Your Guide To Deep Clean Your Home

We all want our homes to be spick and span all the time. While we do our best to ensure our homes remain clean always, there are areas where a daily cleanup is just not possible. These need a deep clean. We have talked about deep cleaning across our articles. But, what exactly is deep cleaning and how is it different from the regular cleaning?

Basic cleaning is the daily cleaning routine that we follow using regular cleaning products. During this process, the things that are out in the open and in vision are cleaned and kept dust-free. On the other hand, deep cleaning is a process that we perform once in, say, six months. During this process attention is paid to clean those tiny corners that need dirt removal and disinfection. While basic cleaning would take an hour or so on an average, deep cleaning could take hours.

Also read: Moving Into A New Home? You Would Need The Help Of These Professionals

Things done during regular cleaning

• Dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Removing cobwebs
• Dusting blinds and window sills
• Dusting articles of furniture
• Dusting photo frames and other decorative
• Cleaning of appliances including refrigerator, microwave and water purifier/dispenser
• Cleaning of stove-top and backsplashes
• Scrubbing sinks
• Windexing mirrors
• Wiping of bathroom vanity, tubs, and other fixtures
• Emptying laundry bags
• Changing bedsheets
• Vacuuming carpets, flooring and staircase

Things done during deep cleaning

• Removing and washing of ceiling fan blades
• Using disinfectant to clean light fixtures
• Cleaning vacuum blinds and shutters
• Wiping furniture with disinfectant and waxing/polishing furniture and other woodwork
• Washing of lampshades
• Scrubbing stovetop and other pans
• Use cleaning liquid to rub cabinet doors
• Use disinfectant to clean light switch plates
• Windex mirrors
• Scrub bathroom fittings, flooring, tubs and vanity using disinfectant
• Mop flooring, staircase with disinfectant
• Vacuum carpets or get them dry-cleaned

But while you clean, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Cleaning your home in a wrong order will cost you time. It is essential that you first clean the ceiling and then the floor.  Always clean things or room area that needs a lot of attention. Then go for the ones that can be cleaned easily.

• Do not use glass cleaning agents for electronic devices. Use specific cleaning agents recommended for that particular area. Clean materials such as leather with a recommended cleaning agent. Avoid use of abrasive cleaner on the surfaces. When used in excess these cleaners can damage the materials. A simple soft scrub soaked in soap water can clean metal, plastic and painted surfaces. If the intent is to disinfect an area, then read the label to check whether your way of cleaning meets the purpose.

• Always cover your hands. Never spray your cleaner directly onto the surface. Instead spray the cleaner on the cloth and then use it for wiping. This will save the amount of cleaner you consume reducing the chance of chemical burn.

• Do not wash windows on a sunny day. When exposed to sunlight, the glass cleaners leave streaks and are bad for drying up.

• Avoid over-filling the dishwasher. This will reduce the effectiveness of the wash.

• Keep aside different sponge clothes for the bathroom, kitchen sink and floors. Replace the kitchen sponge when it starts to stain and fall apart.

• Clean the carpet spills as soon as possible. Never scrub your carpet as scrubbing is ineffective. Instead blot the satin with a dry towel, then soak the area in ice water.

• Do not neglect the rubbish bin. Avoid using the same cloth for all the rooms.

With inputs from Mishika Chawla