Deep Cleaning Checklist: What Gets Cleaned Room by Room

Wondering what actually gets done during a deep clean? Whether you are booking a professional service or tackling it yourself, this room-by-room checklist covers everything a thorough deep clean should include.

Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the most time-consuming room to deep clean. Grease, food residue and limescale build up quickly in areas that regular cleaning does not reach.

Oven: Clean inside, outside, racks, trays and the grill pan. Remove burnt-on grease from the oven door glass.
Hob and splashback: Degrease burners, drip trays and the surrounding tiles or panels.
Extractor fan: Remove and degrease the filter. Wipe down the hood inside and out.
Fridge and freezer: Empty, wipe all shelves, drawers and door seals. Defrost the freezer if needed.
Microwave: Clean inside and out, including the turntable and door seal.
Dishwasher and washing machine: Run an empty hot cycle with a cleaning tablet. Wipe the door seals, detergent drawers and filters.
Sink and taps: Descale taps, clean the plughole and remove staining from the basin.
Cupboards and drawers: Wipe inside and out, including shelf liners and handles. Clean the tops of wall units.
Worktops: Clean thoroughly, paying attention to the join between the worktop and the wall.
Bins: Empty, wash inside and out, and dry before replacing the liner.
Walls and tiles: Wipe down splashback tiles and clean grouting. Remove any grease marks from painted walls.
Floor: Mop the full floor, including under and behind the fridge, oven and bins.
Light switches and sockets: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove grease and fingerprints.

Bathroom

Bathrooms collect limescale, soap residue and mould in places that are easy to miss during a regular clean.

Toilet: Clean the bowl, under the rim, seat, lid, base and behind the cistern. Descale as needed.
Bath and shower: Remove soap scum and limescale from tiles, grout, glass screens, shower rails and the shower head.
Sealant and grouting: Check for mould and treat with a mould remover. Clean grout lines on walls and floors.
Sink and taps: Descale taps, clean the overflow hole and wipe the pedestal or vanity unit.
Mirror and cabinets: Clean the mirror streak-free. Wipe inside and outside any bathroom cabinets.
Extractor fan: Remove the cover if possible and clean both sides. Wipe the fan housing.
Towel rails and radiators: Dust and wipe down fully, including behind and between the bars.
Walls and tiles: Wipe down all tiled surfaces and clean grouting throughout.
Floor: Mop the full floor, including behind the toilet and around the base of the bath or shower.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms may seem straightforward, but dust builds up fast in areas that rarely get attention during a regular clean.

Wardrobes and drawers: Wipe inside shelves, hanging rails, drawer bases and handles.
Under and behind furniture: Move beds, bedside tables and dressers to vacuum or mop underneath.
Mattress: Vacuum the mattress surface and sides to remove dust mites and allergens.
Windows: Clean inside glass, frames, sills and tracks.
Curtains and blinds: Dust curtain poles and wipe blinds on both sides. Vacuum curtains if possible.
Radiators: Dust the top, front and sides. Use a radiator brush to clean between the fins.
Light fittings: Dust lampshades, ceiling lights and any wall lights.
Skirting boards and door frames: Wipe along the full length. Remove scuff marks.
Light switches and sockets: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
Carpet or flooring: Vacuum thoroughly or mop hard floors, including under furniture and in corners.

Living Room

Similar to bedrooms but with more soft furnishings and surfaces where dust and pet hair tend to settle.

Sofas and armchairs: Vacuum all cushions, underneath cushions, and down the sides and back.
Shelving and display units: Dust all surfaces, including the tops of bookshelves and cabinets. Remove items to wipe behind them.
TV and electronics: Dust screens, stands and any cables or shelving units around entertainment areas.
Fireplace: If there is one, clean inside the surround and remove any ash or debris.
Windows: Clean inside glass, frames, sills and tracks.
Curtains and blinds: Dust poles and wipe blinds on both sides.
Radiators: Dust and clean behind and between the fins.
Light fittings: Dust ceiling lights, lampshades and any wall lights.
Walls: Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings. Wipe any marks from painted surfaces.
Skirting boards and door frames: Wipe the full length in every direction.
Carpet or flooring: Vacuum or mop thoroughly, including under and behind furniture.

Hallways and Stairs

High traffic areas that collect dirt and dust but are often rushed during a regular clean.

Front door: Wipe inside and out, including the letterbox, handle and frame.
Stairs: Vacuum each step, paying attention to the edges, corners and underneath any overhangs.
Banister and handrails: Wipe down fully, including the spindles.
Cupboards: Empty and wipe inside under-stairs storage, meter cupboards and coat hooks.
Shoe racks and coat storage: Remove items, wipe down and clean the area around them.
Light fittings and switches: Dust ceiling lights and wipe switches.
Skirting boards: Wipe the full length of every hallway and landing.
Floor: Mop or vacuum the full hallway, including corners and along the edges.

Utility Room or Laundry Area

If you have a separate utility space, it should be included in a deep clean.

Washing machine: Wipe the drum, door seal and detergent drawer. Run an empty hot cycle.
Tumble dryer: Clean the lint filter, wipe the drum and the exterior.
Sink: If there is one, descale taps and clean the basin.
Shelving and surfaces: Wipe down all storage areas and remove any dust or product buildup.
Floor: Mop the full floor, including behind and underneath appliances.

Commonly Overlooked Areas

These are the spots that make the biggest difference in a deep clean. Missing them is the difference between a home that looks clean and one that feels clean.

Inside the oven door glass (between the two panes)
Top of kitchen wall units and on top of the fridge
Behind and underneath the sofa and beds
Window tracks and frames in every room
Extractor fan covers in the kitchen and bathroom
Skirting boards in every room, not just the main living areas
Light switches, plug sockets and door handles throughout the house
Shower head limescale
Inside the washing machine door seal
Cobwebs in ceiling corners and above door frames
Behind the toilet and around the base
Tops of curtain poles and the back of blinds

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

For most homes, a deep clean once or twice a year is enough to keep things in good shape. If you have pets, young children or a busy household, every three to four months is a better target.

A good routine is to book a deep clean at the start of the year or at the change of seasons, then maintain the standard with regular cleans in between.