as a list jotted down on a piece of paper or a detailed plan on an app like Trello or Evernote. This also helps in estimating the time required for the cleaning, ensuring I allocate adequate time for each task.
2. Declutter
Decluttering is an essential step before a deep clean. This involves getting rid of unnecessary items that clutter spaces making it hard to clean. I usually go through each room, sorting out what to keep, donate, or trash.
This step not only makes cleaning easier, but it also helps in creating more space and improving the aesthetics of your home. It’s also a great way to minimize distractions during cleaning. For instance, having toys scattered all over the kid’s room can be a distraction when cleaning.
3. Gather Cleaning Supplies
There’s nothing as frustrating as starting on a task only to realize that you lack the necessary tools to complete it. Therefore, before I start a deep clean, I always ensure I’ve gathered all the necessary cleaning supplies.
These include cleaning solutions, scrub brushes, mop, vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan, microfiber cloths, and gloves among others. Having all these supplies at hand ensures a smooth cleaning process without unnecessary disruptions.
4. Inspect Appliances
Appliances are an integral part of most homes, and they also require cleaning. Before a deep clean, I always inspect appliances like the oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine to assess their cleaning needs.
This step helps in identifying any maintenance issues that may require attention. For instance, if the oven’s self-cleaning feature isn’t working, I might need to schedule a repair before cleaning.
5. Prepare Cleaning Solutions
Although there are numerous commercial cleaning solutions available, I prefer preparing my own natural cleaning solutions. This is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Before a deep clean, I prepare solutions using ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils. For instance, a mixture of vinegar and warm water makes an excellent cleaning solution for windows and mirrors.
6. Dress Appropriately
Before I start deep cleaning, I always ensure that I’m dressed appropriately. This includes wearing comfortable clothes that I don’t mind getting dirty, sturdy shoes to protect my feet, and gloves to protect my hands.
Cleaning can sometimes involve dealing with harsh cleaning solutions and dirty surfaces, which can be harmful. Therefore, dressing appropriately ensures protection, enhancing safety during cleaning.
7. Empty Trash Bins
Emptying trash bins is another vital step I always take before a deep clean. This not only creates more room for the trash that will be generated during cleaning but also eliminates bad odors that might make the cleaning process uncomfortable.
For efficiency, I usually have a large trash bag where I collect all the trash from the bins in different rooms. This not only saves time but also ensures all the trash is disposed of at once.
8. Check Corners and Hidden Areas
Before a deep clean, I usually ensure to check corners and hidden areas that often get overlooked during regular cleaning. These areas, including under the beds, behind the furniture, and corners of the rooms, usually accumulate dust and dirt over time.
Checking these areas helps in identifying the cleaning needs, ensuring a thorough deep cleaning. For instance, if the area under your bed is dusty, you might need to move the bed during cleaning to access the area.
9. Set a Timer
Deep cleaning can be time-consuming, and without proper time management, it can take up your entire day. Therefore, before I start cleaning, I always set a timer to manage my time effectively.
This helps in ensuring that I allocate adequate time for each task and also take breaks in between to avoid burnout. I usually use the Pomodoro Technique, where I work for a set amount of time, say 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
10. Ventilate the Rooms
Before embarking on a deep clean, I always ensure to ventilate the rooms. This involves opening the windows to allow fresh air in and stale air out.
This not only makes the cleaning process more comfortable but also helps in eliminating odors. It also enhances the drying process, especially if you’re cleaning carpets or washing curtains.
11. Secure Pets
If you have pets, it’s essential to secure them before starting a deep clean. This is not only for their safety but also to prevent them from distracting you during cleaning.
I usually put my dog in a secure room with his toys and treats. This not only keeps him safe but also occupied, ensuring he doesn’t interfere with the cleaning process.
12. Have a Positive Attitude
Lastly, but most importantly, I always ensure to have a positive attitude before starting a deep clean. Cleaning can be a daunting task, but with a positive mindset, it becomes manageable.
I usually listen to my favorite music or podcast during cleaning to make the process enjoyable. Remember, a positive attitude enhances productivity, making the cleaning process efficient and enjoyable.