How to Deep Clean Your Home: 27 Steps for a Spotless Weekend

Work top to bottom and dry areas before wet ones. A simple order is bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, then floors. For related projects, see the Home and Garden guides.

Collect microfibre cloths, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, brushes, gloves, a bucket and a vacuum. Keep everything in one caddy so you can move room to room.

Crack windows where safe while using sprays. If the weather is cold, ventilate for a few minutes between rooms instead of keeping one window open all day.

Put away items, throw obvious rubbish and move objects to a staging basket. Do not start deep sorting during the cleaning session.

Start with shelves, light fixtures, tops of cabinets and picture frames. Use a dry microfibre cloth or a duster, then move downward.

A duster on an extendable pole can reach ceiling corners. If a web sticks, wipe the corner with a damp cloth afterward.

Use a lightly dampened cloth on light switches, door handles, taps and remote controls. If using disinfectant, follow the product's contact time.

Use a microfibre glove or a vacuum brush attachment. Finish with a damp cloth on the sill and frame to catch loosened dust.

Spray glass cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the pane where possible, then wipe with a dry cloth. Work from top to bottom in overlapping strokes.

A stiff brush, damp cloth and vacuum nozzle can remove dirt from tracks. Finish by wiping the sill with an all-purpose cleaner.

Run a damp microfibre cloth along baseboards, door frames and radiator edges. Use a toothbrush for corners where dust collects.

Vacuum cushions, arms, backs and seams. If furniture has removable covers, check the care label before washing.

Use a damp microfibre cloth with a little mild detergent on marks near switches and corners. Avoid soaking painted walls or abrasive pads.

Wipe from top to bottom and dry immediately. For sticky handles and hinges, use a soft brush and a mild degreaser.

Remove grates if possible and soak them. Spray the surrounding wall or splashback, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a non-scratch pad.

Remove racks, apply oven cleaner if needed, and let it work for the stated time. Rinse thoroughly and run the oven empty on a low heat if residue remains.

Scrub the basin, taps and drain ring with baking soda or mild cleaner. Rinse the drain with hot water and remove any trapped food.

Use a descaling solution or white vinegar according to the appliance manual. Run several clean-water cycles afterward.

Take out removable shelves, wash with warm soapy water and dry before replacing. Wipe the interior with a mild cleaner and discard old food.

Apply a bathroom cleaner to tiles and grout, wait, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse well and squeegee glass or tile walls to reduce streaks.

Wipe the lid, seat, hinge covers, bowl rim and base. Use separate cloths for the toilet and sink, and let disinfectant sit for the recommended time.

Plastic liners often need a gentle cycle with towels to balance the load. Hang the curtain back up while damp so it dries straight.

Use gloves and a drain tool to remove hair, then flush with hot water. Avoid mixing different chemical cleaners in the same drain.

Move light chairs and tables, then use the crevice tool under beds and sofas. Check for lost items before vacuuming too deeply.

Vacuum or sweep before mopping. Start at the far corner and mop toward the door, rinsing the mop often enough that you are not spreading dirt.

Wash cushion covers, throws and bed linens according to care labels. Air rugs and curtains outside if weather allows.

Walk each room and look for missed spots, streaks and wet surfaces. Open windows briefly to dry floors, then put cleaning supplies away before they become clutter.