Routine guide
Deep Cleaning Checklist
A practical routine for deeper cleans that keep your home feeling fresh.
Deep cleaning does not need to mean an all day marathon. This checklist breaks bigger jobs into room based steps so you can complete them over several sessions or in one focused block, depending on your energy.
Step by step checklist
- 1
Plan which rooms to deep clean
Decide which rooms or areas need a deeper clean this time such as the kitchen, bathroom or hallway. Focusing on a limited set keeps the routine achievable.
- 2
Gather supplies and set up
Collect cleaning products, cloths, bin bags and any tools you need. Having everything to hand reduces friction and stops you from wandering off mid task.
- 3
Kitchen deep clean
Work from top to bottom. Dust high shelves, wipe cupboard fronts, clean the hob and oven if needed and move small appliances to clean underneath. Finish by mopping the floor.
- 4
Bathroom deep clean
Scrub the bath or shower, clean grout and tiles as needed, descale taps and shower heads and wash bathmats. Wipe mirrors and finish with the floor.
- 5
Bedroom deep clean
Rotate or flip the mattress if appropriate, vacuum under the bed, dust less obvious surfaces and wash curtains or pillow protectors.
- 6
Hallways and entryways
Clean doors, skirting boards and light switches, shake out doormats and give the floor a more thorough clean than usual.
Tips to make this routine easier
- Spread deep cleaning steps over several weekends rather than doing everything at once.
- Pair each deep clean with a simpler weekly reset so maintenance feels easier.
- Keep a small box for items you notice that need repair or replacement.
Schedule deep cleans with RoutineHQ
RoutineHQ helps you keep track of deeper cleaning tasks without holding them all in your head. You can tag steps by room, note when you last completed them and space them through the year.
Start free in RoutineHQRelated routines
Weekly House Reset Checklist
Use this weekly house reset checklist to quickly tidy, clean and reset your home. Follow this step by step routine or run it inside RoutineHQ to stay consistent every week.
Home Maintenance Checklist
Use this home maintenance checklist to stay on top of small jobs that keep your home in good condition.
Sunday Reset Routine
Use this Sunday reset routine to tidy your home, review your calendar and get ready for the week ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I run a deep cleaning routine?
Many people find that once a quarter works well, with smaller deep clean tasks sprinkled through the year. You can adjust the frequency based on your home and preferences.
Do I need special products?
Not usually. Most deep cleaning can be done with the same basic products you use weekly, plus any specialist cleaners you prefer for ovens or limescale.
Can I deep clean in a small flat?
Yes. The same principles apply, you just may move through areas more quickly. Use the routine to cover hidden spots that daily tidying does not reach.